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Large dogs are often seen as heavy shedders, leaving owners battling dog hair around the house. However, some larger breeds shed surprisingly little. These low-shedding dogs are perfect for those who love big dogs but want to avoid excessive grooming and fur buildup on furniture. Several large breeds are known for their minimal shedding, offering the best of both worlds: they remain loyal, playful companions while keeping the shedding under control. These breeds provide the joy of having a big dog without the hassle of constant hair cleanup.
Samoyed
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While Samoyeds are known for their thick, fluffy coats, they do not shed as much as many people might think. Their double-layered coat helps regulate their temperature, but regular grooming is needed to manage shedding. Samoyeds shed most heavily during seasonal transitions, but their hair doesn’t constantly fill up your home. These dogs are known for their friendly and energetic personalities, making them great companions for active families despite their fluffy coats.
Portuguese Water Dog
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Originally bred for work on fishing boats, the Portuguese Water Dog is a sturdy, medium-to-large breed with a water-resistant, curly coat. They shed very little, making them ideal for people who want a large, energetic dog but are concerned about shedding. Their curly coat does require frequent grooming to maintain, but it doesn’t contribute to excessive fur buildup in your home. Portuguese Water Dogs are loyal, intelligent, and love water, which makes them great companions for adventurous families.
Schnauzer
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The giant Schnauzer is a large, powerful breed with a thick, wiry coat. While their coat sheds very little, it does require regular hand-stripping or clipping to maintain its distinct look. This breed’s coat makes it ideal for people with mild allergies or those looking for a dog that won’t shed all over the house. Giant Schnauzers are known for their loyalty and intelligence, making them excellent working dogs and wonderful companions for active families.
Irish Water Spaniel
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Known for their curly, water-resistant coats, the Irish Water Spaniel is another large breed that doesn’t shed much. Their curly fur requires regular grooming to keep it healthy, but it sheds minimally, which makes them great for homes that don’t want to deal with excessive hair. These dogs are energetic, and intelligent, and enjoy outdoor activities, especially water-based ones. Irish Water Spaniels are great for active families who want a large, low-shedding dog with a fun, loving personality.
Basenji
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Basenjis are medium-sized dogs, but they have a distinct, short coat that sheds very little. They are known for being “barkless” due to their unique vocalizations, and their minimal shedding is an added bonus for those who don’t want a dog that leaves hair everywhere. Basenjis are clean and low-maintenance, requiring only occasional brushing. Despite their smaller size compared to some large breeds, they have the energy and curiosity of a bigger dog, making them an ideal low-shedding companion.
Komondor
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The Komondor is a large, impressive breed with long, corded hair that sheds very little. This breed’s unique coat requires regular care to prevent mats, but it doesn’t contribute to excessive shedding. The Komondor was originally bred to guard livestock, and their loyalty and protective nature make them excellent family pets and watchdogs. Despite their daunting appearance, these dogs are loving and protective, and their low-shedding coat makes them an appealing choice for people who are looking for a large, loyal companion.
Bernese Mountain Dog
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Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their thick, tri-colored coats, but surprisingly, they don’t shed as much as one might expect. While they do shed seasonally, the amount of hair they shed is minimal compared to other large breeds. Regular brushing during shedding seasons can help manage their fur, but overall, they are relatively low-shedding. Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle, affectionate, and great with families, making them an excellent option for those seeking a large, low-shedding dog.
Lagotto Romagnolo
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The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium-to-large dog that sheds very little due to its dense, curly coat. Their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, but their shedding is minimal. These dogs are known for being energetic, intelligent, and excellent truffle hunters. Their low-shedding nature makes them a great choice for people with allergies, and their playful, affectionate personality makes them a great addition to any family.
Havanese
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Havanese are small to medium-sized dogs with a silky, long coat that shed very little. Their low-shedding coat is more like human hair than typical dog fur, which means they are great for people with allergies. Regular grooming is needed to keep their coats looking nice, but they are very clean and easy to care for in terms of shedding. Havanese are affectionate, social dogs that make wonderful companions, and their minimal shedding makes them ideal for homes looking for a tidy, low-maintenance dog.
The Fur-Free Giants
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Having a large dog doesn’t have to mean dealing with excessive shedding. Some low-shedding breeds combine size, loyalty, and cleanliness, offering the perfect balance for families. If you’ve been dreaming of adding a big dog to your home but are concerned about the fur mess, these breeds are the answer. You can enjoy all the joy and companionship of a larger dog without the constant worry about shedding. These breeds prove that big dogs can be low-maintenance when it comes to grooming!