14 Big Dogs That Don’t Shed, But Still Have Fur

If you are looking for a dog that doesn’t shed, you may have noticed that most of the dogs in this category are small. Or they don’t have fur. But there are a few medium to big sized dogs that don’t shed and many of them make wonderful companions.

Here we provide you with a list of medium to big sized dogs that don’t shed. Plus some basic facts about them, like size and how easy they are to train.

A word about non-shedding dogs

Even dogs that are considered to be non-shedding still shed some. That is unless they are hairless and even then they will still shed skin.

It’s just that non-shedding dogs lose much less fur than their shedding counterparts.

The other reason many people believe their dogs are non-shedding is because most non-shedding dogs require regular grooming.

This includes being brushed a few times a week and going to the groomers for a bath and haircut every 6 to 8 weeks. Both of these activities will help keep the loose fur in the brush rather than on your clothes.

Hypoallergenic Dogs

While most low-shed dogs are considered to be hypoallergenic, that does not guarantee that you will not be allergic to them.

The current belief regarding dog allergies is that the allergic reaction is caused by proteins that are found in a dog’s skin cells, saliva or urine.

The most common way people become exposed to these proteins is when a dog sheds.

You see when a dog sheds, there is a tiny piece of skin that’s attached to the end of each hair that also comes off. This small piece of skin can then become airborne. Once it is in the air, a person with dog allergies can inhale it causing a reaction.

But that is not the only way you can also come in contact with the protein. It can also happen when you are caring for a dog or if they lick you.

List Order

While the 14 dogs on our list are all considered to be non-shedding or low-shed dogs, they are not all easy to find. In fact a few might be impossible to find. For that reason, we have divided the list by easy to find dogs and hard to find ones. At least hard to find in the United States of America, some of these dogs are very popular in Europe.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some of the large low-shedding dogs on this list were bred to be guard dogs that watch over the flock. This type of dog needs a lot of socializing, training and exercise to make them good house pets.

Easy to Find Big Dogs that Don’t Shed

This first group of big dogs that don’t shed are fairly easy to find in the United States and make good house pets. But be careful about who you buy from to ensure you are not buying from a puppy mill.

1. Standard Poodle

First on our list is the Standard Poodle. The poodle has been a family favorite for years. They are often praised for their high intelligence, easy train-ability and low shedding coats.

Their single coat of curly hair rarely makes it to the floor. What is not brushed out during grooming sessions will get dangled in their curly fur.

For this reason Poodles are considered high maintenance dogs. They require regular brushing and haircuts to keep their coat in top shape. But don’t let the fancy haircuts fool you. The Poodle is an active dog that is ready for adventure.

Originally Poodles served as waterfowl retrievers in Germany before making their way to France. In France they are bred to be smaller and used as companion dogs rather than hunting dogs. But a Standard Poodle is still an active dog at heart and needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation.

If you are looking for a slightly smaller but not too small of a Poodle, you may want to consider a Moyen Poodle. A Moyen Poodle is smaller than a Standard Poodle but much larger than a mini Poodle.

When looking for a Standard Poodle make sure to do your homework to find a reputable breeder or consider getting a Poodle Rescue

2. Goldendoodle

Next on our list is the Goldendoodle. There is a reason why the Goldendoodle has become such a popular choice for people looking for a non-shedding dog. Not only is a well-bred Goldendoodle a low-shedding dog, but they are much easier to find than some of the other non-shedding large dogs.

The original F1 Goldendoodles is a crossbreed between a Standard Poodle and a Golden Retriever. While these dogs typically shed less than a Golden Retriever, most still shed. To get a non-shedding Goldendoodle you want to look for a multi-generation Goldendoodle like an F1b Goldendoodle,

But be careful where you look. Not every Goldendoodle is well bred and non-shedding. Many backyard and commercial breeders lack the knowledge to breed non-shedding dogs.

It is also important to note that a full grown Goldendoodle can become a very large dog. It is not uncommon for them to be larger than either parent breed. If this is too large of a dog for you there are also medium sized Goldendoodles.

You might be surprised to hear that Goldendoodles come in other colors than Golden. You can also find Black Goldendoodles and any of the other colors that poodles come in.

Goldendoodles are easy to train, very family friendly and active. They are a favorite of families with kids with allergies. But like all low-shedding dogs you can still be allergic to them through their saliva.

Where to find a Goldendoodle

The downside of the Goldendoodle is their high demand makes them a popular dog for puppy mills. Make sure you do your research and buy from a reputable breeder. Goldendoodles can also be expensive, but remember you are paying for a breeder’s expertise in breeding the best dogs they can.

