Medium Hypoallergenic Dogs
What Are Medium Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds?
First off, no dog on Earth is 100% hypoallergenic and totally allergy-free. But you can find a dog that’s more allergy-friendly than other breeds. These are often referred to as ‘hypoallergenic dogs.’
Allergies to dogs are caused by proteins found in a canine’s urine, dander, and drool. Hypoallergenic dogs don’t drool very much and are low shedding.
For a more detailed look, check out our article on What is a Hypoallergenic Dog?
Medium Dogs That Don’t Shed Much
The more fur a dog sheds increases the chance of causing allergy symptoms. If you have a dog that’s a big shedder, it will be spreading allergens all over your home — from floors to sofas and anywhere else it can reach.
Medium Dogs That Don’t Drool
When it comes to allergies, you probably don’t think of drool as a big issue. But dog slobber can cause huge problems for allergy sufferers — it can get all over your home. Dog drool contains allergen proteins, which is what triggers the allergic reaction.
Medium Dogs With Less Dander
Every dog sheds dander, which is made up of dead skin cells. But hypoallergenic dog breeds are slightly different — they’re low shedding, meaning they shed less dander around your home. Dander is often caught in the coat of the hypoallergenic dog. Hence, it’s not being released into the air.
List of Medium Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds — Medium Non-Shedding Dogs
A medium-sized hypoallergenic dog can be the perfect dog for people with allergies. Medium dogs can be the happy balance in size and energy levels for many dog lovers with pet allergies.
Non-shedding medium dogs can be a wonderful addition to any family. Whether you’re looking for a low-shedding dog that doesn’t leave dog hair all over the furniture, or you specifically need a non-allergenic dog because you have dog allergies.
Check out this list of 21 medium sized hypoallergenic dog breeds, to find the best hypoallergenic dog for you.
18 Medium Sized Hypoallergenic Dogs
- Basenji (African Hunting Dog)
- Bedlington Terrier
- Border Terrier (small to medium dog)
- Irish Terrier
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Lagotto Romagnolo (small to medium dog)
- Peruvian Inca Orchid
- Poodle (Toy, Miniature and Standard) (small, medium, large dog)
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Puli
- Samoyed (medium to large dog)
- Spanish Water Dog
- Standard Schnauzer
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Tibetan Terrier
- Welsh Terrier
- Wire Fox Terrier
- Standard Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless) (medium to large dog)
1. Basenji
The Basenji is a medium-sized dog with a short smooth coat. They’re also known as Africa’s Barkless Dog — indeed, they don’t physically bark. But they do make a strange noise, a little like a yodel.
Sweet-natured as well as intelligent, Basenjis are very particular when it comes to cleanliness — some would say they’re akin to cats for their grooming skills.
However, this dog has boundless energy. And, they can be difficult to train thanks to their intelligence and uncanny desire to get into mischief wherever possible.
Basenji Pros
- Highly intelligent.
- Low grooming requirements.
- Outgoing and friendly nature.
Basenji Cons
- Can be destructive if left unattended.
- Not great with small children.
- Extremely tricky to train.
The Bedlington Terrier is most certainly a unique-looking dog — a little like a lamb with its wooly head of hair.
Don’t be fooled by their sheep-like appearance, they do require a fair amount of exercise. Under that crisp and curly coat, they’re a Terrier with a high energy need.
These Terriers are playful and spirited, and are quite protective of their family. They can also be stubborn, so training can sometimes be challenging.
Bedlington Terrier Pros
- Great playmates for children.
- Quite sensitive — patience is needed.
- Occasional barker.
Bedlington Terrier Cons
- Can be stubborn and pig-headed.
- Requires a lot of off-lead exercise.
- Need clipping every two months.
The Border Terrier has a wiry double coat that requires very little grooming from one week to the next. But when they hit their seasonal shedding, they will require daily brushing.
These dogs have medium energy levels, so plenty of daily exercise is in order. And, as they’re Terriers, they love a game of ‘chase the small animal.’
Amazing with children, Border Terriers make great family dogs. But they can be a little over-excitable, so are probably better suited to older children.
