11 Large Hypoallergenic Dogs (Breeds with Photos)

Are you a dog lover who just happens to have allergies? It’s like being torn in two, isn’t it? You adore these furry companions but the constant sneezing and coughing whenever you’re around them takes the joy away.

Well, we have good news for you! Your days of longing are over. With the right breed, you can enjoy the warmth and companionship of a big, loving dog, without the watery eyes or a box of tissues by your side.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best large hypoallergenic dog breeds. We’re talking dogs that have less of the stuff that triggers your allergies but more of everything else you love about big dogs. So get ready to meet your new best friend – the kind that doesn’t make you sneeze!

Certain dog breeds shed much less than others. Some don’t shed at all. These breeds can make excellent companions for people who are allergic to animal fur.

If you are allergic to animal fur but still want a lovable companion around the house, this article is for you. You will learn what hypoallergenic dogs are, what homes they are most suited for, and some of the best large hypoallergenic dogs for you to consider.

11 Large Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Here are some of the most popular breeds for you to consider:

1. Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is the bigger version of the Standard Schnauzer. 

Males can grow up to 27.5 inches in height and weigh up to 95 pounds. If you’re looking for a large dog, the Giant Schnauzer more than lives up to its name.

While these dogs do have hair, their shedding is not significant. Their coats are wiry as opposed to fluffy. Therefore, they give off less pet dander.

Giant Schnauzers are considered incredibly affectionate breeds that fit nicely into a family environment. They are pretty good with fellow dogs and with young children as well.

2. Samoyed

Samoyeds are highly social, trainable dogs. 

These dogs are curious and extremely intelligent. What’s more, they have a smile that doesn’t seem to go away. Originally bred as sled dogs, this trait developed to minimize drool and prevent icicles from forming on their face. 

If you are allergic to dog saliva, Samoyeds are one of the least likely to leave slobber around the house. However, they do shed a bit more than most dogs considered hypoallergenic.

3. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound grows to around 25-27 inches tall and can weigh 50-60 pounds.

These dogs are world-renowned for their beautiful flowy hair and graceful gait. As they are one of the lowest shedding large hypoallergenic dogs, Afghan Hounds can make delightful companions for allergy sufferers. 

Many dog breeds tend to have a top coat and an undercoat. Instead, Afghan Hounds have one coat that consistently grows. It does require trimming, like human hair does, but it won’t leave hair and dander laying all around the house.

4. Labradoodle

A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle. These dogs are popular due to their friendly, lovable nature and high level of intelligence.

Their coat is beautifully shaggy, curly, and non-shedding. It does require maintenance to stay clean and free of knots, but they do not shed like other dogs.

Labradoodles can make excellent guide dogs, as well.

5. Bergamasco Sheepdog

Bergamasco Sheepdogs are Italian herding dogs that grow up to 22 to 23.5 inches and weigh around 57 to 84 pounds, depending on the gender.

They have a corded coat that does not shed. There will be some hairs around the house, as with any dog. However, despite the abundance of hair, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is one of the lowest-shedding breeds.

Bergamasco Sheepdogs are relatively rare and that will be reflected in the price. As such, they are not considered to be overbred, meaning they tend to encounter fewer health problems overall.

6. Lagotto Romagnolo

Another Italian pup, the Lagotto Romagnolo has a short, curly coat that doesn’t shed. 

This breed is a favorite among allergy-suffering dog owners thanks to their super lovable nature, social harmony with other dogs, and infrequent coat grooming.

Best of all, they tend to have one of the happiest demeanors, making them great pets for small children.

7. Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is a large, beautiful dog praised for its friendliness and intelligence.

Their wiry coat sheds very little compared with non-hypoallergenic dogs, and they drool much less, as well.

If you’re looking for a large, friendly, hypoallergenic dog, Airedale Terriers are worth considering.

8. Standard Poodle

The Standard Poodle is one of the most well-known dogs recommended for people who suffer from pet allergies.

Poodles have a strong genetic heritage and make excellent family dogs. While their coat does require frequent grooming, they are non-shedding dogs.

Poodles also come in Miniature and Toy Poodle sizes. What makes a Poodle “standard” is being over 15 inches tall. The height of these dogs gives them elegance and poise.

9. Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog is one of the most family-friendly dog breeds.

They shed slightly more than Poodles and Airedale Terriers. However, they are still considered a low-shedding breed. 

These dogs are very social and love non-stop play. They have no problem meeting strangers, are good with other dogs, and get along with young children. 

10. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are sturdy dogs with wheaten coats. Their coats are low-shedding but do require maintenance to prevent matting.

They also drool less and they’re on the smaller side of the large dog category. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers are about 17 to 19 inches fully-grown and weigh about 30 to 40 pounds.

11. Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is an affectionate and hardworking breed with a curly, non-shedding coat.

This dog is the tallest type of Spaniel at around 21 to 24 inches. They are some of the best swimmers in the dog world, with webbed feet and a water-repellent coat. Naturally, this breed loves retrieving sticks and balls in the water.

Can Dogs Be Hypoallergenic?

According to the American Kennel Club, no dog can be 100% hypoallergenic. There is always the potential for any pup to cause your allergies to act up.

However, many breeds are less likely to aggravate a person’s allergies. These dogs are low-shedding, no-shedding, or hairless.

If you know your allergies are caused by dog hair, then those kinds of pooches will be excellent options. However, if your allergies are triggered by dander or saliva, you might still have issues.

What Is a Hypoallergenic Dog?

Hypoallergenic was originally used to describe products containing relatively few or zero substances that could irritate the human biological system. 

We now use this term to describe pets, as well. Specifically, hypoallergenic pets are pets whose fur is less likely to irritate our respiratory systems. We use this term to describe all manner of less-allergenic pets, from dogs and cats to hamsters and birds.

Hypoallergenic dogs include a diverse range of breeds genetically predisposed to shed much less. Some don’t shed at all, and some are even hairless.

Thanks to this genetic difference, these dogs are less likely to cause an allergic reaction in their owners or other people they come into contact with.

Who Are Large Hypoallergenic Dogs Best For?

In general, large dogs tend to shed more than smaller varieties. These breeds have more hair that falls off at regular intervals.

Therefore, if you’re an allergy sufferer who wants a large dog, it’s a good idea to look into these breeds. After all, they are more likely to suit you and your lifestyle.

However, it’s important to make sure you are ready to bring one into your home.

Such breeds typically need more space to roam and exercise. An apartment is less likely to adequately accommodate a large dog. In contrast, a house with a backyard is typically better suited to a large pup.

Large dogs tend to eat more food than smaller ones, and some breeds can be more susceptible to health conditions.

Before purchasing a pup, it is prudent to research everything required to take care of a dog and ensure you are fully prepared to be a dog owner.

To Summarize

Fortunately for allergy sufferers, many breeds shed very little or not at all. These large hypoallergenic dogs can make for excellent pets.

They are family-friendly, lovable, and aren’t likely to aggravate your allergies. However, it’s a good idea to spend some time with the dog you’re considering before you make a commitment. 

As no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, this will help ensure that they will be hypoallergenic for you in particular. Your next step is to choose which breed to give a forever home.