Let’s be real—drool isn’t exactly the most lovable part of owning dogs. Whether it’s flying from their loose jowls after a big drink on a hot day or trailing behind them when they’re excited, excessive drooling can be a sticky situation. For many dog owners, the idea of a couch cuddle without the mess sounds like a dream.
A study from WellPets highlights that the overall incidence of salivary gland disease in dogs is only 0.3%, meaning most drool is just a normal physiological response rather than a health concern. That makes your choice of dog breeds all the more important if you’re aiming for a cleaner, more comfortable home environment.
Some breeds are naturally tidier, with tight lips, minimal drooling, and a personality that still checks all the boxes: loyal, gentle, and playful. If you’re searching for breeds that don’t drool, we’ve got you covered.
From low-maintenance pups with a short coat to those with lower exercise needs, this list is your guide to finding a canine companion that’s long on love but short on slobber.
Dog Breeds That Drool The Least
1. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a small-sized, athletic dog with a big personality. Originally bred to herd cattle, these intelligent, loyal, and energetic dogs are surprisingly agile, with a long, low build that makes them quick and nimble on their feet.
Despite their short legs, Corgis need regular exercise to stay happy—think daily walks, interactive games, or even basic agility activities. They aren’t built for marathon runs, but they’ll gladly keep up on a casual hike or trot around the neighborhood.
Though they’re heavy shedders, they make up for it by being incredibly affectionate and having tight lips, which means they drool minimally. You won’t need to worry about cleaning up puddles of slobber after every drink or cuddle.
Fun Fact: Queen Elizabeth II owned more than 30 Corgis throughout her life—one of the reasons this lovable breed rose to global fame.
2. Australian Cattle Dog
AKC says that the compact yet muscular Australian Cattle Dog—also known as the Blue Heeler, Red Heeler, or Queensland Heeler—shares ancestry with Australia’s iconic wild dog, the Dingo. Bred for tough jobs in the outback, these dogs are energetic, loyal, and extremely intelligent.
Their short coat requires minimal grooming, and thanks to their clean, low-oil skin, they’re nearly odor-free. Better yet, they have tight lips and drool minimally, even after exercise or on a hot day.
Don’t be fooled by their neat nature, though—these dogs are not for the laid-back owners. They need intense exercise, regular mental stimulation, and early training. Without it, their sharp minds and boundless energy can quickly lead to boredom and destructive habits.
ACDs are excellent companions for active families or individuals who can match their constant need for movement and purpose. They’re also surprisingly gentle and affectionate once bonded with their people.
Fun Fact: The world’s oldest recorded dog was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey, who lived to be 29 years and 5 months old!
3. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, affectionate, and playful companion, best known for its cloud-like white coat and charming personality. These dogs were once favorites of French royalty and still carry themselves with elegance and confidence, just in a much smaller, more huggable form.
Though they have a soft, curly coat, Bichons are considered hypoallergenic and are known to shed very little. Even better? They have tight lips and drool minimally, making them a top choice for dog owners who want a cleaner, neater living space.
Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living, and they adapt well to families, singles, or seniors. But don’t mistake their size for laziness—Bichon Frises are quite energetic, loving playtime, short walks, and indoor games. Their joyful personality makes them excellent with kids, other dogs, and even cats when properly socialized.
Fun Fact: The Bichon Frise sailed the high seas with Spanish sailors and became beloved in port cities—earning them the nickname “sailor’s dog.”
4. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the tiniest dogs on the planet—but don’t let that small head fool you. These guys come packed with confidence, sass, and a surprisingly bold bark. Though they’re typically known for being vocal and alert, they don’t drool much, which is a major plus for neat-freak owners.
Chihuahuas are incredibly affectionate and form strong bonds with their people. Many prefer to be with their favorite human all day long—and they’re happiest riding in your tote or curled up beside you.
Despite being small, Chihuahuas have good energy. A short walk each day usually keeps them content, but because they’re prone to temperature sensitivity, make sure they have shade in summer and a sweater in winter.
Fun Fact: Chihuahuas were present in Aztec culture and believed to guide souls into the afterlife.
5. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
If you’re looking for a calm, sweet-natured companion to match a cozy lifestyle, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a perfect fit. These smart dogs thrive on love and attention, always ready to curl up on your lap or follow you around the house.
They’re easy to deal with thanks to their gentle temperament and eagerness to please. While they’re not big droolers, their floppy ears can bring in loads of mess from food and water bowls.
