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Best Hypoallergenic Large Dogs

Have allergies, but desperately want to own a large dog? The AKC has you covered with advice on the best hypoallergenic large dogs.

By Riley Raul ReesePublished 7 years ago 5 min read
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Perhaps one of the most upsetting things about having allergies is the lifestyle choices that they limit. If you're allergic to gluten, you can't eat pizza. If you are allergic to dogs, you can't have your own furry friend at home...or can you?

For years, dog breeders have been working on creating hypoallergenic dog breeds. For a while, only smaller dogs were hypoallergenic. These days, there are plenty of dogs considered to be hypoallergenic by the AKC.

If you have bad allergies but want a furry friend of your own, the best hypoallergenic large dogs currently looking for homes might be a good place to start looking for a new companion.

Samoyed

Once upon a time, Samoyeds were shepherd dogs that helped keep livestock safe and protect the family. Now, these white fluffy cloud dogs are the best friends a family can have, and melt hearts with their gorgeous puppy smiles.

Though you'd never guess it by the amount of fur they have, Samoyeds are considered to be the best hypoallergenic large dogs for families with older children. Why? Well, they apparently don't produce much dander, which in turn makes them allergy-proofed.

Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese Water Dog has long been known to be among the best hypoallergenic large dogs for families with kids. They are active enough to enjoy time with young children, adventurous enough to have fun at the beach, and patient enough to deal with kids who pet them the wrong way.

Like many other curly-haired dogs, the Portuguese Water Dog doesn't shed much and doesn't produce much dander. Like the name suggests, these large dogs love water — and they even have webbed toes to help them swim.

Beach-going families might want to adopt one of these if they want a fuzz that can join them at the beach.

Giant Schnauzer

With their funky mustaches and their wild, wavy fur, the Giant Schnauzer is one of those dog breeds that is simply unmistakable. They are very loyal but strong-willed dogs that shed remarkably little dander, which in turn makes them a great go-to dog for people with allergies.

Most people who have met Giant Schnauzers can tell you that they are very playful, very goofy, and at times, almost too boisterous. However, there's a problem here — especially considering their large size.

They are very intelligent and very strong willed. So, they may not be the best hypoallergenic large dogs for new owners. On the other hand, if you are used to dog ownership, a Giant Schnauzer might be a great match.

Standard Poodles

A classic breed for families with kids, owning a Standard Poodle offers many perks for families. They are easy to train and intelligent — and are known for being remarkably patient with boisterous kids. Mellow but fun, they're loyal friends who also double as basic starter dogs.

Because of their even temperament and adaptability, they're regularly called one of the best hypoallergenic large dogs by AKC experts. It's hard to disagree with them.

Bouvier des Flandres

If you love long haired, large dogs with a lot of curls to go around, the Bouvier des Flandres might be one of the best hypoallergenic large dogs for you. These large herding dogs are known for being very loyal, fairly intelligent, and incredibly gentle.

Thanks to their cerebral nature, Bouviers des Flandres are great dogs for families with kids. Though they are not always suitable for apartment dwelling families, they do fairly well in the suburbs — and even better on farms.

Afghan Hound

It's hard not to recognize Afghan Hounds. These elegant, stately creatures are known for having thin builds and long, silky hair. Surprisingly, they also are totally hypoallergenic despite being one of the most long haired breeds out there.

People who worry about this dog being too snooty for their families shouldn't worry. Though they do have an elegant exterior, anyone who's actually hung out with one of these hounds can tell you that they are total goofballs behind closed doors.

That being said, the long hair and the high activity level of these dogs make for a pretty high maintenance pet. If you aren't used to pampering a dog, you may have a little trouble with them.

Irish Water Spaniel

If you're noticing that water dogs tend to do very well among people who have allergies, you're on the money. Along with Portuguese Water Dogs, the Irish Water Spaniel breed rank highly among the best hypoallergenic dogs out there by AKC officials.

Much like the Portuguese Water Dog, the Irish Water Spaniel is known for a very playful nature and its love for companionship. They also are adept swimmers and will think nothing of diving in a pool.

However, these large dogs are a bit smaller than a Portuguese Water Dog. Owners who aren't ready for a giant dog might like them a bit more.

Puli

Have you ever wanted to have a hippie that you found at the last music festival you attended as a pet? If so, then you will love the goofy, furry, and often somewhat crazy-in-a-good way Puli. They're equally unusual pets to own.

For people who love funny dog antics and dreadlocked dogs, the Puli is easily one of the best hypoallergenic large dogs you can adopt. They love to swim, love to play fetch, and don't shed.

They also happen to be incredibly photogenic, and also are impressively easy to train when compared to other dog breeds of its size. Need we say any more?

Mountain Cur

Though it sounds like a total insult, Mountain Curs are a recognized breed by the AKC. This particular breed is an American scent hound that's recognized as a great hunting dog, as well as a hypoallergenic family pet.

If you're a fan of short haired dogs that love forest hikes, mountain trails and sniffing things out, then a Mountain Cur might be the best pet you could wish for. That being said, they're best recognized as the best hypoallergenic large dogs for hunters.

Bergamasco

If you love the wildly dreadlocked look of the Puli but want a seriously large dog, you might want to check out the Italian Bergamasco. Its fur is also thicker than the Puli, which is why it's considered to be one of the best hypoallergenic large dogs for people who live in cold climates.

This gentle, patient, and intelligent dog is an excellent pick for families that want a canine companion for younger kids. They also tend to be pretty playful, which makes them great outlets for all that extra childlike energy.

Because they can be pretty independent, these also are great for families that want a low-maintenance pet.

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About the Creator

Riley Raul Reese

Riley Reese is comic book fanatic who loves anything that has to do with science-fiction, anime, action movies, and Monster Energy drink.

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