Have you been wanting to adopt a large-sized pup but keep getting discouraged at the allergic reaction it can cause you?
Oh well, this article contains a list of 14 large hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed and are less likely to make you have an allergy.
However, you should know that there isn’t any dog breed that is 100% hypoallergenic.
There are quite a number of pups that wouldn’t leave fur hanging around, causing you to sneeze even after they’ve left the room.
Hypoallergenic dog breeds have often been recommended for people that get to suffer from pet allergies.
You may encounter that phrase over and over as you try to find the perfect pup that suits you.
Hence, it is necessary that you understand what it means.
What are Hypoallergenic Dogs?
It is vital that you keep at the back of your mind that no dog is completely free of causing allergies.
According to Lynn Buzhardt, DVM at VCA Animal Hospitals, hypoallergenic dogs are dogs that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
They are often low shedders. It was further established that about 10% of people are allergic to having canines around.
Canines are known to trigger these reactions from humans through the particles they secrete through their saliva or skin.
This is why an allergy sufferer can easily begin to have a skin rash after being licked by a dog.
Also, these reactions can come in the form of sneezing, running nose, or even eye itching.
Whichever way you react, it may last a long while unlike the allergies from the real allergy season.
We have compiled a list of large hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed much, and may less likely cause a reaction to allergy sufferers around the home.
The Best Large Hypoallergenic Dogs That Are Low & Non-Shedding
1. Afghan Hound
- Lifespan: 11 to 13 years
- Weight: 44 to 60 pounds
- Height: 24 to 29 inches
- Origin: Afghanistan
This hunting dog breed is distinct for its long nose, with long flowing silky and thick coat, which makes it a better fit to survive the cold Afghanistan mountain temperature.
The Afghan Hound is regarded as one of those big dogs that you can be sure to have around the home as they are hypoallergenic.
Their coat color ranges from fawn to grey, blue, cream, and many other colors.
The breed can show off an aloof temperament although very playful and active.
Its high prey drive makes them less suitable to be around smaller pets.
However, with early training and socialization, they can be less stubborn.
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2. Portuguese Water Dog
- Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
- Weight: 35 to 60 pounds
- Height: 17 to 22 inches
- Origin: Portugal
As the name implies, this breed has its origin linked to the Algarve region of Portugal.
They were originally bred to assist fishermen in hunting fishes, helping to retrieve lost nets, and running errands from one ship to another.
They possess a long wavy single-layered coat that does not seem to shed.
However, it is necessary that they go through regular grooming to keep their fur from getting tangled and make them appear neat.
The breed had been speculated to be hypoallergenic due to its none shedding nature.
However, there isn’t any scientific evidence to back this claim yet.
3. Irish Water Spaniel
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
- Weight: 55 to 65 pounds
- Height: 22 to 24 inches
- Origin: Ireland
The short and squared body Irish Water Spaniel makes it to the list of big hypoallergenic dogs.
This is simply a result of the nonshedding ability of their coat, which tends to have a less allergic effect on people that are sensitive to dogs.
Their shedding level is at the minimum and regular grooming can help put their woolly natured coat in check.
The breed makes an active and eager to please companion. They are highly intelligent and can smartly carry out tasks to please their owners.
Sometimes, they may act cautiously around strangers and may need early socialization alongside training.
4. Poodle (Standard)
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
- Weight: 44 to 71 pounds
- Height: 18 to 24 inches
- Origin: Germany, France
Poodle breed comes in different varieties like the toy, medium, and of course, the stand breed.
The breed is known to shed and these hairs get curled up together which makes regular grooming very necessary otherwise they would look unkempt.
However, they are less likely to cause a reaction to sensitive people.
The breed has a funny appearance and a pleasant temperament that may convince you into making them your pick.
They are very intelligent, active, and social. Physical and mental stimulation activity is a must for the breed.
They are not suitable watchdogs but excellent companion dogs.
5. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
- Weight: 30 to 44 pounds
- Height: 17 to 20 inches
- Origin: Ireland
This terrier type of dog has a soft, shiny, and slightly curled-up coat that comes in either wheaten or ginger color.
Although at the puppy stage, their coat colors may largely vary. This medium-sized pup’s coat does not shed much like many other dog breeds.
However regular maintenance is required as their hairs can keep growing like that of humans.
They are smart, cheerful, and easy to train dogs.
Positive reinforcement training works better for them as they can be intelligent yet self-willed.
They also have a low tendency to cause you that consistent allergic reaction.
6. Kerry Blue Terrier
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
- Weight: 22 to 33 pounds
- Height: 17 to 19 inches
- Origin: Ireland
Kerry is a rare type of working terrier dog breed that has been employed over the years as a companion pup.
It has a single coat which is soft and wavy with the feel like that of wool merged with human hair.
They are notably one of the large hypoallergenic dogs that don’t shed, but their continuous fur growth makes regular grooming and clipping a necessity.
Kerry is known to get along well with its owners and kids with an affectionate and loyal personality.
Their hunting history makes them aloof towards other animals, including other canines.
7. Airedale Terrier
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
- Weight: 35 to 50 pounds
- Height: 22 to 24 inches
- Origin: England
This breed is nicknamed the king of the terrier dogs as they are the biggest of all the British terriers.
Their black and tan coat is described as “broken” with a tough and rough texture, although their undercoat is quite softer.
The Airedale Terrier dog breed appears to be one of the big dogs with less propensity to cause an allergy in humans.
Regular grooming and clipping are necessary for this breed.
They can multitask as either hunting dogs or herding dogs as long as they are properly trained.
The breed makes a great gentle and loyal pup to its owners and is seen as ruthless by its prey.
8. Labradoodle
- Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
- Weight: 50 to 65 pounds
- Height: 21 to 24 inches
- Origin: Australia
The Labradoodle is a resultant hybrid obtained from cross-breeding the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever.
They aren’t exactly recognized by any major kennel club as a breed on its own.
Labradoodles are however known to be one of the best big hypoallergenic dog breeds out there.
The breed may not have a standard for its appearance and temperament but are most likely to possess the looks of its poodle parent, which has a low tendency of causing an allergy to humans.
They usually shed less and are known to generate less dog odor contrary to that of their Labrador Retriever parent.
9. Bouvier Des Flandres
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
- Weight: 60 to 88 pounds
- Height: 23 to 27 inches
- Origin: Belgium
This dog was bred by one of the earliest known monk dog breeders in the Flanders region.
They have a thick double-layered coat which sometimes appears to be non-shedding.
Their coats come in colors like fawn, black, grey, brindle, etc.
They mostly lose their hair during matting, which implies regular brushing and trimming is required.
Bouvier Des Flandres dogs are loyal, peaceful, smart, and has a protective attitude.
They make great home pets and excellent watchdogs but can display signs of boredom easily.
Consistent training with less repetition is of more advantage to your pup.
10. Puli
- Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
- Weight: 23 to 30 pounds
- Height: 15 to 18 inches
- Origin: Hungary
This water dog possesses a coat that sheds less when it is properly taken care of through regular brushing and trimming.
They are less likely to cause a reaction when present in a room with an allergy sufferer.
Their coat color ranges from white, grey, cream, and solid black, which is the most common color.
The Puli dog breed is very intelligent and agile but may require thorough training at an early stage, especially in the obedience aspect.
As active dogs, they require a large area to get exercise and playtime.
They are great companions that get along well with kids.
11. Komondor
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
- Weight: 88 to 132 pounds
- Height: 27 to 32 inches
- Origin: Hungary
This sheepdog possesses mop-like furs that hang down its body and face.
One would be curious to see how the breed gets to make good use of its sight with those long furs hanging all over.
Their outer coat is coarse while the undercoat has a softer texture.
