Ever wish for a lovable, affectionate dog without the constant drool-fest? Some dogs are notorious for leaving a trail of slobber everywhere, but others strike the perfect balance—just a little drool here and there, nothing too extreme. If you love dogs but don’t want to wipe furniture, floors, and your clothes constantly, you’re in the right place!
Moderate drooling breeds give you the best of both worlds. They’re not bone-dry, but they won’t leave you drenched after a cuddle session, either. A little slobber is natural, especially when they’re excited, hungry, or after a good play session. But with these breeds, it’s totally manageable—no need to carry a towel at all times!
So, if you’re looking for a furry friend who’s loving, playful, and won’t turn your home into a drool zone, stick around. We’re diving into the best moderate drooling breeds that keep things neat without missing out on charm!
Moderate Drooling Dog Breeds
1. Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is like that friend who always looks effortlessly stylish—clean, calm, composed, and affectionate. In case you’re worried about drool ruining your furniture or clothes, this breed is a dream come true. While they may get a little slobbery when excited or after a long run, their drooling is minimal compared to other breeds.
The reason why Shiba keeps drooling is their cat-like grooming habits. They’re obsessed with staying clean and often lick themselves like felines. This self-maintenance keeps their fur neat and limits the amount of saliva they spread around your home.
Beyond their neatness, Shiba have an independent streak that makes them unique. According to Petplan, they’re affectionate and loyal but not overly clingy, which means they won’t be smothering you with slobber every time you walk through the door. They’re the type to greet you with a proud, knowing look rather than a full-speed jump-and-lick attack.
Despite their moderate drooling, they do have one adorable quirk: the famous “Shiba scream.” If they’re overly excited or annoyed, they’ll let out a dramatic, high-pitched yelp that sounds straight out of a cartoon.
Their double coat naturally repels dirt and moisture, making them one of the cleanest dogs around. Even if they step into a puddle, they somehow shake it off and stay pristine. No need for constant wiping or cleaning up drool trails after a walk—these pups keep it tidy all on their own.
Fun Fact: The Shiba Inu is the most popular companion dog in Japan, known for its bold personality and fox-like looks. They were originally bred for hunting in mountainous terrain, which explains their agility and sharp instincts!
2. Basenji
The basenji is a dog that’s as clean as a cat and as quiet as a ninja. A breed that takes neatness to a whole new level. This little African hound is a breath of fresh air if you’re tired of dogs that leave slobber marks everywhere. With barely any drool, you won’t have to worry about sticky couches or wet patches on your clothes.
One of the biggest reasons Basenjis are so clean is their fastidious grooming habits. Like feline royalty, they lick themselves to stay spotless. You’ll rarely catch them covered in mud or smelling like wet dog, and—best of all—there’s no constant drool dripping from their jowls.
But here’s where things get even more interesting—Basenjis don’t bark. Seriously, they’re known as the “barkless dog”, says AKC. Instead, they communicate with a unique sound called a “yodel” or “barroo”—a mix between a howl and a giggle. Imagine a dog trying to sing instead of barking if you’ve never heard one.
These dogs are built for speed and adventure. Developed for hunting in Africa, Basenjis have insane agility and stamina. They love running, exploring, and problem-solving. If you leave them alone for too long, they’ll find ways to entertain themselves—sometimes by outsmarting their owners!
A Basenji is an ideal companion if you live in a warm climate. Their short, fine coat helps them stay cool, and because they rarely drool, there’s no mess to clean up, even on hot days. Just ensure they get enough exercise because these energetic pups don’t do well with boredom.
3. Dachshund
Dachshund is a dog that’s big on personality but low on drool. These little charmers may be famous for their long bodies and short legs, but another thing they’re known for? Minimal slobber! Unlike drooly breeds that leave trails of saliva everywhere, Dachshunds keep it tidy, making them an excellent choice for neat freaks and cuddle lovers alike.
