When it comes to choosing a furry friend, one concern that often comes up is the odor some dogs can have. Fortunately, not all dogs are smelly!
Some breeds are known for having little to no body odor, making them perfect companions, especially for those with sensitive noses.
Whether you live in a cozy apartment or a spacious home, selecting a breed that won’t fill your space with a pungent smell is a key consideration.
Here’s a guide to 16 dog breeds that are known for being the least smelly, helping you maintain a fresh and inviting home environment while enjoying the joys of dog companionship.
1. Basenji
Basenjis are known for their clean nature, often likened to cats in the way they groom themselves. They produce little to no odor, making them an excellent choice for those sensitive to smells. This breed is not only clean but also very energetic, requiring regular exercise to stay happy.
With a short coat that naturally limits shedding, the Basenji doesn’t require frequent bathing. This characteristic further contributes to its low odor profile, as over-bathing can sometimes lead to skin issues.
Additionally, Basenjis are known for being quite independent and intelligent, traits that make them unique. Their playful nature and loyalty make them great companions, especially for active individuals or families.
Training these dogs can be a fun challenge due to their independent streak, but with patience, they become wonderful pets. Overall, Basenjis offer a blend of cleanliness and charisma.
2. Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise stands out with its fluffy white coat and cheerful disposition. This breed is known for not having the typical doggy odor, thanks in part to its hypoallergenic coat that minimizes dander and shedding.
Regular grooming is essential to maintain their coat’s condition, but it doesn’t translate into a smelly presence. Their coat requires frequent brushing and professional grooming every few weeks to prevent mats and tangles.
Despite the grooming needs, a Bichon Frise is relatively low maintenance when it comes to smell. Their friendly and playful nature makes them well-suited for family life. With an affectionate demeanor, they thrive in environments where they receive plenty of attention.
Bichon Frises are great for apartment living due to their manageable size and non-intrusive scent profile. This breed is ideal for those looking for a loving, low-odor pet.
3. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are delightful companions known for their luxurious coats and lack of a noticeable odor. Their long, flowing hair requires regular grooming to keep it in top condition, but it doesn’t trap smells as one might expect.
These dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. Originating from China, Shih Tzus were bred to be companion animals, which is evident in their sociable behavior. They enjoy being around people and are especially good with children, making them excellent family pets.
Despite their regal appearance, they are quite playful and enjoy engaging games. Their grooming routine is an opportunity for bonding, as it involves regular brushing and occasional baths.
Due to their low odor, Shih Tzus fit well in any home environment, providing love without the smell. Their combination of beauty and cleanliness makes them a popular choice.
4. Poodle
The Poodle is renowned for its intelligence and hypoallergenic coat that doesn’t emit a strong odor. Available in standard, miniature, and toy sizes, Poodles are versatile pets that fit various lifestyles.
Their curly coats require regular grooming to prevent mats, but this does not lead to a smelly dog. With a reputation for elegance, Poodles are highly trainable and excel in various dog sports. Their lack of odor combined with their intelligence makes them a popular choice among pet owners.
Regular grooming sessions are necessary to maintain their coat’s health and cleanliness. Poodles are social animals that enjoy companionship, thriving in households that offer attention and engagement. Their alertness and intelligence mean they require mental stimulation.
Overall, Poodles are perfect for those looking for a smart, low-odor breed that can adapt to different living situations.
5. Whippet
Whippets are gentle and affectionate dogs known for their sleek appearance and minimal odor. Their short coat is low maintenance and naturally keeps them from becoming smelly. Known for their speed and agility, Whippets are perfect for active families who enjoy outdoor activities.
Regular exercise is crucial for this breed to expend their boundless energy. Whippets are generally good with children and enjoy the company of other dogs. Despite their athletic nature, they are surprisingly content to relax indoors, often seeking cozy spots to rest.
