Although all canines can put off some kind of odor occasionally, some breeds are known for being smellier than others. Whether it’s a wet dog smell or a musky scent, it can be rather unpleasant at times.

However, just as some dogs are prone to stinking, some are also prone to not putting off any noticeable smell. From small fluffy dogs to large thin-haired dogs, you might be surprised to learn about the least smelly dog breeds that made this list.

So here are the top dog breeds that don’t smell — as long as they’re properly cared for.

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1. Bichon Frise

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Bichon Frise is a small breed of dog that’s playful, feisty, and affectionate. They love to be the center of attention and usually don’t shy away from strangers. They have cheerful personalities that are impossible not to fall in love with.

With a white and fluffy coat, they’re a teddy-bear-looking dog breed — and they’re just as cuddly as a stuffed animal.
Bichons are a non-smelly breed that barely even sheds. This playful dog has a double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition and free of tangles and mats. They also need regular baths to keep their coat clean and shiny. These hypoallergenic dogs can also be great for dog owners who are allergy sufferers.

2. Basenji

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The Basenji breed is curious, energetic, and playful. They were originally bred as hunting dogs, and they are particularly alert and attentive. They love being active and need regular exercise to keep them from getting bored, which could lead to mischief.

This breed has very minimal scent and grooming needs. They have short hair and shed only slightly. They’re known for being cat-like in terms of self-care and will groom their coat to keep them clean and healthy.

3. Maltese

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Maltese dogs are intelligent, lovable, and enthusiastic. They’re eager to please their owners, which makes them fairly easy to train. They respond well to praise, especially when it’s followed by treats.

They are a hypoallergenic dog breed that typically doesn’t smell. However, their short legs and long fur can easily attract dirt and debris to their coat. Luckily, their small size makes bathtime a breeze.

A full body brush about two to three times a week is recommended. You should always lightly mist their fur before combing it; dry brushing is not very comfortable for them.

4. Lakeland Terrier

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The Lakeland Terrier breed has a bold, independent personality but is also playful and spunky. They are very intelligent and can be stubborn at times. They make good family pets as long as they’re given enough exercise to ward off any excess energy that can cause them to be mischievous.

This terrier breed typically doesn’t smell of any strong scent, and they shed very little. A Lakeland’s coat is wiry and double-coated. In order to keep their hair in the right texture, it needs to be hand-stripped weekly. This process involves removing dead hair by hand instead of clipping.

5. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are small dogs that are very loving and loyal. They make great pets for first-time dog owners. Their personality can range from feisty and playful to quiet and reserved. They do well as emotional support dogs, as they are highly adaptable and small in size.

There are a few different Chihuahua types, and none of them have any kind of harsh odor. They’re all relatively low maintenance on the grooming front too. They just need to be brushed on a regular basis to keep their coat and skin in good condition.

6. Dachshund

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Dachshunds are playful, affectionate, and clever, but they’re also known for having a stubborn side. This breed tends to bond very closely with just one person, but that’s not to say they aren’t loving with all members of their family. They make excellent family pets and gladly enjoy being doted on.

Dachshunds have smooth coats that don’t smell or demand lots of grooming. However, they will benefit from regular brushing. Their long ears require the most upkeep. You should clean inside their ears at least once a month with a soapy washcloth, followed by rinsing the area with water.

7. Yorkshire Terrier

yorkshire-terrier dog breeds that dont smell

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The Yorkshire Terrier is a small and fluffy dog breed that’s feisty, playful, and bossy but also very loving and affectionate. Because of their size, they make great apartment dogs. They also do well as family pets but aren’t well suited to living with small children who don’t know how to handle them gently.

Yorkies aren’t known for having any type of strong odor. However, their grooming needs can be demanding. Their hair needs to be trimmed every four to six weeks. Or, if you choose to keep their coat long, you’ll need to brush and bathe them regularly.

And because of their small size, it’s recommended to use a small dog grooming comb that’s more gentle.

8. Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus are sweet dogs known for being perky and having cheerful temperaments. They’re lively and want to be everyone’s friend. They get along well with people of all ages, as well as other dogs and household pets.

It’s not normal for a Shih Tzu to have a strong body odor. They are usually clean little dogs that shed minimally. They do require regular brushing, depending on their hair length. Long coats should be brushed every day or two, medium coats every three days, and short coats once a week.

Read Next: 10 Signs of a Happy Dog

9. Havanese

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The Havanese dog is the only breed native to Cuba. They’re known for their playful spirit and affectionate nature. With big brown eyes, a gentle temperament, and a cuddly appearance, this small fluffy dog has won many admirers.

