12 Big Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (Ranked by Grooming, Activity and Ease)
You love dogs. But you don’t love finding fur on your couch, your clothes, and somehow even in your food. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
The good news? There are big dog breeds that don’t shed — or shed so little that it’s barely noticeable. These large non-shedding dogs give you all the joy of having a big, loyal companion without turning your home into a fur factory.
Before we dive in, one important thing to know: no dog is completely shed-free. Every dog loses some hair, just like humans do. But the breeds on this list shed so minimally that most owners never notice it on their floors or furniture. What you get instead is more time enjoying your dog and less time vacuuming.
This guide covers 12 of the best large dogs that don’t shed, a full comparison table, real grooming costs, and a lifestyle-matching guide so you can find the perfect fit for your home.
Contents
12 Big Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
We’ve organized these breeds into three groups based on how easy they are to find in the United States. That way, you know what to expect before you start your search.
Easy to Find
1. Standard Poodle
The Standard Poodle is probably the most well-known of all large non-shedding dogs — and for good reason. Their curly, dense coat traps loose hairs before they ever hit the floor, which means minimal mess in your home.
Don’t let the fancy show-dog haircuts fool you. The Standard Poodle is an athletic, energetic breed that was originally bred in Germany to retrieve waterfowl. They are incredibly smart, easy to train, and great with families. They rank as one of the top two most intelligent dog breeds in the world.
They do need regular brushing and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks to keep their coat from matting, but their low-shedding coat makes them a top choice for allergy sufferers. They are also the foundation of many popular doodle breeds.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 18–24 inches |
| Weight | 40–70 pounds |
| Shedding Level | 1/5 |
| Grooming Demand | High |
| Activity Level | Medium–High |
| Good for Beginners? | Yes |
2. Goldendoodle
The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Standard Poodle. They have exploded in popularity over the past decade, and it’s easy to see why. They are friendly, playful, easy to train, and very low-shedding when bred correctly.
The key word here is “when bred correctly.” A first-generation Goldendoodle (called an F1) may still shed more than you’d like because Golden Retrievers are heavy shedders. For the lowest shedding, look for a multi-generation Goldendoodle, such as an F1b, which has more Poodle genetics.
Goldendoodles are excellent family dogs and do wonderfully with children. They are one of the best large dogs that don’t shed for households that want a gentle, affectionate companion. Just be prepared for high grooming demand and a higher price tag from reputable breeders.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 20–24 inches |
| Weight | 50–90 pounds |
| Shedding Level | 1–2/5 |
| Grooming Demand | High |
| Activity Level | Medium |
| Good for Beginners? | Yes |
3. Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Like the Goldendoodle, shedding levels can vary depending on which parent the puppy takes after more. Multi-generation Labradoodles or Australian Labradoodles tend to be the most reliably low-shedding.
Labs are known for being energetic and water-loving, and Labradoodles carry that same spirit. They love to swim, fetch, and run. They are also highly trainable, which makes them popular as therapy and service dogs.
Labradoodles come in a range of sizes depending on the Poodle parent used. A standard Labradoodle can reach up to 65 pounds, making them a solid big dog option. They are great for active families and first-time dog owners alike. If you’re serious about essential puppy training early on, a Labradoodle will reward that effort greatly.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 21–24 inches |
| Weight | 50–65 pounds |
| Shedding Level | 1–2/5 |
| Grooming Demand | High |
| Activity Level | Medium–High |
| Good for Beginners? | Yes |
4. Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog became a household name when the Obama family brought one to the White House. But beyond the fame, this breed has a lot to offer.
Originally bred to help fishermen in Portugal — herding fish into nets, retrieving gear from the water — the Portuguese Water Dog is athletic, intelligent, and deeply loyal. Their thick, wavy or curly single coat sheds very little, making them a popular choice among people with mild dog allergies.
They are great with kids and other animals, and they love being active. They do need daily exercise and regular grooming to keep their coat mat-free. If you live near water, even better — these dogs absolutely love to swim.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 17–23 inches |
| Weight | 35–60 pounds |
| Shedding Level | 1/5 |
| Grooming Demand | Medium–High |
| Activity Level | Medium–High |
| Good for Beginners? | Yes |
Moderate to Find
5. Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is a powerful, confident working dog that originated in Germany. They are the largest of the three Schnauzer sizes and were originally bred to herd cattle and guard property. That guarding instinct is still very much alive in them today.
