The Best Large Dogs That Don't Shed Much
If you love big dogs but dread finding fur on every surface, you're not alone. While all dogs shed at least a little, some large breeds are known for shedding far less than others—making them favorites among allergy sufferers or anyone who wants to keep their home tidier.
Understanding Low-Shedding Breeds
No dog is truly non-shedding or completely hypoallergenic. However, certain breeds have coats that trap loose hairs or simply produce less dander and fur fallout. These dogs still need regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and minimize the hair that does escape.
Top Large and Medium-Large Low-Shedding Breeds
- Airedale Terrier: The "king of terriers" sports a short, wiry coat that sheds minimally. Weekly brushing and professional clipping or hand-stripping keep their coat in top shape.
- Afghan Hound: With long, silky hair that's low-shedding but high-maintenance, Afghan Hounds require frequent brushing and bathing to avoid matting.
- Barbet: This French water retriever has a dense, curly coat that's low-shedding but needs daily grooming to prevent tangles.
- Bouvier des Flandres: A powerful Belgian breed with a thick, weather-resistant coat that sheds very little—though it needs regular attention from a brush or groomer.
- Briard: Known for herding and guarding in France, Briards have long, coarse coats that resist dirt and water while shedding infrequently (but they do need considerable grooming).
- Black Russian Terrier: Developed for military work, these loyal protectors have thick double coats that require weekly brushing to avoid mats.
- Belgian Malinois: Their short double coat sheds less than many shepherds; regular brushing helps keep it under control.
- Giant Schnauzer: Sporting a dense, wiry coat that rarely sheds, Giant Schnauzers need regular grooming and professional trims.
- Goldendoodle & Labradoodle: When these mixes inherit the poodle's curly coat, they're often low-shedding. Curlier-coated individuals usually shed least; all need frequent grooming.
- Irish Water Spaniel: Rare but athletic and intelligent, this breed's tight curls shed very little but demand routine care from brush and groomer alike.
- Komondor: Famous for its white corded "dreadlocks," this Hungarian breed doesn't shed but needs special maintenance—especially after baths—to prevent odor and matting.
- Poodle (Standard): The classic hypoallergenic breed has a dense curly coat that's low-shedding but high-maintenance; expect monthly professional grooming plus frequent at-home brushing.
- Portuguese Water Dog: Originally bred for fishermen, these energetic companions have dense curly coats that barely shed yet require diligent grooming to stay mat-free.
- Saluki: Ancient and elegant hounds with smooth or feathered coats; they shed very little and need minimal grooming compared to other long-haired breeds.
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: This Irish farm dog's silky wavy coat rarely sheds but can quickly become matted without daily brushing.
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon: Hunters will appreciate this sporting dog's straight wiry coat—it sheds little and needs only weekly brushing plus occasional trims.
Lesser-Known Options
- Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog): Available in both coated and hairless types; the hairless variety is ideal for those seeking almost no shedding (but requires skincare instead of brushing).
- Kerry Blue Terrier: Medium-large with a striking blue-gray curly coat; sheds less than most but needs regular trimming.
- Labradoodle & Goldendoodle: Shedding varies depending on genetic mix—look for curlier coats if minimizing shedding is your priority.
Caring for Low-Shedding Large Dogs
If you want less fur around your house, remember: The tradeoff is usually more grooming time. Most low-shedding breeds have coats prone to tangling or matting if neglected. Here are some tips to help manage shedding and allergens even further:
- Bathe your dog regularly (but not too often) to maintain skin health.
- Brush frequently—ideally outdoors—to remove loose hairs before they reach your floors or furniture.
- Launder bedding and toys often to reduce dander buildup in your home environment.
- If allergies are an issue, consider air purifiers with HEPA filters and vacuum regularly using machines designed for pet hair removal.
- Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting where fur can accumulate unseen; opt for hard floors when possible.
The "Hypoallergenic" Myth
No breed is completely hypoallergenic. All dogs produce dander (tiny skin flakes) as well as allergens in saliva and urine. However, choosing a low-shedding breed can dramatically reduce the amount of fur—and often dander—in your living space. Combine this with good cleaning habits for best results if allergies are a concern!
A Quick Summary Table
- Airedale Terrier
- Afghan Hound
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Briard
- Black Russian Terrier
- Bouviers des Flandres
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Poodle (Standard)
- Labradoodle / Goldendoodle (curly-coated)
- Iirish Water Spaniel
- Briard ...and more!
If you crave a big companion without the mess of constant shedding—and you're willing to invest time in their care—these breeds could be just what you're looking for!
