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Do you want a guard dog but you’re dealing with allergies? Fret not, because you can find the best non shedding guard dog to be your protective buddy. These canines have hair instead of fur and they don’t produce too much allergen that can trigger your sneezing fit.
Still, you should remember that person is unique and so are their allergies. It’s important to research the breed and ask your doctor about how much dander you can tolerate.
Is a non-shedding dog hypoallergenic?
To be honest, there’s no 100% hypoallergenic dog. It just happened that some shed and produce less allergen than the others. Over the years, breeders have used the ‘hypoallergenic’ pitch to market their puppies.
To give you a better understanding of how canine allergies work, it’s important to understand what causes it. What makes you sneeze isn’t the shed fur. While dander can be a contributing element, it’s usually the Can f 1 allergen. This is a truncated term for Canis familiaris allergen 1.
Can f1 is a lipocalin, a kind of protein that transports molecules. Such molecules are hydrophobic so they can’t be washed away by water too easily.
Each dog has varying levels of Can f 1 production. Those that are dubbed hypoallergenic have very low levels of Can f 1 – not zero, but minimal.
For the most part, low-shedding dogs also have lower allergen production. This is why their shedding level is often attributed to being hypoallergenic.
Non shedding doesn’t mean no grooming!
It’s important to understand that just because a dog doesn’t shed a lot doesn’t mean you’re not going to groom them. Every dog, regardless of coat type must be groomed regularly.
In fact, non-shedding dogs require more grooming. Since their fur doesn’t shed, it can grow too long and become matted over time. And when the coat becomes heavily matted, it would be difficult to unravel. In some cases, the matted fur has to be trimmed. This will ruin the dog’s coat and cause potential skin problems.
Daily brushing is necessary for non-shedding dogs. You should also take them to a groomer for trims. This will help keep their coat healthy and their appearance presentable.
7 Best Guard Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed
1. Puli
If you want the best non shedding guard dog that can scare away intruders, you’ll never go wrong with a Puli. This breed has a unique coat, which appears mop-like. When lying on the pavement, some may not even notice that there’s a dog waiting for them.
This breed hails from Hungary and was bred to be companion dogs for families. They are affectionate and friendly canines, but they will bark and chase after an intruder.
Moreover, this doggo sheds very little and it doesn’t drool. However, since their coat looks like dreadlocks, they require intense grooming.
Despite this, Puli is a hardy dog that doesn’t have any strong predispositions to health problems. They also adapt to apartment living pretty well.
However, Puli isn’t for first-time owners. This dog is pretty sensitive and requires a firm and experienced handler. They are not easy to train, but you can make use of their intelligence to curb negative behavior.
2. Airedale Terrier
Another non shedding guard dog is the Airedale Terrier. This breed was made to catch rats and otters along the Wharfe and Aire Rivers in Yorkshire, England. As a sporting dog, this terrier is active and not easily scared by threats.
Airedale Terriers are protective and affectionate. Still, they’re not always hungry for pets and physical affection. They love being with their families and stays aloof of strangers. If you have other dogs at home, it’s good to know that Airedale Terriers can thrive with other four-legged pets.
Take note that Airedale Terriers are athletic. You should give it enough exercise per day so the pooch will remain focused as a watchdog. It’s also important to correct their mouthiness, barking, and prey drive.
Due to their bold personality, Airedale Terriers are not for newbie owners. You can’t expect them to be happy in an apartment, either. And like all terriers, Aire has an affinity for digging.
3. Giant Schnauzer
The Giant Schnauzer has a tall appearance that can scare away an intruder. They are also loud barkers that will give strangers a straightforward warning. This pooch sheds very little, but since its hair is wiry, you need to give it daily brushes.
In terms of personality, Giant Schnauzers are affectionate to their owners. For those with kids, it’s best to wait until the children are older before getting this canine.
Moreover, Giant Schnauzers are easy to train because they are intelligent and keen canines. However, you should also focus on curbing their wanderlust and barking tendencies. And as a working dog, Giant Schnauzers love chasing after a prey and focusing on a task. Regular exercise is necessary if you want to keep this dog happy and in good shape.
Lastly, this breed isn’t for first-time owners. Giant Schnauzers are sensitive and can’t tolerate being left alone for long periods. They thrive in companionship and with an experienced owner.
4. Komondor
The Komondor dog was bred as flock-guarding canines in Hungary. They share a similar appearance as Puli dogs, which isn’t surprising because they both hail from the same country.
Komondors are only affectionate to their masters. They are very aloof of strangers and would be dedicated guard dogs of your home. However, it’s not easy for them to get along with other canines and they aren’t ideal for young kids.
Moreover, Komondor dogs don’t shed a lot so they are fairly easy to groom. Their curly coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling.
In terms of training, the Komondor dog is easy to train since they are intelligent. But as an innate guard dog, these canines love barking. They are also wanderers unless trained well and placed within a fenced yard.
