15 Big “Hypoallergenic” Dogs: Non-Shedding or Low Dander Dogs for Your Family

Last Updated on June 4, 2024

Finding a large dog when you have allergies can be challenging.

But luckily, it’s not impossible to find big “hypoallergenic” dogs with the right temperament to add to your family.

I put hypoallergenic in quotes because no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, and it’s more of a marketing term than anything.

But we’ll get into that later on.

What makes a dog “hypoallergenic”?

We already covered that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic.

But here’s now a certain breed can be better for allergy sufferers:

Imagine being allergic to flowers. When you’re inside your home, you probably won’t feel your allergies as strongly as in a garden surrounded by flowers.

Now let’s imagine someone brings the flowers inside, but not only that, they sprinkle the petals around your house…

You’ll probably start to feel your pesky allergies flair up…despite not being in a garden.

It can be the same for dog allergies.

All dogs have dander, but when a dog sheds, the dander on their fur spreads throughout your home, and since dog fur can hide in cracks and crevasses, it’s hard to fully clean up. Thus, your allergies will go wild.

“Hypoallergenic” dogs are either:

1. low shedders due to having hair instead of fur (preventing the spread of dander around your home)
2. have low levels of dander that usually won’t trigger allergies (unless you have severe allergies)
3. or are both 1 and 2

While no dog can be 100% hypoallergenic, allergy sufferers can get major relief from these types of dogs.

However, if your dog allergies are from their saliva (and most people are allergic to the proteins found in an dog’s skin cells, saliva or urine) then a “hypoallergenic” dog won’t actually do anything for your allergies.

So, you must find out whether you’re allergic to the protein or to the dander before committing to a dog.

Now that we understand a bit of how dog allergies work, let’s talk pups.

There are plenty of small hypoallergenic dog breeds, but what about big dogs?

15 of the Best Large “Hypoallergenic” Dogs

1. Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese Water Dogs are big dogs that don’t shed. They were initially bred to assist fishermen by herding fish into nets.

The Portuguese Water Dog is an active dog that requires lots of daily exercise.

They make an excellent guard dog due to their size and high intellect, making them an excellent addition to active families.

2. Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniels are big dogs that don’t shed a lot. They’re well known for their high adaptability level and the ability to be an excellent companion.

However, they are not suitable for laidback owners. This large dog needs constant socialization and daily walks.

3. Standard Poodle

The Standard Poodle is everyone’s favorite large hypoallergenic dog that can weigh up to 60 pounds.

Poodles make exceptional pets due to their friendly and fun-loving character. They can be lively and intelligent, too!

Poodles are highly intelligent and trainable. However, Poodles are known for their ability to jump high, making a high-fence a must for your backyard.

The Standard Poodle is also active and won’t be suitable for laid back owners.

Note: the Poodle comes in all sizes, from miniature to standard. All have the same temperament, though the larger ones might need more upkeep than the rest!

4. Giant Schnauzer

Another popular big hypoallergenic dog breed, the Giant Schnauzer, is usually bred as a herding or guard dog due to their intimidating size. The Giant Schnauzer’s weight ranges from 55 to 90 pounds, and they can grow up to 27 inches in height.

Giant Schnauzers don’t shed a lot, but they still shed a little fur.

While they make a good guard dog, they can often be stubborn and difficult to train. Also, if you have young children in the house, you might want to conduct training to the dog before you introduce the kids to the dog. Fun fact: Giant Schnauzers were used during WW1 and WW2 as messenger dogs!

5. Samoyed

We love Samoyed for the straight, white-colored double coat that gives it an angelic appearance.

The Samoyed is a hypoallergenic dog breed easy to keep at home, but with a caveat. You see, Samoyed love being around humans, and they do not react very well if there is a lack of human companionship.

As such, we will encourage you to provide the Samoyed with intelligent dog toys so that the dog can be kept busy while you can’t tend to them.

It’s important to note that Samoyed shed—a lot! However, they have low levels of dander which is why Samoyeds are hypoallergenic dogs.

6. Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds are low-shedding dogs with long and silky hair.

Although beautiful and unique, the Afghan Hound is not for everybody. Busy people will struggle to find the time to exercise and groom an Afghan Hound. They can grow up to 27 inches while weighing at 65 pounds.

