5 Popular Medium Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed – Which One Is Your Favorite Hypoallergenic Hound?

Looking for one of the remarkable medium dog breeds that don’t shed? While there is certainly no guarantee that these precious pups won’t stir up a little nose-blowing, let’s take a look at some of these compatible companions that shouldn’t send you into a sneezing frenzy!

Medium dog breeds that don’t shed are Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Terrier, American Hairless Terrier, Lagotto Romagnolo, and Afghan Hound.

First off, let’s all agree that there is no dog out there that is 100% non-shedding or hypoallergenic.

But what we can also agree on is that there are a number of furry fellows that shed very little hair. These low-maintenance dogs make it much easier for potential pet parents to co-exist with their fluffy bundles of cuteness.

This is great news for us allergy sufferers and “neat freaks”!

The truth is, it’s not the fur that will send you into an eye-watering, sneezing hysteria, it’s the dander. Nicely put, dander is the microscopic material shed by our canine companions.

Basically, doggie dander is produced by dead skin flakes. Yuck!

Yes, it’s a little unnerving to know that fur, along with “invisible dead skin particles” is what’s flowing in the air of your beautiful home, just itching to get into your nose, eyes, and especially contacts.

In this post, you are going to learn all about medium dog breeds that don’t shed, what breed of dogs shed the least, and the best family dogs that don’t shed.

We will also talk about a few simple ways that you can drastically reduce your chances of witnessing an unwanted shedding show.

So if you’re on the fast track to scooping up one of the medium-sized dog breeds that don’t shed, then you’ve come to the right place!

1. Portuguese Water Dog

Originating from the coast of Portugal, these hypoallergenic dogs had the heroic job of diving into the deep blue sea to guide fish into nets and recovering damaged nets and lost tackle. They were also responsible for swimming important messages from boat to boat and boat to shore.

These natural-born swimmers were thought to have existed as early as 1297.

Portuguese Water Dogs are hard-working hounds that were on their way to being a rare dog breed by the 20th century when technology replaced the jobs that they were bred to do.

But thankfully, a wealthy Portuguese dog lover stepped in to save the breed from extinction.

These highly intelligent and easy-to-train pups have a single coat that rarely sheds. They are considered to have hair instead of fur.

Many owners choose to keep the coat cut simple and short to avoid excessive brushing and grooming.

But, if you choose to keep your beautiful Portie fluffy, they can pull off the curly panda dog look quite well!

Is A Portuguese Water Dog A Good Family Dog?

You bet! Lovingly called Porties, these medium dog breeds that don’t shed are fun-loving and eager to please. They will make a great furry addition to your family.

They are very affectionate with their humans, devoted to children, and get along well with other pets in the house.

Porties are extremely loyal and will plop right up in your lap for a big old-fashioned cuddle. They will become your instant watchdog and protector.

In fact, because of the compassionate and sympathetic nature of the Portuguese Water Dog and their instant rapport with humans, these caring canines excel as therapy and service dogs.

These smart dogs that don’t shed have high energy with lots of gusto. They love to play in the water and, if you love fishing, they will be your forever trawling buddy.

If you’re an active pet parent that loves the outdoors but has a sensitivity to doggie dander, then the loving, spirited Portuguese Water Dog could be just what you’re looking for!

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2. Irish Terrier – Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed

This respectful and intelligent dog breed from Ireland is thought to be one of the oldest terrier breeds around. They were used as messenger dogs as well as guard dogs that kept watch during World War I.

These medium dog breeds that don’t shed were also called “Daredevils” because of their brave, daring, and fearless nature.

Original Irish Terriers came in a host of different colors. But sometime during the 19th century, the raging red trait that is known today took over.

You can spot these adventurous creatures a mile away. Their fiery red fur is a colorful reflection of their bold personality.

Do Irish Terriers Shed?

Irish Terriers are double-coated dogs that hardly shed. Their outer coat is a little wiry and rough to the touch, while the undercoat is soft and fine.

These hypoallergenic dogs have an undercoat that helps to shield them in cold, wet weather. They also release less dander than many other breeds.

Irish Terriers are brave and protective, but also loving and caring when chilling with the family.

All these low-maintenance dogs really want to do is to protect the ones they love … You!

 

3. American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier is the only hairless dog breed native to the United States. They are hypoallergenic dogs that are completely hairless, except for the eyebrows and whiskers.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), “the hairless variety is as hypoallergenic as a dog can get”.

American Hairless Terrier puppies lose all of the light fuzzy coat that they are born with when they are about eight weeks old.

What is the most low-maintenance medium dog? American Hairless Terriers are one of the most low-maintenance dogs since there’s nothing to brush or trim. Bathing your AHT at least once a week with a moisturizing shampoo will reduce doggie dander and help to keep their skin healthy.

And don’t forget to lather up your beautiful bald beauty with plenty of sunscreen if your pup is headed outdoors.

These medium dog breeds that don’t shed are the perfect pooch for those that suffer from annoying doggie allergies.

This relatively new variety of terrier loves curling up in your lap with a nice warm blanket.

Is An American Hairless Terrier A Rat Terrier?

These devoted dogs originated in Trout, Louisiana back in 1972 when a coated litter of Rat Terriers gave birth to one single hairless puppy.

And so the story begins.

Named Josephine, this single hairless puppy grew up to produce a new set of hairless siblings. When bred together, these hairless siblings gave birth to several more hairless puppies.

This colossal breeding event created the American Hairless Terrier that we know today.

But wait, there’s more. This breed also comes in a coated variety. Coated or bald, they’re still known as American Hairless Terriers and both are hypoallergenic.

4. Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo originated from Italy and has been around for over 1,000 years. This brown-eyed beauty is a combination of the Poodle and the Italian Water Dog.