Their wiry double coat is typically black or salt-and-pepper in color. It sheds minimally but does require regular hand-stripping or clipping to keep it in good condition. Their signature beard and bushy eyebrows give them a distinguished, almost serious look.
Giant Schnauzers are not the right fit for everyone. They are strong-willed, highly territorial, and need firm, consistent training from an experienced owner. In the right hands, though, they are deeply loyal and make excellent guard dogs and working companions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 23.5–27.5 inches |
| Weight | 55–85 pounds |
| Shedding Level | 1/5 |
| Grooming Demand | High |
| Activity Level | High |
| Good for Beginners? | No |
6. Airedale Terrier
Known as the “King of Terriers,” the Airedale Terrier is the largest dog in the terrier group. They have a wiry, dense coat in a classic tan and black color pattern that sheds very little throughout the year.
Airedales are bold, playful, and full of personality. They were originally bred in England as all-purpose working dogs — used for hunting, police work, and even military roles during World War I. They are intelligent but have an independent streak, which means training requires patience and consistency.
They have a strong prey drive, so homes with small pets may need extra care during introductions. But for active owners who want a confident, low-shedding big dog with a lot of character, the Airedale Terrier is a fantastic choice. You can explore more about loyal dog breeds if you want to see how the Airedale compares.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 21–24 inches |
| Weight | 45–70 pounds |
| Shedding Level | 2/5 |
| Grooming Demand | Medium |
| Activity Level | Medium–High |
| Good for Beginners? | No |
7. Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a rugged, hardworking breed from Belgium. Their name literally means “cow herder from Flanders,” and historically they were used for everything from herding cattle to pulling carts. Today, they serve as police dogs, service animals, and family protectors.
Their shaggy, thick double coat can be black, fawn, or brindle in color. It sheds very minimally but needs brushing at least once a week to prevent tangles and matting. Despite their imposing appearance, Bouviers have a calm, even-tempered nature with their families.
They are intelligent and highly trainable, but they need early socialization and an experienced owner to bring out the best in them. They are happiest when they have a job to do, whether that’s obedience training, agility, or guarding the home.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 23.5–27.5 inches |
| Weight | 70–110 pounds |
| Shedding Level | 2/5 |
| Grooming Demand | High |
| Activity Level | High |
| Good for Beginners? | No |
8. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier might be on the smaller end of the “big dog” range, but they are worth including for anyone wanting a medium-to-large low-shedding dog with a big personality. Their silky, soft single coat doesn’t mat as aggressively as poodle-type coats and sheds very little.
Wheatens are spirited, playful, and devoted to their families. They were bred as farm dogs in Ireland and have a terrier’s natural independence and high energy. They are not ideal for first-time owners because they can be headstrong, but with consistent training, they become wonderful companions.
One thing to keep in mind: Wheatens have a strong prey drive and may not do well with cats or small animals in the home.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 17–19 inches |
| Weight | 30–45 pounds |
| Shedding Level | 1/5 |
| Grooming Demand | Medium |
| Activity Level | Medium–High |
| Good for Beginners? | No |
9. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest of all the Spaniel breeds and one of the most distinctive-looking large non-shedding dogs you’ll find. Their dense, liver-colored curls cover their entire body except for their smooth “rat tail,” giving them a look unlike any other breed.
They are built for water — literally. Their curly, water-repellent coat and webbed feet make them exceptional swimmers. They are energetic, intelligent, and eager to please, though they can be a bit stubborn at times. They bond closely with their families and do well with older children.
Finding an Irish Water Spaniel can be difficult as there are not many breeders in the United States. But for the right owner, they are a wonderfully unique companion.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 21–24 inches |
| Weight | 45–68 pounds |
| Shedding Level | 1/5 |
| Grooming Demand | Medium–High |
| Activity Level | High |
| Good for Beginners? | No |
Hard to Find
10. Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is a massive, powerful breed developed in the Soviet Union in the mid-20th century. They were bred from more than a dozen different breeds to serve as military and working dogs. Despite the “Terrier” in their name, they are actually classified in the working group.
