Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

12 Least Smelly Dog Breeds (With Pictures)

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Puppy bathing

If you’re a dog lover, you might find it hard to understand why some people don’t like them. After all, your pup is loyal. He knows when you’re upset and tries to make you smile. However, if you’ve been around a Labrador Retriever for any amount of time, you know there’s one inescapable fact about some breeds—they smell. To the Lab’s credit, his oily coat serves a useful function to repel water. It’s a characteristic that many water dogs share.

There are other reasons, too. Dogs like Dachshunds are notorious for bad teeth. Brushing his teeth every day is a necessary part of his routine care. Some breeds are prone to ear infections, which can make it unpleasant to be around your pet. On the other side of the coin, some pups are quite fastidious and will keep themselves clean on their own.

Our roundup includes a broad range of breeds from toy to giant and everything in between! You’ll find familiar dogs and a few lesser-known ones, too. A shorter coat is a shared trait with many of them. Many are also low maintenance, which can make a significant difference. Here are the least smelly dogs you’ll want to get to know.

Divider 8

Top 12 Least Smelly Dog Breeds:

1. Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerry Blue Terrier
Image Credit: Jne Valokuvaus, Shutterstock

Topping our list of the least smelly dogs is the Kerry Blue Terrier. This appropriately named pup is a striking dog, if just because of the color of his coat. There are two distinct features of this pup. First, he is one of those breeds that keeps himself clean in almost a cat-like fashion. Only an occasional bath or use of dog wipes is necessary. Second, he doesn’t shed. That makes him even more desirable as a dog that doesn’t smell.


2. Lagotto Romagnolo

Lagotto Romagnolo
Image Credit: Cemmerton, Pixabay

The Lagotto Romagnolo started as a gun dog, where he served as a retriever. However, his job soon changed into one of the most unusual ones that no other breed can claim. Today, his prey isn’t waterfowl but truffles. He is a robust pup with a unique wavy coat that is another distinguishing feature of this dog. He is a low-shedding dog that has hair instead of fur.


3. Whippet

Whippet
Image Credit: petpawtraits, Pixabay

The Whippet is the result of selective breeding of the Greyhound to get this smaller size. Even though he isn’t as tall, the pup is just as fast as his cousin. The English call him the “poor man’s race dog” because he served that role for miners who couldn’t afford the more well-known runner. You won’t spend a lot of time grooming your pet because he keeps things under control.


4. Havanese

Havanese
Image Credit: Dorottya Mathe, Shutterstock

The Havanese stands out with his long coat. He requires more frequent brushing than the other breeds we’ve considered so far. You’ll also need to bath him more often. You should also make cleaning his ears a regular part of his grooming routine. He is quite outgoing and friendly with just about everyone he meets. Think of it as a bonus with his pleasant smell.


5. Poodle

Poodle
Image Credit: Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay

Even though the Poodle began life as a water dog, he doesn’t have the odor that pups with an oily coat have. He doesn’t shed, but he needs regular grooming to prevent mats. That will mean that he will get more frequent baths to reduce any chances of him smelling foul. Another option is to keep him in a puppy cut to reduce costs.


6. Dalmatian

Dalmatian
Image Credit: Freepics4you, Pixabay

While you may associate the Dalmatian with fire trucks, his first job was in the circus. His outgoing personality and intelligence made him a natural in the ring. Care for this pup is easy-peasy, thanks to his short coat. Brushing him with a hound mitt or curry brush will keep down the shedding. Check his ears regularly for infections to keep odors in check.


7. Basenji

Basenji
Image Credit: mrmoroshkin, Pixabay

The Basenji is a very clean pup with a history that goes back to ancient Babylonian. You may know this pooch as being the barkless canine. It’s not that he isn’t vocal; it’s just that he chooses his way to communicate than what anyone would expect from a mere dog. After all, he was the pet of choice for many pharaohs.


8. Bichon Frisé

bichon frise
Image Credit: Eudyptula, Shutterstock

The Bichon Frisé is a pup that has it all for capturing your heart. He is a sweet dog that is friendly and generous with his love. This dog doesn’t shed, and what he does lose doesn’t make it to your furniture or carpets. Grooming is an essential part of his upkeep, which can make the cost of owning one more expensive. He is outgoing and easy to train.


9. West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terrier
Image Credit: zoosnow, Pixabay

The West Highland White Terrier is a treasure. He ticks off so many boxes for an ideal pet. He is a happy dog, which is evident with the smile he always wears on his face. He does require some work as far as grooming is concerned. Professional grooming is a must to keep him looking his best. You should also brush him every day to prevent mats.


10. Maltese

Maltese on grass
Image credit: Dora Zett, Shutterstock

The Maltese is a lovable pup that enjoys his place in AKC’s Toy group with all the attention he’ll get. You can let his hair grow or keep it in a puppy cut to reduce its maintenance. He isn’t a barker, which is a trait of many breeds of his size. Instead, he is a joy to be around and makes owning one fun. He is an ancient breed with a history that goes back to the Romans, who loved him for all of the qualities he has today.


11. Siberian Husky

smiling siberian husky
Image credit: Widerstroem, Pixabay

The Siberian Husky lives life large. He makes the everyday fun with his antics and vocalizations. This pup likes to talk. While he has an independent streak, he isn’t demanding and rolls with the punches. He keeps himself clean, which makes your job a lot easier. However, the coat of this breed needs attention with brushing to remove his undercoat when he sheds.


12. Pomeranian

Pomeranian
Image Credit: funeyes, Pixabay

The Pomeranian epitomizes many of the traits that make small breeds so endearing. He is a spunky pup that won’t let you forget he’s in the room. He sheds, but you can cut down on the vacuuming if you keep him in a puppy cut. We think it’s adorable and a great choice to make grooming easier. This breed is prone to dental issues, so make sure to brush his teeth daily to avoid any odor problems.

Divider 2Final Thoughts

We understand if you prefer a dog that doesn’t advertise the fact that you have a pet, especially if you live in an apartment. Our list of breeds shows that no matter what kind of living situation you have, there is a pup for you. You needn’t give up on your wish to have a puppy in your home. It’s just a matter of choosing the right breed. The rest is easy.


Featured Image Credit: AmandaCullingford, Pixabay

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database