PetsCareLab

Dogs bring boundless happiness into our homes—but they also bring fur, dirt, and dander along for the ride. While some messes are just part of being a pet owner, certain dog breeds are naturally tidier. By “clean,” we mean pups that shed less, drool less, and carry less odor compared to others.

Every dog needs routine grooming—like baths and dental care—but the breeds below tend to be gentler on your home’s cleanliness. Let’s explore some of the cleanest dog breeds that could become your next beloved companion.

1. American Hairless Terrier

With its inquisitive personality and charming hairlessness, the American Hairless Terrier is a standout choice for allergy sufferers or anyone wanting to minimize pet hair around the house.

Thanks to its lack of fur, you won’t find yourself endlessly brushing or vacuuming, but these bald beauties are prone to sunburn. Protect your terrier with a high-SPF, pet-safe sunscreen before heading outdoors.

2. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless)

Hailing from Mexico, the rare Xoloitzcuintli—often called the “Xolo” (pronounced “show-low”)—boasts a mostly hairless body adorned with just a patch of soft hair on its head and feet.

With less fur comes less dirt and fewer odors, but their sensitive skin needs careful attention. Regular application of pet-friendly moisturizers and sunscreens is essential to shield them from irritation and sun damage.

3. Basenji

Known as the “barkless dog,” the Basenji sports a sleek, short coat and a feline-like habit of self-grooming. This means fewer baths and a naturally fresher scent than many other breeds.

While low-shedding and easy to groom, Basenjis are energetic and curious, requiring plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom-fueled mischief.

4. Bedlington Terrier

Elegant, low-dander, and rarely drooling, the Bedlington Terrier is a dream for those who want a tidy household. Their curly, low-shedding coat means fewer stray hairs around your couch or floors.

Although often labeled hypoallergenic, no dog is completely allergen-free. Bedlingtons do require bi-weekly brushing and professional grooming every couple of months to keep their unique coat looking sharp.

5. Toy Poodle

The delightful Toy Poodle stands out as one of the cleanest small dog breeds. You won’t find this petite pup drooling on your pillows or leaving unpleasant odors behind.

Their curly coat sheds minimally but demands regular attention—daily grooming and monthly trims keep matting at bay and maintain their charming appearance.

6. Chow Chow

With a luxuriously fluffy coat and moderate shedding, the Chow Chow offers a blend of grandeur and cleanliness. While they may drool a bit more than other breeds listed here, they emit little odor and possess a gentle, devoted nature.

Their medium-length fur requires grooming at least twice a week and a monthly bath to stay in prime condition.

7. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin rivals cats in their obsession with cleanliness, often using paw-licking to groom themselves meticulously.

This habit helps keep their silky, medium-length coat pristine and free of odor. They shed moderately and benefit from weekly brushing and occasional baths to preserve their refined look.

8. Greyhound

Sleek, swift, and surprisingly low-maintenance, the Greyhound is among the cleanest large breeds. You won’t deal with puddles of drool or lingering pet smells when this elegant dog is in your home.

Thanks to their ultra-short coat, Greyhounds need minimal grooming—just a weekly wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional baths keep them spotless.

9. Whippet

For households that prize tidiness, the Whippet fits right in. Their short, smooth coat sheds minimally and leaves little trace of scent on furniture or floors.

A weekly brushing and baths every few months (or as needed) are enough to maintain their clean and polished look.

10. Pharaoh Hound

Strikingly reminiscent of ancient Egyptian imagery, the Pharaoh Hound is energetic and thrives on daily exercise and open space.

Their moderately shedding coat doesn’t demand excessive cleaning; weekly grooming sessions keep their fur healthy, while occasional baths refresh their clean, sleek appearance.

Keeping Dogs Clean

Realistic expectations are key when it comes to managing cleanliness as a dog owner. Even the tidiest dogs may track in dirt occasionally or develop a slight odor now and then. After all, dogs are active, curious companions—and a little mess is part of their charm.

Nonetheless, all dogs—even hairless breeds—need consistent care, including grooming, nail trims, baths, and dental hygiene.

Creating a personalized, steady grooming routine tailored to your dog’s specific needs is essential for keeping them clean, comfortable, and healthy. This not only reduces their impact on your home but also deepens the bond you share.

Whether you choose professional groomers or prefer doing it yourself, the outcome will be a happier, healthier pet and a more spotless sanctuary for your family.