13 Big Dogs That Don’t Shed

Have you ever wished you could have a dog, but were worried about the hair? Well, you’re in luck! Some people might think that big dogs mean big shedding, but that’s not always the case. 

Contrary to popular belief, there are many big dogs that don’t shed.

So, whether you’re looking for a cuddly companion or an exercise partner, check out this list of 13 great options that won’t leave your floor covered in hair.

Just be prepared for some extra love and attention – these pooches can be quite a handful!

13 Big Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (A Lot)

#1 – Komondor

The Komondor, a large white Hungarian livestock guardian canine, is large and long. They are easily identified by their long, corded fur. They take about two years to grow the full length of their coats.

komondor breed standing on the grass outdoors

The Komondor doesn’t need much attention and its cords don’t require too much maintenance.

A Komondor will need to be bathed occasionally, once a month or so. Although the bath isn’t too bad, drying can take quite a while! They are affectionate with their families and gentle with children, but they won’t trust strangers easily.

Height: 27 inches – male / 25 inches – female

Weight: 100 lbs – male / 80 lbs – female

Physical Appearance: The Komondor is a large dog that has a strong, muscular build. They have powerful legs and necks. Their white coat hangs down across their back and eyes which makes them even more distinctive.

Pros:

  • Reliable and steady
  • Very protective of family and owners
  • Moderate exercise is all that’s required

Cons:

  • Boredom can lead to aggression
  • A deep, loud bark

#2 – Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed. It was born thousands of years ago in what is now Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan. These swift dogs were used to hunt and were valued as loyal companions by the nobility.

afghan hound in the park

It has a long, thick, and wavy coat that does not shed. However, it requires a lot more maintenance than other breeds. This includes frequent baths (using shampoo and conditioner) as well as extensive brushing (up to several hours per week).

Height: 25 – 27 inches (shoulder)

Weight: 50-60 lbs

Physical Appearance: The Afghan Hound is a slender, tall dog. They have a luxurious double coat which can be an assortment of colors.

Pros:

  • Minds well in the presence of a firm owner
  • Very friendly towards strangers and children
  • Good with strangers if socialized from puppy

Cons:

  • A high prey drive if not properly trained and socialized from a young age
  • High maintenance in comparison to other dogs

#3 – SALUKI

Salukis originate from the desert and are known to be one of the oldest breeds, dating back 1,000’s of years.

Salukis are easy to groom and have an unusual appearance. These gentle dogs have an air of nobility about them. This is not surprising, considering they were once the dogs of the Egyptian pharaohs.

Height: 23 – 28 inches

Weight: 35-65 lbs

Physical Appearance: The Saluki is tall and slim, yet muscular. They have long, narrow muzzles along with powerful shoulders and legs.

Pros:

  • Requires only minimal grooming
  • Doesn’t bark much
  • Alert, gentle, loyal, and intelligent

Cons:

  • Hard to train due to stubbornness or independence issues
  • Not very tolerant if not socialized early enough
  • Might be difficult to train due to an independent streak or stubbornness

#4 – Poodle

The Poodle is one of the more popular breeds, and they are quite smart.

white poodle with leash outdoors

Ideal for people with allergies, a Poodle requires regular grooming to keep its curly coat tangle-free. It’s important to choose a high-quality shampoo for this reason. These dogs are smart and easy to train but can be temperamental and moody.

Height: 15-22 inches

Weight: 45-70 lbs

Physical Appearance: The Poodle has a thick, curly coat that comes in many varieties of colors and shades. They have compact bodies along with slightly longer legs.

Pros:

  • Sheds the least of all dog breeds
  • Very affectionate and devoted to its family members
  • Intelligent, easy to train, and obedient

Cons:

  • Requires regular grooming
  • Certain illnesses, such as joint problems, hip dysplasia, and eye diseases are commonly found in Poodles

#5 – Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is a muscular dog that originated in Ireland and was used for hunting waterfowl.

They have a long, silky coat like the Poodle but it does not require as much grooming. It’s an intelligent breed and one of the best family dogs around. They are good-natured and love children; however, they will bark at strangers.

Height: 22-24 inches

Weight: 55-65 lbs

Physical Appearance: The Irish Water Spaniel has a curly, medium-length coat. They have thick necks and strong legs which enable them to be great swimmers.

Pros:

  • A quick learner who responds well to training
  • Hypoallergenic – according to the American Kennel Club
  • Highly affectionate towards its family members

Cons:

  • Needs regular grooming
  • Requires lots of attention and maybe hyperactive if left alone for too long

#6 – Giant Schnauzer

There are three types of Schnauzer: miniature, standard, or giant. Each one is distinct, but they all share many similarities.

schnauzer dog in the field

They are smart, bold, alert, and energetic.

