best medium sized hypoallergenic dogs for families
Medium Hypoallergenic Dogs
First off, no dog on Earth is 100% hypoallergenic and totally allergy-free. But you can find a dog thats more allergy-friendly than other breeds. These are often referred to as hypoallergenic dogs.
Allergies to dogs are caused by proteins found in a canines urine, dander, and drool. Hypoallergenic dogs dont drool very much and are low shedding.
For a more detailed look, check out our article on What is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
Medium Dogs That Dont Shed Much
The more fur a dog sheds increases the chance of causing allergy symptoms. If you have a dog thats a big shedder, it will be spreading allergens all over your home from floors to sofas and anywhere else it can reach.
Medium Dogs That Dont Drool
When it comes to allergies, you probably dont think of drool as a big issue. But dog slobber can cause huge problems for allergy sufferers it can get all over your home. Dog drool contains allergen proteins, which is what triggers the allergic reaction.
Medium Dogs With Less Dander
Every dog sheds dander, which is made up of dead skin cells. But hypoallergenic dog breeds are slightly different theyre low shedding, meaning they shed less dander around your home. Dander is often caught in the coat of the hypoallergenic dog. Hence, its not being released into the air.
40 Popular Medium-Sized Dog Breeds Just Waiting to Be Your Friend
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Australian Shepherd
Aussies are uncannily smart and independent, with strong herding instincts that means they'll want to stick close to you. Loyal and devoted to their owners, these dogs are wary of strangers.
Weight: 4070 pounds
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Basset Hound
Good-natured and easygoing, a basset hound has a great sense of humor and a couch-potato sensibility. They're stubborn and can be on the lazy side, sometimes making them challenging to train.
Weight: 4065 pounds
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German Shorthaired Pointer
GSPs can run, run, run and then for a nice change, run some more. If you've got an active family, this might be the dog for you. High marks in smarts, companionship and hunting ability make GSPs one of the most popular dogs in the country.
Weight: 4570 pounds
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Siberian Husky
Huskies are clever, happy and eager to please. They're friendly by nature but also very hard-headed. This high-energy dog prefers to spend lots of time outdoors, especially if you live in a cooler climate.
Weight: 3560 pounds
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Collie
Both Timmy and Lassie can attest to the devoted nature of Collies. These active yet affectionate herders can follow commands quickly and accurately, but be forewarned: They do tend to be pretty vocal.
Weight: 5075 pounds
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Labrador Retriever
It's no wonder that Labradors remain the most popular breed in the U.S.; these pooches are intelligent, friendly and loyal. They're so eager to please that Labs quickly adapt to jobs as service, guide and rescue dogs so if you need a working breed, look no further.
Weight: 5580 pounds
RELATED: The 20 Best Dogs for Kids and Families
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Poodle
While we often think of poodles for their showstopping appearance, these pooches are more than meets the eye. They're known for their superior intelligence, so start thinking up fun tricks to teach them.
Weight: 4075 pounds
RELATED: 15 Miniature Dog Breeds That Are Just Too Cute
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Airedale Terrier
Given their legendary loyalty, Airedale Terriers are extremely trustworthy with children. They're eager to please and quick learners, but they can struggle to get along with other dogs so pick an Airedale if you have a one-dog household.
Weight: 5070 pounds
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Boxer
Boxers are fun-loving canines that also make great watch dogs, protecting your home from strangers. To keep up with their exuberant nature, they need plenty of exercise each day.
Weight: 5080 pounds
RELATED: 13 Best Guard Dogs to Protect Your Family and Home
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Australian Cattle Dog
Also called Blue Heelers, Australian Cattle Dogs are tireless herders who need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. You'll be rewarded with an alert and curious companion.
Weight: 3550 pounds
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American Eskimo Dog
Surprisingly, "Eskies" don't have any ties to the Eskimos they actually gained popularity in the U.S. as circus dogs, performing tricks and walking across tightropes. As a family dog, Eskies are playful, perky and smart not to mention quick learners.
Weight: 2535 pounds
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Bearded Collie
Bearded Collies are boisterous and bouncy, with a more athletic build than similarly shaggy English Sheepdogs. They love the outdoors (in any climate!) and get along well with children.
Weight: 4555 pounds
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Shetland Sheepdog
Shelties are very playful and energetic dogs, even though they're considerably smaller than similar-looking coolies. As herders, these dogs can run quickly and gracefully, but they're still small enough to scoop them up for a cuddle at the end of the day.
Weight: 1525 pounds
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Cocker Spaniel
These sporting dogs are known to be very happy, smart and gentle. While they can be quite active, they behave well with other animals and kids.
Weight: 2030 pounds
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Brittany
As field dogs, Brittanys have boundless energy and make for excellent running, hiking and hunting partners. They're quick to learn and love a challenge, but can be somewhat reserved if not properly socialized.
Weight: 3040 pounds
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Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers put their ample smarts to good use as guide and service dogs, but underneath that trademark flaxen coat is a heart of gold. They're eager to please and fun-loving family members making them super popular amongst pet owners.
Weight: 5575 pounds
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Bulldog
Beneath that frowning mug lies a real softie. They're loyal, steadfast, courageous and determined. Bulldogs are also willing to please once they figure out what it is that you want. They snore up a storm and prefer milder climates.
