Are you a dedicated dog lover but are prone to pet allergies? Or is it that you are tired of cleaning dog fur every day? Whatever the case might be, the best option for you would be to adopt a dog from the below list of big hypoallergenic dogs to ensure a risk-free life.
That being said, the most important fact to keep in mind is that no dog is 100% allergen-free, and owning a hypoallergenic dog does not mean your pet will not shed at all. That is biologically impossible as furry animals are born this way. It is just that hypoallergenic dogs tend to shed comparatively less or sometimes so little that it is barely noticeable.
Hypoallergenic means something less likely to cause allergic reactions. If you are a dog lover but lost hope because of the high risk of pet allergies, you need to understand that it is not the hair that causes allergies but the dander that lies in the haircoat of the dog. When the hair sheds, dander melds with the air and causes allergies.
Traditionally, it is believed that small dogs are hypoallergenic and the perfect choice for people prone to pet allergies—this is not true. For years, dog breeders have been trying to create dog breeds that are 100 percent hypoallergenic. In the past, the most common hypoallergenic breeds were the ones that were smaller in size, but that is not the case anymore. There is good news for people who love to cuddle with big fluffy dogs. After thorough research, we have compiled a list of the six big hypoallergenic dogs that can be a perfect fit for all the dog lovers out there who are prone to pet allergies.
Poodle
Talking about hypoallergenic dogs? How can you not mention Poodle at the top of the list? Standard poodles shed comparatively less than other dogs of the same size. They have a touch of royalty and sophistication.
- They are very intelligent, smart, and affectionate
- They are highly hypoallergenic
- They require less grooming
- They are athletic dogs with a touch of sophistication
- They want attention and love to exercise. so, if you are an outgoing and active person, a poodle can be a perfect choice
- They have a minimal release of dander
- They are highly trainable
Even though poodles have dense, curly coats, including the topcoat and the curly coat, they don’t shed much. Standard poodles are large dogs that weigh up to 60 lbs. They are high-maintenance dogs. Remember, poodles come in all sizes, large and small.
The Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers as the name suggests, are hypoallergenic dogs who are extremely big and strong. Because of their large size, they are bred as herding or guard dogs. They even have a history of working in the military or as police dogs in Europe. And interestingly, Giant Schnauzers were also used as messenger dogs in world war one and world war 2. They weigh from 65 – 90 lbs. and can grow up to 27 inches in height. Here’s why you should choose Giant Schnauzer as your pet dog:
- They are extremely loyal, highly obedient, and excellent guardians of their home
- They are highly energetic and active dogs
- They are hypoallergenic
- They are highly strong-willed
- Have very little dander
- They are born as natural protectors
Read: Are Pugs Hypoallergenic?
However, Giant Schnauzer needs a lot of grooming, regular brushing, and hair trimming. If you are a new owner and haven’t pet a dog before then Giant Schnauzer may not be the right option for you as they can give you a hard time during training days. At the same time, because of their protective nature, they can be aggressive and dominant at times when they are triggered. However, it is their protective nature that makes them very loyal to their owners.
The Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds, dogs who are known for their long, silky, and straight hair coats, are hypoallergenic large-sized dogs. They are tall and have slender builds that look extremely gorgeous. With soulful eyes and an innocent adorable face, they are highly irresistible. Here’s what you need to know about Afghan Hounds:
- They have long and fine coats that don’t shed much
- They are hypoallergenic
- They are a perfect option for those with asthma
- They are extremely highly active dogs who can become rowdy when not given enough exercise
- They require a lot of grooming as their long hair can get tangled easily and quickly
- They require a lot of training
- They are highly athletic and are known to be excellent jumpers
- They are gentle with people and other pets
For beginners, petting an Afghan Hound can be a challenge as they require a lot of maintenance and care. Because of their jumping capabilities, they are not an option for you if you have yards with low fences. At the same time, they need to be kept on leash. An Afghan Hound weighs up to 65 lbs and can grow up to 27 inches tall.
The Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is another large and hypoallergenic breed. They are known to be the best dogs for families who have kids as they enjoy their time with them and are patient enough to deal with children who pet them wrong or are naughty enough to trigger them. They have curly hair and don’t produce enough dander or shed much. Here’s what you need to know about the Portuguese Water Dogs:
- They are curly hair dogs who are highly hypoallergenic as they produce no dander
- They make excellent guard dogs
- They love to exercise
- As the name suggests, Portuguese water dogs love to swim
- They require a lot of grooming due to thick hair coat
- They have webbed toes
- They have a single hair coat and no undercoat
- They are highly energetic
In the past, Portuguese Water Dogs were bred to help fishermen by cleverly assisting fish into the waiting nets. They are extremely large and can weigh up to 60 lbs. They are normally 22 inches tall and can be an excellent choice for dog lovers prone to pet allergies.
The Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel can be another great option for you. Irish Water Spaniels are known for their playful nature. Irish Water Spaniels are pretty much similar to Poodle as they even have similar historical backgrounds. Here is what you need to know about Irish Water Spaniels.
- They are known for their playful nature
- They love to exercise and enjoy swimming
- They are highly energetic dogs
- They are hypoallergenic
- Their coat does not shed much
- They require a lot of brushing due to their thick, tightly curled hair
- They are great companions
- They are highly adaptable
- They need constant socialization
The Irish Water Spaniels are a little smaller than Portuguese Water Dogs. They weigh up to 65 lbs and grow up to 23 inches. The coats on their body are made up of multiple textures. The hair on the back, rear, and side are tightly curled, while the fur on the throat and legs is loosely curled. If you are not that outgoing, then Irish Water Spaniels are not the right choice for you as they demand a lot of socializing.
Samoyeds
Samoyeds are adorable, angle-like, white-colored double coat dogs that are also classified as hypoallergenic. Samoyeds have a lot of furs and are super fluffy. They are super easy to keep at home and love human companionship. When owning a Samoyed, you have to keep them busy with different activities so that they don’t feel the lack of companionship as they are highly demanding. Here is what you need to know about Samoyeds.
- They are white colored dogs who love companionship
- They are hypoallergenic
- They produce little to no dander
- They are fluffy and furry
- They are playful
- They have adaptable nature
- They are cold-climate dogs
- They require brushing and grooming to prevent tangles
- They are active and love to exercise
- They are wolf-like dogs and have gained massive popularity after the famous television series “The Game of Thrones”
- They are hunting dogs with natural hunting instincts but are not aggressive
Samoyed weighs up to 65 lbs. and can grow up to a meter tall. Because of their non-aggressive nature, they are perfect family dogs.