Border Terrier Pros
- Good with older children.
- Highly intelligent.
- Low maintenance coat.
Border Terrier Cons
- Escape artists.
- Prone to boredom barking.
- Strong hunting instincts.
The Irish Terrier has a wiry double coat that requires regular brushing, stripping, and trimming. That said, on the plus side, they shed very little.
They make amazing family dogs due to their love of children and their affectionate nature — yet they aren’t so tolerant of other fellow K9s. And, with a courageous and vigilant nature, they’ll be an awesome loyal watchdog.
With an average energy level, Irish Terriers can be trained with some commitment and consistency. These dogs also need a lot of mental stimulation.
Irish Terrier Pros
- Amazing family dogs.
- Loyal nature.
- Affectionate nature.
Irish Terrier Cons
- Doesn’t mix well with other canines.
- Needs to keep busy.
- Not the easiest to train.
The Kerry Blue is a comical and happy canine. However, they must be with their human at all times — there is no privacy once you have a Kerry.
Their wavy coat does require daily brushing and it’s prone to picking up and tracking in the outdoors. But on a lighter note, they’re a very low-shedding breed.
Known for their stubborn streak, Kerry Blue Terriers can be difficult to train, but consistency will prevail.
Kerry Blue Terrier Pros
- Happy clown-like personality.
- Affectionate family dog.
- Very good with young children.
Kerry Blue Terrier Cons
- Can be aggressive to other dogs.
- Requires a lot of grooming.
- Stubborn and independent streak.
The Lagotto Romagnolo is a curly double-coated teddy bear-like pup that doesn’t require a huge amount of grooming. They shed very little, making them a smart choice for allergy sufferers.
They have moderate exercise requirements but demand lots of mental stimulation to keep them entertained. Training the Truffle dog is straightforward though, but Lagottos may never learn how to lose their propensity for digging.
The Lagotto is a lovey-dovey dog that adores their family. This breed is playful and good with strangers, but they aren’t amazing with younger children.
Lagotto Romagnolo Pros
- Highly adaptable.
- Low shedding.
- Relatively low maintenance coat.
Lagotto Romagnolo Cons
- Needs a lot of mental stimulation.
- Natural-born diggers.
- Can be territorial.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid dog is a quirky-looking pooch that’s hairless. They hardly shed and have minimal grooming requirements. But, they aren’t outdoor dogs — you’ll need to invest in sunscreen and winter jackets for this breed.
Very loving dogs with family, yet Incas are only average with young children. As a sighthound, they have a strong desire to chase, so may not be the best choice if you have little ones.
The Peruvian has relatively high energy levels, and mental stimulation is required to keep them happy. They’re also tough to train, so be prepared for the challenge.
Peruvian Inca Orchid Pros
- Little grooming required.
- Loving family dogs.
- Excellent guardian dogs.
Peruvian Inca Orchid Cons
- Definitely not outdoor dogs.
- Can be difficult to train.
- Requires a lot of exercise.
8. Poodle
The Poodle is one of the most popular hypoallergenic dog breeds. They’re affectionate with family and amazing with children.
Although their single coat is long and curly, it sheds minimally. That said, they do demand a lot of grooming — unless you decide to keep their coat clipped short.
Poodles are highly intelligent and superb students — training isn’t difficult — even for first-timers. They love canine sports — especially swimming — which is great, as they’re also a super-active breed that needs daily exercise for both their brain and body.
Poodle Pros
- Super smart and skilled at learning commands.
- Affectionate and make amazing family dogs.
- Low shedding.
Poodle Cons
- High-maintenance grooming.
- Requires a lot of mental stimulation.
- Can be barkers.
After the Poodle, the Portuguese Water Dog is the ideal hypoallergenic dog. The only downside is that their long curly coat requires a lot of attention. But they don’t shed much.
Amazingly affectionate with both adults and children alike. Good with other dogs, and even though they’re open to strangers, Porties still make fantastic watchdogs.