Weight: 4050 pounds
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Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
An Irish breed, these fuzzy terriers are known for their deep devotion and enthusiastic displays of affection. Owners have even nicknamed their characteristically enthusiastic welcome the "Wheaten greetin'."
Weight: 3040 pounds
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Standard Schnauzer
Smart and spirited, it's no wonder that Schnauzers are bred in three different sizes (miniature, standard and giant) so there's one for every household style. The sturdy canines are naturally protective and intelligent.
Weight: 3050 pounds
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Medium Sized Hypoallergenic Dogs Top 10 Breeds
Medium-sized hypoallergenic dogs are becoming more popular these days among pet lovers due to their non-shedding nature. Spreading allergies and dog shedding is among the most common problems with pet dogs.
To avoid such a situation many dog lovers pay even thousands of dollars to get a dog from hypoallergenic breeds. Though no dog can be termed as fully hypoallergenic as most of them shed some kind of allergens still there are some that can be a better choice for people suffering from allergies. This list of medium-sized hypoallergenic dogs will help you to choose one for your home.
1. Maltese Terrier
These dogs are known for their elegant silky white coat but they are liked by most dog lovers for not shedding on their clothes and furniture. These dogs, little in size, are loving, energetic, and playful by nature.
The exact origin of this breed is not known. They are said to be known as dogs of Roman Ladies who used to have them in ancient medieval times for catching rodents.
2. Tibetan Terrier
These dogs prove misconception, hypoallergenic dogs have no hair, wrong. These bushy dogs are on this list because they shed the least amount of hair if groomed properly. Once they were used by nomadic herdsmen and Buddhist monks as companions as guard dogs.
3. Brussels Griffon
The dogs of this breed are known for their friendly nature and watchdog abilities. The reason for their entry on this list is that they rarely shed any hair. They are considered the best pets for families with kids as they have a better bond with humans than other breeds in this category.
They are also used in many TV shows and movies because they are very expressive by nature.
4. Shih Tzu
These hypoallergenic dogs are known for their friendly nature and loyalty along with their non-shedding nature. They do not shed any hair unless they are brushed as broken hair can fall while brushing them.
This dog breed got its name due to its resemblance with lions as shown in the ancient oriental art of China. They were known in Chinese as Shih Tzu which means lion dogs.
5. Soft-coated wheaten terrier
This is the energetic and happy breed of hypoallergenic dogs. They are also known for their agility skills, intelligence, tracking skills, animal therapy skills, and obedience.
First of all, they were bred as farm dogs in Ireland for guarding livestock, hunting vermin, and herding. For this reason, they were also known as the wolfhound of a poor man.
6. Portuguese Water Dog
This is another breed of energetic and loyal hypoallergenic dogs because they shed a very small amount of hair from their coat. But you will have to groom them regularly to maintain their coat.
This is the rare breed of hypoallergenic dogs. Recently US President Obama had gifted one to his daughter at his inauguration.
7. West Highland white terrier
Due to its friendly nature, this active small dog with a double coat is also nicknamed Westie. They are also great watchdogs due to their hardy nature and loyalty to their owners.
They are considered a hypoallergenic breed but they shed a very little amount of hair. Originally they were bred from Scottish and Cairn Terriers to be used for hunting. This breed was created to avoid misunderstandings caused by foxes during hunting.
8. Poodle
The dogs of this breed are popular all over the world due to their availability in various sizes including toys, miniature, and standard.
Along with their hypoallergenic nature, they are also considered the most responsive and intelligent dogs. They are also loved very much by pet lovers due to their virtually odorless nature.
9. Kerry blue terrier
These dogs, also known as Irish Blue Terrier, were bred as all-purpose dogs as they can do all types of tasks like guarding, hunting pests, and herding.
The texture of their hair is as fine as human hair. Initially, these dogs are born with black hair coats but turn to blue when they become 2 years old.
10. Bichon Frise
The hypoallergenic dogs of this breed are independent, laid back, easy to train, and social by nature. While giving maintenance cuts to their coat, their hair is clipped to make it easy. In French, the meaning of Bichon Frise is a curly lap dog. They love water as they were considered companions to the sailors.
The 38 Best Medium-Sized Dogs for Families, Kids, Couples and Everyone in Between
Beyond the standard pre-dog questions about exercise requirements and potential health issues, think about conditions unique to your family. For instance, consider whether youre going to want to be able to pick up your dog or not. Will the dog be at eye level to your kids when hes fully grown? Taller? How hectic are your weeknights? Weekends? Plus, the amount of space youve got to offer your dog (inside and out) will also determine the best breed for your situation.
When it comes to temperament, a family dog has to be friendly, obedient and happy around children. Some breeds fulfill these requirements more easily than others, though every dog is different. A bad experience with kiddos in the past could make these relationships tricky for a rescue dog, even if her breed usually likes kids. But for the most part, the medium-sized breeds on this list cant get enough of family fun time.
Finally, check in with your kids. Do they really want a dog? Make sure there are no hidden fears about canines (some kids may not want to disappoint the whole family). If you can, observe your kids around friends dogs. Test the waters by interacting with dogs as much as you can before you invest in one for yourself.
