Along with the joy and warmth that dogs bring to our homes, there comes a lot of dirt, dander, and fur. While some people adopt dogs depending on their physical traits and personality attributes, others do consider the cleanliness factor.
Certain dog breeds are known to be cleaner than others. A clean dog drools less, sheds less, and produces minimal doggy odor. Although all dogs require regular grooming, including bathing, coat care, and dental care, clean dogs have fewer grooming needs than others.
If you are a busy pet parent who cannot take out enough time to take care of your dog’s hygiene, these cleanest dog breeds might be a good option for you. However, it is worth mentioning that no dog breed is “zero maintenance.”
Here are the top 9 dog breeds that rarely get dirty.
Dog Breeds that Rarely Get Dirty
1. Whippet
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 25 to 40 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Smaller version of Greyhounds, Whippets are one of the cleanest dog breeds. They love spending time and snuggling with their owners, so they enjoy the grooming sessions. Whippets are so clean that you won’t mind them jumping on your bed or sofa.
Their coat has very little hair, and they produce minimal doggy odor. Whippets sleep a lot, which makes them great apartment dogs. However, Whippets can run as fast as 35 miles per hour and need plenty of exercise to stay fit.
When it comes to chasing prey, Whippets are tough dogs. If someone knocks at the door too loudly, Whippets are likely to run and hide.
2. Chihuahua
Breed Profile
Height: 5 to 8 inches
Weight: Under 6 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
One of the tiniest dog breeds, Chihuahuas, also make the list of clean dog breeds. It is an easy-to-care-for breed that does not shed much. It has a small and thin coat that requires minimal grooming. Chihuahuas are cleanliness freaks, full of personality and sass.
However, due to their tiny size, their bladders are small too. Therefore, if your main concern is keeping the carpet in your lounge clean, a Chihuahua might not be an ideal choice for you. They are also prone to obesity, so you need to maintain a balanced diet and exercise your dog regularly.
Just like other small dog breeds, they also bark a lot. Proper training and socialization can help them become well-behaved around kids and other dogs.
3. Basenji
Breed Profile
Height: 16 to 17 inches
Weight: 22 to 24 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 to 14 years
The popular barkless dog, the Basenji, is a low-shedding breed having a short coat. One of the odorless dog breeds, they exhibit a cat-like self-grooming behavior. Basenji licks itself clean and does not tend to get dirty. It makes a yodel-like sound called a “baroo.”
According to PDSA, Basenji needs exercise, which includes walks and dog sports. Even after the exercise, the grooming is very simple and easy since their tight coat rarely catches dirt. Basenji has short ears, which means that the ears are not dirt collectors either.
Basenji is a low-maintenance breed in terms of grooming. They are mischievous and playful by nature, and can become destructive if they do not get adequate physical and mental stimulation.
4. Bichon Frise
Breed Profile
Height: 9.5 to 11.5 inches
Weight: 12 to 18 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years
Bichon Frise is a fluffy white dog having a soft and silky coat. It is a hypoallergenic dog, ideal for pet owners who are prone to allergies. This low-shedding dog looks like a cotton ball moving around. Bichon Frise also makes a great pet for apartment dwellers, the elderly, and homes with kids.
These lap dogs tend to bark a lot. They weigh around 20 pounds and have a normal bladder, but Bichon Frise parents often complain of housebreaking problems. They are also prone to allergies, ear problems, diabetes, and heart disease.
Bichon Frise has a captivating and adaptable character. Coat care involves brushing two to three times a week to prevent matting and tangles.
5. Maltese
Breed Profile
Height: 7 to 9 inches
Weight: Under 7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Maltese is another hypoallergenic dog breed that makes the list of clean dogs. It does not shed much and is recognized as an “odorless dog breed.” This super cute dog is a cleanliness freak. Their long hair requires regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
If you do not have enough time to brush your dog daily, consider getting them a “puppy cut,” which is easier to maintain. The coat also requires professional grooming in addition to home maintenance.
These apartment dwellers do not stink. But if you do not brush their teeth regularly, they can develop dental disease, which smells terrible. Some Maltese tend to bark a lot and need proper training to prevent excessive barking.
6. Xoloitzcuintli
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 23 inches (Standard)
Weight: 30 to 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 to 18 years
Despite having a history of 3,000 years, Xoloitzcuintli is a rare dog breed from Mexico. “Xolo,” pronounced as “show-low,” means short. Also known as the Mexican Hairless dog, it is largely fur-free aside from a little fluff on the head and feet.
Due to being hairless, Xoloitzcuintli has a non-shedding coat. That is why this low-maintenance breed makes the list of the cleanest dogs. It has two varieties: hairless and coated. The hairless variant is super smooth and slick.
All you Mexican Hairless dog needs is sunblock in summer to avoid sunburn. This clean dog requires only 20 minutes of exercise per day, explains PetMD. The exercise can include a long walk, hike, or jog.
7. Poodle
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 24 inches
Weight: 40 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
Poodle is one of the most popular dog breeds that comes in three varieties: standard, miniature, and toy. They are versatile, smart, and family-oriented pups. Poodles of all three sizes shed minimally. Due to this, they have fewer grooming needs.
Poodles are also hypoallergenic dogs. Their long and curly hair needs regular brushing using a slicker brush to prevent tangles. Poodles love water and will jump into any puddle they find. However, they do not develop a damp doggy smell.
The American Kennel Club describes Poodles as active, proud, and smart dogs. These dogs have high energy levels and require one hour of exercise per day for adequate physical and mental stimulation.
8. Pharaoh Hound
Breed Profile
Height: 21 to 25 inches
Weight: 45 to 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Hailing from Egypt, Pharaoh Hounds are one of the oldest dog that have mastered the art of cleanliness. They are moderate shedders and do not require extensive grooming to keep the coat healthy.
Grooming involves fewer baths and little brushing. Pharaoh Hounds are high-energy dogs. Around 30 minutes of exercise will suffice for adult Pharaoh Hounds. Exercise can involve daily walks and play sessions in an enclosed area.
It is an intelligent dog that quickly learns new things. Positive reinforcement methods work the best when it comes to training.
9. Greyhound
Breed Profile
Height: 27 to 30 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Greyhounds are sleek, swift, and surprisingly low-maintenance dogs. It is one of the cleanest dog breeds. Having a Greyhound, you do not need to worry about the puddles of drool on your floor or the lingering doggy smell.
They have a short coat that repels dirt and requires minimal grooming. Grooming includes a weekly rubdown with a wet cloth and infrequent bathing.
It is one of the fastest dogs, so it quickly gets away from dirt. Greyhound is a sensitive dog who loves to cuddle up with their pet parents.
Conclusion
Some dog breeds are known for being clean freaks. Their short coats, low maintenance needs, and cat-like self-grooming behavior put them on the list of cleanest dogs ever. If you are looking for a tidy dog breed, one of the breeds mentioned in this article might be the perfect fit for you!
