Allergic to Dogs and Allergies in Dogs Resource

Larger Sized Allergy Friendly Dogs

Small allergy friendly dogs are not to everyone’s liking. Some people prefer a dog that is larger and if you have suitable accommodation, there are various breeds available. Examples of allergy friendly dogs that are available in the medium to larger size dog category include the Bouvier des Flandres, Greyhounds, Irish Water Spaniel, Mexican Hairless, Schnauzer, Spanish Water Dog and some Terriers.

Not all breeds are both allergy friendly and well behaved around children, although the majority of Greyhounds, the Mexican Hairless and certain Terrier breeds are. Breeds such as these have short coats, or almost none at all (as in the case of the hairless breeds), resulting in reduced shedding of dander. Although larger than the Toy and Small or Miniature sized category, some medium sized dogs can still make a good choice for someone living in a smaller property. Despite such dogs not necessarily needing too much room to run around in, it should be remembered that all dogs still enjoy a regular walk. If you need to leave these dogs for the day whilst out working or running errands, provided that they have their creature comforts, they will usually get on fine.

The following gives a brief look at a selection of medium/larger sized allergy friendly dogs:

APPEARANCE DESCRIPTION
 Larger Sized Allergy Friendly Dogs - Bouvier des Flandres

BOUVIER des FLANDRES
Height: 23-28 in (58.4-71.1 cm)     Weight: 60-120 lb (27.2-54.4 kg)

The Bouvier des Flandres is both a strong built and strong willed dog with a persona that some feel is rather intimidating. Given these attributes, it is essential that the animal is well trained if they are to make a suitable family pet. When trained and disciplined properly, they tend to be gentle and protective of their family members. The Bouvier des Flandres has been used for a variety of tasks ranging from guard dogs and police work through to farm dogs used to herd cattle and sheep. Their thick, shaggy hair makes them suited for the outdoors and colder climates but it does require regular brushing and they need to be groomed every few months. However, as a result of their physique and deep chests, they are at greater risk of bowel obstructions (voluvus) and bloat syndromes.

 Larger Sized Allergy Friendly Dogs - Greyhound

GREYHOUND
Height: 27-30 in (68.6-76.2 cm)     Weight: 60-88 lb (27.2-39.9 kg)

There are many varieties of Greyhounds to choose from and they are often good with children despite the stereotype of them having a highly strung nature. Although a blazing fast breed capable of speeding around a track, Greyhounds are short distance runners and not equipped for endurance or long distances. The traits of short hair and no undercoat contribute to their allergy friendly nature, and their liking for sitting with their owners make them worthy of consideration when buying. However, some Greyhounds are prone to suffering from allergies of their own.

 Larger Sized Allergy Friendly Dogs - Irish Water Spaniel

IRISH WATER SPANIEL
Height: 22-24 in (55.9-61 cm)     Weight: 55-65 lb (24.9-29.5 kg)

The Irish Water Spaniel, as the name implies, it is a water loving dog that likes to exercise and swim during the warmer months of the year. This friendly dog requires grooming every few months even though it has very short, human-like hair.

 Larger Sized Allergy Friendly Dogs - Mexican Hairless or Xolo

MEXICAN HAIRLESS (XOLOITZCUINTI or XOLO)
Height: 10-24 in (25.4-61 cm)     Weight: 12-45 lb (5.4-20.4 kg)

The Mexican Hairless (a.k.a. Xoloitzcuintli or Xolo) has a very fine, sparse coat that is so short that it will not mat and requires no brushing or grooming. It is available in different sizes although procuring a potential dog can be difficult given the small number of breeders available.

 Larger Sized Allergy Friendly Dogs - Schnauzer

SCHNAUZER
Height: 12-24 in (30.5-61 cm)     Weight: 14-80 lb (6.4-36.3 kg)

The Schnauzer is an allergy friendly dog breed that is characterized by having a boxy face, square build, short hair that does not shed and an easy going temperament. It is available in three sizes, namely the Miniature, Standard and Giant Schnauzer, all of which require regular grooming.

 Larger Sized Allergy Friendly Dogs - Spanish Water Dog

SPANISH WATER DOG
Height: 16-20 in (40.6-50.8 cm)     Weight: 31-49 lb (14.1-22.2 kg)

As its name implies, the Spanish Water Dog has a great affinity for water and swimming. It has similar traits to the Bouvier des Flandres with regard to making a good guard dog, being able to herd animals and sporting a shaggy coat. However, it is a breed that needs to be trained properly from a puppy and exposed to children and other dogs from a young age. If raised properly, they typically make a loveable and friendly pet that is safe around children.

Larger Sized Allergy Friendly Dogs - Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER
Height: 17-20 in (43.2-50.8 cm)     Weight: 35-45 lb (15.9-20.4 kg)

Individual breeds of Terrier can vary in size and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier comes in four varieties which include the American, English, Heavy Irish and Traditional Irish. If you are in need of a short haired allergy friendly dog that is a little larger than most, then this is a dog worth considering. They tend to be very friendly, want to be around people as much as possible and will always welcome strangers. However, this specific breed should not be kept in an apartment, and having a backyard is a must as this dog enjoys getting exercise and loves to run and bark. As with most other allergy friendly dogs, regular grooming is required to prevent matting and skin rashes.

 

Interactive Weight and Height Chart

  • Values listed in the chart below represent a minimum and maximum range for a given breed in:
    Imperial (in and Ib) and Metric (cm and kg)
  • Figures are approximate and guidelines may vary between Kennel Clubs and various breed specific organizations
  • Males are typically taller and heavier than females by 10+%
BREEDHeight
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Weight
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max
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BOUVIER des FLANDRES23286012058.471.127.254.4
GREYHOUND27306088 68.676.227.239.9
IRISH WATER SPANIEL2224556555.96124.929.5
MEXICAN HAIRLESS (XOLOITZCUINTLI or XOLO)1024124525.4615.420.4
SCHNAUZER1224148030.5616.436.3
SPANISH WATER DOG1620314940.650.814.122.2
SOFT COATED WHEATEN TERRIER1720354543.250.815.920.4
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