Behind the bulky facade of a big dog lies a puppy at heart: full of love, affection, and loyalty.
But for many people, getting past that facade can be a daunting task.
Because all too often, that big dog ends up shedding so much fur that you could make a whole new dog out of it!
Whether you’ve got allergies, asthma, or simply a need to not be covered in dog hair 24/7, the amount of shedding a dog does could make or break his place in your family.
Luckily, if you’ve got your heart set on a big dog that doesn’t shed, you have plenty of breeds to choose from. Take a look at these 9 large dog breeds that won’t set off your allergies — or your inner clean freak!
9 Big Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
1. Komondor
If you want a dog who will turn heads everywhere you go, look no further than the walking mop of the canine world: the Komondor.
Hailing from Hungary, the Komondor sports a long, white coat that starts off soft and curly during puppyhood. But as the dog grows up, the curls naturally felt together into cords — and those cords will remain on the dog for life.
Yep, that’s right: as long as you keep up with bathing your Komondor and hand-combing his cords, he won’t shed!
The Komondor’s original purpose was as a guard dog for livestock, and as a family dog, he exhibits the same dedication and protective instincts. But he’s also a big softie who’s very affectionate with his loved ones and needs plenty of quality time with them.
And at nearly 100 pounds and over 2 feet tall at the shoulder, he certainly fits the description of “big” quite nicely!
2. Giant Schnauzer
That big dapper mustache and that sweet puppy-dog stare may win over your heart, but the Giant Schnauzer’s virtually shed-free coat will win over your tidy sensibilities!
And while his coat’s wiry texture won’t help him win any snuggling competitions, it’s so dense that it traps most of the dander he produces. Less dander means less debris, less sniffling, and less sneezing, making the Giant Schnauzer one of the best large breeds for allergy sufferers.
Giant Schnauzers weigh between 50 and 110 pounds and can be upwards of 2 feet tall. They have personalities to match their stature: they tend to be dominant, intelligent, and somewhat stubborn, especially when it comes to getting attention from their owners.
Because Giant Schnauzers don’t shed, they need regular grooming to keep their coats healthy. And the unique texture of their coats requires a professional touch unless you’re up for the daunting task of learning to hand-strip, clip, and bathe these beasts yourself!
3. Peruvian Inca Orchid
What better way to ensure that your dog won’t shed than to adopt a hairless dog?
The Peruvian Inca Orchid comes in both coated and hairless variations, with the hairless variety being far more common. And it’s the hairless variety that holds so much appeal to those seeking a no-shed dog: other than a very light coat on the head, feet, and tip of the tail, it’s essentially naked!
Being hairless doesn’t mean that the Peruvian Inca Orchid is low-maintenance, though. Without hair to protect them, they need to wear sweaters during the winter and either a UV-blocking jacket or sunscreen during the summer.
Peruvian Inca Orchids can measure up to 22 inches at the shoulder and weigh as much as 60 pounds. But their reserved demeanors and anything-goes outlooks make them great for those who want a big dog that isn’t too hard to handle.
4. Airedale Terrier
If you love that trademark terrier pep and personality, but would prefer it in a larger package, look no further than the Airedale Terrier. It’s the largest of all terriers, standing 2 feet tall and weighing up to 65 pounds.
Airedales were bred to catch rats, otters, and other small animals, and that strong prey drive is still a defining characteristic of the breed. They’re energetic, wily, and surprisingly good at strategizing, so they require lots of exercise and creative play to remain happy.
Novice dog owners may find the Airedale too much to handle, as he delights in finding workarounds to restrictions and can be prone to excessive barking. But if you have prior dog experience and the dedication to train him, the Airedale makes an incredible companion both at home and out in the world.
The Airedale’s thick, coarse double coat is relatively shed-free as long as it’s regularly brushed. To prevent it from becoming unruly, quarterly trimmings are recommended, though not strictly necessary.
5. Saluki
Many low-shedding dogs have rough coats, but the Saluki occupies the other end of the spectrum. This long, lanky dog sports a short coat that’s silky-smooth but doesn’t shed — and as a bonus, it lacks the typical canine odor that most other dogs emit!