To be happy and content, they need to exercise each day. The double-coated schnauzer has a soft undercoat with a wet topcoat. Although their topcoat is impervious to dirt and debris it does require some trimming every so often.

Although they shed very little, they do need to be brushed daily to keep their hair clean and healthy.

Height: 23 – 28 inches

Weight: 55-80 lbs

Physical Appearance: The Giant Schnauzer has a wiry thick coat that’s longer at the chest and shoulders. They have powerful necks along with broad, well-muscled chests.

Pros:

  • A good watchdog
  • Athletic and loyal to its family members
  • Its thick coat doesn’t shed

Cons:

  • Has an independent streak or stubbornness
  • Requires plenty of exercise

#7 – Bouvier Des Flanders

Although this breed sheds very little, be aware that their furry bodies can collect a lot of dirt!

Bouvier des Flandres were originally developed to be a farm dog. They were intelligent enough to herd livestock, strong enough to pull carts, and powerful enough to serve as guard dogs.

They are not very energetic, but they like to exercise regularly. They are assertive, protective, and intelligent.

Height: 26 – 28 inches

Weight: 70-100 lbs

Physical Appearance: The Bouvier Des Flandres has a shaggy coat that’s wavy or straight with a dense undercoat. Their head forms a beard that covers the lower jaw and neck.

Pros:

  • Intelligent, easy to train
  • Calm and obedient
  • Very affectionate towards children

Cons:

  • Likes to chase/nip things
  • The coat requires regular care and maintenance

#8 – The Goldendoodle

A mix of the Golden Retriever & the Poodle makes this dog a match made for heaven. This dog is everything you’d want. They’re playful and affectionate like the Golden Retriever.

goldendoodle relaxing in the backyyard

It is one of the most desirable big dog breeds. These dogs can be big babies, and their owners often joke about how they are still puppies.

They shed very little too, sharing the same coat characteristics as the Poodle. They are perfect for those with allergies.

Height: 20 – 24 inches

Weight: 50-90 lbs

Physical Appearance: The Goldenpoodle has a curly, dense coat that’s medium-length and straight. It sits high on their legs and is slightly wavy as well as silky. The most popular colors are golden, dark golden, and white.

Pros:

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Bred to be easy to train and friendly
  • Highly intelligent

Cons:

  • They need a lot of exercise

#9 – Portuguese Water Dog

Portuguese water dogs are energetic, happy dogs. They are great companions for older children and can get along with anyone they meet.

They are not recommended for inactive families. They enjoy an active lifestyle that includes running, swimming, and playing fetch.

Height: 20 – 23 inches

Weight: 42-60 lbs

Physical Appearance: The Portuguese water dog has a dense curly coat that’s wavy and is long around the face and ears. It also has a thick undercoat. They are commonly black, but also come in black and white, black and brown, or variations of brown.

Pros:

  • Athletic and agile
  • Gets along well with other pets
  • Loves playtime and active activities

Cons:

  • Regular bruising and cutting is required
  • You need to do a lot of exercise

# 10 – Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is about 40 to 50 pounds, although some can exceed 80 pounds. Their straight, short coat is easy to maintain and helps prevent them from shedding.

belgian malinois sitting on the grass

These large dogs share many characteristics with the German Shepherd. They are hypoallergenic and don’t drool. This makes them an excellent companion for allergy sufferers.

Because of their strong and authoritative personality, they are not recommended for beginners. To develop good habits, they require extensive training and socialization.

Height: 24 – 26 inches

Weight: 40-80 lbs

Physical Appearance: The Belgian Malinois has a short, hard coat. Their outer coat is dense and their undercoat is either non-existent or very thin. Most of these breeds are tan with black markings around the eyes, muzzle area, and ears.

Pros:

  • Intelligent and easy to train
  • Courageous and alert
  • Energetic and full of life

Cons:

  • Can be aggressive towards other dogs and animals
  • High energy levels

# 11 – Black Russian Terrier

The perfect guard dog. They are large, strong dogs that are well suited to working in search and rescue units or for military use.

They are very gentle with children, but they may be too much for small children because of their strength. While not aggressive by nature, they do need to be trained how to interact with other pets or strangers.

This breed is a combination of the Rottweiler and Giant Schnauzer, Airedale, Newfoundland, and Airedale.

To prevent mats from developing, the Black Russian Terrier’s coat must be kept clean and the hair around their eyes should be trimmed to avoid irritations.