Porties are incredibly energetic doggies, thus they need a family with like-minded energy levels to oblige their exercise needs. And guess what….they love to swim.
Portuguese Water Dog Pros
- Amazing with adults and children.
- Bright minded.
- Vigilant protectors.
Portuguese Water Dog Cons
- Need huge amounts of exercise.
- Known to be chewers.
- Can be destructive when bored.
10. Puli
The Puli is a one-of-a-kind-looking canine with a corded double coat. They shed very little, but they do need daily grooming to keep those cords in tip-top condition.
They’re very affectionate dogs but aren’t the best choice if you have young children — their herding instincts may kick in. However, their protective and vigilant nature bodes well for being a family protector.
While a fast learner, Pulik are also control freaks. Hence, a firm but fair approach to training should be employed. You’ll also need to keep their mind busy, as they can rapidly become bored.
Puli Pros
- Make great watchdogs.
- Eager to please.
- Loving and affectionate nature.
Puli Cons
- High maintenance coat.
- Not great with young children.
- Need lots of mental stimulation.
11. Samoyed
The smiley, fluffy, double-coated Samoyed doesn’t look like your average hypoallergenic dog. Their white coat sheds quite a bit, especially during shedding season. However, they don’t produce much dander and can’t drool either.
Sammies are super sociable — they very much love being part of the ‘pack’ and being involved with all activities. They’re devoted to their family and are good with children — the perfect family dog!
They have a lot of energy and require plenty of daily exercise to burn that off. Samoyeds are above average for trainability, but the same can be said for barking — they like to make themselves heard.
Samoyed Pros
- Affectionate nature.
- Amazing family dogs.
- Friends with everyone.
Samoyed Cons
- Shed more than most hypoallergenic dogs.
- High energy.
- Known to bark a lot.
A dog that could be mistaken for the Poodle, the curly corded coat of the Spanish Water Dog sheds very little. And, the similarities continue, this breed also has some high-maintenance grooming needs.
Their playful and loyal nature makes them a really good choice for families, especially with young children. However, they are a bit suspicious of new faces, so may not be the most sociable around strangers.
Spanish Water Dogs require a lot of exercise and are a bit of a handful to train, although they do have a love of problem-solving.
Spanish Water Dog Pros
- Good problem solvers.
- Devoted and loyal nature.
- Highly intelligent.
Spanish Water Dog Cons
- High prey drive.
- Very energetic and need constant activity.
- Suspicious of strangers.
The Standard Schnauzer has a wiry double coat that hardly sheds at all. And, their grooming demands, although not excessive, require some special techniques.
They’re another hypo dog that will fit in well with family life and are good with young kids. They have a playful, yet alert nature and have an excellent watchful instinct.
When it comes to exercise, they’re energetic and want to be involved in family activities. Standard Schnauzers are eager to please, making them easy to train, but be prepared that these pooches quickly get bored with repetitive training.
Standard Schnauzer Pros
- Wonderful protective nature.
- Quick learners.
- Good family dogs.
Standard Schnauzer Cons
- Doesn’t like being left alone for long.
- Gets bored easily.
- Needs lots of brain training.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier has a silky coat that sheds very little but they do demand a fair bit of grooming.
They’re happy, soft-hearted dogs that are gentle and patient with children of all ages. The Wheaten would make a great addition to any family.
These playful dogs have a lot of energy to burn off, so daily exercise is required. They can be trained, but often have their own agenda — be prepared for the challenge. Wheatens also have a typical Terrier prey drive.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Pros
- Happy, loving nature.
- Good family dog.
- Very little shedding.
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Cons
- Daily grooming is required.
- Challenging to train.
- Bags of energy.
15. Tibetan Terrier
Looking a bit like the Lhasa Apso, Tibetan Terriers have a long double coat that’s low shedding, but it’s by no means low maintenance. If their coat is left to grow out, they can also be confused for the Bearded Collie.
Even though they aren’t actual Terriers, these dogs can be a bit of a handful. They’re clever canines that can become destructive if left to their own devices.