They seem to possess the heaviest amount of fur amongst all other known big hypoallergenic dog breeds.
The Komondor breed was originally bred to watch over livestock. This makes them very protective of their human owners in a family setting.
They are gentle, affectionate, and accepting when it feels safe.
12. Samoyed
- Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
- Weight: 35 to 66 pounds
- Height: 18 to 22 inches
- Origin: Northwest Russia and Western Siberia
Samoyed or Smiley as nicknamed is an adorable looking pup with a somewhat small head and white coat, which has a double layer.
Although their inner coat tends to shed a lot once or twice a year, they are considered a hypoallergenic dog breed.
Sammy’s are very friendly and affectionate pups that would make very poor watchdogs due to their cheerful personality.
However, their frequent barking at strangers can act as a signal.
They get along well with kids and other dogs.
13. Bergamasco Shepherd
- Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
- Weight: 57 to 84 pounds
- Height: 21 to 24 inches
- Origin: Italy
The Bergamasco Shepherd dog possesses a long and dense coat which forms long entangled locks on their bodies.
Their heavy coat makes them less susceptible to cold during the winter.
The coat colors can come in different tints of grey and solid black.
They have an intelligent and even tempered behavior. Although as shepherd dogs, they may act quite protective and vigilant.
14. Xoloitzcuintli (Standard)
- Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
- Weight: 10 to 55 pounds
- Height: 9 to 26 inches
- Origin: Mexico
The breed is also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog as its coat possesses no hair.
They occur in three variants which are the toy, miniature and standard breeds.
Having no coat hair doesn’t imply that they have no tendency to—the gene responsible for that is rather recessive.
The breed requires less grooming, like coat brushing.
They are intelligent, perceptive, curious with super high energy.
The breed had a natural hunting instinct, also they may require early physical and mental training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any dogs really hypoallergenic?
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Some dogs just tend to shed less and have less of the unpleasant dog smell.
This makes them quite okay to cope with as they get to affect people with allergy reactions less.
Different sensitive persons may however react differently to these low shedders. Finding the suitable breed for you is therefore necessary.
Can large dogs be hypoallergenic?
Yes, there are a couple of big dogs that have less smell and are able to shed at minimal rate.
Many of these big dogs are known to be hypoallergenic just like the other known small breeds.
Is there a big dog that does not shed?
Some of the big dogs that are low shedders are described to have less tendency to cause an allergic reaction in humans. An example is the Airedale Terrier.
This dog is described as a non shedding breed but bear in mind that there isn’t a completely hypoallergenic breed.
Little to no shedding does not entirely rule it out the possiblity to cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Do hypoallergenic dogs shed?
Yes, a dog being hypoallergenic doesn’t make it a non shedder.
It only implies that their fur or saliva does not pose as a trigger for allergy sufferers when they come in contact.
How much is a hypoallergenic dog?
The prices of these hypoallergenic dogs may be primarily determined by the type of breed. Although an added advantage to a breed can increase its cost.
If it is a popular breed, it may be quite expensive getting it from a reputable breeder.
The price of a hypoallergenic pup can go as high as $3,000 to $4,000. A scare breed can also come off expensive.
If you wish to adopt a hypoallergenic pup from a rescue shelter, with no specific breed in mind, you can budget around $300 to $800 dollars to cover for expenses in the adoption process.
Also Related:
15 Best Small Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a list of big hypoallergenic dog breeds you may want to consider.
It is very vital to note that when you adopt a pup, you may have to dedicate your time to keep them tidy and fit always.
This can help to keep their health in check and also make them neat enough to be around your home.
Hypoallergenic dogs may still require frequent coat brushing to keep their minimum shedding in check.
Trimming may be necessary, including other grooming requirements.
References:
VCA Animal Hospitals: Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds: Is There Such a Thing?
American Kennel Club: Hypoallergenic Dogs
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology: Pet Allergy
