best hypoallergenic big dogs

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 20, 2024

Contributions sourced from

18 Best Large Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Are you considering adding a large, lovable canine companion to your life but have concerns about allergies? Worry not! I understand from personal experience just how difficult living with allergies can be. Weve got you covered with a list of the 18 best large hypoallergenic dog breeds that are perfect for allergy sufferers.

These breeds offer the size, temperament, and companionship you desire while minimizing the allergens that can trigger allergic reactions. Lets dive in!

Key Takeaways

Discover the best large hypoallergenic dog breeds of 2023, from Giant Schnauzers to Xoloitzcuintlis (yes, that is a real dog breed)!
Caring for your pup involves grooming, exercise and training, and allergy management.
Adopt responsibly by finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization & prepare your home for a successful adoption.

Top 18 Large Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Choosing the right hypoallergenic dog breed is essential for those who want to enjoy the benefits of pet ownership without being plagued by allergies. The good news is that there is a wide variety of breeds to choose from, each with its unique personality and traits.

In this article, we will introduce you to the 18 best large hypoallergenic dogs, so you can find your perfect match. From the majestic Giant Schnauzer to the energetic Portuguese Water Dog, these breeds are perfect for those who want a larger dog but have allergies.

So, without further ado, lets explore our list of the best large hypoallergenic dog breeds.

1. Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is an excellent choice for allergy sufferers due to its wiry, low-shedding coat. This loyal, intelligent, and courageous breed can grow up to 27.5 inches tall and weigh around 95 pounds.

Originally bred as a herding and guard dog, the Giant Schnauzer is extremely adaptable and trainable. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their unique coat and minimize pet dander.

2. Standard Poodle

When I think of the word hypoallergenic, a Poodle is the first breed that comes to mind! Known for their elegance, intelligence, and devotion, the Standard Poodle is a popular big hypoallergenic dog breed. Standing up to 27 inches tall and weighing between 45 and 70 pounds, these lively dogs have a curly, low-shedding coat.

Standard Poodles are friendly, fun-loving, and excellent family dogs. Despite their refined appearance, they are quite active and require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

3. Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is a lively, intelligent, and playful large hypoallergenic dog breed. With its unique curly coat and minimal shedding, this breed is perfect for allergy sufferers.

Weighing between 45 and 65 pounds and standing 21-24 inches tall, the Irish Water Spaniel is an excellent family pet in my opinion. These dogs are highly adaptable and have fantastic swimming abilities thanks to their webbed feet and water-repellent coat.

4. Afghan Hound

Luxurious and regal, the Afghan Hound is a large breed known for its long, silky coat and minimal shedding. These beautiful dogs have a height reaching up to 29 inches. They usually weigh between 50 and 60 pounds.

I love Afghan Hounds theyre so beautiful to look at. They have a dignified and independent demeanor but also enjoy companionship and playtime with their owners.

5. Samoyed

If you thought you could never have a fluffy dog due to your allergies, think again! Let me introduce you to the Samoyed. This friendly, intelligent, and affectionate breed has a thick, white coat. Despite their fluffy appearance, Samoyeds are considered hypoallergenic due to their low dander production.

They typically weigh between 50 and 60 pounds and stand up to 23.5 inches tall. These energetic dogs require regular exercise and outdoor activities, making them perfect for active families.

6. Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is a large, active, and intelligent dog breed with a wiry coat. They stand up to 23 inches tall and weigh between 50 and 70 pounds.

Airedale Terriers are great companions for those with allergies to pet fur as they shed very lightly. However, they do produce a fair amount of pet dander which can be the cause of many pet allergies.

These dogs are known for their playful and protective nature, making them excellent family pets and guard dogs. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat and minimize allergens.

7. Bouvier des Flandres

The Bouvier des Flandres is a large hypoallergenic dog breed with a unique, thick coat. Weighing between 55 and 90 pounds and standing up to 27 inches tall, this loyal and protective breed makes an excellent family companion.

