Every dog lover wants a clean dog that sheds less and drools less. For cleanliness-conscious individuals, certain dog breeds offer companionship without any mess. These breeds are naturally cleaner than the others.
Clean dog breeds have minimal doggy odor, do not shed a lot, and produce little to no drool. Such dogs are also easy to housetrain. Most clean dogs are low maintenance and do not require extensive brushing to keep their coats tidy and well-maintained.
If you want to enjoy slobber-free smooches and snuggles without holding your breath, a clean dog might be the right fit for you. However, even the cleanest dogs require occasional bathing, regular teeth brushing, and nail trimming.
Some dogs have a natural instinct to clean their coats themselves, just like cats. Here are the top 9 dog breeds that self-clean often.
Dog Breeds that Self-Clean Often
1. American Hairless Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 12 to 16 inches
Weight: 12 to 28 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Curious and cute, American Hairless Terriers are a hairless breed that inherits a coat so short that it barely seems to be there. Having no coat means little chances of catching dirt and smells, and no shedding. That is why, American Hairless Terrier is a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Since the dog lacks a full coat, it does not require a grooming routine like most other dogs. You only need to apply sunscreen to your hairless terrier before going out. The reason is that they are prone to getting sunburns.
Do you know? According to PetMD, American Hairless Terriers are one of the few dog breed that sweat!
They can also get cold in winter, so if you have an American Hairless Terrier, get ready to purchase dog sweaters when the temperature drops.
2. Xoloitzcuintli
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 23 inches (standard)
Weight: 30 to 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 to 18 years
Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless dog) is another hairless breed. This super clean dog comes in two varieties: coated or coatless. Even the coated Xolos have a smooth and slick coat that requires occasional brushing.
Both coated and coatless variants are odorless and rarely get dirty. All you need for your Xolo is a sunblock in summer and a sweater in winter, and they are good to go!
Xolos need regular bathing. Wipe their skin using a wash cloth and keep it hydrated using a dog-friendly lotion after the bath. However, they have acne-prone skin. Consult your vet to see how you can control your Xolo’s acne pain.
3. Pharaoh Hound
Breed Profile
Height: 21 to 25 inches
Weight: 45 to 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Pharaoh Hound bears a striking resemblance to the Egyptian God Anubis. It is one of the oldest dog breeds, and perhaps has learnt the art of cleanliness with time. Their moderately shedding coat does not require extensive grooming.
Weekly brushing is enough to remove loose hair and keep their coat sleek and shiny. It is a high-energy breed that thrives on daily walks and needs ample space to run. The Pharaoh Hound is a sociable and friendly dog that makes a great family dog.
Pharaoh Hounds are loving, good-natured, and playful dogs that get along well with children. Well-exercised dogs are pretty laid-back at home.
4. Whippet
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 25 to 40 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
A Whippet is a smaller version of the Greyhound. This clean dude is surprisingly low maintenance as its short and smooth coat does not require extensive grooming. Weekly grooming includes brushing and occasional baths. Whippets drool less and do not shed a lot.
According to the AKC, they love to stretch out and relax for long hours. They like a fenced yard to roam, but do equally well in apartments too, provided they are well-exercised.
Whippets rarely bark and are so clean that you will not mind them jumping onto your sofa or bed.
5. Greyhound
Breed Profile
Height: 27 to 30 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 14 years
Greyhounds are sleek and swift dogs who like to clean themselves. Their velvety, smooth, and short coat repels dirt. Having a Greyhound in your house, you do not need to worry about the puddles of drool on the floor.
Greyhounds are less drooling and odor-free dogs that require low maintenance. For grooming, you only need to rub down their coats with a wet cloth and give them occasional baths. Greyhounds are super fast dogs, so they will quickly get away from a muddy puddle they come across.
According to PDSA, Greyhounds are not overly energetic and do not require intense exercise despite their athletic build. Around 60 minutes of exercise every day to stay fit.
6. Japanese Chin
Breed Profile
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: Less than 11 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
This cute little guy is more feline than canine when it comes to grooming. Japanese Chin loves to self-clean by licking its paws, just like cats. This meticulous coat keeps their medium-length silky coat odorless and tidy.
Japanese Chins are moderate shedders that need weekly brushing and occasional bathing. These mischievous fellows jump on the shelves and keep perching all day. At the same time, they are graceful and quiet, too.
Japanese Chins are fairly active pups. They enjoy slow walks and exploring in the fenced yard. They make excellent pets for apartment dwellers.
7. Chow Chow
Breed Profile
Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 8 to 12 years
Chow Chow is a surprisingly clean, fluffy dog breed. Just like Japanese Chin, Chow Chows spend a lot of time grooming themselves with their little blue tongue. Chow Chow’s coat requires regular grooming that involves brushing, bathing, and trimming the coat.
Chow Chows are moderate shedders and slobber slightly more than other breeds on our list. They have little odor and require grooming two times a week and a monthly bath. Chow Chows are relatively low-maintenance in terms of exercise.
They need 40 to 60 minutes of exercise every day to stay healthy and happy. The exercise can include short walks and playtime.
8. Bedlington Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 15 to 17.5 inches
Weight: 17 to 23 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 16 years
Bedlington Terrier is a rare dog breed that does not drool and produces less dander. They have a curly coat that does not shed a lot. So, you do not need to worry about vacuuming every time they sit on the couch.
They are considered hypoallergenic dogs and are well-suited for individuals prone to allergies. However, there is no such thing as a 100% allergen-free dog. Their medium-length coat remains clean with minimal effort.
They need twice-weekly brushing and professional grooming sessions every couple of months to maintain their coat.
9. Basenji
Breed Profile
Height: 16 to 17 inches
Weight: 22 to 24 pounds
Life Expectancy: 13 to 14 years
The famous barkless dog, the Basenji, has a very tight coat, which means it does not collect dirt. They also have a tightly curled tail. Basenjis possess a cat-like affinity to keep themselves clean. Basenjis lick their paws to groom themselves, and this is the reason they are less stinky than many breeds.
This sweet-smelling pooch is low maintenance in terms of shedding and grooming. However, they need regular grooming like all other dogs. These playful dogs can become mischievous if they get bored. Therefore, it is important to provide adequate physical and mental stimulation.
Basenjis have a wrinkled forehead and expressive almond shaped eyes through which they convey human-like emotions.
Conclusion
If you are planning to adopt a low-maintenance and cleanliness-freak tidy pooch, one of the dog breeds mentioned in this article might be the right fit for you. But remember: no dog is 100% maintenance-free. So make sure to give affection and care to your canine buddy!
