18 Big Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
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If you are thinking about getting a dog but do not want the hassle of cleaning hair off the floors, rugs, and couch, you may want to consider a dog that doesn’t shed much. Some dog breeds are also considered hypoallergenic, which could be great for allergy sufferers who want a pup of their own.
In this article, we have listed 18 big dog breeds that are said to not shed, some requiring more grooming than others . Keep reading to learn more about these breeds and determine if one is right for you.
1. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Greyhound is an instantly recognizable breed due to their long, silken coat and sharp, slim features. These dogs were originally bred to thrive in the freezing mountains of Afghanistan and grow to stand about 27 inches and weigh around 60 pounds.
The Afghan Greyhound is bred nowadays for beauty pageants and dog shows. They come in several colors, including fawn, brindle, red, gold, cream, gray, blue, and tricolor.
This breed has a majestic and aloof personality but are affectionate and adaptable. Afghan hounds do well in just about any kind of home with any size of family.
2. Airedale Terrier
The Airedale Terrier, also called Airedale, is a dog breed of the terrier type that originated in the valley of the River Aire, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England. The Airdale was bred for working and hunting, but designed to be more agile and better at swimming.
The breed’s size, strength, and tenacious spirit have earned the Airedale Terrier the nickname “The King of Terriers.” The Airedale has a short, wiry coat that needs relatively little maintenance.
Airedales are highly intelligent and with all their energy, they excel at agility and hunting. The Airedale is easy going and playful and will be happy to please his owners.
3. Basenji
The Basenji is also known as the African Bark-less Dog, as it’s vocalizations are more like a yodel than an actual yip.
The Basenji is a low-shedding dog, despite its attractive coat. Their coat is simple to take care of, requiring only a quick once-over with a soft-bristle brush or mitt every week.
They are unique and charming dogs, but best for owners who can meet their exercise needs and the challenge of training this stubborn breed. These dogs need consistency in training, but are friendly and loving dogs.
4. Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terriers are named after the English mining town where they were first bred. They were bred to chase small animals, and that’s what they still like to do.
Due to its white, curly coat and signature hairstyle, you might mistake this breed for a sheep. They barely shed at all but it grow very quickly and needs to be clipped every two months.
This breed needs a lot of playtime or these dogs have a tendency to ease their boredom by turning to destructive behaviors. They are energetic, loyal breed who does well in families with children. However, Bedlington’s can be stubborn, but are also both intelligent and eager to please.
5. Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is sometimes mistaken for a German Shepherd. They were first bred around the city of Malines in the northwestern region of Belgium, are one of four closely related breeds of Belgian herding dogs. The Belgian Malinois is popular as both a police and military working dog and equipped with lots of energy.
The short, waterproof coat of the Malinois is quite easy to take care of. Occasional brushing will keep this dog looking good. They do shed twice a year, but not heavily, and can be maintained with daily brushing.t
The Belgian Malinois is very intelligent, incredibly active, and well-suited to life as a working dog. This breed is a world-class worker who forges an unbreakable bond with his human partner.
6. Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier was originally bred to be a farm dog who helped with the herding of cattle originating in Flanders, Belgium.
Burly and barrel-chested, the tousle-coated Bouvier requires a lot of grooming, which can be time-intensive and expensive. However, they do not shed very much.
These smart and steady all-purpose workers make a great guard dog, that works hard on the farm. With proper training, this breed is an excellent choice for both a service dog and assistance dog. The Bouvier is a very gentle and affectionate pup around humans and is great with children, but is wary of strangers and other dogs.
7. Briard
Braid’s are good looking sheepherders known for agility and toughness, as well as being courageous flock guardians that are capable of running off sheep-steeling predators.
This large, long-haired dog requires lots of attention to keep its elegant coat in tip-top shape. They should be brushed several times a week but are low shedding dogs.
Loyal and loving, the Briard is sometimes described as being a “heart wrapped in fur.” Despite caring deeply for his family, the Briard can be very standoffish toward strangers.
8. Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is a larger and more powerful version of the Standard Schnauzer. The breed was developed in the 17th century in Germany and originally bred as working dogs, used primarily to drive cattle from the farm to market and to protect the farm and family.
This breed does not shed much but the hair needs regular brushing. Also, trimming around those pronounced eyebrows and beards is important or his face can basically disappear under a tangle of hair.
Giant Schnauzers are very loyal, devoted, and protective of their owners and make great guard dogs. Even though the Giant Schnauzer is good-natured, he can be quite dominant.
9. Goldendoodle
A cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever, this large dog inherited the Poodle’s shedding tendency or lack thereof. They are known for their hunting and field work, as guides for the blind, and in search-and-rescue type activities.
Their coats can either be rather messy-looking, loosely curled, or slightly smoothed over, but this depends on the cross. They are often described as shaggy teddy bears but
will need to be brushed regularly to keep bits of dirt and debris from collecting in the coat. Shedding tends to go virtually unnoticed when it does occur.
The Goldendoodle makes a great family dog, is smart, and enjoys daily walks as well as playtime.
