Ever been ambushed by a surprise slobber attack during a cuddle? You’re not alone. For some pups, drooling is a sport—and your shirt is the finish line.
Here’s the good news: Not all dogs are walking drool factories. In fact, some breeds barely leave a trace behind, even after an excited bark-a-thon or post-meal zoomies.
With more people bringing pets into apartments and shared spaces, low-maintenance (and low-drool) dogs are having their moment. Who says you can’t have a loyal companion and clean furniture?
Fun fact: Did you know some low droolers are also surprisingly athletic or hypoallergenic? Yup, there’s more than one reason to love these tidy tail-waggers.
If you’re dreaming of dog kisses without the slobbery aftermath, you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up 10 dry-mouthed dynamos that’ll keep your home and heart squeaky clean.
10 Low-Drooling Dog Breeds
1. Basenji
Meet the barkless dog with opinions louder than your neighbor’s leaf blower. The Basenji doesn’t bark—oh no, they yodel. Yes, yodel. From Central Africa and sassier than a spoiled cat, this is one of the oldest breeds on record.
Clean freaks rejoice! These dogs practically invented clean habits. With tight lips and a serious grooming habit, they drool less than a mannequin. Minimal drooling is just one of their many neat-freak flexes.
Don’t let the quiet fool you—they’re all about mental stimulation and mischief. Leave them bored, and you’ll find your throw pillows shredded in the shape of regret.
AKC adds that their sleek build and muscular hindquarters make them look like they sprinted out of an ancient Egyptian mural. Think athletic dogs with an “I do what I want” attitude.
Good luck training one. Consistent training and early socialization help, but these pups run on independence and ego.
No excessive saliva, but maybe excessive side-eye. At least your furniture is safe.
Fun fact: They groom like cats and hate water like it’s made of taxes.
2. Dachshund
The wiener dog that’s longer than your to-do list and twice as opinionated. Originally bred to hunt badgers—yes, badgers—Dachshunds are fearless, funny, and full of themselves.
Despite those loose jowls, they’re surprisingly neat. These smaller dogs drool minimally, unless you’re eating pizza—then all bets are off.
They’re stubborn geniuses. Want to train them? You’d better come armed with treats, patience, and emotional fortitude.
Great for apartments, but these low-riders need daily physical stimulation. Don’t be fooled by the short legs—they’ll sprint like they’re in canine sports when they see a squirrel.
Their grooming is low effort unless you have the long-haired variety. Then you’re in for some light sweeping… of your soul.
Health note: Watch that back. They’re basically a sausage with bones, so lifting and stairs are their mortal enemies.
Trivia time: They were once so iconic in Germany, they almost got blamed for World War I propaganda. Seriously.
3. Chihuahua
Tiny body, big personality, zero chill. Chihuahuas date back to ancient Mexico, and they’re still acting like they run the place.
This adventurous toy breed might fit in your purse, but they’ve got the boldness of a sled dog. And no, these dogs don’t drool—unless drama counts as drool.
Coat types? Take your pick. Short, long, and even fluffy coats that shed minimally. Just enough to make you eagerly anticipate lint roller refills.
PDSA claims that they’re picky eaters with royal standards. Choose quality food—they’ve got small mouths and digest food best in gourmet portions.
Super alert and often skeptical of other animals and strangers, early socialization is key if you want them to be more Paris Hilton’s pup and less pocket dictator.
Low maintenance, high sass. You’ve been warned.
Fun fact: They’ve been to space—well, almost. One was trained for NASA’s pre-flight studies. Because why not?
4. Greyhound
Regal stance, 45 mph zoomies, and somehow still surprisingly low energy indoors. Greyhounds are like the introverted sprinters of the athletic dog breed world.
Despite their long snouts, they’re in the breeds that don’t drool hall of fame. Tight lips and a disinterest in slobbering up your floors? Yes, please.
Originally bred to chase down hares in open fields, these dogs now chase sunbeams across your living room rug.
With a thin coat and barely any body fat, don’t expect fluff. Or warmth. A Greyhound in winter is a supermodel in a puffer jacket.
They’re surprisingly gentle, with an agreeable temperament that makes them wonderful companions for couch potatoes and active owners alike.
Skin’s delicate, so regular grooming is minimal, but skip the harsh shampoos, or they’ll act like you’ve betrayed them forever.
Interesting fact? The Greyhound is the only dog breed mentioned in the Bible. And they act like they know it.
5. Poodle
Fluffy, fancy, and smarter than your ex. Poodles are like the overachievers of the dog owner world—charming, athletic dogs with hypoallergenic coats and a flair for drama.
Whether you go Toy, Miniature, or Standard, this breed drools minimally. Even when they’re staring down your dinner plate like it’s Broadway casting.
Don’t let the lush white coat fool you—these dogs are anything but dainty. Poodles excel in canine sports, water retrieval and outperform your FitBit in steps.
PetMD reveals that they’re quick learners with a knack for consistent training. Just don’t skimp on mental stimulation or they’ll redecorate your home out of boredom.
They come in a variety of coat lengths and colors, all of which demand regular grooming—unless you like the electrocuted sheep look.
Sensitive skin alert! Use gentle products unless you want to explain dandruff to strangers.
