Is your nose constantly protesting ever since you brought your new dog home? There can be many reasons behind pets being stinky, and some can be managed with proper care.
All doggos shed their dead skin over time; this forms pet dander, which can gather on their skin. Without regular bathing, this dander can cause body odor. Thick coats and oil buildup are also reasons why dogs start smelling. Some dogs naturally shed the dead cells, but grooming and bathing are a must for all canines.
There are certain breeds that are naturally mostly odorless. Go through our guide to the least smelly dog breeds before you make your decision; your nose will thank you.
Dog Breeds with Almost No Odor for Odor-Sensitive Owners
1. Coton De Tulear
Coton De Tulear is a bright-natured and affectionate dog with cotton-candy coats. These fluffy pets are a rare breed with an adaptive and happy disposition, as per PetMD. These small dogs make great and portable travel buddies for owners with wanderlust.
These compact dogs have many merits, and being odorless is at the top of the list. Even though they’re an active dog breed and love to roam about, they don’t develop a foul smell. They are generally healthy dogs with long lifespans (15-19 years) and don’t have many genetic conditions.
Though one of the cleanest dogs, this “Cotton ball dog” needs regular grooming. It possesses a low-shedding coat type, which can get tangled if not cared for. Daily brushing and bathing are a must for it.
2. Schnauzer
One of the most unique members of the dog world, Schnauzers have a distinct wire coat. This fascinating German canine was originally bred as a working dog, used to pull sleds and hunt rodents. They’re one of the breeds that don’t have a significant dog odor due to their unique coat type.
Schnauzers are small and friendly dogs that come in three different sizes: Miniature, Standard, and Giant. You’ll forget to blink the first time you look at them. WebMD states that their beautiful, medium-thick, double coat has a wiry outer layer that keeps it odorless.
This pup has high grooming needs; regular brushing is crucial to prevent matting of the undercoat. Brush their doggo hair at least once a week to keep them looking presentable and clean.
3. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds may look like they’re out for a kill, but these gorgeous canines make affectionate companions. An ancient breed originating from Italy, these dogs have a sleek and lean appearance. The best bit? They’re also one of the most famous non-smelling dog breeds.
Italian Greyhounds are also loving lapdogs that prefer sticking close to their owners. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), they have a prey drive and will rush after quick-moving prey. What helps them keep off doggy smell is their short, smooth coats that need very little maintenance.
Give your Italian occasional baths and brush their coat off and on to remove any dirt that may have accumulated. That’s pretty much all you’ll need to do.
4. Basenji
These African dogs have looks, brains, and strength in a compact package. This hunting dog breed is known for being barkless; it lets out yodel-like sounds instead and can get pretty chatty. Some Basenjis can be quieter, though. They’re the best pets for people with allergies who prefer a clean, odorless dog.
What sets Basenjis apart from many other breeds is their self-grooming routine. They will take care of half the job for you by cleaning themselves frequently with their paws and tongues. They have an interesting habit of cleaning their faces with their front paws.
While their self-care routines make them a non-smelly dog, they’ve earned some grooming time for being such good pups. Their low-maintenance coat just needs some quick brushing to remove dirt and distribute skin oil production.
5. Kerry Blue Terrier
Kerry Blue Terriers are one of the coolest dogs out there with their eye-catching coat and adorable nature. Though less common than other breeds, these fascinating canines massively intrigue dog lovers. They also have a tendency to clean themselves, which keeps them mostly odorless.
Kerry Blue Terriers have thick, curly coats, and they don’t shed as much as most dogs with wavy or curly coats. They do need regular bathing and frequent brushing for their routine.
6. Bichon Frise
Bichon Frise is a non-sporting, tiny breed with a beautiful, thick coat made of curly, long hair. These fluffpuffs are popular as pets due to their unbearably adorable look and merry temperament. These are non-shedding pups and will hardly smell bad as they don’t produce much oil or dander.
If Bichons have claimed your heart, don’t hesitate to add one to your family. Just remember that these beautiful dogs do need a lot of care. Their curly, dense coat is prone to matting and accumulating dirt over time. Professional grooming might be needed off and on to keep them in their best state.
Trimming their coat in summer is a good idea. Getting their ears once a month is also important, and they’re prone to ear infections due to the excess hair in those areas.
7. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water dogs are loyal working dogs that make affectionate companions. These dogs are non-shedding and don’t produce a lot of dander. Their odor production is mostly low unless they’ve been playing in the mud or have worked out hard.
These hypoallergenic dogs do need some regular coat maintenance. Their coats come in different varieties; some can be curly and stiff, others are wavy and flowy. Thankfully, they don’t have a lot of bad natural order. All you need to do is introduce regular weekly brushing and occasional bathing into their routine.
8. Chihuahua
One of the world’s smallest dogs, Chihuahuas carry a mischievous look on their adorable faces. Chihuahuas have smell-free, dense coats that come in different variations. Some Chihuahuas have a short coat, while others boast a coat of long, silky hair.
These toy breeds are mostly low maintenance, but their needs depend on the kind of coat they have. Regular brushing and some bathing is never a bad idea, though. Despite their long hair, they’re less prone to ear infections because of their erect ears that let in oxygen easily.
9. Havanese
Havanese are small dogs, overflowing with joy and affection. They are very sociable and extroverted dogs who thrive best when they’re receiving attention. These pups have a marvelous soft, long, silky coat that doesn’t shed a lot. Their oil and danger production is pretty low, which controls their doggy smells.
Due to coat length, they need daily grooming to avoid matting in the hair. But who would mind wrapping this bubbly little one up in their arms to give them their daily brushing? Some owners trim the hair shorter to make it comparatively low maintenance.
These playful pets don’t need vigorous regular exercise, but daily walks and playtime are still a must.
10. Doberman Pinscher
These tough-looking dogs are good family pets, but mostly they make excellent police or security dogs. Doberman Pinscher’s smell production can vary with their activity level, so expect the unexpected with these canines.
Doberman Pinschers have a smooth, short coat and can have moderate to high shedding levels. Caring for their coat shouldn’t be really tricky; daily or twice a week brushing and occasional baths can work wonders.
Conclusion
While most dogs will have some kind of natural odor, knowing how much certain breeds are prone to foul smell can help you make the right decision before adopting. This list was all about helping you make an informed choice.
