best hypoallergenic outside dogs
9 Best Hypoallergenic Guard Dogs
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Are you in search of a reliable guard dog that wont trigger your allergies or leave a trail of fur behind? In a world where security matters, hypoallergenic guard dogs offer the perfect solution for those who prioritize both safety and cleanliness.
While many guard dog breeds boast thick coats for protection, shedding can pose a challenge for allergy sufferers and cleanliness enthusiasts. Fear not, as we introduce you to a selection of protective dogs that are both hypoallergenic and dedicated to safeguarding your home.
Say goodbye to sneezing fits and hello to peace of mind with these exceptional guard dogs that wont leave your home covered in fur.
Best Guard Dogs that Dont Shed
Discover the perfect guard dogs that keep your home secure without leaving a trace of shed fur behind.
1. Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer, known for its toughness, intellect, and suitability for effective guard dog duties, is an ideal choice for those seeking a hypoallergenic guard dog. While their double wiry coat requires grooming and clipping every six weeks, they dont shed much, making them a low-allergy option.
Giant Schnauzers excel as guard dogs due to their loyalty and protective nature. They are known for having one of the highest recorded bite forces among dog breeds, measuring at 556 pounds per square inch.
These German dogs excel in various competitions due to their large size and intelligence, making them versatile and friendly companions. Although they may drool occasionally, their outstanding traits outweigh this minor inconvenience, making them a perfect hypoallergenic guard dog choice.
2. Poodle
Poodles are not only popular companion dogs but also excellent guardians. Known for their intelligence and keen senses, Poodles can detect threats and alert their owners with their barking. With remarkable hearing, they are sensitive to unusual sounds, making them effective watchdogs.
Additionally, Poodles are hypoallergenic due to their lack of shedding and drooling, making them ideal for families and individuals with allergies. Their calm and friendly nature also makes them great assistance dogs.
Standard Poodles are brilliant and eager-to-please dogs, making them easily trainable for specific alert purposes. However, these family dogs are generally considered high-maintenance due to their grooming needs, high intelligence, and energy levels.
3. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are non-shedding and affectionate dogs with a loyal and protective nature. However, their dense coat requires regular grooming to keep them looking their best. Weekly brushing, regular bathing, and frequent trimming are essential to keep the Portuguese Water Dog looking and feeling fresh.
These athletic and intelligent dogs are great for families and excel in guard duties with early socialization and training. Portuguese Water Dogs are highly vigilant and quick to react to potential threats, making them excellent guard dogs.
Portuguese Water Dogs are natural-born swimmers with webbed feet and athletes, making them ideal companions for active individuals and those interested in competitive training. With their strong bodies and sharp minds, these dogs thrive in physically demanding activities and sports.
4. Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers are an ideal choice for allergy sufferers due to their short, wiry coats that dont shed. These terriers are the tallest among the terrier breeds and typically weigh between 50 and 70 lbs, with a potential lifespan of up to 14 years.
Airedales are natural guard dogs, thanks to their terrier instincts and protective nature. But needs plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Airedale Terriers are well-suited for families with children. They excel as alerting dogs and will vigilantly guard their owners in the presence of intruders. They are highly intelligent dogs, but training is essential to manage their barking tendencies.
5. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier, known for its stunning blue coat, is a non-shedding guard dog that requires frequent brushing to maintain its appearance. Their vigilant personality makes them an excellent choice for guarding your home and family, although they may not always get along with other pets.
Proper socialization and training are key to ensuring they fit well into your family dynamic. Kerry Blue Terriers are tough and alert and make great medium-sized guard dogs for families.
The Kerry Blue Terrier, originally bred for hunting and herding, is energetic, headstrong, and possesses strong watchdog abilities. Kerry Blue Terriers are quick learners and can be effectively trained using positive reinforcement methods.
6. Bouvier des Flandres
The Bouvier Des Flandres, originally bred for farm tasks like herding and protecting livestock, also excels as a guard dog outside of the farm setting. They possess a hardy and compact body that can reach weights of up to 110 lbs and have a lifespan of up to 12 years.
These dogs are highly protective of their owners while maintaining a generally calm and affectionate demeanor in day-to-day life. Their strong will and courage make them capable of confronting intruders effectively.