Amazingly, the Saluki’s luxurious coat requires very little grooming: just a weekly brushing and, if it gets dirty, a quick wipedown with a damp cloth.
Salukis are generally easy to train, unlikely to bark, and highly affectionate with their families. However, they do tend to latch onto one person and can quickly develop separation anxiety if left alone, so they may not mesh well with a busy lifestyle.
And though they appear lithe and lightweight, Salukis can weigh up to 70 pounds, most of which is muscle. Before adopting a Saluki, be sure that you can handle his surprising strength and stamina.
6. Portuguese Water Dog
Weighing up to 60 pounds and standing nearly 2 feet tall, the Portuguese Water Dog is always up for fun… especially if that fun involves going swimming.
The Portuguese Water Dog’s webbed feet make him a force to be reckoned with in the water. Originally bred to work on fishing boats, today these dogs are just as happy joining the family in the pool or at the beach — as long as there’s a good outlet for their boundless energy!
In fact, if there’s one downside to this breed, it’s the high need for stimulation. Without enough new, exciting things for them to do, they quickly become destructive, particularly in terms of chewing, so plenty of play and exercise is a must.
You’ll definitely be entertained by the Portuguese Water Dog’s comical antics — and charmed by his cuddly tendencies. And since his unique textured coat doesn’t shed, you’re free to get as much puppy love from him as you want without getting covered in hair.
7. Briard
The Briard got its start in France way back in the 8th century, made its way to the U.S. in the 1700s at the bequest of Thomas Jefferson, and exists today as one of the most lovable big dog breeds anywhere.
Tipping the scales at up to 100 pounds, the Briard can appear quite intimidating at first. But inside, he’s just a big old teddy bear who’s always down to snuggle, yet isn’t so dependent that he can’t handle himself while you’re away.
The Briard’s coat is long with a gentle wave, while his undercoat is light and soft. Though he sheds very little, his long hair is quick to tangle and mat, so you’ll need to brush him every day and bathe him every six weeks or so — a daunting task with a dog of this size!
Loyal, adaptable, and laid-back, the Briard makes a great companion for anyone who loves gentle giants.
8. Xoloitzcuintli
We know what you’re thinking, so say it with us: “Show-low-eets-QUEEN-tlee!” Or take it easy and just call it the Xolo, or “Show-low” — either way, this stunning Mexican dog breed is not one to miss if you’re in the market for a large dog that doesn’t shed.
The Xolo comes in many sizes, with the standard size being the largest: up to 23 inches tall and weighing 50 pounds. Like its cousin, the Peruvian Inca Orchid, the Xolo is nearly completely hairless, but unlike the Orchid, it sports a funky mohawk running from between the eyes to the back of the head.
While most of today’s dog breeds were created by humans, the Xolo is unique in that it’s a natural breed, originating from a genetic mutation and splintering off from the rest of the species. But the breed nearly disappeared in the mid-1900s before making a comeback within the past decade.
Somewhat lazy (though still athletic) and always ready to protect their families, Xolos require little traditional grooming thanks to their barely-there coats. But they do need to be bathed every couple of weeks and require protection from the elements: sunscreen when it’s hot and warm clothes when it’s cold.
9. Standard Poodle
No, we’re not talking about those little purse-sized pooches. Standard Poodles can weigh up to 70 pounds and stand over 2 feet tall — and those curly coats are famous for how little they shed.
Don’t let their regal appearance fool you: Poodles are hyper-intelligent, highly athletic, and filled to the brim with energy. But they’re also easy to train, incredibly affectionate, and friendly with just about everyone they meet.
The Poodle’s coat, however, isn’t as easygoing as the Poodle himself. Grooming is required as often as once every three weeks, and it’s a big task: brushing, bathing, trimming, and styling can take hours if you’re not experienced.
But if you can handle the maintenance, you’ll be rewarded with a dog that’s got it all: brains, beauty, brawn, benevolence, and basically no shedding!
