Having a dog is the best. But cleaning up after one? That part isn’t fun. Fur on your clothes, dirt on the floor, and a smelly couch can make your day harder. According to a recent study, an average pet owner spends 832 hours each year cleaning after their pets! That’s… a lot.
Some dogs need a lot of brushing, bathing, and time. But some breeds stay neat on their own. They don’t shed much. They don’t bring in a mess. And they often clean themselves just like cats do.
So if you want less mess and more peace, these dogs that clean up after themselves might be perfect for you. In this blog, we will take a look at some of the cleanest dog breeds that make perfect pets.
Dog Breeds That Clean Up After Themselves
1. Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a small and gentle dog that often acts more like a cat than a dog. It enjoys staying in quiet places and is often found sitting on shelves, chairs, or corners without making a sound. Its movements are calm, and it prefers to stay still rather than run around the house.
What makes this breed very special is how well it cares for itself. The Japanese Chin regularly licks its paws and cleans its fur without needing help. The coat is soft, medium in length, and stays fresh for long periods. It does not collect much dirt and doesn’t produce a strong smell.
Brushing once a week is enough to remove loose fur and keep the coat smooth. The floor, couch, and clothes don’t get covered in hair since it sheds lightly. Bathing is rarely needed. A quiet home suits this dog best, especially when space is limited. It keeps its area neat and doesn’t create much mess at all.
2. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a large, fluffy dog with a proud and peaceful nature. Its thick coat may look like it would be hard to manage, but this breed is much cleaner than it appears. Most of the time, the Chow Chow takes care of its own grooming. AKC mentions that they housebreak easily, have little doggy odor, and are as fastidious as cats.
Even though the fur is heavy, it does not fall out too much if brushed two or three times a week. Most of the loose fur stays in the brush, and little is left around the home. A full bath is only needed about once a month. This dog doesn’t bring in much dirt or cause big messes despite its size.
The Chow Chow is very calm. It usually picks one spot to rest and doesn’t move around a lot. That helps reduce how much fur ends up on the floor. It also doesn’t roll in muddy spots or dig outside. This dog fits well into calm homes where less noise and less cleaning are important.
3. Bedlington Terrier
The Bedlington Terrier is a unique-looking dog that is often compared to a lamb because of its curly and soft features. It is a rare breed, but those who know it appreciate its quiet nature and clean habits. The coat is thick and wool-like, but it doesn’t trap dirt easily, and it barely sheds.
Even with its fluffy appearance, this dog doesn’t leave much fur around the home. A gentle brushing twice a week is enough to improve its coat and keep it free of tangles. It will need a trim from a professional groomer every couple of months, but outside of that, there is very little to do.
There is almost no stinky dog smell with this breed, even after several days without a bath. Its body stays dry and fresh. This dog moves carefully and doesn’t jump on every surface. This keeps your house cleaner. Families with allergies or anyone looking for a clean indoor companion often find this dog gentle and tidy.
4. Basenji
The Basenji is a quiet dog that comes with a lot of smart habits. Many people call it the “barkless dog” because it makes less noise than other breeds. But it’s also known for being very clean. Its short, flat coat does not catch much dirt, and the dog spends a lot of time grooming itself.
Licking is used by this breed to clean its paws and legs. It coats stays smooth and doesn’t smell bad, even after walks or playtime. There is no need for frequent bathing. Brushing it once a week is usually enough. Its ears are small and upright, so they stay clean on their own and don’t collect dust or grime.
While this dog is very clean, it also needs a lot of activity. If it gets bored, it may chew on things or run around too much indoors.
So it does best in homes where walks and play are part of the routine. When its energy is managed well, the Basenji keeps itself and its space neat without much help at all.
5. American Hairless Terrier
Orvis says that the American Hairless Terrier is a small and young breed that originated in the 1970s, and is nicknamed the AHT. It doesn’t have a coat of fur. Because of this, there is no shedding at all. This makes it one of the cleanest dog breeds available. No fur means no loose hair on floors, couches, or clothing.
The skin of this breed is smooth and does not hold odor or dirt. It stays clean with just a soft cloth or a gentle rinse now and then. Brushing tools are not needed. There is no fur to trap allergens, so this dog is often chosen by people with mild dog allergies.
Sunlight and cold air can affect its skin, so some care is needed. Pet-safe sunscreen helps during summer walks, and a light jacket is useful in cooler weather.
Other than that, no extra grooming is required. This dog moves lightly and doesn’t knock things over or leave tracks in the home. It is simple to live with and doesn’t add to the household cleaning.
6. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Xolo, is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. It comes in two types: hairless and coated. Both are known for their easy care and tidy habits. The hairless type is especially neat, with no fur to shed or hold odor.
Bathing is only needed once every few weeks. The skin can stay clean with a quick wipe after outdoor time. Some light lotion or pet-safe sunscreen may be used to keep the skin from drying out or getting sunburned. Since there’s no coat to brush, there’s no daily grooming needed at all.
This breed is quiet and calm. It enjoys stillness and doesn’t jump on furniture or run through the house with muddy feet. The home stays cleaner with an Xolo around, and many people who want a peaceful, no-fuss pet are drawn to this ancient and low-mess companion.
7. Pharaoh Hound
PetMD states that the Pharaoh Hound is a graceful and active dog that has roots dating back to 4400 BCE in Egypt. It has a thin and short coat that lies flat against the body and doesn’t hold on to dust or smell. Even after running outside, the coat often stays fresh and dry.
Brushing is needed just once a week. Shedding does happen, but it’s light and easy to manage. A soft cloth or occasional bath will help keep its coat shiny. Mud and dirt are not usually a problem because this dog avoids messy spots and moves carefully, even outdoors.
Indoors, this breed rests quietly after exercise and doesn’t move from place to place too much. It does not jump into beds or bring in mud from the yard. The Pharaoh Hound is often a suitable match for people who want a clean pet with a bit of energy and style.
Conclusion
Not all dogs leave a mess behind. Some stay clean, need little grooming, and don’t leave fur all over your house. These are the dogs that clean up after themselves and stay healthy, or at least come close. They save your time and limit the need for cleaning services. They keep your floor, couch, and clothes neat. And they still bring all the love and joy you want in a pup.
If you want less work and more fun, one of these breeds could be the right choice. Just make sure to protect them and provide them the care they need, like regular grooming, light bathing, and some laytime. Pick the one that fits your life best. A little planning can help you maintain a clean, happy home and enjoy every moment with your dog.
