You’re probably wondering what type of dogs are medium dogs that don’t shed. You may love dogs. From their fun personalities to loyal companionship to their push to get you to go outside and stay active, dogs can be a joy to have around.
Yet what’s often an unwanted side effect of having a dog is the hair they leave. For some dogs, every place they go, walking or sitting, you can tell because of the hair they leave behind.
Whether they have long, silky hair or curly fuzz, they make their presence known by the fur they share with the rest of the house. For some people, that doesn’t stop them from enjoying the fun and excitement that certain breeds have.
A little extra clean-up can be worth pulling hairs off of clothing items. It may be something you get used to and don’t mind handling after a while. Your puppy is worth it. However, not everyone can get accustomed to finding hair in all areas of their house.
Some people can’t stand the thought of having hair cover their couches, carpets, and clothing. Not only that, but some people are very allergic to pet dander, which is the dead skin that flakes off.
This can become much worse with dogs who shed their fur excessively. This releasing of hair can cause even more severe reactions for allergy sufferers. Much to their delight, there are certain breeds of dogs that don’t shed – at least as much as some other breeds.
If you’re considering getting a medium-sized dog – or have a dog – and want to reduce the hair that’s left around, you have options. To help you make the right decision for you and your family, here we share some things you’ll want to know about medium dogs who don’t shed.
Before scrolling down this guide, “Best Medium Dogs That Don’t Shed,” check out these other informative content from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Dogs That Don’t Bark or Shed and Best Small and Quiet Dog Breeds.
Why Do Certain Dogs Shed?
For many dogs, shedding is part of a natural process in keeping their skin healthy. When their hair becomes damaged or old, they remove it by shedding. This prevents a build-up of dead hair particles and other potentially harmful conditions from developing.
Shedding is great for dogs. It may not, however, be the best thing for keeping your home and carpets clean. Dogs that shed a lot can also cause issues for you and others around you if you suffer from allergies. Many people find that they are allergic to the pet dander that is released from their skin and hair.
They experience symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and itchy and watery eyes. Beyond just keeping things clean, dogs that shed can also pose a risk to your overall health. While shedding is natural, some conditions make a dog shed even more.
These include things like parasites, fungal infections, and even stress. Issues in hormones may also make a dog shed more than normal. Especially with these conditions, the amount of shedding can become quite frustrating.
Related: Why is My Goldendoodle Shedding?
Benefits of Getting a Dog That Doesn’t Shed
Especially if you suffer from allergies, getting a dog that doesn’t shed as much can be a great option for getting a family friend while also taking care of your health and home. The amount of shedding isn’t necessarily due to the length of hair or the amount of it.
Often, dogs that are characterized as low-shedding have hair blades that grow long. Sometimes, that means that they require more involved grooming processes and regular haircuts. Keeping their coats clipped or very short also can reduce the amount of shedding that your dog does.
Keep in mind that because dogs have fur, they shed. There is no such thing as a non-shedding dog. However, dogs who shed significantly less may make things much easier on your home and health. Sometimes, dogs shed so little that you may not even notice the hair around your house.
These low-shedding dogs can be ideal choices for you and your family. Not only will the cleaning up and vacuuming be reduced, but also your allergies or other health concerns may not pose as much of an issue.
A dog who doesn’t shed much can be a great compromise and path forward in meeting your love for dogs while also keeping your home clean and yourself from sneezing.
Related: Best Hypoallergenic Dogs For Families and Best Hypoallergenic Teacup Dogs.
Best Medium Low-Shedding Dogs
If you’re looking to add a dog into your home, but are concerned about the amount of shedding that it might come with, you’re in luck.
Medium dogs that don’t shed much are just as adorable and friendly as others but come with less of a hassle of clean-up and allergies. Here we share some of the top breeds of medium-sized dogs that shed very little.
1. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs have white and black or gray coats that shed very little. They are affectionate with their family and love to play around.
They require minimal grooming, brushing just once a week, and a few baths here and there. Since their coats tend to be longer than a typical short clip, brushing helps to prevent mats from developing in their hair.
