Are you a dog lover who is plagued by dog allergies? You are not alone. Unfortunately, up to 20% of the world’s population is allergic to dogs or cats.
The allergens which trigger the nasty eye and nose itching, sneezing, coughing, congestions, hives, and other allergic symptoms are usually the proteins that are contained in the dog’s dander, urine, or saliva rather than its hair. Other potential triggers include the pollen, mold, and dust that a pup can bring into your home.
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize your allergic reactions and still own a pup.
Some dog breeds, even large ones, are considered “hypoallergenic.”
Here are some large hypoallergenic dogs you can consider adding to your household, even if someone at home has an allergy, asthma, or other respiratory problems.
Can Dogs Really Be Hypoallergenic?
There is no guarantee that a pup will be 100% hypoallergenic. But some breeds are considered less likely to trigger severe allergic reactions in humans than others.
As noted earlier, the primary allergen is in the pup’s dander, urine, and saliva. It is thus likely that the less a dog sheds, the fewer allergens will be released into the air, on you, and on the furniture of your home. Some dog breeds shed less than others. There are some pups that have lower amounts of dander than others too.
Here Is a List of the Top Large Hypoallergenic Dogs
Standard Poodle
Poodles have long been considered one of the most suitable breeds for allergic owners. This is why there have been so many hybrid “Doodle” breeds that incorporate the hypoallergenic characteristics and intelligence of the Poodle with the desirable traits of other popular breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Bichon Frise, and many others.
The Standard Poodle is a medium to a large sized dog, which usually reaches a height of 22 inches at the shoulder and weighs about 75 lbs.
One of the main characteristics which makes it a common choice for allergic people is that the Poodle is considered a non-shedding breed.
These pups are very elegant, regal, and intelligent. Plus, they are fun-loving and easy to train.
Keep in mind that although they shed very little, their coats do need regular grooming and clipping.
Plus, the Poodle is athletic and with high energy needs, so be ready to spend a lot of time walking, running, playing, and exercising its body and mind.
Portuguese Water Dog
This is one of the friendliest large hypoallergenic dog breeds in the world. The Portuguese Water Dog is another low-shedding breed, even though they do shed a little bit more intensively than Poodles and Airedale Terriers.
The wonderful pups from this breed are playful and social, and they get along with just about anybody, kids, other dogs, and strangers included.
Since Portuguese Water Dogs were bred as herders for fish who assisted fishermen with nets, they are excellent swimmers and retrievers and are packed with energy. This makes them suitable for active owners.
The average height of these dogs is up to 22 inches, and they usually weigh 40 to 60 lbs.
They are smart, friendly, pleasant, and can be excellent guard dogs too.
Irish Water Spaniel
This is the tallest of all Spaniel breeds, usually about 23 inches at the shoulder, and weighs up to 65 lbs. So, it is one of the smallest of the large hypoallergenic breeds on this list.
The Irish Water Spaniel has a curly, water-repellent coat and is considered a non-shedding breed.
Pups from this breed have webbed feet and are brilliant swimmers and retrievers of anything from the water. These are loyal, affectionate, adaptable, and hard-working.
The Irish Water Spaniel has very high energy levels and needs, so a dog from this hypoallergenic breed will be best suited to an active and outdoorsy owner or family.
Giant Schnauzer
The name of this German dog breed says it all. It is a giant with an average height of 27.5 inches at the shoulder and usually weighs 95 lbs.
Although it does shed a little, it is another low-shedding breed, which makes it an excellent big dog for owners with allergies.
But remember that this very large pup is brilliant and strong and needs firm and consistent training and socializing, as well as a lot of exercises or a job to do. Otherwise, the Giant Schnauzer can become bored and destructive or even aggressive.
The breed was developed for guarding and herding and was later used in the two world wars as a messenger carrier.
Be warned that your Giant Schnauzer will need to be adequately trained before introducing it to your young children.
Its gorgeous low-shedding coat can be black or soft pepper. But while it doesn’t shed a lot, it does require regular grooming, combing, and trimming.
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a unique-looking dog with an impressively graceful gait. With an average height of 27 inches, it is a large-sized pup with a single coat that sheds very little.
In fact, its hair, unlike in most other dogs, is more human-like and grows consistently, so it requires regular cutting, trimming, and grooming.
With a weight of about 65 lbs., the Afghan Hound is a strong and smart pup. But the dogs from this breed are notoriously stubborn, so training them can be a challenge, especially for a timid or inexperienced dog owner.
Plus, these beautiful low-shedding pups are pretty independent but, at the same time, are loving companions for adults and kids alike.
Bouvier Des Flandres
These fantastic large and fluffy dogs may look like they will leave their hair everywhere, but actually, the Bouvier Des Flandres pups are another low-shedding dog breed.
The breed was developed in Belgium for herding and for cart pulling. So, the dogs are powerful and prominent, with an average weight of 95 lbs. and a height at the shoulder of about 27 inches.
They are very smart and learn quickly. Plus, they are calm and gentle with people, children, and other animals.
You can easily manage your pup’s shedding by brushing off the dead hairs once a week. This will minimize the risk of allergic reactions and will help keep your home clean.
Airedale Terrier
This large-sized terrier is usually 25 inches tall and weighs 40 to 50 lbs. The Airedale Terrier is one of the most suitable large dogs for people with dog allergies because they shed and drool very little.
It is a big but very friendly and often goofy pup, suitable for active owners. It will happily play with and get along with kids of all ages as well.