This hypoallergenic dog has a majestic appearance, but don’t be fooled. They are incredibly goofy! Nonetheless, their strong deposition and notoriously stubborn character make them challenging to train for beginner dog owners.

7. Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terriers are another large hypoallergenic dog with minimal shedding. Their shedding is mostly limited to the change in seasons.

This friendly dog can be a bit goofy at times! Airedale Terriers are highly intelligent but can be stubborn at times, making it essential you stick to a training schedule.

Airedale Terriers are a high-energy breed and would do best in homes with large yards to play in or active owners who can take them out often.

8. Lagotto Romagnolo

Also known as “Italian Waterdogs”, the Lagotto Ramognolo was originally bred to hunt waterfowl in Italy. And now, this Italian pooch is putting its keen sense of smell to good use by sniffing for truffles. Lagotta Romagnolo’s are on the smaller side and usually weigh no more than 35 pounds according to the AKC.

The Lagotta Romagnolo has medium energy levels and enjoys spending time with their families. Lagotto Ramognolos are large dogs that don’t shed. They also require lots of brushing and grooming.

9. Bergamasco Shepherd

The Bergamasco Shepherd is a large hypoallergenic dog weighing between 55 and 85 pounds. Most people are drawn in by their unique coats, which is actually three different textures of hair that naturally form flocks–flat layers of felted hair.

While their coats look tedious, Bergamasco Shepherd’s are non-shedding dogs that don’t require any combing or brushing!

Bergamasco Shepherds are usually calm and only need a moderate amount of exercise each day.

10. Bouvier Des Flandres

Bouvier Des Flandres roughly translates to “cow herders of Flanders”. These dogs were bred to herd and work.

They’re calm and docile and can get along with other people and animals when socialized properly. However, due to their working nature, they need households that will provide them with training and mental enrichment.

They’re quick learners, love to learn, and make great guard dogs.

11. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are a highly intelligent and affectionate breed of dog.

They are known for their high energy levels and love for the outdoors, making them great companions for active families or individuals.

These dogs have a strong desire to please their owners and are highly trainable, which makes them excellent dogs for hunting or other activities that require obedience and focus.

12. Labradoodle

The Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. They are highly intelligent and easily trained.

They are also very friendly and good with children. Labradoodles are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for people with allergies. They come in many different colors, including black, brown, white, cream, red, apricot, and silver.

Labradoodles need their curly coats brushed and combed often.

13. Bernedoodle

When you cross a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle you get a Bernedoodle—a dog that is loyal, loves to be around its family, and is intelligent as well!

They need moderate exercise and are great for active families who want to spend time going on walks, playing fetch, and doing training.

Bernedoodles requires plenty of brushing and trips to the groomers.

14. Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are adorable crosses between Golden Retrievers and Poodles. They have a calm disposition but need plenty of walks and enrichment.

They are the best of both worlds. They have the intelligence and obedience of a Poodle with the friendly, outgoing personality of a Golden Retriever. They are highly trainable and love to please their owners.

These affectionate dogs make great family pets. They are gentle with children and get along well with other animals. Goldendoodles are active dogs who enjoy playing fetch and going for walks. They need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Despite their teddy bear-like appearance, Goldendoodles can be strong-willed dogs. They require firm, consistent training from a young age to prevent them from becoming stubborn or unruly. With the right owner, a Goldendoodle can be a loving, loyal companion for life.

Just like the other Doodles on our list, Goldendoodles require a fair amount of brushing and at-home grooming. Owning a Doodle is not for the faint of heart, as you’ll need to put in a lot of effort to keep their curly coats mat-free.

15. Sheepadoodle

The Sheepadoodle is a cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Poodle. Sheepadoodles are known for their big and loveable personalities. Not only are they affectionate and sweet, but they can also be stubborn and have a mind of their own.

Sheepadoodles love being the center of attention and need lots of exercise and mental stimulation.

You will need to spend lots of time brushing and grooming your Sheepadoodle to keep their coats free of tangles and knots!

FAQs

Which Big Hypoallergenic Dog is Right For You?

There are many large hypoallergenic dogs to choose from. However, no dog is truly hypoallergenic but the above dogs can help lessen your allergies.

What big hypoallergenic dog breed do you wish to adopt? Leave a comment below and let us know!