Related: Best Portuguese Water Dog Breeders in the United States.
2. Wheaten Terrier
Wheaten Terriers can be a great option for low-shedding medium-sized dogs. Their fun and upbeat personalities make them fun to have around. And their short coats make grooming and upkeep a breeze.
The Wheaten Terrier has a very soft coat but doesn’t shed much around the house. They are very friendly and make great, loyal companions. Be sure to keep their coats regularly groomed and cared for to prevent any mats from forming.
Related: Best Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Breeders in the United States.
3. Tibetan Terrier
Unlike the name implies, the Tibetan Terrier isn’t part of the terrier group. Instead, it is more like a Lhasa Apso or Shih Tzu in its origins. It is very affectionate and lovable. Their short coats can come in a variety of colors and styles, such as black, gray, white, and tri-color.
4. Poodle
Poodles have often been praised for their unique curly coats that can be trimmed in a multitude of different ways. Poodles often come in different sizes, including Toy, Miniature, Medium, and Standard.
With this breed, you can get the size you and your living situation need and still have a dog that sheds very little. Their coats come in a plethora of colors and styles, so you can find one that’s perfect for you.
In addition to purebred Poodles, this breed has also been used in a variety of hybrid breeds, such as Goldendoodles or Cavapoos, that may also be low-shedding.
5. Irish Terrier
These attentive and protective Irish Terriers are highly energetic and love to be active. Their short coats also make grooming and upkeep very easy. While they may have some extra hair around their cheeks and mouth, their coats are often quite clipped.
They may be difficult to train at first but can be a great addition to your family. They are also described as intelligent, lively, and protective. Their coats are fairly typical in either wheaten or red.
6. Kerry Blue Terrier
As another terrier option, the Kerry Blue Terrier may look fluffy and hairy, but they have coats that shed little. They are also very protective and love to guard the ones they love.
They also have a high level of energy, which is important to keep in mind when determining whether a terrier breed is the right fit for you and your lifestyle.
7. Schnauzer
With their beard-like face, the Schnauzer comes in a few different sizes, so you can get the one that fits best in your lifestyle. Choose between the Miniature Schnauzer, Standard Schnauzer, and the Giant Schnauzer.
They are very friendly and make great family pets. Keep in mind that these dogs have a lot of energy and love to play and run. Be sure you can accommodate their exercise needs as you determine whether a Schnauzer is right for you.
Related: Best Miniature Schnauzer Breeders in the United States.
8. Lagotto Romagnolo
Last on the list of the best medium dogs that don’t shed is the Lagotto Romagnolo. Fun to say, the Laggotto Romagnolo is even more fun to have around the house. These unique dogs are moderately friendly and eager to work.
They bring with them a lot of energy and enjoy being in the water. Their short, furry-like coats don’t shed much, making them a potentially great option for your family.
Their coats can also come in a variety of colors, including brown, orange, white, and chocolate. This breed has a temperament that is loyal, active, and very loving.
Conclusion For The “Best Medium Dogs That Don’t Shed”
There’s a lot to love about dogs. Their shedding habits, not so much. While it’s a completely natural process for dogs to keep their skin clean and healthy, it can be a hassle for you and the cleanliness of your home, not to mention any allergies.
Thankfully, there are some great breed options of medium-sized dogs that can make great additions to your family and home. Their coats of longer hairs make them less likely to shed it around the house and onto you.
Choose a dog that’s right for you based on its personality, exercise requirements, and other characteristics that fit well with your lifestyle.
With a little bit of research, you can find the medium breed that’s just right for you and your home. Don’t compromise your health or the cleanliness of your home. With low-shedding dogs, you can have the best of both worlds.
For more guides similar to this list of medium dogs that don’t shed, check out these other dog lists compiled by our team:
- Scrunchy-Faced Dog Breeds with Pictures
- Best Dog Breeds with Big Paws
- Most Aggressive Small Dog Breeds
You can learn more about which dogs don’t shed by watching “Top 10 Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed or Smell” down below:
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.