Big Hypoallergenic Dogs - Understanding Large Breeds For Allergy Sufferers
When you think big dogs, images of golden retrievers, German shepherds and Labrador retrievers often come to mind first. But for people with allergies searching for a larger canine companion, these popular breeds top the list of worst options.
Rather than give up on owning a dog altogether, learning the traits of more hypoallergenic big dogs can make pet parenthood possible even with sensitive symptoms.
Big Dog Allergen Sources
To understand what makes a good large hypoallergenic dog breed, it helps to first know what causes adverse reactions in allergy sufferers.
In dogs, the most common allergen sources are:
- Dander - Microscopic skin flakes that collect in coats
- Saliva - Transferred by licking onto fur and surroundings
- Urine - Residues that stick to the dogs coat
When these particles get dispersed into indoor air and inhaled, or contact skin directly, allergic symptoms can flare up in sensitive people.
Ideal Big Hypoallergenic Dog Traits
While no dog is 100% non-allergenic, certain large breeds produce fewer allergens than others making them more suitable options. Desirable traits include:
- Minimal shedding or non-shedding coats
- Naturally sparse hair that doesnt trap much dander/allergens
- Infrequent grooming requirements
- Cleanliness and fastidious washing habits
- Calm demeanor with minimal face and body licking habits
Cross-referencing these qualities with breeds meeting size requirements helps identify the best big hypoallergenic dog matches.
Best Large Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds For Allergies
If you need a big fur baby able to accommodate allergy issues, these giant purebreds and designer crosses make excellent companions:
Afghan Hound
With an elegant silky coat reaching up to their tails, Afghan hounds shed minimally with weekly brushing. Their aloof personality keeps licking to a minimum as well.
- Average Height: 25-27 inches
- Average Weight: 50-60 pounds
- Coat: Long, silky, high maintenance
- Shedding: Light
- Best For: Families, singles, homes with yards
Airedale Terrier
The large Airedale sports a thick, curly hypoallergenic coat resembling lambs wool. But minimal grooming is needed along with very little shedding.
- Average Height: 23 inches
- Average Weight: 50-70 pounds
- Coat: Curly, wooly, low maintenance
- Shedding: Very light
- Best For: Active singles/families, homes with yards
Irish Water Spaniel
A crisp curly coat helps prevent dead hair and dander from escaping into the air from Irish Water Spaniels. And built-in grooming habits keep the hypoallergenic fur clean itself.
- Average Height: 21-24 inches
- Average Weight: 45-65 pounds
- Coat: Curly, wooly, low maintenance
- Shedding: Very light
- Best For: Active families, homes with yards
Komondor
Under the mop-like cords of a Komondor coat lies minimal shedding courtesy of the continuous hair growth. Frequent bathing prevents odor buildup in the skin folds too.
- Average Height: 25.5-27.5 inches
- Average Weight: 80-100 pounds
- Coat: Corded, high maintenance
- Shedding: Very light
- Best For: Active families, farm/country homes
Standard Poodle
A curly hypoallergenic coat, quiet demeanor and tidy habits make poodles a top choice for allergy sufferers. Frequent clipping is required to prevent matting of the growing fur though.
- Average Height: Over 15 inches
- Average Weight: 40-70 pounds
- Coat: Curly, high maintenance
- Shedding: Extremely light
- Best For: Families, urban homes, singles
Mixed breeds boasting one or more of these parent breeds also tend to share amenable allergy traits.
Other Large Dogs With Lower Allergy Potential
While not considered fully hypoallergenic, certain other large dog breeds demonstrate more favorable non-shedding coats making them moderate options too.
Bouvier Des Flandres
With tactical grooming every 6-8 weeks, the Bouvier's dense curly coat traps less dander than heavily shedding breeds. Their protective instincts translate into minimal licking as well.
- Average Height: 23-2 inches
- Average Weight: 70-120 pounds
- Coat: Harsh, curly, seasonal shedding
- Best For: Active homes, families, farms
Giant Schnauzer
Wiry and weather-resistant, the Giant Schnauzer coat requires frequent stripping to remove loose hairs before they shed off. Keeping facial furnishings trimmed minimizes saliva accumulation too.
- Average Height: 25-27 inches
- Average Weight: 65-90 pounds
- Coat: Wiry, high maintenance
- Shedding: Moderate
- Best For: Active families, homes with yards
Portuguese Water Dog
A clipped curly PWD coat paired with built-in swimming abilities lends well to maintaining cleanliness for allergy sufferers. Their playful yet obedient nature means less bothersome licking as well.
- Average Height: 17-23 inches
- Average Weight: 35-60 pounds
- Coat: Curly, high maintenance
- Shedding: Very light
- Best For: Active families, homes with yards
Crossbreeds featuring these parent breeds also rate reasonably well for many with allergies.
Tips For Managing Allergies With Any Big Dog Breed
While breed selection plays a key role, other factors impact compatibility for sharing life with a big dog despite allegies too.
Choose Female Over Male
Spayed females generally shed less than neutered males. And hormone changes can worsen shedding seasons for intact males leading to more dander and allergen release.
Find an Adult Over Puppy
Puppies moult frequently while their adult coats grow in. An already matured big dog presents less shedding and coat changes upfront.
Bathe Regularly
Give your big pup a bath every 2-4 weeks with gentle dog shampoo. Frequent washing keeps allergens like dander, saliva and pollen from accumulating heavily on the skin and coat.
Groom Often
Use a rubber grooming mitt to remove loose hair regularly before it gets dispersed. Some big dogs require professional grooming every 6-8 weeks too.
Vacuum Constantly
Use HEPA filter vacuums designed to trap allergens when cleaning carpets and upholstery. Wash dog bedding in hot water weekly as well.
Restrict Access
Keep big dogs off furniture and out of bedrooms to avoid scattering allergens in allergy sufferer's breathing zones. Child safety gates help restrict wandering.
No dog suits every individual's allergies perfectly. But by understanding breeds better suited for sensitivity issues, finding the ideal big hypoallergenic dog for your home is possible with minimal discomfort.
FAQs
What are some good large hypoallergenic dog breeds?
Some of the best big hypoallergenic dog breeds include Afghan hounds, Airedale terriers, Irish water spaniels, Komondors, standard poodles, and crosses of those breeds. They tend to shed lightly with minimal grooming needs.
Are standard poodles good for people with dog allergies?
Yes. Standard poodles are considered excellent for allergy sufferers due to their tightly curled coats that trap less dander, very minimal shedding, tidy habits, and low-licking personalities making them more hypoallergenic.
What factors make a dog less allergenic?
Traits that make dogs better for allergies include non-shedding coats, minimal dander production, being naturally fastidiously clean, requiring less frequent grooming/bathing, and calm temperaments with less tendency to lick their fur and humans frequently.
Should I get a puppy or adult dog for dog allergies?
Adult dogs tend to be better for allergy sufferers since puppies undergo frequent coat changes and heavier shedding of their puppy fur while adult coats grow in. An already matured coat sheds decidedly less.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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