They are famous for their adorable wooly curls that cover their entire bodies.

These expert truffle hunters have a waterproof double-coat of hair rather than fur. Their coat is soft, fluffy, and has the feel of a wooly sheep’s coat.

Although these unique dog breeds are known to be low shedders, proud pet parents of these hypoallergenic dogs will tell you that they are actually non-shedders.

This means no hair on your clothes or around the house!

The adorable tight curls on these medium dog breeds that don’t shed can easily become matted and tangled if they’re not brushed out and groomed regularly.

Brushing a few times a week and using a comb afterward should do the trick. Some owners will choose to keep their canine coats trimmed short which requires less maintenance.

Lagotti Romagnoli (plural) love a good old bath as often as you are willing to give it. After all, they are the world’s oldest water rescue retrievers!

Is The Lagotto Romagnolo A Good Family Dog?

You bet! These cute curly canines are extremely affectionate, laid-back pups that love snuggling up next to their humans.

And since there is little to no shedding on this gorgeous pup, your allergies won’t run amok during these much-needed cuddle sessions.

They are generally content and able to adapt to any social situation. These handsome hounds can also convert to apartment living if they are given at least one good walk per day and maybe a game or two of fetch.

Lagotti Romagnoli adore their families and thrive on their companionship. This people-loving pooch will not do well when being left alone and may suffer from separation anxiety because he misses his humans so much.

If you are on the hunt for a faithful, loyal, heart-warming hound with a teddy-bear face, then this beauty may be just what you’re looking for!

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5. Afghan Hound

Although the Afghan Hound is usually in the category of medium to large dog breeds that don’t shed, this long-haired beauty still fits perfectly into our group.

You may be surprised that this handsome hound that sports a long, show-worthy custom coat makes the cut for hypoallergenic dogs. But the American Kennel Club (AKC) considers the Afghan Hound a top pick for allergy sufferers!

The reason for this is that, even though they have their luscious long flowing locks, they don’t have the thick undercoat that heightens allergy problems.

Dander levels are low and most of the dried skin and dead hair become trapped in the coat instead of floating through the air and landing on you and your furniture.

Even though these intelligent, sensitive souls are smart dogs that don’t shed, they are not considered low-maintenance dogs.

You may pay the price “grooming wise” for this dignified and elegant pooch.

Afghans shed very infrequently but regular grooming is essential to maintaining his long, floor-sweeping locks.

Afghan Hounds are prone to tangling and matting so weekly baths and brushing to remove dead hair is essential.

You may notice a bit of shedding during the spring and fall, and these sensitive souls have also been known to drop a little hair after an illness.

What is the calmest non-shedding dog? Well, the awesome Afghan Hound just may be the answer. And who could resist a long-haired, graceful and dainty, precious pooch that is believed to be one of the priceless pups chosen to represent canines on Noah’s Ark!

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6 Ways You Can Reduce Flying Allergens And Allergie Reactions

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that as many as three out of 10 people suffer from pet allergies. While allergies to cats are twice as common, allergic reactions to dogs tend to be more severe.

There are certainly no guarantees that you will never have an allergic reaction to your precious pup. But here are a few things that can help reduce your risk of doggie-related allergies.

• Spend some good old quality bonding time brushing your cozy canine. Put on a good movie, grab a nice warm blanket for your lap, and brush away! Brushing helps eliminate any shedding that your hypoallergenic hound might have, as well as helping to prevent matting and tangling. It also helps to break up dust, pollen, and dirt particles that may be hiding out in the coat.

• Bathe your precious pooch weekly with a high-quality moisturizing shampoo. This does more than just make them smell good, it helps to get rid of doggie dander. Look for shampoo that contains hypoallergenic, natural ingredients. Oatmeal is one of the best components to search for. Try to keep the bathing routine to once a week only – unless your veterinarian says otherwise – since too much bathing can remove healthy oils, causing dry skin.

Allergy Reducing Housekeeping Ideas

• The dreaded dusting, vacuuming, and sweeping. After giving the hair and dander time to find a proper landing site after flowing through the air in your beautiful home, these three grueling household chores come into play. Each of these soul-sucking tasks will not only help eliminate pet dander from settling, but also help to lessen your sneezing hysteria.

• Wipe down surfaces daily with a damp cloth. Want a little housekeeping hack? Use a fabric conditioner or dryer sheet for this mission. These items are great for stopping the dust and dander from settling so quickly.

• Keep your air filter clean, fresh, and new by replacing it every three months or so.

• If dander is still putting a damper on your home and your allergies, then consult your veterinarian for possible diet changes and/or supplements.

Remember, hypoallergenic does not mean allergy-proof. It simply means less likely to cause an allergic reaction. It’s important to know that hypoallergenic dogs can still trigger allergic reactions. And while the precious pups mentioned in this post may frequently represent medium dog breeds that don’t shed, it’s up to you to determine your individual sensitivity and tolerance to these hugable hounds.

Summing It All Up // Medium Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed

There are many reasons why soon-to-be pet parents decide that choosing a hypoallergenic dog breed is the only way to go.

For some, it could be strictly due to allergies, asthma, or other health issues.

But for a lot of us, it’s just that we simply don’t want to deal with the housekeeping end of the shedding fiasco.

Enter medium dog breeds that don’t shed!

While all dogs produce dander, the perfect little pups we discussed in this article just generate less of it.

Even hairless dogs produce these allergy-causing culprits.

But the good news is that you don’t have to end your dream of being a proud pet parent due to a sensitivity or allergy to doggie dander.

Just do your research and choose the perfect furry family member that jives with your or your family’s allergy concerns.

This post was all about medium dog breeds that don’t shed so that you can find the perfect compatible companion that won’t send your allergies into overdrive!

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