Their thick, all-black double coat provides heavy insulation and sheds minimally, but it does require consistent grooming to stay healthy. They are confident, calm, and deeply loyal to their families. With strangers, they tend to be reserved and watchful.
Black Russian Terriers need early and thorough socialization, along with an experienced owner who can handle their size and independent nature. They are not recommended for first-time dog owners, but for those who are ready, they make exceptional guard dogs.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 26–30 inches |
| Weight | 80–130 pounds |
| Shedding Level | 2/5 |
| Grooming Demand | High |
| Activity Level | Medium |
| Good for Beginners? | No |
11. Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is one of the most visually striking dogs in the world. Their long, flowing, silky coat looks high-maintenance — and it is — but it sheds surprisingly little. The coat was designed by nature to protect them from the harsh, cold mountains of Afghanistan where they originally hunted large prey.
Afghan Hounds are graceful, fast, and independent. They belong to the sighthound group, meaning they hunt using their eyes and speed rather than their nose. They need long daily runs and a securely fenced yard because their chase instinct is extremely powerful.
They are not easy to train, as they tend to do things on their own terms. But if you appreciate beauty, elegance, and a dog with a unique personality, the Afghan Hound is unlike anything else. Their grooming needs are significant — plan on brushing several times per week and regular baths to keep that coat tangle-free. Check out some grooming styles that work well for long-haired breeds.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 24–29 inches |
| Weight | 55–75 pounds |
| Shedding Level | 2/5 |
| Grooming Demand | Very High |
| Activity Level | Medium–High |
| Good for Beginners? | No |
12. Komondor
The Komondor is impossible to mistake for any other breed. Their entire body is covered in long, white, rope-like cords that resemble dreadlocks — and those cords are functional. They were developed over centuries to help this Hungarian livestock guardian blend in with the white sheep they protected while standing out as a threat to predators.
Despite their unusual coat, the Komondor is a low-shedding dog. Loose hairs get caught in the cords rather than falling to the floor. However, maintaining those cords takes significant effort — they must be separated regularly to prevent matting and must be kept clean and dry to avoid odor and skin issues.
Komondors are fiercely protective, calm, and devoted to their families. They are not suited for first-time owners and need early socialization to prevent aggression toward strangers and other dogs.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 25–30 inches |
| Weight | 80–130 pounds |
| Shedding Level | 1/5 |
| Grooming Demand | Very High |
| Activity Level | Medium |
| Good for Beginners? | No |
Master Comparison Table — All 12 Breeds at a Glance
Use this table to quickly compare all 12 large non-shedding dog breeds side by side.
| Breed | Weight | Shedding (1–5) | Grooming Demand | Activity Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Poodle | 40–70 lbs | 1 | High | Medium–High | Beginners, allergy sufferers |
| Goldendoodle | 50–90 lbs | 1–2 | High | Medium | Families with kids |
| Labradoodle | 50–65 lbs | 1–2 | High | Medium–High | Active families, first-time owners |
| Portuguese Water Dog | 35–60 lbs | 1 | Medium–High | Medium–High | Families, allergy sufferers |
| Giant Schnauzer | 55–85 lbs | 1 | High | High | Experienced owners, guard work |
| Airedale Terrier | 45–70 lbs | 2 | Medium | Medium–High | Active owners |
| Bouvier des Flandres | 70–110 lbs | 2 | High | High | Experienced owners, guard work |
| Soft Coated Wheaten | 30–45 lbs | 1 | Medium | Medium–High | Experienced owners |
| Irish Water Spaniel | 45–68 lbs | 1 | Medium–High | High | Active, experienced owners |
| Black Russian Terrier | 80–130 lbs | 2 | High | Medium | Guard work, experienced owners |
| Afghan Hound | 55–75 lbs | 2 | Very High | Medium–High | Experienced, confident owners |
| Komondor | 80–130 lbs | 1 | Very High | Medium | Guard work, experienced owners |
The Real Cost of Owning a Large Low-Shed Dog
Here’s something competitors rarely tell you: non-shedding dogs can actually cost more to maintain than shedding dogs. Here’s why.
Because their hair grows continuously (like human hair) instead of falling out seasonally, these breeds need professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. For a large dog, a single grooming session typically costs between $75 and $150 depending on your location and the complexity of the coat. That adds up to roughly $600–$1,200 or more per year in grooming costs alone.