Their clean nature extends to their grooming needs, which are minimal compared to other breeds. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth is often sufficient to keep them looking their best. Whippets offer a unique combination of grace and low-odor living, making them a delightful choice for dog enthusiasts.
6. Havanese
The Havanese is a small, cheerful breed known for its silky coat and lack of a doggy odor. Regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat looking its best, but this doesn’t translate to a smelly dog. Their friendly and social nature makes them wonderful companions.
Originating from Cuba, the Havanese is adaptable to both city and country living. Their playful antics and affectionate behavior endear them to families and singles alike. Despite their small size, they have a robust personality that shines through in various activities.
Grooming involves regular brushing and occasional baths to maintain their coat’s health and appearance. This routine helps in keeping any potential odors at bay. Havanese dogs are perfect for those who desire a loyal, low-odor companion to share their life with. They bring joy and freshness to any household.
7. Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier, or Yorkie, is a small breed with a big personality and minimal odor. Known for their silky coats, Yorkies require regular grooming, but this doesn’t lead to a smelly pet. They are confident and bold, often forgetting their small stature.
Their hypoallergenic nature makes them a suitable choice for those with allergies. Yorkies are affectionate and love to be the center of attention, thriving in environments where they can interact with their owners. Despite their size, they are quite sturdy and enjoy playtime.
Grooming is an essential part of owning a Yorkie, involving regular brushing and trimming to keep them looking pristine. Their small size and low odor make them ideal for apartment living. Yorkshire Terriers offer a lively and loving presence without the concern of unpleasant smells, perfect for diverse households.
8. Schnauzer
Schnauzers are known for their distinctive appearance and low odor, thanks to their wiry coats. Available in miniature, standard, and giant sizes, there’s a Schnauzer for every lifestyle. Their coats require regular grooming, which helps them remain clean and odor-free.
This breed is intelligent and trainable, often excelling in obedience tasks. Schnauzers are known for their alertness and make great watchdogs. They are also quite affectionate and enjoy family life, getting along well with children and other pets.
Regular grooming, including brushing and occasional trimming, is essential to prevent matting and maintain their appearance. Schnauzers’ low odor and adaptable nature make them suitable for various living situations, from apartments to large homes. Their blend of intelligence, loyalty, and cleanliness make them a favored choice among dog lovers.
9. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is a breed noted for its elegance and lack of doggy odor. Their short, smooth coats are naturally low-maintenance, contributing to their low smell. These dogs are affectionate and enjoy spending time with their owners, often forming strong bonds.
Their gentle nature makes them suitable companions for singles, couples, or families with older children. Italian Greyhounds are also known for their playful side, enjoying games and playtime. While they love to run and exercise, they also appreciate lounging indoors.
Grooming is straightforward, requiring only occasional baths and regular nail trimming. Their lack of odor makes them appealing to those who prefer a clean and fresh-smelling home. Italian Greyhounds offer a mix of grace, playfulness, and low-odor characteristics, ideal for those seeking an elegant companion.
10. Maltese
The Maltese breed is cherished for its beautiful white coat and absence of a strong doggy odor. Known for their friendly and gentle demeanor, Maltese dogs are excellent companions who love to be part of the family. Their long hair requires regular grooming to keep it clean and tangle-free.
Despite their high grooming needs, they do not emit a significant odor, making them suitable for those sensitive to smells. Maltese dogs are lively and enjoy participating in various activities, from playtime to leisurely walks.
Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living, and their affectionate nature ensures they are loved by all family members. Grooming routines, including regular brushing and occasional baths, help maintain their pristine condition. The Maltese is perfect for those who desire a loving, low-odor pet that brings joy and elegance to everyday life.
11. Portuguese Water Dog
Portuguese Water Dogs are known for their strong swimming abilities and low odor, making them unique among breeds. Their dense, curly coats require regular grooming to prevent matting, but they generally do not have a strong scent.
