If you like big dogs and are looking for hypoallergenic breeds to adopt, I can help. I’ve done some research on the best big hypoallergenic dog breeds that don’t shed or likely won’t make you itch.
This article on Stacker.com focused on 23 dog breeds that are probably good for families with allergies. However, the dogs they covered were of all sizes.
I know that certain families will only consider adopting bigger dog breeds. For example, our former neighbors always had Great Danes. I always found it amusing that this family loved having big dogs when they were actually pretty small people–the mom didn’t even crack five feet tall.
Speaking of small, here are the top small dog breeds that are hypoallergenic.
Big Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
As many as three in 10 allergy sufferers in the United States are sensitive to cats and dogs, according to The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America—an unfortunate prognosis for any animal lover.
Allergies are the result of oversensitive immune systems, which can be triggered by a pet’s dander, urine, or saliva to bring on allergic reactions.
In addition, pet hair—which in and of itself is not an allergen—can transport other allergens such as pollen. Because of this, some people may believe they have a pet allergy when it is the dust or pollen on a pet’s coat that is triggering an allergic reaction.
Though no dogs are truly 100% allergy-proof—and everyone’s allergies are different—the following breeds have non-shedding coats that produce significantly less dander. Also, with big dog lovers in mind, this is a win-win–these are all large dog breeds that are also hypoallergenic.
FYI, for the purpose of this roundup, I’m defining big or large dog breeds as any pup over 50 pounds. I realize that some people would consider a dog big or large at a much higher weight. But really those dogs over 100 pounds are usually considered to be extra large dog breeds, not just regular large.
Finally, I’m a big believer in dog adoption. Therefore, whenever possible, I’ve included information about breed-specific rescues that may be able to help match you with a hypoallergenic dog in need of a home.
Xoloitzcuintli Dog Breed
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The Xoloitzcuintli is a 3,000-year-old breed that dates back to the time of the Aztecs. How do you pronounce this dog breed? According to the AKC, this is how you sound the breed name out: “show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee.”
Yes, that’s a mouthful. From what I understand, owners refer to the breed by its nickname–Xolo or “show low.”
Also, some people call it the Mexican hairless dog. That makes sense.
For big dog lovers, you want to look for the standard size Xoloitzcuintli. (The breed also has a miniature and toy version.) The standard Xolo weighs about 55 pounds.
So, why is the Xolo a hypoallergenic breed? The dog does not have any hair, so it doesn’t shed any dander. Owners might need to apply sunscreen to the dogs before prolonged sun exposure, however.
You can search on Petfinder for Xolo dogs available for adoption.
Finally, the AKC recognized the Xolo as a new purebred dog breed in 2011.
Afghan hound
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You’ve probably seen the Afghan hound depicted in popular animated movies. With its gorgeous shock of parted hair, this dog just oozes sophistication and grace.
Also, despite the Afghan hound’s long, silky locks, this breed is, in fact, hypoallergenic. That’s because though they shed, they shed very little.
Still, prospective owners should expect to spend plenty of time bathing, brushing, and grooming an Afghan hound. These dogs can weigh up to 75 pounds.
I found an Afghan hound-specific rescue on the West Coast. It is the Afghan Hound Rescue of Southern California. Its mission is “to rescue stray, abandoned, relinquished and/ or impounded Afghan Hounds.”
Portuguese water dog
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You may have never heard about this breed, Portuguese water dog, until 2008. That’s when then President Obama and his family adopted Bo.
You see, Mr. Obama had promised his daughters, Sasha and Malia, that if he became president, they could finally get a dog. He kept true to his word, and the family chose the Portuguese water dog because of the family allergies. They needed a hypoallergenic breed.
Five years later the Obama family welcomed a second Portuguese water dog. This dog was named Sunny.
Some people say that the Portuguese water dog is on the cusp of being a large breed. Males can weigh as much as 60 pounds.
As far as adopting a Portuguese water dog, you may want to check out the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. This club has a rescue arm that helps place the breed with adopters.
Standard Poodle
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One of the most popular hypoallergenic breeds for people with allergies is the poodle. Now, when it comes to finding a big dog, you’ll want to adopt a standard poodle. They can weigh up to 65 pounds.
While poodles often have the reputation of being a prissy dog, they are typically eager, energetic and extraordinarily smart. As far as their being hypoallergenic, that’s because of their soft, fluffy coats, which do not shed.
You can find standard poodle rescues with dogs to adopt on Petfinder.
Finally, poodles are on this list of the friendliest dog breeds.
Airedale
Technically, the Airedale is the Airedale Terrier Dog. Of all the terrier breeds, the Airedale is the largest. They can weigh as much as 65 pounds.
With very little shedding and also little drooling (since saliva can be an irritant for those with allergies), we can safely put the Airedale in the category of big hypoallergenic dogs.
There are dozens of regional Airedale rescue groups across the country.
Irish water spaniel
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The Irish water spaniel’s tight, reddish-brown curls are a big part of the reason this dog qualifies as hypoallergenic. Like the Portuguese water dog, water just rolls off of its coat. And it doesn’t shed.
As far as fitting into the category of big dogs, female Irish water spaniels can weigh close to 60 pounds and males close to 65 pounds.
The Irish Water Spaniel Club of America can help with adoption and rescue of this breed.
Check out these dog breed calendars.
This article has been re-published pursuant to a CC BY-NC 4.0 License.