What is the best medium dog to have?

Top Medium-Sized Low-Shedding Dogs for Every Lifestyle

Choosing the ideal medium-sized dog involves evaluating your living arrangements, time for grooming, and sensitivity to shedding or allergies. While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, several medium breeds are known for minimal shedding and low-dander coats. These breeds can be perfect companions for families, individuals with mild allergies, or anyone seeking a cleaner home environment.

Why Choose a Medium-Sized Low-Shedding Dog?

• Easier to manage than large breeds in small homes or apartments
• Usually more durable and active than small toy breeds
• Low-shedding coats reduce cleaning and potential allergies
• Still sturdy enough for active lifestyles, including jogging or hiking

Top Choices for Medium Low-Shedding Dog Breeds

1. Standard Poodle

Well-known for their intelligence and hypoallergenic curly coats, Standard Poodles are athletic, obedient, and friendly. Their non-shedding coat makes regular grooming essential.

2. Portuguese Water Dog

These energetic dogs sport a curly, water-resistant coat. While they don’t shed much, their hair needs daily brushing and monthly grooming.

3. Kerry Blue Terrier

This striking breed has a wavy, soft coat that doesn’t shed but needs routine maintenance including brushing and clipping.

4. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

With a luxurious, silky single coat, this dog sheds minimally but needs regular brushing to avoid mats and tangles.

5. Lagotto Romagnolo

This Italian breed excels as a truffle hunter. Its curly, dense coat won’t shed much but requires trimming every few months.

6. Whippet

Whippets are sleek, aerodynamic dogs with short, fine coats. They’re low shedders and need minimal grooming.

7. Miniature Schnauzer

Compact, intelligent, and spirited, this breed’s wiry coat is low-shedding, though brushing and professional grooming are required.

8. Basenji

Often dubbed the "barkless dog," Basenjis are independent and have a short, clean coat with very little shedding.

9. Irish Terrier

With a wiry red coat, these terriers are courageous and alert. Weekly brushing and periodic stripping help manage minimal shedding.

10. Tibetan Terrier

Though they have a long double coat, they shed little. Grooming daily and routine salon care are important to maintain their beauty.

Consider These Designer Breeds

Many mixed-breeds also offer low-shedding coats, combining favorable traits from two or more parent breeds:

• Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever + Poodle)
• Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever + Poodle)
• Whoodle (Wheaten Terrier + Poodle)
• Schnoodle (Schnauzer + Poodle)
• Aussiedoodle (Australian Shepherd + Poodle)

While these dogs often inherit the low-shedding trait of the Poodle, coat types can vary, even within the same litter.

Essential Grooming and Care Tips

Regular maintenance helps avoid mats, dander buildup, and health problems. Recommendations include:

• Brush regularly: At least weekly or daily, depending on the coat type
• Professional grooming: Every 4–8 weeks for curly or long-haired breeds
• Bathing: Monthly or as needed, using breed-appropriate shampoos
• Clipping or stripping: Done by groomers for specific coats like terriers or poodles

Reducing Allergens in Your Home

Even low-shedding dogs produce dander and saliva, which contribute to allergic reactions. To limit allergens:

• Vacuum with HEPA filters weekly
• Use air purifiers in living spaces
• Wash dog bedding and toys regularly
• Wipe your dog’s paws and body after outdoor activity

Good to Know Before You Adopt

• All dogs need training, exercise, and companionship regardless of size or shedding
• Mixed breeds from rescues or shelters often have desirable coat traits
• Match energy levels to your lifestyle — some low-shedding breeds are very active

Conclusion

The best medium dog to have depends on your lifestyle, but for those seeking low-shedding options, breeds like the Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, and Wheaten Terrier stand out. With proper grooming and care, these dogs offer companionship with less mess.