One of the (we think very few!) disadvantages to owning a dog is that most breeds have a coat that will regularly shed. And the bigger the dog, the bigger the shedding!
But don’t let this discourage you from the pleasures of owning a big dog. Here are nine large breeds that don’t shed and will keep your house free of dog hair.
Standard Poodle
Many people associate poodles with small yapping dogs, but they come in three sizes – toy, miniature, and standard.
Standard poodles are extremely smart, easily trainable dogs that reach up to 70 pounds in weight.
They have a curly coat that comes in several colors including apricot, brown, silver, black, and white. Their coats don’t shed.
Poodles need regular grooming of their coats, and you will either learn to clip your dog yourself or take them to a groomer every 4 to 8 weeks. Expect to brush your poodle at least 3 or 4 times a week if you keep their hair short. For longer hair, they require daily brushing.
Afghan Hound
This stunning breed originates in Afghanistan and has a long, luxurious coat. You must be committed to grooming an Afghan Hound if you have one.
Afghan Hounds have coats that don’t shed but they do require weekly bathing. When you bathe your dog, you will want to make sure you massage the shampoo deep into the coat and rinse extremely thoroughly. You will also want to apply conditioner to your dog’s coat and thoroughly comb through the coat with a wide-tooth comb to remove snags.
If you don’t bathe your Afghan Hound weekly, you will need to make sure that you brush them thoroughly at least every other day.
You can even use a shine spray to help your dog look its best.
Afghan hounds are dogs that have extremely individual personalities and can be somewhat aloof. They can weigh up to 60 pounds.
Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer is a large breed that doesn’t shed and doesn’t require a huge amount of coat maintenance.
They do need to be groomed by a professional every 2 to 3 months, but in between grooming a quick, weekly brush is all they need to keep their coat looking nice.
Schnauzers are good companions, but they can be stubborn. They make good family protectors and guard dogs.
The Giant Schnauzer can weigh up to 85 pounds and is a handsome dog with a black or gray coat.
Goldendoodle
In recent years the Goldendoodle has been gaining in popularity. This isn’t an official AKC breed, but a mix between a Standard Poodle and a Golden Retriever.
These dogs typically have looser curls than poodles but shed very little if at all. Their coats need regular monthly to bi-monthly grooming, and they need to be brushed at least every other day.
They also almost always have fantastic personalities and take on the intelligence of poodles and the happy-go-lucky nature of the Golden Retriever.
Goldendoodles can weigh up to 75 pounds and make wonderful family dogs.
Labradoodle
Like the Goldendoodle, the Labradoodle isn’t an official breed. It’s a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle.
Labradoodles typically have loosely curly hair that is extremely low shedding, if it sheds at all. Labradoodles need to have their hair cut regularly either at home or with a professional groomer. Every four to eight weeks normally works well.
They also need to be brushed at least every other day.
Labradoodles can reach up to 75 pounds and they usually don’t know any strangers. They are happy-go-lucky dogs who like to talk to everyone they meet.
Standard Xoloitzcuintli – Hairless
This is a fascinating breed that is not well known. We include it because there are so few large breed dogs that don’t shed.
The Xoloitzcuintli self-evolved about 3,000 years ago and wasn’t bred by humans. The Xoloitzcuintli comes in two varieties – hairless and coated. It’s the hairless variety that doesn’t shed.
Hairless dogs don’t need a lot of grooming, but their skin does need to be protected. You should use sunscreen when they are outside in the sun and a warm coat or sweater in the winter months.
Even though the Hairless Xoloitzcuintli sounds like it might look funny, they are handsome dogs and have a regal bearing.
These are high-energy dogs and are great with their families. They can weigh up to 55 pounds.
Peruvian Inca Orchid – Large
This is another of the lesser-known large breeds and it also comes in hairless and coated types. The hairless type is the kind that doesn’t shed.
This is an affectionate and loyal breed and weighs in at up to 55 pounds. Interestingly, their skin can be of any color.
Like other hairless breeds, you do need to protect the skin of a Peruvian Inca Orchid. Make sure they have a coat in the winter and sunscreen during sunny months of the year.
One thing to keep in mind with this breed is that because they are hunting dogs, they are best when they are paired with other larger animals. Sometimes they consider smaller animals prey.
Komondor
The Komondor has a unique look with a corded coat that is meant to make them look like the sheep they guard.
These dogs don’t shed, but they do need regular coat maintenance. You don’t brush or comb their hair, but bathing takes extra care and you want to keep their cords clean and dry.
The Komondor is a large dog that can weigh up to 100 pounds. They are great family dogs and make good watchdogs.
Komondors are easy to train, but if you are going to get this breed then make sure you get the specialized knowledge that you need to take care of its coat.
Airedale Terrier
Most terriers shed like crazy, but the largest of the terrier family – the Airedale Terrier – doesn’t shed.
Airedale Terriers need to be brushed weekly with a soft slicker brush and they need to be either hand stripped or professionally clipped about three or four times a year.
This breed can weigh up to 70 pounds and they tend to attach more to one person than to a family. Like other terriers, the Airedale can be quite stubborn, and you will need to be consistent with your training of this breed.
Airedale’s make great guard dogs and aren’t super barky. Because of their size, they do need a fair amount of regular exercise to keep them happy.