The Airedale Terrier is one of the most intelligent dogs, but it can be difficult to train by a first-time dog owner because it can also be stubborn.
The pups from this breed need consistent and firm training and socializing.
They are very energetic and love chasing small animals, digging, swimming, and spending time outdoors, so your Airedale Terrier will feel perfect if you have a backyard or outdoor space where it can roam and have fun.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Sometimes called Italian Waterdogs, the pups from this breed are loving, friendly, and social animals that do not shed a lot.
The hypoallergenic Lagotto Romagnolo has a unique curly coat that does require grooming but sheds very little.
They are happy and good-natured pups who can get along with children and other dogs or pets.
With an average height of 19 inches and a weight of 35 lbs. the Lagotto Romagnolo is not the largest of the hypoallergenic dog breeds, but it is a perfect choice for people looking for a companion that won’t mind spending more time snoozing at home than other large dog breeds from this list.
Still, the Italian Waterdog does love swimming and is an excellent hunter and tracker, so it does need regular long walks and exercise.
Samoyed
These smiling Siberian sled dogs look like beautiful snow-white furballs. The truth is that their beautiful thick double coats do need a lot of brushing and can shed quite a lot. But what makes them suitable for allergic owners is that the Samoyeds do not have so much dander and do not drool as much as other large pups.
The Samoyed is usually about 23.5 inches tall and can weigh up to 65 lbs.
It is a bright and energetic dog, which was developed for sled pulling in the deep snow and freezing temperatures of Siberia.
What makes it unique is the sweet smile on its face, which is actually due to a physical trait that developed to prevent drooling, and icicles from forming on the pup’s face.
These hypoallergenic pups love and crave human attention and companionship, so they are not ideal for households where nobody is home during most of the day.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
When you look at this impressive dreadlock-like coated large dog, you probably think that this coat sheds uncontrollably. But the truth is that the unique coats of these shepherd dogs almost do not fall off or shed.
The coat is made of three different layers of hair, which form flat felted flocks. Best of all, this coat doesn’t shed.
Its height at the shoulder is up to 24.5 inches, and it weighs from 55 to 85 lbs.
The Bergamasco Sheepdog has moderate exercise needs and is a calm dog, so it is an excellent option if you are not too active.
Please note that this is a relatively rare dog breed, so its price may be quite steep, and it can be difficult to find. But the good news is that due to it not being overbred, chances are that it will be healthy and without any genetic mutations.
Keep in mind that it is a dog breed that will feel better if you live in a colder climate.
Doodle Hybrid Breeds
The so-called “Doodle” breeds are hybrid breeds that are half Poodle and half another breed. The first Doodle was actually created as a hypoallergenic guide dog for a person who needed an assistant dog but suffered from dog allergies.
Today there are doodle dogs that have parents that are also doodles.
Poodles are known as some of the best hypoallergenic dogs. They are also intelligent, friendly, and excellent companions and working dogs.
Some of the more common Doodle dog breeds include the Labradoodle, the Goldendoodle, the Sheepadoodle, the Bernedoodle, and more.
Please note, though, that the non-shedding trait of the poodle parent may or may not be passed down to the hybrid offspring. So, not all Doodles are equally hypoallergenic and on-shedding.
Pros of Owning a Large Hypoallergenic Dog
The most obvious benefit of adding a large hypoallergenic pup to your family is that it is less likely to aggravate allergic reactions in you or anybody else who has dog allergies in your home.
Large dogs are usually more active and have higher energy needs than smaller lapdogs, so they are more suitable for people who like the outdoors and lead active lifestyles.
Large dogs also need proper and timely training and socializing due to their size and strength, so they are suitable for more experienced or confident owners.
At the same time, the list above contains some dog breeds that are easier to train and can be perfect for first-time owners. And we have added a few big hypoallergenic dogs, which are not as high in energy as the others.
Tips For Minimizing Your Allergic Reactions From Your Large Dog
While these breeds are considered hypoallergenic, no dog is completely hypoallergenic. But there are ways to minimize the allergens and triggers of unwanted allergic reactions if you share a home with such a large dog.
- Brush and comb your dog as regularly as possible to minimize the shedding
- Bathe your pup once a week with a mild shampoo or with water only
- Remove any rugs, carpets, and other carpeting which can collect dog hairs and dander
- Wash your bedding and the pup’s bed and leash frequently
- Do not let your four-legged companion in bed or in your bedroom with you if you are allergic
- Use an air purifier to clean your air from airborne allergens
- Use a suitable washable car seat cover for your dog if you take it on car rides with you
FAQ
Which of the hypoallergenic dog breeds is the largest?
The Giant Schnauzer can reach a weight of 90 lbs. and more.
Are all hypoallergenic dogs non-shedding?
No. Most of these dogs still shed, but they shed much less than other dog breeds. Others are considered hypoallergenic because they do not have so much dander or do not drool as much.
Which is the smartest large hypoallergenic dog breed?
The Poodle is among the top most intelligent dog breeds in the world.
How much does a sizeable hypoallergenic dog cost?
This depends on the breed you have chosen. You can expect to pay between $500 to $2,500 and more for a purebred dog.
Remember to check your local animal shelters for large hypoallergenic dogs in need of a home. The adoption fee is much lower.
Final Words
Some large-sized dogs are considered hypoallergenic for one reason or another, which is great news for allergic dog lovers.
Please, choose a pup wisely so that it is suitable for your lifestyle and preferences.
Also, don’t forget that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, so be prepared to perform more grooming and cleaning and take extra precautions to reduce the risk of allergic reactions to your furbaby.
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