While friendly and happy, the Tibetan still makes a great guard dog and is known to bark very readily. But their stubborn streak makes them difficult to train.
Tibetan Terrier Pros
- Happy and friendly nature.
- Great with kids.
- Intelligent.
Tibetan Terrier Cons
- Difficult to train.
- Can be destructive.
- Doesn’t like being alone.
16. Welsh Terrier
No, it’s not the Airedale, the Welsh Terrier has a typical Terrier coat that’s wiry and double. It doesn’t shed much, but does require some daily grooming.
They would be an amazing four-legged addition to any family — they’re loving, loyal, and great with children of all ages. They have a playful nature and are everyone’s friend, yet despite this, they also make good sentries.
The Welsh Terrier is intelligent and quite trainable. They do have relatively high energy levels, so they aren’t going to enjoy lounging on the couch all day. They’re also rather vocal.
Welsh Terrier Pros
- Loving and loyal.
- Good with children.
- Clever canines.
Welsh Terrier Cons
- Barker bow-wow.
- High energy.
- Need lots of mental stimulation.
17. Wire Fox Terrier
The Wire Fox Terrier has a wiry double coat that’s non-shedding. However, ensure you establish a regular grooming routine to keep their coat in good condition.
They’re loving and playful with family and are good with children young and old. Wire Fox Terriers are also everybody else’s friends, but they don’t gel too well with other friends of the four-legged kind.
Although they’re smart canines, these dogs can be a challenge to train. And, like many Terriers, Wire Foxes have a super high prey drive — watch them with small animals.
Wire Fox Terrier Pros
- Intelligent.
- Good family dogs.
- Low shedding.
Wire Fox Terrier Cons
- Diggers.
- High prey drive.
- Can be impulsive.
The Xoloitzcuintli has either a smooth short coat or is completely hairless. They’re minimal shedders, so perfect for allergy sufferers.
They adore their family and are faithful companions. They’re also tolerant of young children but make great guardians if trained properly.
Xolos are relatively high-energy dogs and are trainable. Yet, they don’t do well with being left alone — often suffering from separation anxiety.
Standard Xoloitzcuintli Pros
- Very low shedding.
- Family oriented.
- Easily trained.
Standard Xoloitzcuintli Cons
- Suffers from separation anxiety.
- Need a lot of mental stimulation.
- Structured playtime — a must.
Keeping Dog Allergies Under Control
The best non shedding medium dogs are less likely to trigger allergy symptoms but that doesn’t make them 100% allergy free. There are a few more things that you can do to make your hypoallergenic dog even better for your allergies.
You can help to reduce the allergens in your home by:
- Always brushing your dog outside — this will help to reduce the allergens in the atmosphere within your home.
- Preventing your dog from coming into contact with soft furnishings, such as sofas and beds.
- Using a pet-specific vacuum that comes with a HEPA filter.
- Regularly vacuuming and wiping down surfaces your dog has come into contact with.
- If you have a seasonal shedder, like the Samoyed, make sure to use a deshedding tool that will help to control the fur fallout.
Conclusion
Choosing to welcome a dog into your home is a big decision as well as bringing that missing piece to your family. But if you suffer from dog allergies, it can be even trickier.
If you feel that a medium-sized dog isn’t the perfect match for you, then maybe a small hypoallergenic dog or even a large hypoallergenic dog may be a better fit.
Heavy-shedding mid-sized dogs can be an allergy sufferer’s worst nightmare. Yet, by considering 21 medium hypoallergenic dogs, we hope that you’ll find the ideal companion for you and your family.
Medium Hypoallergenic Dogs That Don’t Shed FAQs
What Is the Best Medium Hypoallergenic Dog?
The best medium-sized hypoallergenic dog has to be the Poodle. They’re intelligent, friendly, and loyal. Plus, they have a coat that hardly sheds — perfect for allergy sufferers.
What Is the Number 1 Hypoallergenic Dog?
The number one hypoallergenic dog is either the Bichon Frise or the Poodle. They both have coats that are easy to maintain and are a great choice for allergy sufferers.
What Dog Is 100% Hypoallergenic?
