8 Big Dog Breeds That Don’t Drool: History, Pictures, & Info

10 Big Dog Breeds That Don‘t Drool or Shed Much

For many dog lovers, the bigger the dog, the better! Large and giant breeds have a commanding presence, endless loyalty, and often a gentle, patient demeanor that makes them excellent family companions. However, some people are hesitant to bring a big dog into their home due to concerns about excessive drooling and shedding.

While it‘s true that certain large breeds like Mastiffs, Bloodhounds and Saint Bernards are known for their slobbery jowls, not all big dogs are heavy droolers. In fact, there are quite a few sizeable breeds that keep the drool to a minimum. And if you‘re also hoping to avoid tumbleweeds of dog hair rolling across your floor, you‘ll be glad to know that some large low-drooling breeds are also light to moderate shedders.

In this article, we‘ll introduce you to 10 big dog breeds that won‘t leave you constantly wiping up drool or vacuuming up hair. But first, let‘s take a quick look at what causes dogs to drool and shed.

What Makes Some Dogs Drool and Shed More Than Others?

Drooling, or hypersalivation, is a natural bodily function for dogs. Saliva helps them digest their food, keeps their mouth and teeth clean, and regulates body temperature through panting. Some drooling is normal in any dog, especially when they are excited, anxious, hungry or thirsty.

However, certain breeds drool much more than others due to their physical traits. Dogs with loose upper lips, droopy jowls and skin folds around the muzzle naturally collect more saliva in their mouths, which overflows as drool. The shape of their skulls, jaw and teeth alignment also affects how well they can hold saliva in their mouths. This facial structure is especially common in many large mastiff-type and hound breeds originally bred for hunting and guarding.

As for shedding, nearly all dogs shed to some degree as part of their hair growth cycle. Some breeds have double coats made up of a soft, dense undercoat and a longer, protective top coat (guard hairs). These dogs typically "blow their coats" once or twice a year, shedding profusely as the seasons change.

The amount a dog sheds is largely determined by breed and coat type:

• Breeds with double coats tend to shed seasonally.
• Breeds with very short, smooth coats may shed lightly year-round.
• Breeds with continuously growing hair, like Poodles, shed minimally.
• Breeds with wiry or hairless coats also shed less.

Now that you know a bit about what influences drooling and shedding in dogs, let‘s meet some large breeds known for being relatively drool-free and shed-free.

10 Big Dogs That Keep the Drool and Shedding to a Minimum

1. Standard Poodle

Height: Over 15 inches
Weight: 45-70 lbs.
Traits: Elegant, athletic, highly intelligent

Don‘t let the fancy "show cut" fool you—the Standard Poodle is a large, sturdy dog bred for hunting and retrieving waterfowl. Their dense, curly coat sheds minimally and is considered hypoallergenic. Poodles rarely drool and have no doggy odor if brushed regularly. Calm, trainable and kid-friendly, the Poodle excels as a family dog and service animal.

2. Giant Schnauzer

Height: 25.5-27.5 inches
Weight: 55-80 lbs
Traits: Brave, loyal, trainable, energetic

The largest of the three Schnauzer breeds, the Giant Schnauzer is a powerful working dog developed in Germany to drive cattle and guard farms. Their dense, wiry coat sheds very little but requires regular brushing and trimming. Not prone to drooling, this protective and trainable breed does best with experienced owners willing to provide lots of exercise and socialization.

3. Greyhound

Height: 27-30 inches
Weight: 60-70 lbs
Traits: Gentle, independent, noble, athletic

Despite their racing background, Greyhounds are actually quite lazy and love napping on soft beds. Their sleek, short coats shed lightly and they have no undercoat, so grooming is minimal. Greys are also very clean dogs who don‘t drool much or get smelly. While they need a fenced yard to run in, Greyhounds are calm, quiet and adaptable indoors.

4. Komondor

Height: 25-27 inches
Weight: 80-100 lbs
Traits: Brave, loyal, protective, independent

A truly unique-looking breed, the Komondor‘s long, white cords protect them from harsh weather and predator bites. This ancient Hungarian flock guardian doesn‘t shed much at all once the cords are formed, and rarely drools. The independent and protective Komondor does best with experienced owners on farms or large properties.