They have little odor and rarely shed. They have a double-layered silky coat that requires brushing at least twice a week with a brush for small dogs. Regular baths are also recommended to keep a build-up and dirt and debris out of their coat.

10. Doberman Pinscher

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Doberman Pinschers are a medium-large breed that is often stereotyped as an aggressive dog breed. However, as long as they’re properly socialized as puppies, they’re gentle and sweet-natured. These intelligent dogs are fairly easy to train and fiercely loyal and protective, which makes them great family dogs and guard dogs.

A Doberman Pinscher is a very clean dog without any noticeable odor. They have a short coat and shed moderately. They don’t require much grooming at all. They’ll appreciate a good brush down every now and then, but other than that, their coat is very low maintenance.

11. Whippet

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Whippets are a gentle and patient dog breed. They’re known for being relatively quiet; they don’t bark unnecessarily. They have a sleek, medium-sized build and are exceptionally fast runners.

Whippets generally don’t smell or produce any telltale doggy smell. They have short, thin coats that rarely shed, and their grooming needs are low. Once a week, you can give them a brush with a grooming glove to remove excess hair. They’ll most likely enjoy the attention, and it will help keep their coat healthy.

12. Greyhound

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The Greyhound breed is widely considered the fastest dog in the world. They are gentle and even-tempered, and they get along well with almost anyone, including people of all ages and other pets. This hound breed is also fairly easy to train, but they respond better to positive reinforcement rather than harsh commands.

Greyhounds have almost no odor, even when they’re wet. They have smooth, short coats with thin hair that sheds very little. Other than the occasional bath and brushing, their coats are easy to take care of. They are one of the least smelly dogs.

13. Labradoodle

A Labradoodle’s temperament is very outgoing and friendly. Some people compare their personality to that of a small child; they’re curious, busy, energetic, and always down for a good time. They make great family pets, but they do require plenty of exercise to keep their energy levels at bay.

The texture of a Labradoodle’s coat plays a role in whether they smell or not. Curly and wavy-haired Labradoodles should have an almost odorless coat. However, straight-haired Labradoodles tend to shed and can have a slightly more noticeable distinct smell.

No matter their hair type, these playful dogs require regular brushing and grooming to keep their fur from getting tangled and matted and to avoid any type of unpleasant smell.

14. Poodle

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Poodles come in three types: Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles, and toy poodles. They are fun-loving pups that love human interaction and attention. They are also extremely intelligent and easy to train.

Poodles shed very little, so if you’re the type of person who doesn’t like dog hair all over their things, this is the breed for you.

They’re also known as clean dogs who don’t have a typical doggy smell. They do, however, require regular grooming, including haircuts and baths. Most people utilize professional grooming services for this breed because their thick and dense coats require extra attention and to reduce any unpleasant odors.

15. Pomeranian

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Pomeranians are one of the smartest small dogs around. These fluffy pups are easy to train and eager to follow their owners everywhere. They’re very active and love playtime, but their excess energy can easily be eased with short walks and games of fetch.

Poms are not known as a smelly breed. They do have a lot of long hair that needs daily brushing and regular bathing. These lap dogs should be brushed at least two to three times a week and bathed at least once per month to avoid bad odors.

16. Schnauzer

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There are three types of Schnauzers: Miniature schnauzer, Standard schnauzer, and Giant schnauzer. This breed is intelligent, strong-willed, and loyal. Although none of them are prone to producing a strong odor, the Standard Schnauzer is usually considered the least smelly of the bunch.

They have a wiry topcoat and a soft undercoat that sheds very little. Their grooming needs can be high-maintenance, however. Their inner coat needs to be brushed regularly to prevent matting, and their outer coat needs to be hand-stripped. Their beard also needs to be trimmed, or it will attract dirt and bits of food.

17. Papillon

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The Papillon, also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, has characteristic butterfly-like ears. These small dogs are lively, energetic, and social. They’re very affectionate and love nothing more than cuddling up in their owner’s lap – after they’ve had a good run around.

Not only are Papillon’s virtually odor free, but they’re also relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They should be brushed about once a week and bathed when needed. Because they have a lot of hair around their ears, you should also check that area regularly for debris and wax build-up.

18. Chinese Crested

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There are two types of Chinese Crested: hairless and fully coated (also called Powder Puff). The hairless variety does have tufts of hair on its head, tail, and ankles. This breed is playful, alert, and happy. They’re very affectionate and form tight bonds with their humans.

This breed doesn’t give off any type of strong scent. A fully coated Chinese Crested should have their coat brushed or combed once a week and bathed when needed. The hairless variety requires their skin to be regularly moisturized to keep it in good condition.

18 Dog Breeds That Don’t Smell (Much)