No canine is 100% hypoallergenic, but it is possible to find breeds less likely to aggravate allergy symptoms. Such as:
Are There Any Medium Sized Hypoallergenic Dogs?
There are around 21 medium dog breeds that are non shedding, ranging from the athletic and intelligent Poodle to the unique-looking Puli.
What Is the Cutest Hypoallergenic Dog?
There is a huge choice of super cute hypoallergenic dogs. But, in our opinion, the most lovable medium-sized hypoallergenic dog is the Portuguese Water Dog. Their appearance is as equally cute as their character.
More Medium Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Medium Hypoallergenic Dogs Breed Articles
To learn more about your ideal hypoallergenic dog, check out our informative articles!
Peruvian Inca Orchid vs. Xoloitzcuintli
One holds a sacred place in Mexican society. In contrast, the other is considered the cultural...
Are Portuguese Water Dogs Hypoallergenic?
Are Portuguese Water Dogs Hypoallergenic?Yes! The Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized...
Are Kerry Blue Terriers Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Are Kerry Blue Terriers Hypoallergenic?Yes! The Kerry Blue Terrier is a medium-sized...
Are Welsh Terriers Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Are Welsh Terriers Hypoallergenic? Yes! The Welsh Terrier is a medium-sized hypoallergenic dog...
Is the Peruvian Inca Orchid Hypoallergenic?
Is the Peruvian Hairless Dog Hypoallergenic? 110%! The absence of hair makes the Peruvian Inca...
Is the Xoloitzcuintli Dog Hypoallergenic?
Are Xoloitzcuintles Dogs Hypoallergenic? Yes! Lack of hair makes Xolo dogs hypoallergenic. It also...
Are Spanish Water Dogs Hypoallergenic?
Are Spanish Water Dogs Hypoallergenic? Yes! The Spanish Water Dog is a low-maintenance,...
Are Pulis Hypoallergenic Dogs?
The Puli (or Pulik, plural) is a friendly, energetic, loyal dog who is very loving and makes a great watch dog! Their hair grows into dreadlocks as they get older, but even so, their coat takes a lot of work to upkeep! Learn more about Pulik here!
Are Irish Terriers Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Are Irish Terriers Hypoallergenic? Yes! The Irish Terrier is a medium-sized hypoallergenic dog...
Are Border Terriers Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Are Border Terriers Hypoallergenic? Yes! The Border Terrier is a small hypoallergenic dog breed...
Are Wire Fox Terriers Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Are Wire Hair Fox Terriers Hypoallergenic? Yes! The Wire Hair Fox Terrier is a small to medium...
Are Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Hypoallergenic?
Are Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers Hypoallergenic? Yes! The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a...
Are Basenjis Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Are Basenjis Hypoallergenic? Yes! The Basenji is a small to medium hypoallergenic dog breed that...
Are Tibetan Terriers Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Are Tibetan Terriers Hypoallergenic? Yes! The Tibetan Terrier is a small to medium hypoallergenic...
Are Lagotto Romagnolos Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Are Lagotto Romagnolos Hypoallergenic? Yes! The Lagotto Romagnolo is a medium sized...
Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic Dogs?
re Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? Yes! The Goldendoodle is a medium to large hypoallergenic dog...
Are Aussiedoodles Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Are Aussiedoodle Dogs Hypoallergenic ? Yes! The Aussiedoodle is a medium or large sized...
Are Bedlington Terriers Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Are Bedlington Terriers Hypoallergenic? Yes! The Bedlington Terrier is a medium sized...
Are Schnauzers Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Are Schnauzers Hypoallergenic? Yes! The Schnauzer is a hypoallergenic dog breed that hardly sheds...
Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? Yes! The Labradoodle is a medium to large hypoallergenic dog...
Are Samoyed Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Are Samoyeds Hypoallergenic? Yes! The Samoyed is a medium to large sized hypoallergenic dog breed...
Are Poodles Hypoallergenic Dogs?
Are Poodles Hypoallergenic? Yes! The Poodle is a hypoallergenic dog breed that hardly sheds or...