12 Guard Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed: Info, Pictures & More
By Jordyn Alger
Updated on
Many people love to have the comfort of a guard dog. With a vigilant companion at your side, it is much easier to rest assured knowing that someone will always have your back. However, finding a guard dog that doesn’t shed can be challenging for those who don’t want to clean up piles of fur around their home.
In this article, we’ll discuss 12 breeds that shed very minimally, or not at all. Each dog on this list is known for being alert and warning their owners of any danger, even if they do not look like your stereotypical guard dog.
How Are Dogs That Don’t Shed Classified?
Non-shedding dogs are simply breeds that shed their fur very little, or not at all. Many are referred to as being hypoallergenic. However, some people believe that that means that non-shedding dogs will never trigger a person’s dog allergies. That is far from the case.
There is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. All dogs produce the protein that triggers a person’s dog allergies, even if they’re hairless. The proteins are found in a dog’s dander (microscopic dead skin cells), saliva, and urine, so there’s no escaping them.
Studies have even suggested that a specific dog has the biggest impact on whether or not a person reacts to dog allergens, not a specific breed.1 Although dogs that don’t shed much or at all are going to produce less of a reaction, all dogs have the capacity to trigger a person’s allergies. However, the list has plenty of breeds to consider for those who don’t want to clean up loose hair every day.
Top 12 Guard Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
1. Giant Schnauzer
| Origin: | Bavarian Alps |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Height: | 15 – 27.5 inches |
If you are looking for a large, non-shedding guard dog, the Giant Schnauzer should be on the top of your list. Weighing as much as 95 pounds, this rugged breed was initially used to drive cattle. However, they were soon put to work as imposing guard dogs, as their stature and alert, loyal natures made them exceptional for the role. Their bold, formidable appearance makes them intimidating to strangers.
The Giant Schnauzer doesn’t shed much, but they need frequent brushing to maintain the health of their coat. Stripping the coat regularly is essential, so if such close contact is an issue for you due to allergies, you’ll need to ensure that someone in the home or a professional groomer can perform the job.
2. Kerry Blue Terrier
| Origin: | Ireland |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Height: | 18 – 19.5 inches |
The Kerry Blue Terrier is among the largest of the American Kennel Club’s terrier breeds and is beloved for their stunning blue coat. It does not shed but requires frequent brushing to prevent painful tangles.
This Terrier’s vigilant personality makes them an excellent candidate for a non-shedding guard dog, but also means they often don’t mix well in a multi-pet household. However, they are great with children. If you want a guard dog to watch over your family, the Kerry Blue Terrier could be the perfect choice.
3. Standard Poodle
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 10–18 years |
| Height: | Over 15 inches |
You may not think of the Poodle as guard dog material, but this breed is one of the most intelligent and vigilant dogs anyone can own. Plus, their hair-like coat ensures that they never shed. The Poodle is highly vigilant and will bark whenever they believe you need to be alerted of something.
They are also brilliant dogs that are eager to please, so you can easily train them to alert you of danger in specific circumstances. One issue with the Poodle is that they may be a bit too friendly around strangers, but they will almost certainly alert you whenever someone approaches.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
| Origin: | Portugal |
| Lifespan: | 11 – 13 years |
| Height: | 20 – 23 inches |
If you want a non-shedding guard dog that is also affectionate, look no further than the Portuguese Water Dog. They are bright and biddable and were bred to be a helpful companion. They are highly vigilant and likely to react to a potential threat, but at the same time, they are lovey-dovey with their family members.
The Portuguese Water Dog sheds minimally, but their dense coat needs intensive grooming. Weekly brushing, regular bathing, and frequent trimming will be necessary to keep the Portuguese Water Dog looking fresh.
5. Standard Schnauzer
| Origin: | Germany |
| Lifespan: | 13 – 16 years |
| Height: | 15 – 19.5 inches |
The Giant Schnauzer is on this list, so it stands to reason that the Standard Schnauzer would also make the cut. If the Giant Schnauzer is too large for your needs, the Standard Schnauzer provides the same vigilance in a smaller package.
Even better, the Standard Schnauzer does not shed at all, compared to the Giant Schnauzer, which sheds minimally. This breed requires regular grooming, clipping, and hand-stripping to keep their coat in good shape.