Height: 27 – 29 inches

Weight: 80 – 130 lbs

Physical Appearance: The Black Russian Terrier has a dense, coarse coat that’s straight and short. They are always black in color, which makes for clean coats since their hair doesn’t easily show dirt. Their undercoat is shorter than the guard hairs on top.

Pros:

  • Strong and powerful
  • Make great watchdogs
  • Easily trained

Cons:

  • Intelligence ranging from below average to above average
  • Stubborn personality

# 12 – Airedale Terrier

The Airedale, also known as the “king” of terriers, is one of the largest dog breeds that doesn’t shed. They are the largest terrier breed.

airedale terrier sitting on a rock

They have a hard topcoat and a soft undercoat. You will need to regularly strip the coat and care for it. A professional groomer is recommended. The Airedale is energetic and alert.

This breed needs to exercise every day. Airedale terriers are sweet, friendly dogs that owners fall in love with quickly. These dogs are very active and agile, as they were originally bred to swim.

Height: 22 – 24 inches

Weight: 50 – 65 lbs

Physical Appearance: The Airedale Terrier has a hard, wiry topcoat that’s straight and long. It is both water-repellent and dirt-resistant. Their undercoat is thick and soft with an extremely dense quality. They are commonly tan and black.

Pros:

  • Make good watchdogs
  • Alert and quiet when in the house
  • Energetic and active

Cons:

  • Exercising is very important
  • Does have a chasing instinct

# 13 – Bearded Collie

The Bearded Collie, also known as the “Beardie,” has a smooth and short coat. They are energetic and require lots of exercise.

Bearded Collie needs to be brushed daily, particularly if it is left in its full coat. They are great for allergy sufferers since they don’t shed much.

The Beardie is lively, intelligent, and playful. These dogs also enjoy herding and barking. They are loyal, friendly dogs that adapt well to family life with children.

Height: 21 – 22 inches

Weight: 45 – 55 lbs

Physical Appearance: The Bearded Collie has a dense coat with a soft, wooly undercoat under a straight, flat hard outer coat. They come primarily in 4 colors; black, blue, brown, and fawn (brown/white)

Pros:

  • Adapt easily to family life
  • Do not shed very much
  • Energetic and playful

Cons:

  • Need lots of exercise daily
  • Personality can be temperamental at times

How Much Do Dogs Normally Shed?

All dogs shed, some more than others. The amount a dog sheds also varies by the dog’s breed. Some breeds of dogs have double coats instead of single coats. 

Dogs with a double coat have an inner layer that provides insulation and an outer layer for weather protection.

Double-coated dogs will typically shed their undercoat once or twice a year in large quantities. Single-coated dogs will typically shed their undercoat more often than this, with some breeds shedding constantly.

All dogs should be brushed at least weekly to remove loose hair and cut down on shedding.

How Often Do Dogs Shed?

Again, this can vary. Labrador Retrievers and Newfoundlands shed a lot. Some dogs, such as Border Terriers, Dachshunds, and Poodles, shed much less than others.

brushing german sheperd coat

Indeed, different breeds shed differently. Some shed only during the winter, others all year. The type of coat your dog has will determine how often. For example, a Golden Retriever has a thicker double coat, making it more likely that it will shed all year.

Dogs that shed seasonally will notice the most significant changes in their coats during spring and autumn.

Your dog’s coat will get lighter in spring to prepare for warmer weather. In the fall, your dog will shed more often and you’ll notice a different coat.

Dogs that shed frequently should be brushed regularly, whether it’s weekly, daily, or every other day during heavy periods.

Even if your dog doesn’t shed often, it is important to groom them every day. However, the frequency of grooming will depend on how frequently they shed.

Life Cycle Of Dog Hair

Dogs start to grow hair at about 3 weeks and are usually fully coated by 8-9 weeks. Puppies reach their full adult coat by the time they are 7 months old.

Dogs will shed throughout most of their life, but it varies depending on age and breed. A puppy’s first shedding will be its biggest as it loses the protective coat that it was born with.

Adult dogs will shed their undercoats in the spring and summer (sometimes twice) and then again in the fall.

Older dogs may experience a change of hair color if they start to lose some coats, starting from the head and working their way down the body.

Dogs that do not shed less may only need some extra help with grooming to keep their coats healthy-looking.

Shedding is a natural process, but it can become problematic if your furry friend loses too much hair.

If you are noticing excessive shedding or bald spots on your dog, this could be an indication of more serious problems with your pet’s health. For example, anemia can cause excessive hair loss.

