Are you a dog lover that starts sneezing and itching your eyes the second you are in proximity of one due to allergies? Or maybe it’s the shedding and everyday vacuuming that puts you off from owning a dog?
Well, a hypoallergenic dog could be the answer! No dog is 100% allergen-free (we wish!) but hypoallergenic dogs are breeds with hair that sheds either very little or not at all. This results in less dander in the air and around the home—which is the culprit of your allergy attack.
Now, most often when I think of hypoallergenic dogs, I think of little lap breeds. But here at Monster K9, we’re all about large breed dogs. What could be better than a list of large dogs that are hypoallergenic? There are more options than you think.
This means your dreams of owning a sweet, fun, and large dog, even with allergies (or a partner who hates dog hair?) is possible. Let’s take a look at some of the best large dogs that are hypoallergenic.
Already have a Large Dog? See why our toys are a favorite among thousands of large dog owners!
Best Large Dogs that are Hypoallergenic
Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers reach a healthy weight of around 95 lbs making them a seriously large hypoallergenic dog! These black or salt and pepper colored beauties were originally bred to herd cattle and work as guard dogs. They’ve also been known to work as police and military dogs in Europe.
This tells you that your Giant Schnauzer will be very loyal and obedient and an excellent guardian of the home. For the same reasons, your Giant Schnauzer will be high-energy and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Don't let that stop you, our list of 10 ways to exercise your dog will keep you both motivated!
This large hypoallergenic dog breed does require regular hair trimming around its face and regular brushing.
For someone who is looking for an active, smart, and very large dog that sheds very little, the Giant Schnauzer is a great pick!
Standard Poodle
Standard Poodles are one of the best known large hypoallergenic dog breeds today. With the rise of interest in breeds that are hypoallergenic, we are seeing more and more types of breeds mixed with poodles for their low-shedding coats.
While it might be tempting to get a Labradoodle or Golden Doodle, you are taking a chance on the amount of shedding (and therefore dander) you will face. This is because there can be a huge variation in their coat during breeding.
Opting to get a Standard Poodle ensures virtually no shedding which makes them a top large hypoallergenic dog breed choice.
The Standard Poodle is a highly intelligent and active dog that originates from working retriever breed lines. These dogs are often seen in mainstream culture as being prissy and delicate, but couldn’t be further from the truth! Poodles—and especially the large, Standard Poodle-- are real dogs in every sense of the word.
Like many of the options on this list, Standard Poodles require a lot of physical exercise, social stimulation with humans and other dogs, and mental stimulation because they are so smart and athletic. As an active and social person, you will love owning a Standard Poodle.
Think this is the right dog for you? Learning about teaching basic obedience, and how to exercise your dog no matter the weather will help!
Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are medium to large dogs averaging between 40 and 60 pounds. They come in a variety of colors and are working dogs. These dogs are known for their single-layer coat and the fact that they virtually don’t shed at all making them an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.
Portuguese Water Dogs are (as the name implies) avid swimmers and retrievers. They are considered to be very energetic which means they will require a lot of daily exercise to be calm and suppress destructive behavior in your home.
Learn all about how to stop destructive chewing before it starts if you're thinking of getting a Portuguese Water Dog.
Airedale Terrier
Ah, another large hypoallergenic dog bread that is very smart and active, requiring lots of daily exercise. The Airedale Terrier ranges from 40-50 lbs and stands nearly 2 feet off the ground at its shoulders. These large terriers are tan in color with black backs.
Airedale Terriers come from both terrier and hound lines making them a bit more of a family dog than some other terrier breeds. If you decide to own an Airedale Terrier you can expect them to be protective of your family and socialization is important to have them get along with other dogs.
Samoyed
While it may sound shocking, Samoyeds—those beautiful, super-fluffy white coated dogs-- are classified as large hypoallergenic dogs because of a low amount of dander and shedding. So a fluffy and furry dog, despite your allergies, is possible!
Samoyeds are playful and adaptable dogs that do best in colder climates. They range in weight from 40-65 pounds and that striking coat does require regular brushing and grooming to avoid matting and tangles.
While they are active and need daily exercise, they can do with a little less than other breeds mentioned on this list and require only 20-40 minutes of daily activity.
Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are well-known for their long, straight, silky coat and tall, slender builds. They are very athletic and are known to be excellent jumpers. For this reason, most Afghan Hounds need to be kept on-leash and require yards with very high fences to contain them.
Afghan Hounds can be quite shy and timid, especially if they are not socialized often when young. They are gentle with people and other dogs and are often described as almost “cat-like” inside the house.
Their striking coat does require near-daily grooming to keep it healthy and untangled, so be sure you are up for the grooming commitments this beautiful breed requires. Afghan Hounds weigh between 50-60 pounds and are quite tall, measuring up to 27 inches at the shoulder when standing.
Tips for caring for large dogs that are hypoallergenic?
Remember, that while the dogs on this list are considered hypoallergenic no dog is 100% allergen-free. In general, low-shedding (or no shedding dogs) are the best choices for those with allergies, like the ones listed here.
But, even if you do opt for a dog on this list, special attention to grooming and cleaning around your home can make your change of allergy attacks even less.
Tips to contain the release of dander in your home:
- Weekly baths with a mild shampoo, or no shampoo—with the goal of getting out loose hairs before they can shed into your home
- Daily or very regular brushing. I love the Dyson Vacuum dog brush attachment because the fur your brush out goes immediately into the vacuum
- A home with little to no carpet or area rugs
- Regularly washing your dog’s bedding, collars, and leashes
- Use of an air purifier in your home will help remove allergens from the air immensely
- Keep your dog, even your hypoallergenic dog, out of your bedroom (difficult, I know!)
Which large hypoallergenic dog will you choose?
Well my friend, now you know! Even with dog allergies, there are a variety of large breeds you can choose from. You aren’t limited to those tiny lap dogs we so often picture when it comes to hypoallergenic breeds.
Do you have experience with a large allergy-friendly dog or another breed to add to the list? Be sure to share it with our readers below!