Bonus fact: Their iconic haircut? It’s not just fashion—it was for pulling sleds. Kidding, kind of.
6. Whippet
Whippets: the “Greyhound Lite” with a built-in snooze button. These medium-sized dogs are aerodynamic nappers who believe in the art of sprinting… and then immediately not.
Thanks to tight lips and an overall allergy to mess, they’re one of the top breeds that don’t drool. You’ll get no excessive saliva, just a lot of judgment when you wake them from their 5th nap.
Originally bred for chasing rabbits, today’s Whippets are champions of couch lounging and quiet dignity. Until a squirrel appears.
They’ve got a fine, short coat that sheds minimally and requires almost zero grooming. Great for low-maintenance companions who hate brushing more than the dog does.
Training them is a breeze, but don’t expect them to protect anything. If a burglar breaks in, they’ll show him to the silverware drawer and go back to bed.
Whippets are wonderful companions for active owners—in five-minute bursts.
Little-known gem: They’re faster than a cheetah… over very short distances. Seriously.
7. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
The original hard-working farm dog with ears large enough to pick up radio signals. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi was originally bred to herd livestock—and possibly command alien spacecraft.
They may look like walking loaves of bread, but don’t underestimate them. Their muscular hindquarters and herding eye make them alert, agile, and all about the hustle.
Unlike some herding dogs, they drool less, and their tight lips keep things tidy—no rogue slime trails on your jeans.
Cardis (yes, we’re on nickname terms) come in various coat colors, including blue gray, and white coats, and while they need regular grooming, it’s more light fluffing than full-blown spa days.
Trainable, yes. Obedient? Well, they thrive on mental stimulation but will outsmart you if they sense weakness.
Health tip: Watch for back and joint issues—short legs and high ambition don’t always agree.
Random fact? They’re the older cousin of the Pembroke. Like, “I-listen-to-vinyl” older.
8. Shiba Inu
Shiba Inus: the dog version of your emotionally unavailable ex—but fluffier. This bold and confident nature wrapped in fox-like fur will make you work for its affection.
Known for clean habits and tight lips, they drool less than your average water bottle. They’re practically OCD with their hygiene, and it shows.
Don’t expect a lapdog. Shibas are smaller dogs with massive independence and zero tolerance for nonsense. They’ll ghost you mid-cuddle and not even look back.
Britannica explains that their double coat looks plush but only needs regular grooming. Shed? Sure. Slobber? Never. Priorities.
Training a Shiba requires patience and ninja-level consistency. Their motto: “I hear you. I just don’t care.”
Not big fans of other dogs unless they were roommates in a past life, so early socialization is a must.
Fun fact: The Shiba scream is real, and it happens when you offend them with a bath or feelings.
9. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Royal fluff is incoming. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi has short legs, a big personality, and a royal resume—yes, Queen Elizabeth’s favorite, beloved companion.
Despite their floppy ears and ever-smiling face, they drool less than you’d expect from a dog built like a fuzzy ottoman.
Originally bred to herd livestock, they’ve retired into couch kings and queens. That said, they still enjoy mental stimulation and bossing other animals around.
Their thick double coat requires regular grooming, especially in shedding season (also known as “every day”). But they’re still low-maintenance companions compared to, say, a Husky in a heatwave.
They’re smart, eager, and slightly manipulative—perfect for consistent training with a side of bribery.
Health watch: Mind the spine. Too much jumping + short legs = veterinary drama.
Fun trivia: They’re herding dogs with no tails—just a fuzzy nubbin of royalty.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
Think border collie but with more grit and fewer naps. The Australian Cattle Dog is the overachiever of hard-working breeds—if it could file taxes, it would.
Excessive drooling? Not here. These dogs have tight lips, clean mouths, and zero tolerance for anything that ruins their work ethic.
Originally bred to herd livestock across Australia’s brutal terrain, they’re muscular, sharp, and basically the Einstein of athletic dog breeds.
Purina adds that their short coat is low-maintenance and sheds minimally, but they’ll appreciate a scrub after playing in every puddle on Earth.
Training? A breeze—if you keep up. These dogs need physical stimulation and mental stimulation or they’ll start reprogramming your Wi-Fi out of boredom.
They can be wary of other dogs without early socialization, but are fiercely loyal once they choose their human.
Weird flex: They’ve got Dingo DNA. That’s right—part wild. All awesome.
Conclusion
Choosing the right pup doesn’t have to mean surrendering your floors to a tidal wave of drool. From sleek speedsters to charming little athletes, we’ve met ten breeds that prove slobber isn’t love—it’s just… slime.
These low-drooling dog breeds come packed with unique qualities, acute senses, and the kind of personality that keeps your heart full and your sofa dry.
But hey, let’s not forget the honorable mentions! Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Boston Terrier, and even the majestic Russian Wolfhound also prevent excessive saliva and are total snuggle pros.
And if you’re eyeing a working genius, Border Collies thrive on action and minimal mess—perfect for active homes without the mop trauma.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about keeping clean. These dogs are great family pets, filled with love (no behavioral problems or particular substances).
Ready to find your match? Drop a comment, share your fave, or go pet a dog. It’s practically science.
