Discover the 9 Most Popular Large, Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Although many people would love to have a large breed of dog as a pet, allergies can be a major obstacle. Fortunately, some species of dogs are less likely to cause allergic reactions. They may shed less hair, produce less dander than the average breed, or both. These dogs are often called hypoallergenic even though that’s not precisely true. It’s important to realize that no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Nevertheless, we’re going to look at the 9 most popular large, hypoallergenic dog breeds that you could bring into your home that are less allergenic! That way, you get the benefit of a great pet while easing up on your allergies.

1. Airedale Terrier

The Airedale terrier is the largest terrier type of dog, and it’s a medium-to-large breed. Although it was originally bred for catching rodents and other vermin, the dog is very versatile. They’re a great sporting breed. Airedale terriers are even better for people that want a dog that doesn’t shed a lot. Most of them will range in weight between 50 and 65 pounds. However, some of the dogs can reach 100 pounds or more.

2. German Shorthaired Pointer

The German shorthaired pointer (GSP) is another one of the most popular large, hypoallergenic dog breeds. They are a medium-to-large breed, with males reaching 23 to 25 inches tall and weighing 55 to 70 pounds. GSPs are known for being hypoallergenic because they rarely shed. Also, they have a rich history of being working and hunting dogs.  

3. Briard

The briard is a sheepdog with a long fur coat and a large body. Males can weigh as much as 55 to 100 pounds, and they can stand as tall as 27 inches. These dogs require a fair amount of grooming and brushing. However, they do not shed very much or often. That can cut down on the amount of dander that ends up in their owner’s homes, making them somewhat hypoallergenic. Briards require exercise and training to make them good pets.

4. Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish water spaniel is a medium-to-large dog breed. They’re also the tallest of all the spaniel breeds, standing between 21 and 24 inches and weighing as much as 65 pounds. This is another medium-to-large breed of dog. Fortunately, these dogs with their curled coats are not shedders, so people with allergies can confidently keep one of these dogs as a pet. They like exercise, and they need consistent grooming as well.

5. Standard Poodle

The standard poodle is a large dog breed that is beloved for its hypoallergenic coat. These dogs can weigh between 45 and 70 pounds at their utmost, and they stand between 18 and 27 inches tall. These dogs are somewhat expensive to own, and they require a fair amount of grooming to keep them looking nice.

Sometimes, the low-shedding element of this dog breed is passed on when the dogs breed and create hybrids. However, that is not always the case, especially with dogs like the goldendoodle. The offspring of a poodle and another species does not yield the coat that would make them hypoallergenic.

6. Samoyed

The Samoyed is a medium-to-large dog breed that stands about 19 and 24 inches tall and weighs anywhere from 35 to 65 pounds. These dogs are often listed as hypoallergenic. However, they may be the least hypoallergenic on this list of popular large, hypoallergenic dog breeds. They do shed a fair amount, but regular grooming and keeping a clean home can cut down on the allergic reactions people have to them. Still, it is necessary to consider that people can be allergic to any dog’s dander, urine, and saliva.

7. Giant Schnauzer

The giant schnauzer is the largest schnauzer, known for its beautiful hair and large size. These animals can weigh anywhere between 77 and 105 pounds and stand between 23.5 and 27.5 inches tall! These dogs are hypoallergenic because they have a wiry, dense coat that does not shed all that much. Still, it’s important to groom these animals to reduce the chances of their hair and dander becoming a problem. The giant schnauzer is one of the most popular large, hypoallergenic dog breeds out there today.

8. Bouvier des Flandres

The bouvier des Flandres is another large dog that weighs between 70 and 100 pounds and stands between 23.5 and 27.5 inches tall overall. This breed was originally a herding dog, and they’re still used for work to this day. Since they do not shed much, they are considered hypoallergenic.

9. Afghan Hounds

Afghan hounds are known for a lack of shedding, but they still require a lot of maintenance. After all, this breed of dog has long hair that the owner must groom. These dogs are tall, standing about 24 to 29 inches in height, and they often weigh between 50 and 60 pounds. These dogs need an outlet for their energy, too. If you adopt one of these dogs, don’t expect it to sit on the couch all day!

Having looked at 9 of the most popular large, hypoallergenic dog breeds, it’s clear that there are not too many dogs that fall into this category. For one thing, no dog is completely hypoallergenic to humans with severe allergies. For another thing, many large dogs do not fit the bill as hypoallergenic even under the very inclusive definition used in this article.

As a result, the 9 breeds outlined here provide people with the best chance to find a dog that doesn’t shed a lot and may not trigger their allergies. Yet, the better plan would be to work with a medical professional to address the owner’s allergies since that method may be easier and more effective.

Summary of the Most Popular Large, Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

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