Originally bred for herding and guarding, the Bouvier des Flandres is intelligent and easily trainable. Theyre lovely dogs in my opinion and a pleasure to be around.

8. Portuguese Water Dog

Energetic and intelligent, the Portuguese Water Dog is a large hypoallergenic breed with a wavy coat and minimal shedding. Weighing between 35 and 60 pounds and standing between 17 and 23 inches tall, these dogs are great swimmers and retrievers.

They are sociable and love to play, making them excellent family pets. Theyre especially suited to active families who love water activities.

9. Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois is a large, active, and intelligent dog breed with a short, thick coat. Typically weighing between 40 and 80 pounds and standing 22 to 26 inches tall, these dogs are highly trained and make excellent working dogs for law enforcement and therapy assistance.

They are loyal and protective, making them great companions for those with allergies who are looking for a guard dog as well.

10. Bergamasco Sheepdog

With their unique corded coat and minimal shedding, the Bergamasco Sheepdog is an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. Weighing between 55-85 pounds and standing up to 24.5 inches tall, this calm and gentle breed is perfect for families who want a hypoallergenic dog with a distinctive appearance.

They are intelligent and easily trainable, making them great companions. Their unique coat has hair of three different textures which requires some interesting maintenance!

11. Lagotto Romagnolo

If you watched Crufts (my favorite dog show), this is the breed that won in 2023! The Lagotto Romagnolo is a large breed with a curly coat that sheds minimally. Weighing around 35 pounds and standing up to 19 inches tall, this intelligent and loyal breed is perfect for families who want a hypoallergenic dog that loves to socialize and play.

Despite their relaxed demeanor, they are quite active and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

12. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has a wiry coat that sheds minimally. Standing between 20 and 24 inches tall and weighing between 35 and 70 pounds, these dogs are intelligent, loving, and full of energy.

They love being outdoors and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them content. Their unique coat requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition and reduce allergens.

13. Labradoodle

A popular crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Labradoodle is known for its low-shedding coat and great temperament. These intelligent, friendly, and loyal dogs make excellent family pets, as well as therapy and service dogs.

Its important to note that with crossbreeds, you can never be 100% sure which characteristics theyre going to inherit from each breed. Labradoodles need regular grooming, exercise, and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

14. Bernedoodle

If youre in the market for a very large (and very cute dog), this could be the best breed for you! The Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle, resulting in a big hypoallergenic dog breed with a low-shedding coat.

Weighing between 50 and 90 pounds and standing up to 29 inches tall, these dogs are friendly, intelligent, and loyal. Theyre often goofy and fun to be around. Plus, they can make excellent working dogs!

15. Goldendoodle

If youre like me, youll have seen plenty of these adorable dogs out and about. The Goldendoodle is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, creating a large hypoallergenic dog breed with a low-shedding coat.

Known for their intelligence, friendliness, and loyalty, Goldendoodles make perfect family pets (as long as you like to keep active). They need lots of exercise, playtime, and ideally plenty of interaction with their owners.

16. Komondor

The Komondor is one of the most unique dogs Ive ever seen. Theyre a large breed with a long, thick, corded coat that does not shed (sort of like human dreadlocks).

Weighing up to 100 pounds and standing up to 27.5 inches tall, this loyal and protective breed is perfect for those looking for a unique and hypoallergenic dog. If you like to make a statement walking down the street, this could be the pooch for you!

17. Peruvian Inca Orchid (Large)

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is an ancient dog breed originating in Peru. This breed is known for its short, smooth coat, muscular body, and long, slender neck.

Weighing up to 65kg and reaching a height of 27 inches, these intelligent and loyal dogs are unusual and elegant to look at. Theyre great companions for allergy sufferers thanks to their hypoallergenic coat.

18. Xoloitzcuintli (Standard)

The Xoloitzcuintli (Standard) is an ancient dog breed originating in Mexico at least 3,000 years ago. They have a short, smooth coat and a long, slender body, weighing between 40 and 80 pounds and standing 22 to 26 inches tall.