Their shaggy, dense coat requires regular grooming but doesnt shed much. This loyal and protective breed is an excellent choice for an ideal guard dog, provided they receive early socialization and training. Its important to note that herding dogs, in general, have a natural instinct to herd, so caution should be exercised around small children and pets to prevent herding behavior.
7. Komondor
The Komondor, despite its long corded fur, is a non-shedding breed. These dogs were originally employed as guardians of sheep flocks, entrusted with the task of warding off wolves and other threats.
Komondors are renowned for their intelligence, cooperation, trainability, and unwavering loyalty. Their fearless appearance is a testament to their bravery, and they have a lifespan of 10-12 years.
If you seek such courage in your guard dog, the Komondor is an excellent choice. However, its worth noting that Komondors tend not to get along well with other dogs, so they may not be suitable for multi-pet households.
8. Briard
The Briard is a prime example of a handsome and excellent guard dog. This breed is known for its toughness, excellent personal protection instincts, and its ability to be a formidable guard while maintaining an appealing appearance. In fact, the French army has utilized Briards as guard dogs in the past.
While Briards dont slobber excessively, they may be a bit messy indoors because their facial fur tends to become wet when they drink. Its important to note that their non-shedding coat, while stunning, comes with maintenance requirements. Their fur is prone to matting and should be brushed daily to prevent tangles.
Additionally, these brilliant dogs have a strong prey drive and are better suited for experienced owners who can handle their energetic nature and training needs.
9. Standard Schnauzer
The Standard Schnauzer is a fine choice for those seeking a non-shedding guard dog. While the Giant Schnauzer is featured on this list, the Standard Schnauzer offers similar vigilance in a more compact size.
Moreover, the Standard Schnauzer does not shed at all, in contrast to the Giant Schnauzer, which sheds minimally. To maintain their coat in optimal condition, regular grooming, clipping, and hand-stripping are necessary.
Originally bred in Germany as rat catchers and protectors, these small guard dogs with non-shedding coats have a unique appearance with their dense fur and distinctive beards. Schnauzers alert and obedient disposition make them exceptional watchdogs.
Conclusion
These hypoallergenic dogs offer both protection and allergy-friendly companionship. These breeds, known for their minimal shedding and protective instincts, make excellent choices for individuals and families seeking a vigilant and allergy-sensitive guard dog.
22 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Bichon Frise
Miniature Schnauzer
The most popular Schnauzer breed on the market, these astute watchdogs are a perfect pocket option for Schnauzer fans. They have that same serious expression as their larger counterparts, but in a more compact package. These fearless companions shed minimally and love lots of playtime, so get ready for plenty of games of fetch.
Poodle
All poodles fall under the hypoallergenic umbrella, including the standard, toy and miniature versions, so you can choose your own dog adventure. Super-smart poodles are also extremely easy to train, making them one of the most popular dogs in the U.S. As for that fancy "poodle clip," the traditional cut protects the water-loving dogs' joints and vital organs while swimming, in addition to looking absolutely adorable.
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Yorkshire Terrier
Sweet-faced little Yorkies fit in purses and laps, but their small size packs a ton of attitude. Their fine hair has a texture that's similar to humans' manes, so it's less likely to make you sneeze. But groom-averse dog fans, beware: Yorkies do require regular brushing and maintenance to keep their hair tangle-free and silky soft.
Shih Tzu
The almighty "lion dogs" known as Shih Tzu's date back to the Tang Dynasty. One look and you'll understand why the breed once won over royalty with their regal (but low-shedding!) looks and charming, friendly personas. Because their hair naturally grows long, they do require a fair amount of upkeep. Get to know a good groomer, and start early to teach your pup to love regular brushing.
Maltese
Averaging a teeny-tiny seven pounds, the ancient Greek breed basically defines the concept of "lap dog." Even marathon cuddle sessions won't leave you sneezing, since their all-white coats aren't likely to trigger allergies. You can choose between cutting their soft fur into a sporty trim or letting it grow long, depending on how much maintenance you can handle.