That’s why it’s important to take notice of the amount and frequency of shedding on your dog, especially if you’ve noticed a change from what you’re used to.

Dog’s coats generally go through four phases each year:

  • Anagen phase – the growth phase of the hair. This is when your dog will shed some of its coats and grow new ones to prepare for warmer weather and a lighter coat
  • Catagen phase – the transitional phase during which growth stops and old hairs fall out
  • Telogen phase – an inactive period where the dog’s hair follicles lay dormant and the old hairs fall out
  • Exogen phase – the shedding of the old anagen hairs.

How To Prevent Your Dog From Shedding Too Much?

The best way to reduce the amount of shedding is by brushing your dog regularly. Not only does regular brushing help keep their coats healthy and shiny, but it also helps remove dead hair and prevents tangles from developing.

white dog and woman holding a dog brush

However, there are other ways to help prevent your dog from shedding too much. These include:

  • Diet – the right amount of nutrients and the correct balance of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids can help to improve your dog’s skin and coat
  • Health – healthy living, proper grooming, and diet can also help prevent excessive shedding
  • Exercise – regular exercise ensures that your dog is in shape, thus preventing them from losing too much hair
  • Spay/neuter – spaying or neutering your pet will reduce the amount of testosterone produced by their body
  • Supplements – adding the right supplements (omega-3 shedding) to your dog’s diet can make a big difference in its overall health and well-being
  • Properly hydrated – dogs that don’t drink enough water often suffer from dry skin and weaken their hair follicles
  • Dog shampoo – Using a high-quality dog shampoo will keep your pet’s skin healthy by removing irritants and allergens, as well as dead fur
  • Grooming tools – grooming your dog with the appropriate brush and comb will help remove fur and improve blood circulation
  • Flea control – keeping your pet free of fleas and ticks will reduce skin irritation and inflammation caused by scratching

Big Dog Shedding: Tips For Cleaning Up

The amount of dog hair that you have to deal with depends on the size of your pet. This is because larger dogs typically (not always though) shed more than smaller ones.

In addition, some dog breeds are known to shed more than others.

If that sounds like your furry friend, here are 7 tips for cleaning up that big mess:

#1 – Stick to a regular cleaning schedule – try to vacuum at least once a week to help keep your home hair-free

#2 – Put mats and rugs in high traffic or busy areas – this prevents excess fur from accumulating on the floor

#3 – Keep a lint roller nearby – if you feel like you can’t keep up with all of the shedding, have a lint roller nearby to help easily remove fur from clothing.

#4 – Invest in a good vacuum cleaner – be sure to buy a vacuum that is sufficient for the size of your house and powerful enough to suck up all of the dog hair

#5 – Wash pet bedding regularly – try washing their beds once a week at the same time you’re cleaning your home

#6 – Invest in a deshedding tool – deshedding tools reduce shedding levels by up to 90% and remove mats and tangles from dogs’ coats with minimal discomfort.

#7 – Get a professional groomer – if you feel like you’re not up for the task, don’t hesitate to get a professional grooming appointment once a month. Not only will it help reduce shedding levels in the long run, but it will also help ensure that your pets are healthy, groomed, and happy.

People Also Ask

What Is The Largest Non-shedding Dog?

The Komondor is one of the largest non-shedding dogs in the world. They can weigh anywhere around 100lbs and stand about 27 inches tall at the shoulder. They’re known for their long white coat and fluffy head of hair, which requires almost constant grooming to keep looking clean and beautiful.

What Breed Of Dog Sheds The Least?

The breeds of dogs that shed the least include; the Poodle, Maltese Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Bichon Frise. These are considered to be the best breeds of dogs for people who suffer from allergies since they shed very little fur if any at all.

What Is The Calmest Non-shedding Dog?

The Shih Tzu is considered to be one of the calmest and non-shedding dogs. They’re very gentle, intelligent, and affectionate dogs that love families and children. Other calm dogs include; Maltese, Bolognese, and Brussels Griffon.

Conclusion

For those pet parents out there who hate the sight of a hairy house, the large dogs discussed above are perfect.

These big dogs don’t shed, making them the perfect companions for any allergy sufferer with a tight budget and little time to spend cleaning up their homes.

They’re also the perfect dogs for people who are new to pet ownership – they tend to be calmer, more tolerant, and easier to train than smaller breeds.

Of course, no dog is truly non-shedding. All dogs shed some fur but our 7 tips should help reduce shedding levels in your home significantly while ensuring that your pets are healthy and happy.

Do you own any of these dog breeds? Share your experience in the comments section below.

Photo of author

Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

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