Are There Any Large Dog Breeds That Dont Shed

By Roger Gibson


Pet fur can be a problem for many people especially asthma sufferers. It is impossible for any animal to cease shedding any dander and fur, but there are some dogs which lose less fur than others. Most of these tend to be smaller dogs and there are only a few large dog breeds that dont shed.

Dogs are often referred to as non-shedding but that is really a misnomer as all dogs molt. If you do have problems with asthma it is worth checking that pet fur is not a trigger. To minimize the problem, you can vacuum regularly and damp dust to remove fur and dander. Try to keep your pet away from where you sleep and always wash your hands after you stroke them.

For people who need a pet that is known to shed very little, Poodles are a good choice. There are also many breeders selling Poodle crosses such as the Cockerpoo and Labradoodle. However, if there is not much Poodle in the breeding these are still likely to molt so check the ancestry before buying.

Coats that are water resistant are usually low shedders which is also true of dogs that are bred for water. Bo, the pet of the Obama family made Portuguese Water Dogs world famous when he appeared in photos of the White House and First Family. The Irish Water Spaniel also has a curly coat which sheds very little.

Bushy eyebrows and hairy face are the distinctive traits of the Giant Schnauzer. The main body of their coat is clipped short which helps reduce molting and just the face and paws are left long and silky. Unless you are competent with clippers these will need professional grooming.

The Bouvier des Flandres or Flanders Cattle Dog is often cited as non-shedding but it is their thick double coat which prevents the fur reaching the floor. This thick coat while protecting owners from falling fur does require regular grooming otherwise the cost becomes very matted. The breed nearly became extinct during the First World War and most of Belgium was a battlefield and the dogs were used in the trenches and for military work.

There is no easy way to tell if any particular dog will produce more or less fur. At the puppy stage they all tend to have fuzzy coats that they will change as they reach adulthood. Regular grooming with a brush or comb that best suits your pets fur will greatly reduce any shedding and keep them looking in top condition. Regular bathing in a mild shampoo will also reduce dander which can cause an allergic reaction.

When selecting your pet make sure their personality fits your lifestyle. You should not have an energetic pet which needs a lot of walking if you do not have the time or space to exercise it. Highly intelligent dogs will need training and kept active to prevent bad behavior from boredom. If you do not have time to groom or do not want to spend money on a professional groomer then consider a short haired breed that will be less work but does molt a little.




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