This makes them ideal for active families who enjoy water activities. Originally bred to assist fishermen, they are energetic and intelligent, thriving in environments where they have a job to do. Portuguese Water Dogs are also known for their loyalty and strong bonds with their families.
Regular exercise is essential to meet their high energy needs, and they enjoy both water-based and land activities. Grooming, including brushing and trimming, helps in maintaining their coat’s health and their non-smelly nature. Portuguese Water Dogs offer a combination of playfulness, intelligence, and low odor, ideal for active and engaged pet owners.
12. Papillon
Papillons are small, lively dogs known for their distinctive ears and low odor. Their fine, silky coats do not trap smells, making them a great option for those keen on maintaining a fresh environment. Papillons are also highly intelligent and eager to learn.
Their name, meaning “butterfly” in French, reflects their unique ear shape and playful demeanor. They are excellent companions for both families and individuals, adapting well to various living situations. Papillons enjoy activities that challenge their minds and bodies.
Grooming is relatively simple, involving regular brushing to keep their coat looking its best. Their lack of odor is a plus for those who prefer a cleaner-smelling home. With their lively spirit and minimal smell, Papillons provide a joyful and odor-free companionship experience, bringing happiness to any household.
13. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas may be small, but they come with big personalities and minimal odor. Their short coats are easy to care for and do not hold onto smells, making them a favored choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, low-odor pet.
Chihuahuas are known for their loyalty and affection toward their owners. Despite their size, they are bold and often unaware of their small stature, exhibiting traits of larger dogs. Chihuahuas enjoy being the center of attention and thrive in environments where they are cherished members of the family.
Grooming is straightforward, with regular brushing and occasional baths needed to keep them looking their best. Their small size makes them ideal for apartment living, and their lack of odor ensures a pleasant home atmosphere. Chihuahuas offer a dynamic presence with the advantage of being clean and fresh-smelling companions.
14. Dachshund
Dachshunds, with their distinctive long bodies and short legs, are loved for their playful personalities and low odor. Their short coats are easily maintained, requiring minimal grooming and contributing to their lack of smell.
Dachshunds are spirited and curious, always eager to explore their surroundings. This breed is affectionate and enjoys being part of family activities, often forming strong bonds with their owners. They are good with children and can adapt to various living settings, from apartments to larger homes.
Grooming involves regular brushing to remove loose hair and occasional baths to keep their coat shiny. Their lack of a strong smell makes them ideal for indoor living, providing companionship without odor concerns. Dachshunds bring a unique charm and cleanliness to any household, making them a popular choice for those seeking a playful, low-odor pet.
15. Labradoodle
Labradoodles are a crossbreed known for their friendly nature and low odor. Their curly coats, inherited from their Poodle lineage, help keep them clean and free from strong smells. Labradoodles are highly sociable and enjoy spending time with their families.
This breed is versatile, suitable for both city and country living, and adapts well to various household environments. Labradoodles are also known for their intelligence and trainability, making them excellent family pets and service animals.
Grooming involves regular brushing and trimming to maintain their coat’s health and appearance. Despite the grooming needs, their low odor remains a significant advantage. Labradoodles combine the best traits of both parent breeds, offering a loving and low-odor companion for families seeking a playful and intelligent dog.
16. Coton de Tulear
The Coton de Tulear is a cheerful breed known for its soft, cotton-like coat and lack of a noticeable odor. Their coats are relatively low maintenance, requiring regular brushing to keep clean and free from tangles. Coton de Tulears are affectionate and thrive on human companionship.
Originating from Madagascar, they are resilient and adaptable, fitting well into different living situations, whether in apartments or larger homes. Their playful nature and loving demeanor make them great additions to families.
Grooming is a bonding activity, ensuring their coat looks its best and odor stays minimal. Their charming personality and lack of smell make them perfect for those seeking a loving, low-odor companion. Coton de Tulears bring joy and freshness to any home environment, providing companionship without the worry of strong scents.