A Komondor dog is happy when it’s working. It’s important to give this breed lots of mental exercises to prevent their aggressive side from getting the best of them.
5. Portuguese Water Dog
Does this breed look familiar to you? It’s because former President Obama’s dog, Bo, is actually a Portuguese Water Dog!
Dedicated, energetic, and intelligent – these three words describe the Portuguese Water Dog. They are affectionate canines that love being with their families, even young kids. This breed also likes being with other canines. However, strangers should keep their distance as this pooch is aloof of people they don’t know.
Despite their energetic attitude, the Portuguese Water Dog can thrive in apartment living. They are also suitable for first-time owners since they shed very little.
Moreover, this dog is intelligent and easy to train. Just watch out because they love mouthing things. This isn’t surprising because the Portuguese Water Dog was bred to retrieve stolen gears on fishing boats.
However, the Portuguese Water Dog matures slowly and will remain puppyish for a few years of their adult life. For families with kids, this can actually be a good thing.
6. Poodle
Poodles are probably the most popular non-shedding dog. They are elegant and impressive canines that are a common sight on dog shows.
Overall, Poodles are affectionate dogs. They are tolerant of kids and can get along with other canines. In fact, they don’t mind being with strangers.
So how come Poodles can be guard dogs? Well, a Standard Poodle stands at a maximum of 22 inches and weighs up to 70 lbs. This size is intimidating for small-time burglars.
Poodles are highly trainable so it’s easy to teach them how to treat strangers. They aren’t wanderers so you can count on them to watch over your house.
In terms of shedding, Poodles are in the lowest range. Still, it doesn’t mean they are easy to groom. This dog has a curly coat that requires regular visits to a groomer. Aside from that, Poodles have weepy eyes that will stain their facial coat. Overall, this breed requires a lot of upkeep, which is equivalent to more expenses.
7. Kerry Blue Terrier
The Kerry Blue Terrier was made to be a working dog. They were hunters for birds and rodents aside from herding livestock. They are brave and will be reliable guard dogs when domesticated.
Moreover, this breed is affectionate and can thrive in the presence of kids. However, they don’t get along with other canines easily. And if you want this pooch to be protective, you should train them well because they are friendly to strangers.
The good thing here is that the Kerry BlueTerrier is a loud barker. They are also trainable despite their strong prey drive and love for chewing things.
Take note that this dog is energetic and will require lots of exercises to stay happy. They surely aren’t apartment dogs and they are best raised by an experienced handler. But unlike other doggos, the Kerry Blue Terrier has a sense of independence so you can leave them alone for short periods.
8. Briard
Briard dogs are keen companions that are standoffish toward strangers. Despite that, they remain friendly and affectionate. They also grow a strong bond with kids and other canines.
Moreover, this dog is easy to train as a guard canine. However, you should keep them in a fenced yard as they love wandering around the neighborhood. Briard dogs also have an affinity for barking, which can come in handy as a protective dog.
Aside from that, Briards are energetic and require ample exercise to stay happy. They can be apartment dogs as long as they are given enough mental and physical exercise.
In terms of grooming, this breed doesn’t shed and drool a lot. However. They have a long and shaggy coat, which requires a lot of attention. Also, you have to groom them daily to prevent their coat of mats and tangles.
Lastly, Briards are naturally independent. When trained well, they will not succumb to separation anxiety if left alone for long hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a guard dog be friendly?
A: If you seriously want a canine to be a guard dog, you shouldn’t treat it as a family pet. That means the pooch can’t be friendly to everyone. While being affectionate to its owners is fine, a guard dog shouldn’t be friendly to outside people. Besides, guarding against intruders and strangers is their task. Training the pooch to be friendly to others will send mixed signals and confuse the dog.
Q: Which guard dog is the best for first-time owners?
A: The likes of Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Border Collie, and Staffordshire Terrier are ideal for first-time owners looking for a guard dog. Still, these canines require serious training to curb any negative behavior. Aside from that, these pooches aren’t non-shedding.
Q: Is a non-shedding canine always suitable for allergic owners?
A: In general, no. Each person has his or her own tolerance to allergens so some non-shedding dogs may be triggering for you but not for other people. It’s best to consult your doctor and a veterinarian to reconcile your needs and the nature of the dog you’re about to get.
Q: Will an untrained dog protect its owner?
A: It depends on the situation and the specific dog. It’s always best to train your canine so it will be protective but without the negative behavior. The last you want is an aggressive canine gone loose. This will put you in trouble and your dog might hurt someone.
Q: Which dog has the strongest bite?
A: Some of the strongest biters in the canine world are Kangal, Cane Corso, Dogue de Bordeaux, Mastiff, and Leonberger. They are typically large and have intimidating looks. This is the reason why they are excellent guard dogs.
Final words
The best guard dog that don’t shed will protect your home without the pesky tumblefurs. Still, these canines require regular grooming, some even more so than shedding breeds. Proper training is also necessary to keep them well-rounded and far from aggressive. Remember, you want a guard dog, not a vicious canine.
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