Cavaliers do best in homes where their emotional needs are taken into consideration. Harsh tones can frighten them, so training should be kind and positive. Regular check-ins with the vet are also important, as this breed can be prone to separation anxiety and health issues when left alone too often.
Fun Fact: PetMD mentions that this royal breed is named after King Charles I and his son, King Charles II of England, who were so devoted to their spaniels that they reportedly allowed them everywhere—even inside Parliament!
6. Papillon
The Papillon is a small, lively dog with a big personality and a distinct look—its name means “butterfly” in French, a nod to its elegant, fringed ears that resemble fluttering wings. Despite their dainty appearance, Papillons are incredibly athletic, agile, and always up for an adventure.
They’ve been prized as companion dogs for centuries, often seen in royal courts and painted alongside European nobility. Their alert nature and high intelligence make them quick learners and excellent performers in dog sports like agility and rally.
Though their silky coat looks luxurious, it’s surprisingly low-maintenance and doesn’t mat easily. They’re social, outgoing dogs that thrive on attention and interaction, and they’ll happily trot along beside you on walks or perch contentedly on your shoulder like a feathered friend.
Fun Fact: Marie Antoinette owned a Papillon named Coco, who was said to have followed her to the guillotine—though legend says the dog survived and lived out its days at a Paris convent.
7. Pomeranian
The Pomeranian may be small in size, but this fluffy firecracker is full of spirit and self-importance. With a thick double coat and fox-like expression, this toy breed often acts like it’s ten times its size, making it both charming and hilariously bold.
Historically, Pomeranians descend from much larger sled-pulling spitz dogs. Britannica states that Queen Victoria is largely credited for popularizing the smaller variety in the 19th century after she fell in love with one during a trip to Italy. Her personal Poms even competed in dog shows and traveled with her around Europe.
Don’t be fooled by their puffball appearance—Pomeranians are incredibly alert and quick-witted. They love attention and tend to form strong bonds with their people, often following them from room to room like a little shadow. While their coat requires regular brushing to stay tangle-free, it’s part of their signature charm.
Fun Fact: Two Pomeranians survived the sinking of the Titanic, escaping with their owners in lifeboats—earning them a quirky footnote in maritime history.
8. Borzoi
The Borzoi is a graceful and noble sighthound, once treasured by the Russian aristocracy for its speed and elegance. Also known as the Russian Wolfhound, this breed was originally developed for hunting wolves across vast estates.
Though often independent and a bit aloof, Borzois can still do well in obedience training when handled with patience. Their calm nature and gentle presence indoors make them a pleasant companion, especially when compared to more demanding breeds.
Borzois rarely drool and are known for their naturally clean habits. Their silky coat, while stunning, requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain its signature flow.
They enjoy lounging in quiet spaces but need room to sprint outdoors. With the right environment, they balance elegance, athleticism, and minimal mess beautifully.
Fun Fact: After the fall of Russian nobility, the Borzoi’s survival was secured thanks to European and American breeders who had admired and imported them long before the revolution.
9. Border Collie
The Border Collie is widely recognized as one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. Originally bred for herding sheep across the rugged hills of Britain, this energetic worker is always eager for a task and rarely takes a break, even to drool.
Though highly active and focused, Border Collies are surprisingly neat. Their coats stay clean with regular brushing, and they produce very little drool, even when fully engaged in herding or play.
While their spirit is anything but miniature, some Border Collies are referred to by that term when bred smaller for agility or sport-specific tasks. Their alertness, drive, and responsiveness remain just as strong.
These dogs thrive on structure and love having a job. Whether on a farm or in a dog sport, they perform with unmatched intensity and precision.
Fun Fact: In parts of the UK, you can still hear the classic bay of a Border Collie working the flock in open fields—an enduring sound of the countryside.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dog for your home isn’t just about personality or looks—it’s also about practical comfort. For many people, avoiding constant drool, mess, and cleanup is a key part of making pet ownership enjoyable and sustainable. Fortunately, there are plenty of lovable, loyal dogs out there that manage to bring joy without bringing puddles.
And the best part is that the list doesn’t end here! There are other dogs as well that drool minimally. These include the Australian Shepherd, Poodle, Greyhound, Whippet, Siberian Husky, and Havanese.
Whether you’re sensitive to slobber, allergic to excess saliva, or simply prefer a tidier house, there’s a perfect match out there for your needs. From low-maintenance grooming to tight-lipped calmness, these breeds that don’t drool much prove that cleanliness and companionship can absolutely go paw in paw.