If you find that the cost is too much, you could also look for a Goldendoodle rescue in need of a home.

3. Australian Labradoodle

The Australian Labradoodle was developed shortly after the first Labradoodles were bred by the Royal Guide Dog Association in Australia.

Once word came out about the hypoallergenic pups, people started flocking to breeders for one. But first generation Labradoodles are inconsistent in their looks, temperament and may shed.

Australian breeders who were looking to produce litters with consistent conformation, coat type and temperament started to experiment with different combinations of breeds to get the right mix.

Today, a true Australian Labradoodle will be a multi-generational doodle with multiple breeds mixed in. Typically they will be part Labrador Retriever, Poodle and English and/or American Cocker Spaniel, but you might find other breeds too.

Because the Australian Labradoodle is a multi-generation doodle there is consistency with what you can expect your pup to look and act like.

They are good companions and family dogs. Australian Labradoodles are energetic, but not crazy. They are easy to train, and intelligent. They do require coat maintenance but not as much as the Goldendoodle or Poodle.

When looking for an Australian Labradoodle, ask about the parent and other litters. All related dogs should have the same look and temperament just like you would expect from a purebred dog. You can also look for a Australian Labradoodle Rescue

Hard to Find Big Dogs that Don’t Shed A Lot

This next group of big dogs that don’t shed can be found in the United States but they are harder to find and you may have a long wait before you are able to get one.

4. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has been around a long time, but is not as popular as the dogs we discussed so far.

The Wheaten, as they are often called, has a soft, single coat that will need to be trimmed regularly but their long smooth hair does not mat like the poodle or doodle breeds. Nor do they shed much.

Wheatens are part of the terrier group. Like most terriers they are bred to think independently. It is also in their genes to hunt small animals so they may be better as the only pet in a home.

Wheatens are smart, very active and can be headstrong, but with consistent training and exercise they can be lovable family dogs. Due to their high energy and independent nature they are not good for first time dog parents.

To learn more about them please visit the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America.

5. Standard Schnauzer

The Standard Schnauzer was bred to be an all purpose farm dog. They are part of the working group and like to be active. They are very close to their family and will protect them when necessary.

Standard Schnauzers do shed, but much less than your average large dog. Their harsh wiry coat requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Many people choose to keep their hair short to cut down on maintenance.

They are not for first time dog parents. They need to be properly trained by an experienced dog person. They would do best with a person or older family that is often around. They do not like to be teased so young children should not be allowed to be alone with one.

To learn more about the Standard Schnauzer, visit the Standard Schnauzer Club of America.

6. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog became popular after one was gifted to then President Obama. But the Portuguese Water Dog (PWD) has a lot going for them even before this claim to fame.

Like the poodle, the PWD was originally bred to spend time in the water. In the PWD’s case it was to help fishermen in Portugal retrieve nets and other items in the water.

Also like the poodle, their thick, wavy single coat of hair does not shed as much as a double coated dog, making them less likely to cause an allergic reaction. This in turn made them very popular dogs for people with allergies.

In addition to the low-shed traits, the Portuguese Water Dog makes a great family pet. They love playing with children and are happy, fun loving, active dogs. They also have a low prey drive, making them good with homes that have other animals. They are intelligent and easy to train.

Their soft, wavy hair does require regular maintenance in the form of brushing and grooming to keep it from getting matted. To cut down on the maintenance, many people choose to keep their dogs’ hair short.

To learn more about them please visit the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America.

7. Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier enjoys being with family and loves to be active. This hardy dog requires plenty of exercise, but can adjust to many environments and living situations. They are intelligent and trainable, but have an independent streak in them.

The Airedale has a friendly personality but as a terrier he will not back down from a challenge. Though he generally will not go looking for trouble.

The Airedale has a strong hunting instinct and may not be good in a home with small pets. He rarely barks and when he does there is usually a reason.

The Airedale has a short, wiry coat that needs less maintenance as compared to some of the other low-shed breeds. They should be groomed three or four times a year, in addition to regular, weekly brushing and combing.

The Airedale does shed but less than other dogs. Regular brushing will reduce any loose hair that falls to the floor.

To learn more about them please visit the Airedale Terrier Club of America

8. Irish Water Spaniel

As you might expect from its name the Irish Water Spaniel is a high energy dog that loves the water. Their curly, water-repellent, warm double coat and webbed feet make them perfectly built for being in the water. The tallest of all the Spaniels, they are easy to train and are family oriented as long as their exercise needs are met.

They do shed a little but much less than your average dog. Regular professional grooming and at home brushing will keep the shedding to a minimum.