6. Cane Corso
| Origin: | Italy |
| Lifespan: | 9 – 12 years |
| Height: | 15 – 27.5 inches |
Often weighing in at over 100 lbs, these majestic giants appear intimidating but are extremely loyal and affectionate dogs. With a history that dates back to Roman times, their name (pronounced Connie Corso) is latin for bodyguard dog.
They make great family dogs, but their large size and predisposition towards guarding behavior make early training and socialization a must. They shed little, but they do rate highly on the slobber-scale, so they will likely not suit serious allergy sufferers. A regular brushing keeps their short, double coats looking shiny.
7. Komondor
| Origin: | Hungary |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 12 years |
| Height: | 15 inches |
The Komondor may have long, corded fur, but don’t let their appearance deceive you; they don’t shed. Komondors were put to work as guardians of the sheep flock and were tasked with running off wolves and other vicious beasts.
If you are looking for that kind of bravery in your guard dog, it is impossible to go wrong with this breed. However, the Komondor doesn’t usually do well with other dogs, so they aren’t recommended for multi-pet households.
8. Puli
| Origin: | Asia |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Height: | 17 inches |
The Puli is fairly similar in appearance to the Komondor, and they have thick, corded hair all over their body. Pulis were vigilant sheep herders that still retain their alert personalities and guiding instincts to this day. If you bring a Puli home, there is a good chance that they will even try to herd you around!
The Puli doesn’t shed but requires daily grooming care. If you bring this dog home, make sure you can dedicate the time to caring for their unique coat.
9. Briard
| Origin: | Northern France |
| Lifespan: | 12 years |
| Height: | 23 – 27 inches |
The Briard dog can weigh as much as 100 pounds and is not an animal to be trifled with! Although burly in stature, the Briard moves with the graceful agility required of all herding breeds. Due to their history as a herder and a guardian of the flock, the Briard is a vigilant and faithful companion.
Briards do not shed, but they need to be brushed several times a week to prevent matting. Grooming the long-haired Briard can take a lot of time, so make sure that you establish regular grooming sessions in your schedule.
10. Airedale Terrier
| Origin: | Aire Valley, England |
| Lifespan: | 11 – 14 years |
| Height: | 23 inches |
The Airedale Terrier is a clever, courageous dog that doesn’t shed. They are prized for their strength and unwavering spirit, making them exceptional guard dogs. With a clever nature and a vigilant attitude, the Airedale Terrier can be easily molded into the ideal guard dog.
Their wiry coat requires little maintenance. Weekly brushing can remove dead hairs and prevent mats. Full grooming (including brushing, bathing, and clipping) should be done at least three times per year.
11. Bergamasco Sheepdog
| Origin: | Bergamo, Italy |
| Lifespan: | 13 – 15 years |
| Height: | 25 inches |
The Bergamasco Sheepdog is another unique-looking breed. This animal was initially put to work as a herder and guardian of flocks in the Italian Alps, and that vigilance makes them an excellent guard dog. Additionally, they only bark to alert their owner of a potential threat, so you won’t have to deal with an excessively loud dog at all hours of the day and night.
The Bergamasco Sheepdog’s long, corded coat requires very little maintenance. The breed doesn’t shed, does not require brushing, and should only be bathed two to three times per year (or as necessary). Their coat should never be trimmed since it is essential in regulating their internal temperature.
12. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
| Origin: | Staffordshire, England |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 14 years |
| Height: | 14 – 16 inches |
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a muscular, agile breed with a brawling past. They were initially bred for violent, horrific blood sports such as dog fighting, but the breed endured, and now they’re more focused on lavishing their loved ones with unending affection.
Although the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is friendly with strangers, they are vigilant and imposing when they need to be. Similarly, the dog sheds very little, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a low-shedding guard dog.
Conclusion
While there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, many low-shedding or non-shedding breeds can make excellent alternatives. Many of them are vigilant and imposing enough to serve as devoted guard dogs, so if you are looking for a protective companion, any of the breeds on this list could fit the role. We hope our list has informed you of the many guard dogs that don’t shed so that you can choose one that suits your needs.
Featured Image Credit: slowmotiongli, Shutterstock