10. Greyhound
The Greyhound is a breed that has been around for thousands of years, relating directly to sighthound dogs. They are also one of the fastest mammals on earth and are able to reach up to 40 miles an hour when they run.
The coat is short and smooth and comes in gorgeous shades of gray, among other colors. Their coat requires little grooming beyond regular baths and weekly wipes with a damp cloth. They shed very little as well.
Greyhounds are good with other dogs, and with other pets. They do tend to chase any small thing that moves outdoors and needs a lot of exercise. They are reserved with strangers, very sensitive and sometimes even timid. They are also known for the fact they do not bark, even at strangers.
11. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel loves to swim and is considered water repellant. This breed is referred to as the clown of the Spanish breeds due to its hair style and hair between the eyes..
This big, energetic dog has a curly, waterproof coat that is suitable for allergy sufferers. The breed’s hypoallergenic coat requires brushing at least weekly and trimming every two months to neaten and shape it.
They are friendly, joyful, and active, and make great family dogs. The breed also enjoys outdoor pursuits and needs daily exercise.
12. Komondor
The Komondor, also known as the Hungarian sheepdog, is a large, white-colored breed of livestock guardian dog and is among the world’s most recognizable breeds.
The large hypoallergenic Komondor is a low shedding dog, that does not need brushing, but Komondors do require regular coat care to keep their cords clean and healthy. Although the Komondor dog does not shed much, he might occasionally lose one of his cords.
The independent and protective Komondor requires firm training. This breed is wary of strangers and highly protective. Komondor serves as a dutiful guard dog and companion in his household.
13. Labradoodle
A Labradoodle is a crossbreed dog created by crossing the Labrador retriever and the Standard, Miniature, or Toy poodle.
Labradoodles can be a great choice for those with allergies, provided the poodle coat is inherited rather than the Labrador coat. They are not low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming and should be brushed at least every other day using a slicker brush, and trimmed every 8 to 12 weeks.
Labradoodles are intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. They have a moderate activity level and need a good walk or active playtime daily. The Labradoodle is sociable, friendly, nonaggressive, and extremely intuitive.
14. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog originated from the Algarve region of Portugal and expanded all around Portugal’s coast. Known as the fisherman’s helper, this breed was taught to herd fish into fishermen’s nets, retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and act as couriers from ship to ship, or ship to shore
The robust, medium-sized body is usually covered by a coat of tight, low-shedding curls. However, the Portuguese Waterdog has two kinds of coats. One has compact curls, and the other is wavy with a slight sheen. These dogs have no undercoat and do not shed much at all.
This breed is an eager and athletic companion that is built for water. Smart and independent, the Portuguese Water Dog requires time outdoors and is offered a high level of physical activity given their working history. Although they are independent, they prefer being with their humans.
15. Saluki
The Saluki is one of the oldest sighthound varieties that exists and was bred for hunting wild animals. Salukis go as far back as 7000 B.C. and were special favorites of kings
This breed has a slim body and comes in both short and long haired fur type . Salukis are easily groomed with weekly brushing, and are very clean dogs known for not having a doggy odor.
The Saluki breed may be difficult to train, and they generally cannot be trusted to return to their owner when they get off the leash. They love to run and need a well-fenced yard to keep them safe. Salukis can be escape artists as well as destructive chewers when bored.
16. Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle originated in Germany as a duck-hunting, water retrieval dog. The breed has been known throughout Western Europe for at least 400 years and is depicted in 15th-century paintings.
The familiar continental clip haircut style is most associated with the poodle. It has functional origins when hunting in freezing water. The curly coat is considered low-allergen and sheds less than most other dog breeds.
The Standard Poodle is normally lower energy and often calmer than the smaller varieties, but does need exercise. The breed is highly intelligent and can be trained very well. Poodles are generally friendly toward strangers and do great with children.
17. Viszla
This breed was developed in Hungary to work as a pointer and retriever. Vizsla’s served as messenger dogs during World War I, but were once dangerously close to becoming extinct.
The Vizslahas a silky short hair coat, long ears framing his chiseled face, and eyes that match the rich, copper tone of his coat. This breed’s grooming needs are very simple, especially since he sheds only a little bit. Brushing weekly is enough to keep the coat in tip top shape.
Viszla longs for love and attention and wants nothing more than to be around his family. This is a great dog breed for kids and homes with other pets.
18. Xoloitzcuintli
The 3,000-year-old Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the ancient Aztec dog of the gods, is a hypoallergenic breed that comes in many sizes.
Some Xoloitzcuintli dogs have very short, velvety coats. The loyal Xolo comes in three sizes, and is either hairless or has a variety of coats. If you have allergies but really want a dog, the hairless Xolo should be on your list.
This breed is a cheerful and affectionate pup. This dog does need a daily dose of exercise and structured playtime to keep them healthy, happy, and out of trouble.
Final Thoughts
While it is difficult to find a dog that doesn’t completely shed, there are breeds that shed very little. Even if you prefer a dog with a long coat, short coat, wiry coat, a hairless breed, there are many that are low maintenance and keep your furniture on the cleaner side.