Dachshunds don’t drool much is their tight mouth structure. They lack the excessive jowls that tend to collect and drip saliva. Sure, they might get a little drippy after a meal or when they’re eagerly watching you eat, but you won’t find them soaking their toys or leaving wet patches on your lap.
Dachshunds were originally bred as fearless badger hunters, meaning they have a natural drive and determination that makes them energetic and playful. While they may be small dogs, their enthusiasm is through the roof! Whether they’re chasing a ball, digging up the yard, or burrowing under blankets, they’re always on the move.
Despite their small size, Dachshunds have a big appetite, and they’ll let you know when it’s mealtime. They might stare at you with their soulful eyes, hoping for a bite of your snack, but unlike heavy droolers, they won’t leave a puddle on the floor while waiting. Their mouth stay dry even when their stomach are growling.
Petplan states that Dachshunds are affectionate but not overwhelming. They love cuddling under blankets, but they won’t leave a trail of saliva behind. Whether they’re snuggling in your lap or burrowing into their favorite pillow, they keep it clean—no sticky kisses, just pure warmth and love.
4. Chihuahua
Meet the Chihuahua—a pint-sized pup with a big personality and barely any drool. This little firecracker is the perfect choice if you want a companion that’s easy to carry and won’t slobber on your clothes. Unlike drool-heavy breeds, Chihuahuas keep things neat, which means no slimy kisses or damp furniture. Sounds like a win, right?
They don’t drool much because of their tight facial structure. Unlike jowl-heavy breeds, Chihuahuas have a compact mouth with firm lips, which means their saliva stays where it belongs—inside! Even when they’re excited, panting, or waiting for a treat, they won’t turn into a slobbery mess.y
According to PetMD, Chihuahuas are long-haired with short coats, but their energy levels are through the roof. They love zooming around the house, playing with their favorite toys, and even challenging dogs much bigger than them. And through all that excitement? They stay neat—no messy drool dripping down their chin as they run and play.
These little guys like their space clean and rarely leave wet patches behind. Whether they’re curled up in their cozy spot or riding in your purse like a tiny VIP, they keep it dry and mess-free. If you love a fresh-smelling home, this is the breed for you!
Of course, meal times can make any dog drool a little, but Chihuahuas are different. They might stare at you with those big, pleading eyes, hoping for a snack, but they won’t leave a saliva trail while waiting. Even after a good meal, they don’t have the sloppy, wet mouth some other dogs do.
5. Greyhound
Greyhounds are a sleek, athletic, and surprisingly low-drooling breed. According to Britannica, these long-legged sprinters might reach up to 45 mph speeds, but they don’t create the drool splatter you’d expect from such an energetic dog.
Unlike jowly breeds that collect and drip drool, Greyhounds have lean, narrow heads with firm lips that keep everything where it belongs. Even after a high-speed chase in the yard, you won’t see a slobbery mess waiting for you at the finish line!
Speaking of energy, Greyhounds are built for bursts of speed but are also surprisingly lazy indoors. They love lounging around the house, earning them the nickname “couch potatoes of the dog world.” And the best part? Their chill nature doesn’t come with a side of drool—no damp dog beds, no sticky carpets, just a sleek, clean pup enjoying their well-earned nap.
Greyhounds are not the dogs that get overly slobbery when they’re excited. Whether they’re greeting you at the door or zooming around in a sudden burst of energy, their mouths stay dry. Sure, they might pant a little after a run, but that doesn’t mean they’ll start flinging saliva everywhere.
Greyhounds are also low-maintenance in grooming, making them an even better choice for those who love a clean home. Their short, sleek coats don’t trap moisture, and since they don’t drool much, you won’t have to deal with that telltale “dog smell” some breeds develop. A Greyhound is the kind of pet that keeps itself (and your house) effortlessly tidy.
6. Bichon Frise
This dog is both adorable and tidy. The Bichon Frise is a fluffy little cloud of joy that doesn’t just look pristine—it actually stays that way! Unlike slobber-prone breeds, this charming pup keeps things dry and drool-free, making it a dream for owners who love a clean home and a fresh-smelling pup.