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Portuguese Water Dog
You may recognize these medium-sized furballs after "First Dogs" Sunny and Bo Obama helped put the curly-haired Portuguese water dogs in the spotlight. Their playful and laid-back personalities make great additions to any household, even if yours is less than presidential. They even adapt well to apartment living for those in small spaces, but will still need regular walks to keep them fit.
Scottish Terrier
You may recognize the personality-filled Scottie dog from Disney classic dog movie, Lady and the Tramp, but the independent and sometimes stubborn Scotties make great pets IRL, too. They were originally bred as fierce hunters, and their wiry, weather-resistant coats kept them protected in a range of climates. Today, their dignified beard will probably spend most of its time gracing your couch.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is an easily recognizable breed that has a feathery tail and feet. For those that have a hard time with pet hair, these hairless dogs make great housemates and wont cause the sniffles since the only place they have hair is on their feet, tail and head. Even if they've got faces only a mother could love, you're sure to fall head over heels with yours.
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Xoloitzcuintli
Known for being the dog of the ancient Aztecs, the Xoloitzcuintli is a loyal and alert watchdog. These dogs come in two varieties hairless and coated. If you go for the elegant hairless variety, pick up a good dog sunscreen to protect their delicate skin from damage.
RELATED: 6 Best Dog Sunscreens to Protect Your Pup
Giant Schnauzer
We're in love with the giant Schnauzers' iconic shaggy eyebrows, but all that fur doesn't mean they'll make you sneeze. They do require a moderate amount of grooming, so get a quality dog brush. The largest of the three Schnauzer types, they can grow to 75 pounds and have an intelligent, task-focused temperament that lends itself well to training.
West Highland Terrier
Just like other terriers, Westies possess a curious and lively attitude with the added bonus of minimal shedding. These hardy dogs have a cheerful demeanor that will keep you giggling with their playful antics. Their portable size and friendly disposition make them some of the most popular terriers.
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Havanese
Happy and curious, Havanese dogs sport long, silky coats in a variety of colors. They can look positively royal if you let their low-shedding coats grow long and carry them around like the kings and queens they think they are. Many owners prefer to give them a shorter clip for easier maintenance.
Afghan Hound
These sweet hounds don't shed much, but their long coats do require some attentive grooming. Because they were originally bred for the mountains in Afghanistan, they have long, shiny hair that can tangle without routine maintenance. Make grooming time part of your bonding ritual, and you'll discover what "man's best friend" really means.
Basenji
Basenjis originated as African hunting dogs, but they don't howl and yap like a lot of hounds tend to do. They have short, fine hair that sheds minimally, so you'll barely know they live with you. Basenjis are known for their catlike demeanor, and these fastidious little creatures will even groom themselves.
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Cairn Terrier
Lots of coarse-haired terriers shed less than other groups, making the wiry-coated breeds a smart choice for allergy sufferers. Owners especially love Cairn terriers for their fearless personalities you may recognize the breed as Toto in The Wizard of Oz!
Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington terriers grow distinctive poofs of fur at the top of their heads, giving the sweet-looking breed a lamb-like look. These gentle, cuddly terriers make great watchdogs and downtime partners. Professionals spend a lot of time styling the curly, wooly coat for dog shows to get them that picture perfect look. If you just want a snuggly pet, you can opt for a lower-maintenance short clip instead.
Coton de Tulear
Pronounced "coTAWN day two-LEE-are," this charming companion breed will follow you around the house like a cheerful little shadow. The "royal dog of Madagascar" is allegedly descended from dogs who survived an ancient shipwreck near Madagascar, and they resemble bichons with their soft, white hair. It's less likely aggravate your allergies than traditional fur.
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Irish Water Spaniel
If you're looking for a hypoallergenic breed, don't limit yourself to terriers and toy dogs. Irish water spaniels belong to the sporting group, and (surprise!) they love water. These natural-born swimmers even have coats that repel it, so not only will they keep your allergies at bay, they can hop in and out of the pool all day.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Don't let the fancy name fool you. These wooly, small- to medium-sized pups aren't pretentious in the least. They check off everything on dog lovers' wish lists: low-shedding, active but not too hyper, easygoing and affectionate. They even have a hidden talent: Lagotti are especially excellent at truffle-hunting. In your care, they may spend more time hunting down toys in your backyard.
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