Many popular sheepdogs, like the Old English, Border Collie, or German Shepherd, shed all year round thanks to their dense, double coats. Hence, hypoallergenic herding dogs can be pretty tough to find.
If you’re looking for a lively and confident companion to complete your family — we’ve found five breeds that shouldn’t trigger your allergies.
What Makes a Herding Dog Hypoallergenic?
Herding breeds share a fabulous ability to control the movement of other animals.
However, the majority of these dogs kept as family pets, never cross paths with other farm animals. That said, gently herding family members, especially kids, is not uncommon.
In general, they’re super intelligent pups and make excellent companions who are fast learners.
Hypoallergenic sheepdogs tend to boast all of the above qualities, but are also:
- Low shedding.
- Low dander dogs.
- Have ‘dander-trapping’ coats — such as curly, wiry, wavy, or corded.
- Less likely to drool excessively.
Our Five Non Shedding Herding Dogs
While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, we’ve picked five sheepdogs considered more allergy-friendly than their canine counterparts. These breeds either fall within the AKC’s Herding Group or those eligible for its Herding Program.
With a shaggy double coat, Bouviers des Flandres are quite unique as herding dogs that don’t shed. A majestic Belgian breed, Bouviers were bred for hard work and can turn their paws to almost anything.
Loose hairs get trapped in that rough, medium-length coat. Brushing at least once a week is a must to prevent tangles and matting. Plus, professional grooming is recommended every few months.
As traditional herding dogs, they will need at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day to burn off that energy, and if bored may become destructive. These dogs do best with active owners who will take them hiking or jogging. Loyal and protective they also make great guard or watchdogs.
To learn more, check out our guide on the Bouvier de Flandres.
2. Puli
At just 16 inches tall, this compact hypoallergenic sheep dog from Hungary is probably best known for its distinctive dreads. Their coat becomes naturally corded around the age of 9 months — as the undercoat starts to grow.
The Puli rarely sheds, and dead hair clings to and forms part of their tight cords. A low-maintenance coat, it often takes up to two days to dry naturally. Thus, a Puli shouldn’t be bathed too frequently, only once their coat gets dirty. However, you may need to regularly separate the cords by hand to prevent a matted mess.
Pulik are very affectionate, fun-loving, hardworking, intelligent, and super agile herders. But, they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation, and a firm but fair hand when training.
To learn more, check out our guide on the Puli.
Most water dogs belong to the AKC Sporting Group as they were bred to retrieve. However, the Spanish Water Dog is different. This ancient breed could also herd and protect livestock, so belongs to the Herding Group.
There’s no shedding or drooling with a Spanish Water Dog, and their coat doesn’t demand too much attention either. The thick corded coat doesn’t need brushing but does require frequent trims to keep it in top condition.
A high-energy breed, the SWD will need a minimum of one hour per day of either running, swimming, playing fetch or even herding to stay in shape. They’re loving, friendly dogs who get along well with other pets — making a great addition to any active family.
To learn more, check out our guide on the Spanish Water Dog.
Not officially in the AKC Herding Group, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier worked as farm dogs in their native Ireland, and were particularly adept at herding. Although in the Terrier group, the Wheaten is eligible to take part in the AKC Herding Program.
A medium-sized hypoallergenic dog, this Terrier has a single coat of silky, wavy hair that rarely sheds. It can be more difficult to maintain though, with daily brushing needed to prevent matting of their often scruffy coats.
With a herding heritage, they’re smart yet sensitive and retain some of the stubbornness of a Terrier — so, when training, be firm, but not harsh. The perfect pooch for families with kids, the Wheaten is playful and energetic, yet not as crazy as others in the Terrier family. But, they do have that love-to-dig Terrier trait.
To learn more, check our guide on the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
5. Samoyed
While better known as sled dogs, Samoyeds were also known to herd and protect reindeer. Their stunning thick, hypoallergenic fluffy white coat was developed to keep the pup warm in the extreme conditions of Siberia.
The Samoyed sheds moderately and needs daily brushing — especially when they “blow” their coats during spring and fall. But, they’re low dander-producing dogs, and that distinctive Sammie smile stops them from drooling — originally preventing icicles from forming.
Samoyeds adore spending time with their family pack, and they love long walks with their owners. However, if they grab an opportunity, they will wander — for miles. So, secure your yard, and when out for walks, keep them leashed.
To learn more, check out our Samoyed breed profile.
Conclusion
For allergy sufferers looking to experience the loyalty, intelligence, and work ethic of a herding dog, there are choices.
But, keep in mind that these dogs need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Failure to acknowledge this, and you could find your canine channeling their frustrations through destructive behavior.
In short, hypoallergenic herding dogs are great dogs for the right people. If you can commit the time and energy, you will be rewarded with a loyal, loving companion.
Hypoallergenic Herding Dogs FAQs
What Is the Biggest Hypoallergenic Dog?
While many of the hypoallergenic herding dogs we have looked at are large dogs, the largest of the hypoallergenic breeds is the Giant Schnauzer or Afghan Hound. Both can reach heights of over 27 inches at the shoulder.
What Is the Calmest Herding Dog?
Old English Sheepdogs can be gentle giants, but they’re also heavy shedders.
A hypoallergenic herding dog, like the Samoyed, has a very gentle nature and is great with kids. Smaller pups, such as the Miniature Schnauzer can also make great herding dogs, yet with their size, have much lower energy needs. Hence, are quite happy to chill out when at home.
Are Blue Heelers Hypoallergenic?
NO! The Blue Heeler, aka the Australian Cattle Dog, has a double coat that sheds all year round.
What Is the Smartest Hypoallergenic Dog?
One of the qualities many people admire in herding dogs is their level of intelligence, making them much easier to train. Although not officially a herding breed, the hypoallergenic Standard Poodle was originally bred for retrieving waterfowl.