On top of that, most of these breeds need brushing at home 2–3 times per week minimum. Skipping brushing leads to matting, which can become painful for the dog and expensive to fix — matted coats sometimes need to be completely shaved down by a professional. Learning to groom your dog at home can help reduce those costs significantly.
The bottom line: a low-shedding dog saves you time on vacuuming and lint rolling, but it shifts that time and money toward grooming instead. Go in with your eyes open and budget accordingly.
Best Large Non-Shedding Dogs by Lifestyle
Not every breed suits every person. Here’s a quick guide to help you match the right dog to your life.
Best for families with kids: The Portuguese Water Dog and Goldendoodle are both gentle, playful, and patient with children. They love activity and thrive in busy households.
Best for active owners: If you run, hike, or spend a lot of time outdoors, the Giant Schnauzer, Irish Water Spaniel, or Airedale Terrier will keep up with you and then some.
Best for first-time owners: The Standard Poodle and Labradoodle are the easiest entry points into large non-shedding dogs. They are eager to please, highly trainable, and forgiving of beginner mistakes. If you’re just getting started, exploring the best big dog breeds in general can help broaden your perspective before you commit.
Best guard dogs: The Komondor, Black Russian Terrier, and Bouvier des Flandres all have natural protective instincts. They are not ideal for social, visitor-heavy homes but are exceptional for security-minded owners.
Best for allergy sufferers: The Standard Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog are consistently recommended by veterinarians for people with mild dog allergies. Remember though — no dog is 100% allergy-proof.
If you’re also open to a smaller companion, check out small dogs that don’t shed for more options across different size categories.
FAQ — Your Top Questions Answered
Are large non-shedding dogs truly hypoallergenic?
Not exactly. The term “hypoallergenic” means a lower chance of triggering allergies — not zero chance. Most dog allergies are caused by a protein called Can f 1, which is found in dog saliva, urine, and dander. Low-shedding dogs produce less airborne dander, which reduces — but does not eliminate — allergic reactions. If you have severe allergies, spend time with a breed before adopting to see how your body responds.
What is the easiest big dog that doesn’t shed?
The Standard Poodle and Labradoodle are widely considered the most beginner-friendly large non-shedding dogs. Both are highly trainable, gentle, and adapt well to different living situations. They are also among the most consistently low-shedding breeds, especially when multi-generational.
Do non-shedding dogs still need grooming?
Absolutely — and often more than shedding breeds. Because their hair grows continuously rather than falling out, non-shedding dogs need regular professional grooming every 6–8 weeks and at-home brushing multiple times per week. Skipping grooming leads to painful mats and potential skin problems.
What is the largest dog breed that doesn’t shed?
The Komondor and Black Russian Terrier are among the largest low-shedding breeds, with both reaching up to 130 pounds. The Bouvier des Flandres also tops out at around 110 pounds. All three are powerful working breeds that need experienced owners.
Can I find a non-shedding big dog at a rescue?
Yes, although it takes more patience. Purebred breeds like the Portuguese Water Dog, Giant Schnauzer, and Airedale Terrier have breed-specific rescue organizations across the US. Doodle breeds like Goldendoodles and Labradoodles also frequently appear in shelters and rescues. Searching breed-specific rescues online is the best starting point.
Conclusion
Choosing one of the big dog breeds that don’t shed is about much more than keeping your floors clean. It’s about finding a dog whose energy, temperament, and care needs actually match your lifestyle.
The Standard Poodle suits the first-time owner who wants a smart, adaptable companion. The Komondor suits the experienced owner who wants a serious, ancient guardian. The Goldendoodle suits the family that just wants a big, goofy, lovable dog without the fur storm.
None of these dogs are completely maintenance-free — they trade floor hair for grooming appointments. But for allergy sufferers, tidy households, or anyone who has ever pulled a Golden Retriever’s fur out of their morning coffee, these large non-shedding dogs are absolutely worth it.
Take your time, do your research, and choose the breed that fits your real life — not just the one with the cutest photo.
Izzy is an experienced ranch worker who has a passion for exploring nature and getting up close to wildlife. With her connections to various animal organizations, Izzy is well-versed in animal care and rehabilitation.
