Dogs fill our homes with a lot of happiness and joy. But they also bring in a lot of dirt, dog smell, and pet hair. What if I tell you certain dog breeds are cleaner than others? Yes! Some dogs are so hygienic that they clean themselves regularly.
If you are always looking for a canine companion but do not have much time, you can opt for a clean dog breed. Usually, low-maintenance breeds make the cleanest dogs. By low maintenance, I mean dogs that require minimal exercise, grooming, training, and health care needs.
Low-maintenance dogs shed less, drool less, and stink less. However, no dog breed is maintenance-free. Every breed requires proper time, love, and attention. If you cannot take out time to properly look after a dog, consider opting for another pet!
Have a look at these 7 most clean and tidy dog breeds that are paw-fect for busy pet parents.
Most Clean and Tidy Dog Breeds
1. American Hairless Terrier
Breed Profile
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Height: 12 to 16 inches
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Shed Level: Low
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Temperament: Playful and affectionate
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Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Imagine having a hairless dog– no hair means no shedding! Cute and bald, the American Hairless Terrier tops our list of the cleanest dogs. It is a perfect match for families susceptible to allergies. They have smooth and easy-to-maintain, spotless skin.
You do not have to worry about brushing or vacuuming after your dog. If you are a fastidious homeowner who does not like dander or grime all over the sofas, an American hairless terrier is the right dog for you!
However, they are vulnerable to sunburn. It is important to apply a high SPF, pet-safe sunscreen before exposing your dog to the sun. In addition, they can suffer from ear infections, so make sure to clean their ears regularly.
2. Basenji
Breed Profile
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Height: 16 to 17 inches
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Shed Level: Low
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Temperament: Aloof
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Life Expectancy: 13 to 14 years
The Basenji has a cat-like affinity to keep themselves clean. Just like a cat, it uses its paws and tongue to groom itself. It has a short and low-shedding coat. Due to these reasons, Basenjis need fewer baths than other dogs and rarely develop that particular “doggy odor.”
Basenjis are low-maintenance dogs that avoid mud and water. If you ever find a Basenji dirty, it must have been a coincidence, and they’re already trying to fix it. Basenjis are curious and affectionate by nature. They are independent dogs, but do not like being left alone for extended periods.
These playful pups can become mischievous when they get bored. It is important to provide them with regular exercise. According to PDSA, these dogs require 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
3. Poodle
Breed Profile
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Height: 18 to 24 inches
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Shed Level: Non-shedding to low
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Temperament: Friendly
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Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
All three types of Poodles, be it toy, miniature, or standard variety, make it to the list of cleanest dogs. They have a hypoallergenic curly coat, specifically designed to capture dirt and dander before these pooches hit your floors.
Poodles are very careful about their appearance and do not like getting dirty. So, mud baths are a big no for these cuties. They can look fresh with regular grooming. Luckily, the coat does not shed a lot. But the dogs need regular trims or daily grooming to avoid matting.
PetMD explains that Poodles are energetic and friendly dogs that require a lot of exercise to stay healthy. They have a willingness to please their owners and can be easily trained by incorporating positive reinforcement methods.
4. Whippet
Breed Profile
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Height: 18 to 22 inches
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Shed Level: Low
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Temperament: Friendly
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Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Whippets are slim and fast dogs with a sleek coat. The runway models of the canine kingdom have a dirt-repellent short fur that requires minimal grooming. They have a low-shedding coat. Due to this, they are one of the most tidy dogs.
Whippets avoid muddy puddles and dirty places because they find them discomforting. These dogs love clean beds and predictable routines. Whippets prefer indoor lounging rather than playing in mud outside, unlike many other breeds.
Whippets are happy and friendly dogs, but they have a calm demeanor. They get along well with new people if socialized properly at a young age. These athletic dogs require 1 to 2 hours of exercise every day.
5. Pharaoh Hound
Breed Profile
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Height: 21 to 25 inches
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Shed Level: Low
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Temperament: Friendly and sociable
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Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Bearing a striking resemblance to the Egyptian god Anubis, the Pharaoh hound has a smooth and short coat that requires minimal grooming. The American Kennel Club calls the Pharaoh hound the “blushing dog” of Malta. In the past, they were used for hunting rabbits in the rocky terrains.
Pharaoh hounds are naturally clean and try their best to stay away from dirty environments and muddy puddles. They have sensitive skin, due to which they are extra cautious about their surroundings. Pharaoh hounds carry themselves with such grace that you’d think they use facial wipes before bed.
Weekly grooming can further help keep the dog’s hair healthy, whereas occasional baths are required to keep these pups clean. They thrive on daily walks and need ample space to run. A daily exercise of 30 minutes will suffice.
6. Italian Greyhound
Breed Profile
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Height: 13 to 16 inches
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Shed Level: Low to moderate
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Temperament: Friendly and gentle
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Life Expectancy: 14 to 15 years
Italian greyhound is a low-maintenance dog breed, popular as a lap dog. These dogs have fine velvety coats that do not shed much. These sweet-tempered dogs are needy of attention and would prefer snuggling under a warm blanket over anything else.
Italian greyhounds groom themselves frequently and are very picky about where they will sit or lie. They are allergic to mess and do not like going out for a walk in the rain. These are alert and playful dogs, whose cheekiness and curiosity made them favorites throughout the royal courts.
These dogs can run at a speed of around 25-30mph, but they are the ‘sprinters’ who reach their top speed for under one minute only. Italian Greyhounds have moderate energy levels and need regular exercise to stay healthy.
7. Dalmatian
Breed Profile
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Height: 19 to 24 inches
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Shed Level: Moderate
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Temperament: Loyal and aloof
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Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
The surprisingly neat dogs, Dalmatians, have a spotty appearance. Their sleek and short coat does not let the dirt stick to it. The coat is also water repellent, which means that if they splash in rain or a pond, the water will fall off their fur. These coat characteristics make them one of the cleanest dog breeds.
However, unlike other clean dogs, their coat sheds moderately. So, they require regular grooming to maintain them. Dalmatians are less likely to develop that “doggy odor,” so they need fewer baths than many other pups. Dalmatians are high-energy dogs that require two hours of exercise every day.
Dals are loyal and loving domestic dogs. They have strong, active, and athletic personalities that get along well with children. However, they might be too boisterous for young kids and vulnerable adults. These intelligent dogs make ideal pets for households with an active lifestyle.
Conclusion
No matter how clean a dog is, it cannot be 100% maintenance-free. Even the hairless dogs will require regular grooming, nail trimming, and teeth brushing.
All dogs are curious by nature! Therefore, prepare yourself to clean the mess and bear with the dog odor, even if you are planning to adopt the cleanest pup.
