Many dog owners love big dogs but struggle with dog hair everywhere. Sofas, clothes, and car seats can quickly fill with loose fur, especially from breeds like the Golden Retriever or German Shepherd, which are known to shed a lot. This is why interest in big dogs that don’t shed keeps growing in the US. In this guide, you’ll learn which big dog breeds shed less.
How These Low-Shedding Big Dog Breeds Were Chosen
To make this list useful and honest, clear criteria were used. A dog needed to meet both size and shedding standards.
Size Criteria
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Typically 45–50 pounds or more
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Strong, large-frame large breed dogs
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Some “medium-large” breeds included if commonly searched as big dogs
Shedding Criteria
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Recognized by AKC or breed clubs as low shedding
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Hair, wiry coat, or corded coat instead of a heavy double coat
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Shedding that is manageable with regular brushing
Breeds like the Shih Tzu or Miniature Schnauzer were excluded because they are not truly large dog breeds, even though they shed very little.
Why Some Big Dogs Shed Less
The biggest factor in shedding is not size, but coat structure. Understanding this helps dog owners make better choices.
Curly or Hair-Like Coats: Dogs like the Standard Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, and Irish Water Spaniel have dense curly coats that trap hair. These are classic low shedding dog breeds, but they require regular professional grooming.
Wiry Coats: Breeds such as the Airedale Terrier and Giant Schnauzer have a dense wiry coat. Loose hair stays in the coat until removed by hand stripping or clipping.
Corded Coats: Some ancient breeds develop natural cords. These coats barely shed but need specialized care.
Hairless Breeds: Dogs like the Peruvian Hairless Dog (also called Peruvian Inca Orchid) and Mexican Hairless Dog (Xoloitzcuintli) have smooth skin and almost no hair. They don’t shed much, but skin care replaces brushing.
11 Big Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed Much
Below are some of the most popular big dog breeds that don’t shed much, especially among US dog owners who want less dog hair but still enjoy a large dog.
Curly / Hair-Like Coat (Low Shedding, High Grooming)
Standard Poodle: The Standard Poodle is one of the most popular big dogs that don’t shed much. This large dog breed typically weighs 40–70 pounds and has a dense curly coat that traps loose hair instead of dropping it around the home. Poodles are highly intelligent, energetic, and known as excellent family pets. Originally bred as water retrievers, they need regular exercise and professional grooming every 4–6 weeks. Lifespan is about 12–15 years. While often called a hypoallergenic dog breed, they still produce pet dander, so regular brushing is key for allergy sufferers.
Portuguese Water Dog: The Portuguese Water Dog is a strong, athletic large dog originally bred as a duck hunter and fishing helper. Weighing 35–60 pounds, this breed has a curly or wavy waterproof coat that sheds very little, making it one of the best-known low shedding dogs. These dogs are loyal companions with high energy and do best in active families. Grooming is high maintenance and requires frequent brushing and visits to a professional groomer. Lifespan averages 11–13 years.
Irish Water Spaniel: The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the tallest spaniels and a lesser-known option among low shedding dog breeds. This large breed dog weighs 45–65 pounds and has a tight, dense curly coat with minimal shedding. Originally bred as a water retriever, it has high energy and needs daily activity. The temperament is playful but independent. Weekly brushing and trimming are required to remove loose fur. Lifespan is around 12–13 years.
Wiry Coat (Low Shedding, Structured Grooming)
Giant Schnauzer: The Giant Schnauzer is a powerful guard dog and one of the most protective big dog breeds. Weighing up to 85 pounds, it has a dense wiry coat that sheds very little when properly maintained. This breed is intelligent, alert, and loyal but needs experienced dog owners. Grooming includes hand stripping or clipping and regular professional grooming. Originally bred for farm work and guarding, it has a lifespan of 12–15 years and needs consistent training and exercise.
Airedale Terrier: Known as the “King of Terriers,” the Airedale Terrier is the largest of all terrier breeds, weighing 50–70 pounds. Its wiry coat sheds far less than many other dogs but requires professional grooming or hand stripping to prevent matting. Airedales are confident, energetic, and make loyal family companions. Originally bred for hunting and guarding, they live about 11–14 years and do best with regular exercise and structure.
