Some dog breeds are just… cleaner than others. And then, there are the messiest dogs, the pups that carry half the backyard inside, trail water across your kitchen, and leave mysterious fluff in places you didn’t think fluff could reach.
For all the muddy paw prints and constant sweeping, these adorably messy breeds give back tenfold in loyal companionship, cuddles, and laugh-out-loud moments. If they are shedding their dense coat, soaking your couch with drool, or proudly displaying their dirt beard after a backyard dig, these pups are a wild ride of love and mess.
Messiest Dog Breeds
We have compiled seven such breeds that you should know about before getting into a mess.
1. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky, a large dog, is not just beautiful with that piercing gaze and bushy tail. They are also walking tumbleweeds and are social dogs that often “talk” with howls and expressive vocalizations.
These majestic sled dogs have a very heavy coat that sheds in what can only be described as snowstorms of fur. And oh boy, if you have ever seen a Siberian Husky during coat-blowing season, you know what we mean. They shed massive amounts of their undercoat, as Purina notes.
What Makes Huskies So Messy?
One of the double-coated dogs that sheds massively twice a year
Loves to dig, run, and roll in anything dirty
Siberian Huskies continue to surprise even experienced dog owners
Siberian Husky owners, beware… You will need a soft-bristled brush, endless lint rollers, and the willpower to avoid getting your dog’s coat shaved (which you should not do, by the way). Although some owners prefer that.
2. Bulldog
Bulldogs are sweet, droopy, and full of love… and drool. Lots and lots of drool, as per Hills Pet. From their droopy lips to their wrinkly skin, these pups tend to get messy just walking across the room. They are easygoing companions who love to nap, snuggle, and gently follow you around.
Also, they are known for being an affectionate breed, but cleanliness is not their strong suit. But stay cautious and pay special attention! A dirty dog may develop skin problems.
Why Bulldogs Make a Big Mess?
They slobber mostly around food and water bowls
Prone to skin folds that need cleaning
Short dog’s nails and droopy ears that require regular checks
Despite the mess, they are loyal, mellow, and some of the excellent couch companions you will ever meet.
3. Newfoundland
Fluff meets drool meets puddle obsession. The Newfoundland, a popular family dog, is a loving breed and also one of the messiest dog breeds around. They are great with kids and incredibly devoted to their families. We can say they are natural-born lifeguards, loyal companions, and protectors.
They are sweet and have an affectionate nature. But between their massive, shaggy coat and unrelenting drooling, they are basically adorable walking mess-makers… and they tend to drool (yikes), as per PetMD.
Mess Level: Advanced
Carries mud, leaves, and twigs in its massive coat
Leaves puddles wherever they nap (hello, drool!)
Requires consistent grooming for those drop ears, enough exercise, and towels on standby
Still, the Newfoundland is a wonderful pet with a heart as big as their head… and yes, they have a massive head, too. So, get their ears cleaned regularly, or they can get infections.
4. Mastiff
Another massive breed, the Mastiff is a drool machine with a deep love for food, naps, and slobbery kisses. They are mellow dogs that enjoy lounging with their people and have protective instincts without being aggressive.
While they are typically calm and gentle, their sheer size and extremely gooey mouths make them one of those dogs where clean floors are… optional.
Why You Will Need More Towels
Epic droopy lips and endless drool
Tracks dirt easily due to large paws
Needs their dog’s ear and folds cleaned often to prevent ear infections
These giants love a good cuddle, but keep that mop handy. They also require early socialization to avoid being overly aggressive later in life. Also, make sure to trim your pup’s toes.
5. Old English Sheepdog
Can you imagine a cloud with legs? That’s the Old English Sheepdog… and that cloud? It collects everything. Dirt. Leaves. Food. The occasional sock. These old livestock herders are social and thrive on interaction with their families, love a good zoomie session, and excel at canine sports.
Their immense coats are like Velcro for nature. Add in their playful and energetic personality, and you have got a guaranteed mess on your hands.
The Fluff Factor
Their long, bushy tail and coat trap debris like a champ
Prone to matting and requires regular grooming
A herding breed with a silly streak equals lots of zoomies indoors
If you want a dog that’s equal parts mess and cuteness, this is your breed.
6. Spinone Italiano
Meet the Italian gentleman with a wet and messy beard, as Purina mentions. The Spinone Italiano is a hardy breed with a heart of gold and a love of mud puddles. A rare breed outside Italy, but a favorite among hunters and active families for their loyal and goofy behavior.
They have a calm temperament, an easy-going nature, and are known to be hilariously sloppy after drinking or eating.
Why Spinone Owners Need a Towel in Every Room
Their face soaks up food and water, then shares it with your furniture
Thick skin and coat trap messes after outdoor play
Great for active families, not for neat freaks
Spinone Italianos love life… and they don’t mind bringing half the garden inside to prove it.
7. Border Collie
Yes, Border Collies are brilliant. Yes, they are stunning. And yes… they are messy sometimes. But again… excellent family dogs, extremely energetic, a nurturing breed with a weather-resistant coat.
With their blue merle coloring, erect ears, and bushy tail, these active dogs love to herd, dig, roll, and do everything they can to keep themselves in a consistently dirty dog state. Often called the smartest dog breed, Border Collies need a job to do! Even if that job is rearranging your shoes.
What Makes Them So Lovably Messy?
Border Collies love being outside and never care what they track in
They have got a thicker coat that collects debris
Their herding abilities mean they are always on the move (and in the mud)
They may not be for the average dog owner, but their brains and hearts make every mess worth it, than some other dogs. They are a high-drive breed, so taking them out for just a walk is mandatory.
Final Thoughts
Certain dog breeds aren’t for the average dog owner, but they are perfect for people who believe love > cleanliness. From Siberian Huskies with their dense coats to the Spinone Italiano and that forever-wet face, these pups track in mess and joy in equal measure. They will dig in your garden, track in mud, shed like it’s a sport, and leave slobber and dog hair in your shoes.
But they will also wag their bushy tail when you walk in, gaze at you with droopy eyes, and snuggle so sweetly you will forget the trail of messiness behind them. No matter you choose drooly Mastiff, a fluffy Old English Sheepdog, one of the Basset Hounds, rough-coated Collies, or a snow-shedding Siberian Husky, know this: your heart (and maybe your floors) will never be the same.
And that’s exactly how it should be, because these dogs have winning personalities.