Despite their luxurious coats, these dogs are surprisingly low-maintenance regarding messes. Many dogs get wet patches on their fur from excessive drooling, but not the Bichon. Their fluffy white coat stays dry and spotless. These dogs do not drool often because of their tight facial structure and small, well-fitted lips.
And what about excitement? Many dogs start foaming at the mouth when they’re hyper or playing, but Bichons stay tidy even when bouncing around with joy. They love attention, they love fun, and they love their humans—but they don’t show their affection in a slobbery way.
Bichons are also known for their affectionate, energetic, and cheerful nature, according to Petplan. They thrive on human interaction and love being carried, cuddled, and pampered. Unlike some lapdogs that leave wet spots on your clothes, Bichons are perfect cuddle companions—you can snuggle them all day without worrying about drool stains on your outfit.
And let’s not forget their apartment-friendly nature. Since they don’t drool, you won’t have to wipe your floors, furniture, or carpets constantly. They’re the perfect little housemates—cute, affectionate, and tidy enough to fit into any home without extra cleaning duties. Who wouldn’t want a dog like that?
7. Poodle
This elegant breed isn’t just known for its intelligence and hypoallergenic coat—it’s also one of the cleanest dogs you can own, thanks to its minimal drooling habits. Whether you’re living in a city apartment or a spacious home, a Poodle fits right in without leaving behind a trail of slobber.
Unlike droopy-jowled breeds, their tight and well-formed lips are designed to keep saliva in, so you won’t find messy wet spots on your floors, furniture, or clothing. Whether playing, eating, or cuddling, their mouths stay dry and tidy—just as a sophisticated breed should be!
They’re neat eaters, keeping their faces clean without dribbling saliva all over their bowls. If you’ve ever had to wipe up a slobbery mess after feeding time, you’ll appreciate how effortless it is to keep a Poodle’s dining area spotless. Wouldn’t it be nice to never step in a puddle of dog drool again?
And what about training? AKC states that Poodles are one of the smartest dog breeds, ranking among the top in obedience and learning speed. But here’s the bonus: since they don’t drool much, you can train them indoors without worrying about saliva-covered floors. Imagine teaching tricks without having to wipe down your hands after every treat!
Let’s not forget their low-odor nature. Since excessive drooling can contribute to that “dog smell,” Poodles stay fresher longer. Their curly, non-drooling mouths don’t trap moisture, which means fewer doggy odors in your home. A clean, smart, and low-maintenance pup—what more could you ask for?
Fun Fact: Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers, yet they’ve managed to stay one of the tidiest breeds. They can splash through lakes and rivers but still keep their drool in check—now that’s impressive!
Conclusion
For pet owners who want a dog without the mess of excessive drooling, moderate drooling dog breeds are the perfect solution. Unlike drooly dog breeds with large jowls, breeds with tight lips tend to have minimal drooling and clean habits. Some dog breeds that drool moderately include Boston Terriers, Bichon Frise, Poodles, and Shiba Inu. These wonderful companions were originally bred for various roles but have become great family pets due to their affectionate and playful personalities.
Despite their big personality, many of these dog breeds are surprisingly low energy indoors, requiring proper training and physical stimulation to stay happy. Medium-sized dogs, such as Poodles and Greyhounds, are intelligent and easy to train, making them excellent companions for families with children and other animals. Wiener dogs (Dachshunds) and Chihuahuas, though small, have a bold and confident nature, while barkless dog breeds like the Basenji add to the list of low-drooling options.
When selecting a family pet, considering energy levels, physical activity, and loose mouth structure is essential to managing the amount of drool. While some hounds are prone to drooling due to their head and jowls, breeds like Boston Terriers and Shiba Inu tend to keep excessive saliva under control. Whether you prefer a gentle, loyal, or curious companion, choosing a breed with low drooling tendencies ensures a cleaner home while still enjoying the benefits of a smart, affectionate, and playful pet.
