You love dogs. We all do. But nobody loves that wet dog smell lingering on your couch or the suspicious whiff coming off the pup after a quick romp in the yard. Some dogs just stink more than others. And if you are sensitive to pet odors or live in a small space, that scent becomes everyone’s problem.
Luckily, there are dog breeds that don’t smell (yes, they exist). These pups are known for being low-dog odor, easy on the nose, and a whole lot easier to cuddle. It could be due to their coat health, coat type, natural oils, or minimal drooling, but these breeds keep it fresh and clean.
So, if you are on the hunt for a dog (pun intended) that smells more like lavender than locker room, here is a list of the least smelly dog breeds you will want to meet!!
7 Dog Breeds That Don’t Smell
1. Bichon Frise
This fluffy ball of joy is not just adorable. It is also a top-tier choice for people trying to avoid that infamous doggy smell.
Key Traits:
Curly coat that holds less dander and oil
Hypoallergenic coat and great for allergy-prone homes
Does not drool or produce that doggy odor
Needs regular grooming to stay clean and odor-free
The Bichon Frise is the clean freak of the dog world. According to the AKC, they need hair brushing twice or thrice a week, they need nail trimming, and they need a bath clipping once a month.
As long as you keep up with regular brushing and grooming, this breed stays clean, smells fresh, and feels like a living stuffed animal. But their ears can smell if they get ear infections, as mentioned by PetMD. So, be mindful. And check their ears.
2. Dachshund
Tiny, long, and full of attitude. The Dachshund is almost like a walking sausage. It is one of those dog breeds that don’t smell due to a smooth coat and minimal shedding, and a strong sense of smell.
Key Traits:
Short coat = less oil and odor buildup
Does not carry that musky smell like some other breeds
Occasional brushing keeps them fresh
Prone to dental disease, so watch their dental hygiene
Dachshunds come in smooth, long, and wire-haired types, but the smooth coat version is specifically easy to keep fresh. With just a little care and love, they stay tidy and snuggle-ready without bringing in any dog’s smell.
But, but, but… they will only smell if you forgot to groom them or they have a medical condition, such as blocked anal glands or ear infections.
3. Havanese
These silky-coated sweethearts are all about companionship. And staying fresh. They don’t need to be bathed every other day, and you can use wet wipes to keep them clean in between baths.
Key Traits:
Known for having a very light scent
Their long and fine hair produces less doggy smell and oil than dense coats
Daily light brushing prevents matting and keeps the coat airy
Not a fan of oily fur = less odor
The Havanese is a charming little lap dog that will not leave your furniture smelling like a kennel. Their affectionate personality and minimal dog smell are a great package for urban apartments or homes where dog owners prefer a clean living space and a clean dog without any skin allergies.
4. Whippet
If you are into sleek, athletic, and practically scentless dogs, the Whippet is your breed. They have no smell unless they are strolling out in the rain (even then, the smell is minimal), and the odor will vanish as soon as they get dry.
Key Traits:
Ultra short hair and minimal shedding
Barely any smell, even when wet
Does not drool or carry a strong body odor
Easy to bathe and dries super fast
Whippets are the total neat freaks. No dense coats, no oily fur, no problem. And their love of running (up to 35 mph as per AKC) makes them perfect for owners who want an energetic dog but without the stink.
They are also low-maintenance dogs and great for homes without a ton of grooming gear and frequent brushing.
5. Chihuahua
Yes, they are tiny. Yes, they shake a lot. But one thing Chihuahuas do not do? Smell bad due to that dog odor. After all, they are one of the oldest dog breeds out there and know their way around now. Professional grooming depends on the type of Chihuahua.
Smooth-coated needs less, long-coated needs occasional grooming.
Key Traits:
Short hair = less fur to trap odors
Not prone to oily skin and smelly coats
Easy to keep clean with minimal grooming
Little bodies = less sweat, less smell
Chihuahuas may have that feisty and spicy attitude, but they do not come with that dreaded dog odor. These are one of those dog breeds that are both low maintenance and low odor. That is a win-win if you ask us.
6. Italian Greyhound
We can safely say the Italian Greyhound is the Whippet’s even daintier cousin, without much hair. And just as low odor. WebMD says they rarely drool, so that’s a plus for owners who like their dogs to stay clean and fresh. Also, they need one hour of daily exercise.
Key Traits:
Extremely short hair barely sheds
Does not develop that musty doggy odor
Regular brushing keeps the coat shiny and healthy
Needs warm and dry places to stay comfortable
Italian Greyhounds are clean dogs that cling to your lap… and not your furniture with smells. They thrive with gentle care and love soft bedding over muddy fields. However, they can get smelly if they are not properly maintained.
They are prone to dental problems if they get bad breath, which can further escalate to serious problems. So, BRUSH their teeth, always!! If you are trying to dodge the smell, this breed has got your back. And your nose!
7. Papillon
The Papillon may look fancy and regal dog with those butterfly ears and flowing coats, but they are a surprisingly clean pup. You can make tight curls of that short hair.
Key Traits:
Does not drool or have that lingering canine smell
Very little dander and body odor
Regular clipping and brushing avoid tangles and keep the hair fresh
The coat is light and easy to maintain
If you want a dog with long hair but less doggy odor, the Papillon is a perfect match. Bonus is they are highly intelligent, smart, friendly, and spunky. And if you are worried about shedding, good news!! They don’t shed much and are ideal for a tidy home.
Conclusion
While these seven dogs are absolute gems in the odor-free department, a few other breeds also deserve a quick shout-out. The Portuguese Water dog is hypoallergenic and has minimal body odor. Same with the Kerry Blue Terrier, which is known for a soft, curly coat that does not hold onto smells.
Some more include the Shih Tzu with a double coat and a soft undercoat, the Poodle, the Golden Retriever, and the West Highland Terrier. These dogs dry in the breeze and do not have any unpleasant smell.
All in all, if you give your dog the luxury of regular bathing, grooming, brushing, and time, most dogs turn out to be fairly smell-free. So go ahead, and choose a pup of your choice for an odor-free house.
