Owning a dog is an intensely rewarding experience. They are, of course, our most steadfast and loyal companions, but they also offer an array of other benefits.
They alleviate anxiety, encourage us to stay active, and help us engage with others and the world around us. If there are any downsides, they are minor, but excessive hair shedding can be one of them.
While we’ve all known pups that seem to create an ambient fur cloud with every move they make, there are dogs for whom shedding is barely an issue. So, who are the medium sized dogs that don’t shed?
Medium Sized Dogs That Don’t Shed
Finding dog hair in reasonable and unreasonable places is often one of the trade-offs of having a pup with a gorgeous and glorious coat.
While we cannot offer any totally shed-free dog options, as they don’t exist, what follows is a range of beautiful, medium-sized breeds that will save you on swiffer pads by shedding very minimally.
1. Whippet
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 25-40 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
The Whippet was first bred in Victorian England as a smaller, and thus easier to kennel, version of the Greyhound.
The fastest breed of its size, the sleek Whippet can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour, aided by its short, smooth coat. Sinewy and elegant, yet sturdy and athletic, a Whippet in motion is the picture of streamlined grace.
While a low-maintenance breed, whippets need the opportunity to sprint at least a couple of times a day. A well-exercised whippet can be a gentle, and low-shedding, family pet.
2. Chinese Shar-Pei
Average Lifespan: 8-12 years
Average Size: 45-60 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
The wrinkle-faced Shar-Pei is an ancient breed distinguished by its singular beauty. One of the many curious dogs originating in China, the Shar-Pei’s origins can be traced back 2000 years to the Han Dynasty.
The versatility and intelligence of the Shar-Pei led to generations of employment as hunters, herders, and livestock guardians in their homeland.
One of the most unusual looking medium sized dogs that don’t shed, their coat is as rare as their blue-black tongue and copious skin rolls. The term ‘Shar-Pei’ translates to ‘Sand Skin’ and alludes to the prickly texture of their short fur.
3. Bedlington Terrier
Average Lifespan: 11-16 years
Average Size: 17-23 pounds
Coat: curly, medium
The Bedlington Terrier is a sweet-natured dog who resembles a lamb with a dash of poodle.
Despite the innocent connotations of their appearance, the Bedlington was originally bred for the dangerous pursuits of coal mine ratting and pit fighting in the working-class Northumberland County of the U.K.
Eventually, their curly coat, fleecy features, and charming, energetic personalities led them to attain popularity as family pets. Although the Bedlington rarely shed, their coat grows quickly, and requires weekly brushing as well as professional shaping every two months to stay looking its best.
4. Portuguese Water Dog
Average Lifespan: 11-13 years
Average Size: 35-60 pounds
Coat: long, curly, wavy
The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent breed that shines in all aquatic endeavors. An all-around fisherman’s friend, they proliferated along Portugal’s coast, herding fish into nets, retrieving lost tackle, acting as couriers between ships, and executing daring water rescues. They are still gainfully employed in rescue efforts across the world.
Their non-shedding, waterproof coat is clipped in two ways: the retriever clip, where the entire coat is cut to around 1 inch with the tail left full, and the lion clip, wherein the muzzle and midsection up to the tail tip are clipped.
5. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Size: 30-40 pounds
Coat: medium, wavy, silky
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is an ebullient Irish breed with an exceptional and practical coat. One of the three terrier breeds (alongside the Kerry Blue and Irish) developed for farm duties in the Emerald Isle, the Wheaten excelled at ratting, guarding chickens, and herding.
Playful and small enough to curl into your lap, they performed double-duty as cuddly companions when the work of the day was done.
The silky, wavy coat of the breed can be light beige or glistening gold, invoking images of wheat fields. As one of the medium sized dogs that don’t shed, the Wheaten Terrier is low-maintenance, but does require frequent brushing to prevent matting of their coats.
6. Standard Schnauzer
Average Lifespan: 13-16 years
Average Size: 30-50 pounds
Coat: medium, wiry, double
The Standard Schnauzer is a vigorous farm dog with the face of a gentleman. Originally known as Wire-Haired Pinschers, they were first bred as all-purpose farm dogs in Germany, earning an excelsior reputation as ratters, herders, hunters, and guardians.
Their long whiskers and thick eyebrows denoted a debonair quality that eventually led to their popularity as show dogs and pets. The wiry, short and fine coat of the Standard Schnauzer appears in black and ‘salt and pepper’, adding to their distinguished appeal. Daily brushing will keep them looking their illustrious best.
7. Peruvian Inca Orchid
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Size: 17.5-26.5 pounds (medium)
Coat: short, hairless, smooth
The striking Peruvian Inca Orchid might be the ultimate low-shedding dog, as they are bald aside from traces of hair on the head, tail, and extremities.
An ancient breed, regarded as good luck in their homeland, they were introduced to the United States by Jack Walklin, who was enamored by their distinctive beauty.
Peruvian Inca Orchids range in size from just short of 10 inches (small) to nearly 26 inches (large). Their bare skin can be a solid color or spotted with non pigmented patches. Loyal and affectionate towards their preferred humans, they make a truly head-turning pet.
8. Spanish Water Dog
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Size: 31-49 pounds
Coat: medium, curly, corded
Adorable, agile, and athletic, the Spanish Water Dog is an excellent all-arounder amongst the medium sized dogs that don’t shed.
Known as a dual-purpose breed equally adept at waterfowl retrieving and sheepherding, the Spanish Water Dog is of largely unknown origin. It has seemingly been a mainstay of lakes and meadows in Spain for time immemorial.
Typically, the coat is never brushed, combed, or trimmed but rather sheared to the skin like the wool of a sheep. Some owners like to allow it to grow longer and form the distinctive ‘cords’, and this is entirely a matter of personal preference.
9. Tibetan Terrier
Average Lifespan: 15-16 years
Average Size: 18-30 pounds
Coat: long, double
Elegant and noble, the Tibetan Terrier is said to have originated in Lamaist monasteries nearly 2000 years ago.
Known as ‘The Holy Dog of Tibet‘, they were esteemed as companions and widely thought to bring good luck. As such, they were never sold, only exchanged as gifts of gratitude.
At the smaller end of medium-sized breeds, they possess an abundant double coat which is wooly underneath and covered by a long, fine topcoat. It requires thorough brushing once or twice a week to remain luxurious but sheds remarkably little.
10. Basenji
Average Lifespan: 13-14 years
Average Size: 22-24 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
The Basenji might be the oldest breed amongst the medium-sized dogs that don’t shed. They are said to be the variety that most closely resembles the first artistic depictions of domestic dogs.
The beautiful, barkless Basenji was prized among many an Egyptian Pharaoh and esteemed throughout successive eras as a lightning-fast, whip-smart hunting companion.
Their adorable wrinkled foreheads and soulful eyes made them an immensely desired pet upon their introduction to the West. Their short, flat coats appear in chestnut red, black, and brindle, and the low-shed element further adds to their appeal.