5. Afghan Hound

Height: 25-27 inches
Weight: 50-60 lbs
Traits: Dignified, aloof, humorous

The aristocratic Afghan Hound, with its long silky coat and exotic expression, is as dignified as it looks. This ancient sighthound sheds seasonally and drools minimally. Affectionate but independent, the Afghan prefers to cuddle on their own terms. Plenty of fenced running room and regular grooming are a must for this noble breed.

6. Irish Water Spaniel

Height: 21-24 inches
Weight: 45-65 lbs
Traits: Brave, intelligent, energetic

The tallest of the AKC spaniels, the Irish Water Spaniel has a distinctive curly, liver-colored coat, hairless "rat tail" and smooth face. They shed very little, don‘t drool much and have no doggy smell. Bred to retrieve waterfowl in Ireland‘s chilly waters, the IWS needs daily exercise and thrives in active, outdoorsy families.

7. Saluki

Height: 23-28 inches
Weight: 35-65 lbs.
Traits: Gentle, independent, reserved

One of the oldest dog breeds, the Saluki is a slim but strong sighthound originally used by nomadic tribes to hunt gazelle in the Middle East. Their short, silky coat sheds lightly and requires minimal grooming. This sensitive breed bonds deeply with their family but can be aloof with strangers. Salukis prefer a soft bed to a drool-soaked one.

8. Airedale Terrier

Height: 23 inches
Weight: 50-70 lbs
Traits: Intelligent, independent, playful

The "King of Terriers," the Airedale is the largest of the terrier breeds. Originally used to hunt otters and rats, the Airedale‘s wiry coat sheds minimally and just needs occasional hand-stripping to look tidy. Drooling is rare for this brave, headstrong breed that loves digging and chasing. The clever Airedale does best with active, experienced owners.

9. Vizsla

Height: 22-24 inches
Weight: 45-65 lbs
Traits: Gentle, affectionate, energetic

The sleek, rust-colored Vizsla thrives as an active companion and excels at canine sports. Their short, smooth coat sheds moderately and drooling is minimal. The sensitive, people-oriented Vizsla forms very close bonds with their family and needs lots of interaction. A fenced yard is a must for this energetic hunting breed.

10. Briard

Height: 22-27 inches
Weight: 55-100 lbs
Traits: Brave, loyal, smart, protective

With their distinctive shaggy coats and peek-a-boo haircuts, the Briard is a strong, rugged French herding breed. The long, wavy coat can trap debris and needs regular brushing but sheds minimally. Briards rarely drool or get smelly. Devoted to family but wary of strangers, the Briard is an excellent watchdog that needs a job to do.

Tips to Minimize Drooling and Shedding in Any Dog

Even low-drooling, low-shedding breeds may drool or shed more than usual sometimes. Stress, excitement, heat, allergies, certain medications and dental problems can all increase drooling. Shedding often picks up in spring and fall as dogs switch from winter to summer coats.

Here are some care tips that can help keep drool and hair under control:

• Brush regularly to remove loose fur before it ends up on your floor.
• Bathe as needed with a gentle, moisturizing shampoo.
• Provide a calm, quiet place for anxious dogs to retreat to.
• Minimize stress by keeping greetings and departures calm and brief.
• Wipe your dog‘s face and lips with a damp cloth after meals and drinks.
• Maintain good oral health with dental chews, brushing and vet checkups.
• Vacuum and lint-roll furniture, car seats and clothing frequently.
• See your vet if drooling or shedding suddenly increases.

Consider Adopting a Drool-Free, Shed-Free Dog

If you‘re looking to add a big dog to your family without all the extra slobber and fur, consider adopting one of the low-drooling, low-shedding breeds on this list. Many end up in shelters and rescues due to no fault of their own. Search for breed-specific rescue organizations or let shelter staff know you‘re interested in a particular type of dog. You may just find your perfect match!