Xoloitzcuintlis are intelligent, loyal, and protective, making them great companions for allergy sufferers who are looking for a guard dog as well. Although they dont shed fur, they do have plenty of pet dander so they wont be suitable for all allergy sufferers.

Caring for Large Hypoallergenic Dogs

Proper care is essential for maintaining the health and happiness of your large hypoallergenic dog. After all, as dog owners, we want the best for our furbabies! Their care includes grooming, exercise and training, and allergy management.

In the following subsections, we will delve into each of these aspects to ensure that both you and your furry friend can enjoy a happy, allergy-free life together.

Grooming Essentials

Regular grooming is crucial for maintaining the health of your hypoallergenic dogs coat. This includes brushing and combing, bathing, nail trims, and fur trims when necessary.

Different breeds have specific grooming needs, so its important to research and understand the unique requirements of your chosen breed. Regular grooming will not only keep your dog looking its best but also help to reduce allergens in your home, making it a more comfortable environment for allergy sufferers.

Exercise and Training

Exercise and training are essential for large dogs to stay healthy, fit, and well-behaved. Each breed has its specific exercise and training needs, so I recommend doing research to understand what works best for your chosen breed.

Regular exercise and mental stimulation will keep your dog happy and healthy. Consistent training from an early age will help them develop good behavior and become a well-rounded companion.

Allergy Management

Although the breeds weve talked about are less likely to aggravate your allergies, no dog is completely hypoallergenic! Managing allergies when living with a large hypoallergenic dog involves reducing the number of allergens in their environment to minimize the risk of allergic reactions.

Management includes regular grooming, frequent baths, and cleaning your living environment. Using HEPA air cleaners and creating dog-free zones in the house can also help keep allergens at bay.

Adopting a Large Hypoallergenic Dog

Adopting a large hypoallergenic dog is an exciting and rewarding experience. However, its important to ensure that you find a reputable source for your new furry friend, whether through a breeder or rescue organization.

In the following subsections, we will provide tips and advice on finding a reputable breeder, exploring rescue organizations, and preparing your home for your new hypoallergenic dog.

Finding a Reputable Breeder

To find a reputable breeder for a large hypoallergenic dog, ask for recommendations from friends or family, and do thorough research online. Make sure the breeder is certified and check customer ratings and reviews to ensure they have a positive reputation.

Its also a good idea to visit the breeders facility and meet the dogs and their parents before making a decision. This will allow you to see the living conditions, assess the health and temperament of the dogs, and ask any questions you may have.

I know that when you first visit puppies, its easy to get carried away (trust me, Ive been there). But try to take your time, ask any questions you have, and ensure that the puppies are being raised in an appropriate environment.

Rescue Organizations

If you prefer to adopt a dog from a rescue organization, there are many reputable options available. Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the AKC Rescue Network are two examples of organizations that work to find loving homes for dogs in need.

Adopting from a rescue organization not only gives a deserving dog a second chance at a happy life but also helps to support the important work these organizations do on behalf of animals in need. Two of my dogs are rescues and its a true honor to give a dog in need a forever home.

Preparing Your Home

Before bringing your new dog home, its important to prepare your living space to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new pet. This includes creating a designated space for your dog with a comfortable bed, food and water bowls, toys, and grooming supplies.

Make sure your home is secure and safe for your new dog, including checking for any potential hazards and ensuring your yard is properly fenced. By taking these steps, youll create a welcoming environment and set both you and your new pup up for success!

Summary

In conclusion, there are many fantastic large hypoallergenic dog breeds to choose from. By considering your lifestyle, preferences, and allergy concerns, you can find the perfect breed to become a loving and loyal companion.

Taking proper care of your hypoallergenic dog will ensure a happy and healthy life together. Whether you choose to adopt from a reputable breeder or rescue organization, the bond between you and your hypoallergenic dog will be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest hypoallergenic dog breed?

The Giant Schnauzer is the largest hypoallergenic dog breed. Originally bred to herd cattle, they are also loyal, and obedient, and make excellent guard dogs. All while being low-shedding and hypoallergenic!