14 Dog Breeds That Don’t Smell (With Info & Pictures)
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Wet dog smell isn’t an attractive scent to anyone, but what about those dog breeds that always tend to smell bad? (We’re looking at you, Basset Hounds.)
If you can’t stand the strong smell of certain dog breeds but would love to have a dog as a pet, you’re in luck! There are a handful of dog breeds that are virtually odorless.
While you’ll still need to give them proper care and coat maintenance, each of the 14 breeds on this list is known to have no particular odor of its own. Look through the list below before deciding on what type of dog might be perfect for your home. Here are the top 14 dogs that don’t smell!
Top 14 Dog Breeds That Don’t Smell:
1. Poodle
Intelligent and easy to train, the Poodle also comes with the benefit of having low shedding and almost no natural odor. They’re commonly crossed with many other dog breeds to produce “designer dogs,” and many of these crossbreeds share this same odorless quality. If you’re looking for an odorless dog breed, this is a great option!
2. Basenji
This uncommon breed originated as a hunting dog in Central Africa, where they were bred as skilled sighthound. Known for their strange, yodeling bark (a result of their oddly shaped larynx), the Basenji also comes with a low-maintenance coat that is entirely odorless.
3. Whippet
Resembling a smaller version of the Greyhound that they’re descended from, the Whippet is a generally healthy dog that enjoys lounging around the house all day. Their short coats require little grooming and are not prone to developing bad smells.
4. Siberian Husky
A popular working dog breed with extremely high energy, the Siberian Husky’s thick, double-furred coat has a soft and wooly scent. They require more grooming and coat care than many dogs on this list, but when properly maintained, their coats have a pleasant aroma.
5. Alaskan Malamute
Large dogs that were originally bred to pull sleds across the frosty Alaskan plains, the Malamute has similar coat care requirements as the Husky. They have an almost pleasant natural odor but require extra care and maintenance to keep their thick coats looking and smelling great.
6. Chinese Crested
Available in Hairless and Powderpuff varieties, the Chinese Crested Dog possesses almost no natural body odor. The less hair the individual dog has, the less prone they will be to developing unpleasant odors.
7. Boston Terrier
Befitting a dog known as the “American Gentleman,” the Boston Terrier has a pleasant natural aroma and is not prone to developing an odor even when slightly dirty. Their short coats are easy to clean and require little maintenance.
8. Dalmatian
Popularized by the Disney movie with 101 puppies battling a devilish fashionista, the Dalmatian is a large dog breed that can suffer from health complications. Their short, sleek, manageable coats are easily maintained and put off no unpleasant odors.
9. Schnauzer
Originating in Germany in the 14th century, the Schnauzer (literally translated as “snouter”) is easily recognized by its mustache and beard. Quite intelligent and independent, they do well with plenty of exercise. The double coat of Schnauzer sheds little and produces almost no odor.
10. Papillon
Also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, this dog gets its name from the butterfly-like appearance of its long, fringed ears. They make excellent companion dogs and do best with daily brushing of their silky, luxurious, odorless coats.
11. Irish Water Spaniel
One of the largest and oldest of the Spaniel breeds, the Irish Water Spaniel is well-adapted to spending time in any body of water. Their hypoallergenic coats shed very little and have no distinct smell, even when wet.
12. Portuguese Water Dog
Originating from the southern Algarve region of Portugal, these dogs were originally trained to herd fish into fishermen’s nets as well as retrieve broken nets. Their low-shedding coats are almost hypoallergenic and resist the development of unpleasant odors.
13. Saluki
A long-running dog breed from the Middle East, the Saluki was originally bred to hunt by sight and chase down game animals. Their short, easily manageable coats are not prone to developing odors and require little maintenance outside of the occasional brushing.
14. Bichon Frise
The “curly lap dog” of French origin, these famously fluffy dogs have been said to have a light, powdery scent. Their coats require a diligent grooming schedule to keep them from developing odors, though.
Final Thoughts on Dogs That Don’t Stink
Each of the 14 dogs featured above may make an excellent addition to any home, thanks to their variety of temperaments, grooming requirements, and sizes. If you’re considering adding one of these odorless dogs to your home, please do think about checking in your area for any dogs available for adoption.
Featured Image Credit: eva_blanco, Shutterstock