Kerry Blue Terrier: The Kerry Blue Terrier has a soft, silky hair coat rather than fur, making it one of the best dogs that don’t shed much. This medium-large breed weighs around 33–40 pounds and is known for intelligence and confidence. Grooming is high maintenance and includes weekly brushing and trimming. Originally bred as an all-purpose farm dog, it has a lifespan of 12–15 years. Shedding is minimal, but mats form easily without care.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a flowing, silky coat and is often listed among non shedding breeds. Weighing 35–45 pounds, it sits on the edge of large dog breeds. These dogs are friendly, adaptable, and great for families. Grooming includes frequent brushing and trimming, but they do not shed much dog hair. Lifespan is about 12–14 years, and they were originally bred as farm dogs in Ireland.
Long Coat (Low Drop, High Maintenance)
Afghan Hound: The Afghan Hound is known for its elegant long coat, but surprisingly sheds less than many double coat breeds like the Golden Retriever. This large dog weighs 50–60 pounds and has a calm, independent temperament. Grooming is high maintenance, requiring frequent brushing and professional care. Originally bred for hunting in cold weather, Afghan Hounds live about 12–14 years and suit quieter households with grooming commitment.
Hairless & Minimal Coat Breeds (Almost No Dog Hair)
Peruvian Hairless Dog (Peruvian Inca Orchid): The Peruvian Hairless Dog, also called the Peruvian Inca Orchid, is an ancient breed that comes in hairless and coated varieties. The hairless type produces almost no dog hair, making it popular with allergy sufferers. This breed ranges up to 55 pounds, has moderate energy, and needs skin care instead of brushing. Lifespan is 11–13 years. Despite minimal hair, they still produce pet dander, so cleaning routines still matter.
Mexican Hairless Dog (Xoloitzcuintli): The Mexican Hairless Dog is another ancient option among hairless breeds. Standard-size Xolos can reach over 50 pounds, qualifying them as large breed dogs. They have smooth skin, minimal shedding, and calm, loyal temperaments. Grooming focuses on skin protection rather than fur. Originally bred for companionship and guarding, they live 13–15 years and are excellent for owners wanting minimal loose fur at home.
Corded Coat (Very Low Shedding, Specialized Care)
Black Russian Terrier: The Black Russian Terrier is a powerful working dog with a thick, sometimes corded coat. Weighing 80–130 pounds, it is one of the largest low shedding dogs on this list. The coat traps shed hair, but grooming is intensive and must be done by a professional groomer. Originally bred for military work, this breed is protective, calm, and loyal, with a lifespan of 10–12 years.
Shed-Control Routine That Works for Big Dogs
Even big dogs that don’t shed much still lose some hair, so a simple shed-control routine makes a big difference for dog owners. Start with regular brushing at least once or twice a week to remove loose fur before it spreads around the home, especially for curly or wiry coats that trap dead hair. Dogs with dense curly coats, wiry coats, or corded coats benefit from regular professional grooming every 4–8 weeks to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Washing dog beds weekly and vacuuming high-traffic areas helps control pet dander, which can trigger allergies even in low shedding dog breeds. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences notes that allergens can remain indoors for months without cleaning, even if dogs shed very little. For hairless breeds, replace brushing with skin care, including moisturizing and gentle bathing. With consistent grooming and cleaning, large dog breeds that don’t shed can stay clean, healthy, and comfortable in American homes.
FAQs
What is the biggest non-shedding dog breed?
There is no truly non-shedding dog, but the Standard Poodle and Giant Schnauzer are among the biggest low shedding dog breeds.
What breed of dog does not shed a lot?
Dogs with curly or wiry coats such as the Portuguese Water Dog, Irish Water Spaniel, and Kerry Blue Terrier shed very little.
What is the most low-maintenance big dog?
Low shedding does not mean low maintenance. Among large dogs, the Airedale Terrier and Standard Schnauzer balance shedding control with manageable grooming.
What dog can be left alone all day?
No dog should be left alone all day regularly. However, independent breeds like the Giant Schnauzer or Afghan Hound tolerate alone time better with proper training and regular exercise.
Conclusion
If you want a big dog that doesn’t shed much, focus on coat type, grooming habits, and lifestyle fit, not just breed labels. With the right care, many large dog breeds can live comfortably in clean, low-hair homes and still be excellent family pets.
