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17 Guard Dogs That Don’t Shed You’ll Love 2023

Are you looking for a guard dog that won’t leave a trail of hair all over your furniture? Look no further than these guard dogs that don’t shed much. While most guard dog breeds have thick coats to protect them from the elements, shedding can be problematic for those with allergies or a desire for a cleaner home. Fortunately, several breeds are both protective and low-shedding.

17 Guard Dogs That Don’t Shed

1. Poodles

While often associated with show rings and fancy clips, Poodles have a long history as hunting and retrieving dogs. Standard Poodles in particular can make loyal guard dogs.

standard poodle brown
standard poodle

Despite their lush, thick coats, Poodles are light shedders. Their hair continuously grows rather than shedding off seasonally. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent matting, but their coats do not release much dander or fur into the home.

2. Schnauzer

Another low-shedding breed with protective instincts is the Schnauzer. Originally bred in Germany as ratters and guard dogs, Schnauzers come in Miniature, Standard and Giant sizes today.

schnauzer-dog
schnauzer-dog

With their wiry, dense coats and rugged beards, Schnauzers have a distinctive look. Their coats require regular brushing and clipping but do not shed much. Their alert, obedient nature makes them excellent watchdogs.

3. Portuguese Water Dog

Bred to work alongside Portuguese fishermen, herding fish and retrieving lost gear, Portuguese Water Dogs are athletic and intelligent. They have high energy levels and need plenty of exercise. Their curly, hypoallergenic coats are non-shedding but require regular brushing and trimming.

Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dog

Their loyal, protective nature lends itself well to guard duties. Early socialization and training is a must for this active, strong-willed breed.

4. Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is an ancient Irish breed with a dense, curly “rat tail” coat that sheds minimally. While requiring regular grooming to prevent matting, their coats do not release excessive dander or hair.

Irish Water Spaniel guard dogs that don't shed
Irish Water Spaniel

Irish Water Spaniels have strong guarding instincts and make vigilant, obedient watch dogs. Their energetic, playful nature is best suited for active families. Early socialization is important for this protective breed.

5. Airedale Terrier

Airedales have wiry, low-shedding coats that require regular hand stripping or trimming. This energetic, intelligent breed makes an excellent guard dog and watchdog. They are very trainable but need plenty of exercise.

Airedale Terriers
Airedale Terriers

6. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

This versatile gundog breed has a coarse, wiry coat that hardly sheds. Their protective nature and alertness make them good guard dogs. They are energetic, affectionate, and benefit from obedience training.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

7. Bouvier des Flandres

This breed is rugged and powerful. Traditionally a farm dog, the Bouvier des Flandres can be a strong guardian for your property. The shaggy, dense coat of the Bouvier des Flandres requires regular grooming but does not shed much. This loyal, protective breed makes an excellent guard dog. Early socialization and training are essential.

Bouvier des Flandres black
Bouvier des Flandres

8. Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzers have wiry, weather-resistant coats that shed minimally. They are loyal, protective, and make exceptional guard dogs. Regular grooming and training are needed for this powerful, intelligent breed.

Giant Schnauzer black
Giant Schnauzer

9. Spanish Water Dog

An ancient herding breed, Spanish Water Dogs have curly, low-shedding coats. They are energetic, intelligent guard dogs who excel at obedience training and need plenty of exercise.

spanish water dog
spanish water dog

10. Lagotto Romagnolo

Bred as a water retriever in Italy, the Lagotto has a dense curly coat that doesn’t shed much. They make vigilant watchdogs who are energetic, affectionate, and highly trainable.

Lagotto Romagnolo weird dog breeds
Lagotto Romagnolo

You might enjoy reading my articles on calm dog breeds that don’t shed, dog breeds that don’t smell or shed and dog breeds that don’t smell.

11. Standard Poodle

Along with Miniature and Toy Poodles, the Standard Poodle has a non-shedding coat. Standards are larger and make impressive guard dogs with proper training and socialization.

golden toy poodle with tongue out

12. Kerry Blue Terrier

Initially bred for hunting and herding, the Kerry Blue Terrier is also an effective guard dog. The Kerry Blue has a soft, curly “puppy coat” that sheds minimally and requires grooming. They are energetic, headstrong dogs with strong watchdog abilities. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods.

kerry blue terrier
kerry blue terrier

Kerry Blue Terriers are known for their loyalty and protective nature. They are fiercely loyal to their families and will do whatever it takes to protect them.

13. Bedlington Terrier

Bedlingtons have a woolly, low-shedding coat. They are spunky, intelligent dogs who make devoted companions and guardians when well trained.

Bedlington Terrier
Bedlington Terrier

14. Irish Terrier

Irish Terriers have wiry coats that need hand stripping but don’t shed much. They are lively, responsive guard dogs who thrive with plenty of exercise and training.

irish terrier
irish terrier

You might enjoy reading my articles about worst behaved dog breeds and dog breeds with low separation anxiety.

15. Wheaten Terrier

With silky, wavy coats, Wheaten Terriers shed minimally and need regular grooming. They make spirited, devoted watchdogs and guardians. Early socialization is important.

wheaten terrier guard dogs that don't shed
wheaten terrier

16. Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon has a rough or smooth coat that sheds little. They are lively, sensitive dogs who bond closely with their owners and make vigilant guardians.

Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffon

17. Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested has fine hair that requires little grooming and hardly sheds. They are affectionate dogs who are intensely loyal to their families.

chinese-crested-white-puppy-in-blanket

Non-Shedding Guard Dogs In Conclusion

With a little research, you can find a number of excellent low-shedding guard dog breeds. Do your homework on grooming requirements and temperament to find the right match for your family. With the right training and socialization, these dogs can become loyal protectors without covering your home in hair.

I covered all of the costs associated with this guard dogs that don’t shed post. However, it does contain affiliate links. That means if you click through on some of the links in this article and end up making a purchase, I may receive a small commission. It won’t affect the price that you pay. Just wanted to let you know.

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