We know how frustrating it can get to be ready to leave the house only to realize your clothes are covered in dog hair and you have to spend an extra five minutes lint-rolling it all off.
Dog dander can not only be nuisance at times, but can also be the deal breaker in households that have someone who is allergic to dogs.
We’re here to tell you that dog dander doesn’t have to be the deal breaker. There are large non-shedding dogs out there that would make great additions to your household.
While all dogs do shed to some extent, there are plenty of big dogs that don’t shed or shed at a hardly noticeable rate.
If you already own a dog that sheds at a high rate, the best thing you can do to help reduce the amount of shedding is to brush your dog regularly. It’s recommended that you get a specific brush or comb depending on your dog’s hair type for the best possible results.
Big dogs that don’t shed a lot, or large hypoallergenic dogs, are not necessarily relatively low maintenance, however. A handful of these dogs may require more effort to grooming and maintaining their coat while others may have more energy and need lots of exercise and experienced dog owners.
Nonetheless, living with a large-sized pooch can make your life noticeably better. And best of all, you won’t have to sacrifice the capability of living with a dog because of your allergies.
If you’re looking to add a big dog that doesn’t shed to the family, here are ten great dog breeds that have slow-growing and predictable coats and can be suitable for your household.
Belgian Malinois: Belgian Malinois typically stand two-feet tall and weigh around 40-60 pounds with some weighing up to 80 pounds. While they share some similar characteristics with German Shepherds such as their brave demeanor and well-muscled body, Belgian Malinois have the opposite trait when it comes to shedding. They have a short and straight hypoallergenic coat, making their shedding minimal. Belgian Malinois also don’t drool much, making them a viable option for people with allergies. This breed however is not recommended for first-time dog owners, as they require a firm leader who will provide lots of training and exercise.
Bouvier de Flandres: The Bouvier de Flandres is a calm and protective dog that stands slightly above two-feet tall and can weigh 70-100 pounds. They were originally bred as farm dogs and to herd cattle but were used as message carriers and cart dogs during World War I. This breed sheds at a low rate but requires a lot of grooming. They have a thick, long coat that must be trimmed multiple times per year to keep it healthy. Due to their coat’s thickness, it can sometimes be difficult to completely rinse after a bath.
Giant Schnauzer: While the Giant Schnauzers stand taller (above two feet) and weigh more (55-85 pounds) than most other schnauzers, they are all low shedding. They also share the similarities of being intelligent and protective. Giant Schnauzers can quickly become your most devoted companion and are considered to be exceptional guard dogs. This breed will need stripping and brushing every now and then due to their dense, weather-resistant double coat. They also require a moderate amount of exercise each day. Giant Schnauzers can sometimes become territorial if they are not socialized properly as a puppy.
Irish Water Spaniel: Standing at almost exactly two feet, the Irish Water Spaniel typically weighs 45-65 pounds and has a curly-haired waterproof coat and webbed feet. Hence the name, this a big dog that doesn’t shed, loves to be in the water, and is an affectionate and playful with others. To keep its curls from matting, it is recommended that Irish Water Spaniels be brushed at least once a week. While they are mostly low-maintenance and easily trainable, they will require daily attention and exercise to match their energetic and silly demeanor.
Komondor: Reaching up to almost two and half feet in height, Komondors typically weigh a minimum of 80-100 pounds. This is a great option if you’re looking for a big dog that doesn’t shed because the Komondor has a dense, protective corded coat and keeps the shedding to a minimum. While the Komondor’s coat doesn’t require frequent brushing, they will need recurrent baths and do take a substantial time to dry off completely because of their cords. The Komondor originated as a Hungarian livestock guard dog and is a very loyal companion. They can be territorial at times however and will need a capable trainer to help socialize with others.
