Are you a dog lover who suffers from allergies? The good news is certain dog breeds are non-shedding, which can alleviate allergy symptoms.
Often non-shedding dogs are referred to as hypoallergenic. However, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog.
Every dog will create some allergens, such as dander and saliva. However, non-shedding dogs’ beauty is they generate less of a risk of spreading allergens into your environment, which can significantly reduce irritation.
So, if you are an allergy-sufferer who has always wanted a dog, check out the list below for the best medium-sized non-shedding dog breeds.
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Table of Contents
What Does it Mean to be Non-Shedding?
Some breeds shed significantly less than others; these are the non-shedding dog breeds. It is essential to understand there is no such thing as a dog entirely void of shedding.
Think of your hair; human hair falls out sometimes, meaning we are technically not completely non-shedding either!
But don’t let that deter you from welcoming one of these dogs home—their minimal shedding results in fewer allergens being released into the environment.
Benefits of a Non-Shedding Dog
Typically people who suffer from allergies have the most severe reactions to the dander that comes with the hair, not from the hair itself. Dander is a skin flake that can be found on the skin of dogs.
When dogs shed, the dander on their skin also falls off them and gets released into the air. So, non-shedding means fewer allergens plus less time spent vacuuming. It’s a win-win!
Grooming Needs of Non-Shedding Dogs
There are many variations in coats when it comes to non-shedding dogs. As you’ll see, there is a whole array of coat types among non-shedding dogs.
From curly hair to straight hair, and even bald, whatever style you seek in a dog can be found in a non-shedding option.
Like all dogs, non-shedding pups have specific grooming needs. Many of the dogs below have curly coats that need to be brushed and cleaned regularly to avoid debris being caught.
Some other dogs on the list are prone to matting and will need daily brushings to maintain their beautiful, healthy coats. Finally, some dogs on our list have sensitive skin and must be bathed with special shampoo.
These grooming procedures may seem like a lot of work, but remember, the more often you groom your dog, the less likely it will shed because you are keeping its coat nice and healthy!
Medium Non-Shedding Dogs
Below is a list of the best medium-sized, non-shedding purebred, and hybrid dog breeds.
Regarding sizing, medium means the dog can weigh anywhere between 20-60lbs, with a height of 8-27 inches. As you can see, this is quite the range, so each breed’s measurements will be specified.
Purebreds
If you are looking for a purebred dog who is non-shedding, you are in luck, as there is a variety of beautiful breeds to choose from!
1. Barbados da Terceira
These loving, loyal, and playful dogs make a beautiful companion for those looking for a non-shedding option.
These dogs are highly people-oriented and fiercely protective of their family. This breed is very active and requires lots of exercise. A Barbados de Terceira is an excellent choice if you are looking for an active dog.
They require weekly brushing and should only be bathed when needed, as bathing can strip essential oils from their skin. These dogs will lose their puppy coat at a young age, and they do not shed after that.
They need regular haircuts and can be trimmed very short if you prefer to avoid complicated grooming.
2. Barbet
One of the larger breeds on our list, these beautiful dogs are athletic, intelligent, and sweet. Barbets are a type of water dog, meaning they were bred for hunting and fishing. They are well-known for the curly hair on their heads and their shaggy coats.
Because of their high intelligence, they are easy to train. These dogs require regular brushing and grooming to prevent their beautiful, curly coats from matting. These gentle dogs would be a great addition to any active family looking for a new member.
3. Kerry Blue Terrier
If you are looking for a medium-sized, non-shedding dog that will turn heads, then a Kerry Blue Terrier is for you.
As their name suggests, these dogs come in a very distinct blue color; they can be darker or lighter depending on the dog, but the blue tinge to the fur is always there.
These dogs are intelligent, people-oriented, and fiercely alert, so they are always ready to announce a new guest’s arrival.
These dogs don’t shed, so they must be brushed once a week to avoid developing mats in their beautiful coat. Kerry Blue Terriers must also be trimmed every 4-6 weeks to keep their fur from becoming too unruly.
4. Standard Poodle
When it comes to Standard Poodles, this is another breed that borders the medium to the large size range. Female Standard Poodles tend to be smaller and are generally more medium-sized.
With their intelligence, beauty, and athleticism, these dogs make a great addition to any family.
Poodles require daily brushing to limit shedding and maintain their beautiful curly coats.
You can choose to cut your Poodle’s hair into a classic, stylish hairdo, or you can remain simple and trim the hair to a shorter, more manageable cut. Either way, you are left with a beautiful, non-shedding companion.
5. Xoloitzcuintli
On the other side of the medium-sized spectrum for non-shedding dogs, we have the Xoloitzcuintli (show-low-eats-QUEENS-lee).
These dogs border the small to medium range, so they are perfect if you are looking for a smaller option. When it comes to these dogs, you can choose from two different types.
You can choose either the completely hairless variety or the short-coated variety. Even with the short-coated option, these dogs shed minimally and require occasional brushing.
However, they face other issues, such as acne, as their skin is more exposed than other dogs. However, if you are looking for minimal hair, Xoloitzcuintli are calm and loyal, making them great family pets.
6. Standard Schnauzer
Their distinct facial hair and spirited attitudes make Schnauzers an excellent choice for anyone looking for a non-shedding companion. Schnauzers come in all sizes, but the Standard Schnauzer is the closest to a proper medium.
These dogs have strong personalities but are intelligent and loyal to their family. When grooming a Schnauzer, it is essential to understand their coats.
Schnauzers have double coats, meaning they have an undercoat to keep them clean and regulate their temperature. If you groom your Schnauzer too short, you can damage the undercoat, making it less effective for your Schnauzer’s well-being.
Therefore, you must hand strip the coat to keep it healthy. After this, Schnauzers need regular brushing to keep this undercoat clean.
Hybrids
If none of the purebred dogs above appeal to you, there are some excellent hybrid options to explore. Some of the breeds below are even some of the most popular dogs in the world!
7. Standard Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles are a wonderful hybrid mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle. Like Poodles, Goldendoodles come in many different sizes, but the standard options are the closest to medium-sized.
These dogs have all the best qualities of both parent breeds, making them affectionate, intelligent, and beautiful.
Most Goldendoodles shed minimally because of their Poodle genetics. However, if you want to find the closest option to completely non-shedding, an F1BB generation Goldendoodle (87.5% Poodle, 12.5% Golden Retriever) is your best choice.
8. Standard Labradoodle
Labradoodles are a hybrid mix of Labrador Retriever and Poodle, one of the world’s most popular dog breeds. These beautiful dogs are athletic, devoted, and easygoing and make a great addition to families with children.
They have been specifically bred to be non-aggressive (of course, they still require training). Because of their Poodle lineage, these dogs shed minimally and require clipping every four months.
These dogs occasionally require bathing when needed and should be brushed every two weeks.
9. Standard Schnoodle
You’ve probably noticed by now that there is a strategy to breeding non-shedding hybrids: make sure at least one parent is a non-shedding breed. That being said, Schnoodles are a unique hybrid because both parent dogs are non-shedding.
These dogs are a mix of Schnauzer and Poodle and are intelligent, loving, and protective, just like their parents. These dogs come in various sizes, but a Standard Schnoodle is the medium-sized option.
Schnoodles should be brushed 2-3 times weekly to avoid matting and require grooming approximately every 6 weeks.
Medium Non-Shedding Dogs
As you can see, if you are looking for a medium-sized dog with a non-shedding coat, you have tons of options. All dogs have different grooming needs, so research the breed you select.
This ensures you can maintain the dog’s healthy coat, resulting in the least amount of shedding and making your dog feel great.
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