There are not a lot of breeders that breed the Irish Water Spaniel here in the United States so finding one is difficult.

To learn more about them, please visit the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America

Really Hard to Find Big Dogs that Don’t Shed

Our last group of big dogs that don’t shed will be hard to find in the United States. They are mainly bred in Europe, but you may be able to find a few breeders that specialize in these dogs.

9. Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-sized dog that hails from Italy. Their name translates to “lake dog from Romagna.” The Lagotto is best known as the hard working truffle dog, thanks to their excellent nose that allows them to hunt out the pricey delicacy.

But the Lagotto Romagnolo did not start off as a truffle hunter. Like other water dogs, they started out as gun dogs, or water retrievers for hunters.

The Lagotto has a thick, water-repellent, double-coat that will need regular maintenance to keep it mat free. This thick coat is in the form of dense curls that cover most of their bodies except around their face which has a wavy texture.

The Lagotto Romagnlo does not shed a lot. Most of the loose hair is either brushed out or caught up in their tight curls.

They are a fairly rare breed here in the United States. Finding one will be difficult.

To learn more about them please visit the Lagotto Romagnolo Club of America

10. Spanish Water Dog

The Spanish Water Dog breed is commonly found in Spain. They are bred to watch over the herd and guard them. They are also used as a gun dog and a water retriever. They generally like to swim and will need daily exercise in the way of running or playing games.

They are intelligent dogs that thrive on problem-solving and mental stimulation. The Spanish Water Dog is eager to please and therefore easy to train. But they can be sensitive, so only positive training works with these dogs.

As guard dogs they are very loyal to their family but wary of strangers. This makes them not the best choice for families that will have a lot of visitors.

Unlike the other water dogs, the Spanish Water Dog should never have their coat brushed. Instead the coat is allowed to grow out into long cords. But you will still need to check the coat often to prevent mats and parasites that may take up residence under their fur. They will need to be sheared once a year.

They do not shed a lot, instead the loose hairs get caught up in the cords.

To learn more about them please visit the Spanish Water Dog Club of America

11. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is known for its long, silky coat and regal look. But the thick flowing hair does more than just make them look good. It’s meant to protect them from the harsh climate in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan from which they hail.

Despite their elegant looks the Afghan Hound was bred to hunt. They are part of the sighthound group which uses their excellent eyesight and fast sprinting ability to hunt down animals. These large dogs need a lot of exercise in the way of long runs.

They are high maintenance in both their care and training. They are not new dog parents.

To learn more about them, please visit the Afghan Hound Club of America.

12. Briard

The Briard comes from France where they were used as a sheepdog to both herd and guard the flock. As a working dog they are an intelligent, independent breed. They require a high level of physical and mental activity to keep them happy.

They prefer to be working with their family to get a task done. Because of this they may get bored easily if left home alone for hours on end. Though loving and loyal to their families they are not good for first time dog parents.

The Briard sheds less than other breeds and does not have a shedding phase. But like most long haired dogs they will need regular grooming.

To learn more about them please visit the Briard Club of America.

13. Komondor

The Komondor is a type of sheepdog that comes from Hungarian. They are commonly used to guard livestock and other property. They will bark whenever a stranger, human or animal, approaches their territory. As a guard dog they have a strong instinct to protect their home and family.

They are perfectly suited as a guard dog, but if you are looking for a friendly, family dog, Komondor is probably not the dog for you.

While these dogs are considered to be low shed they are not considered to be hypoallergenic. As an adult their curly coat transforms into long cords that need to be maintained.

To learn more about them please visit the Komondor Club of America.

14. Barbet

The Barbet, pronounced Bar-bay, is believed to be one of the original water dogs that were primarily used in France for hunting water game.  

The Barbet are friendly dogs that get along well with others and want to be with their family. Some owners say that they have a goofy side to them. 

They like to be active and will need regular exercise in the way of long walks, swimming and games. If given enough exercise they are easy to live with. Since they love to be around people they do not do well when left alone for long periods of time.  

The Barbet doesn’t shed much.  But they are prone to matting so regular brushing at least once a week is required. They will also need regular haircuts to keep their hair manageable.

Barbets are quick learners and very intelligent, but they can be stubborn at times. 

Having almost gone extinct after the World Wars, the Barbet is making a comeback, but they are still considered rare in the United States. Most Barbet breeders only breed on occasion.  This means if you are looking for one you may be in for a long wait.

To learn more about them please visit the Barbet Club of America.

Do you have a big dog that doesn’t shed much? Tell us about them in the comments.