7 Cleanest Dogs Breeds That Make Tidy Pets, Per Canine Experts

Though we love them dearly, many dogs are just plain messy. Some people feel it’s too much to handle between shedding, slobbering, and bringing in outdoor debris like mud. On the other hand, some dog breeds have a reputation for being quite clean and tidy. Our list of the top seven cleanest dog breeds might be of interest to those searching for a dog with less messy tendencies.

Choosing the right furry friend involves many considerations, and their “cleanliness” can be a significant factor, especially for busy lifestyles. While every dog requires care and attention, some breeds naturally require less grooming and shed less hair, making them potentially “cleaner” companions. Let’s dive into the key features that contribute to a dog’s low-maintenance cleanliness:

Coat Characteristics:

• Hair Type: Short, coarse coats shed less and tangle less compared to long, fine fur. Consider smooth-coated breeds like Greyhounds or Whippets, or double-coated breeds like Siberian Huskies that naturally shed their undercoat twice a year.
• Drooling: Some breeds tend to drool more than others, which can leave messy trails and require frequent wipe-downs.

Maintenance Needs:

• Brushing Frequency: Dogs with minimal undercoats and short fur generally require less frequent brushing compared to long-haired breeds. Regular brushing for all dogs is still essential, but a low-maintenance breed might need it only once or twice a week.
• Bathing Routine: Frequent baths can strip a dog’s natural oils, leading to dry skin and irritation. Some breeds with water-resistant coats, like Portuguese Water Dogs or Newfoundlands, may only need occasional baths compared to others.

Lifestyle Factors:

• Activity Level: High-energy dogs tend to get dirty faster, whether playing in mud or rolling in the grass. Opt for breeds with moderate energy levels if cleanliness is a top priority.
• Seasonal Shedding: Double-coated breeds shed their undercoat seasonally, which can be a messy affair. However, the good news is that it’s temporary and only requires extra attention during those periods.

Remember: Every dog is an individual, and even within breeds, variations in personality and grooming needs exist. Regardless of breed, consistent training, early socialization, and responsible ownership contribute significantly to a clean and well-behaved canine companion.

Our trusted sources allowed us to easily rank the most popular dogs known for their clean behaviors and traits. These clean dog breeds are fascinating, from hairless dogs to canines that can groom themselves. Let us know your favorite clean dog breeds in the comments below!

Top 7 Clean Dog Breeds Most Recommended By Experts

1. American Hairless Terrier

This hairless breed is a popular mid-sized dog that loves to play. They can be a handful and require structured training and daily exercise to be properly socialized. Pawesome meantions that while they are clean, they are also very smart, courageous, and love to be active.

What makes them cleaner than other breeds? Fast Dogs says their hairless nature makes for no shedding, low-maintenance grooming, and they can’t get fleas.

For a bit on the breed’s history, PetGuide.com says they originated in 1972 in Louisiana. Today, they are considered rare purebreds.

2. Xoloitzcuintle

This Mexican hairless dog does sport the occasional tuft of wiry hair or whiskers. Xoloitzcuintle dogs are now getting more attention thanks to strong performances at high-profile dog shows. Pet MD says this breed makes for an excellent companion with moderate exercise and grooming needs. They do need occasional baths and lotion if they are hairless.

This is an ancient breed that dates back to 3,000 years ago. The breed is named after “Xolotl,” an Aztec deity of fire and “itzcuintli,” meaning dog. You can get either a coated or coatless variety. Even with hair, their coats are very smooth. Hepper Blog adds that they never smell and rarely get dirty. You will need to apply sunblock in the summer and extra layers in the winter to keep them warm.

3. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is a remarkable dog. They are said to exhibit many feline traits like self-grooming. That means less work for you when it comes to keeping them clean. Dogs ‘N Stuff says that while their medium-length coat looks high-maintenance, they rarely shed.

They are so similar to kitties, that Hepper Blog says they jump on shelves and perch there just like them! They are a graceful, quiet breed. This is a great pet for anyone who can’t decide between a cat or dog, they write.

According to Pet Helpful, Japanese Chins do not require much exercise, so it is less likely they will be tracking any debris into your house after playing outside. Plus, their tiny stature makes for the perfect apartment dog.

4. Maltese Terrier

Maltese Terriers are fluffy little balls of energy. Purported to be hypoallergenic, the main purpose of grooming these dogs is to simply maintain their coat. As far as temperament goes, ZeroRez says they are friendly pooches.

Breeding Business says that although they don’t shed much, they do need plenty of grooming to keep their coats manageable. According to Pet Helpful, they only weigh between four to nine pounds.

5. Poodle

Poodles have a reputation for their curly hair and energetic antics. With a close crop, there’s no need to do extensive fur styling. Daily Mail.com owes their popularity to their lack of shedding. They do need regular grooming and hair care products. So, a little work is required to maintain this pooch’s cleanliness, but otherwise, they do most of the work by nature.

Breeding Business also emphasizes the need for brushing their curls. This will prevent matting and trapped dirt and dander from accumulating.

6. Basenji

Basenji dogs are gaining popularity in the United States and can often be found for adoption. Seeing these once exotic dogs trotting through the suburbs is starting to become more common. Originally hailing from Africa, PetGuide.com claims their coats are super short and easy to care for. They also resemble cats with their self-grooming behaviors.

Fast Dogs also likes how they rarely smell bad because of their short coats. Thanks to their self-grooming, you won’t need to drag a Basenji to the groomer every month.

The Basenji is also known for not having susceptibility to any health problems, according to Pawesome. This makes them a healthy sidekick for any activity you take them along for.

7. Bichon Frise

The Bichon Frise is a faithful dog that usually bonds strongly with their family. They also require regular grooming to maintain a healthy coat. Dogs ‘N Stuff describes them as fluffy balls of cotton. This is yet another breed that does not shed very much.

According to Hepper Blog, the smooth, silky nature of the Bichon’s coats means that it is hard for it to trap dirt. With their hypoallergenic coat, “if you like hairy dogs but you don’t like too much hair on your outfit, this lovely guy is a fluffy doggy dream,” they write in their review. Even when you spot some dirt on these little clouds, it is easy to see and clean.

Sources:

• Pawesome
• Fast Dogs
• PetGuide.com
• ZeroRez
• Breeding Business
• Pet Helpful
• Pet MD
• Hepper Blog
• Dogs ‘N Stuff
• Daily Mail.com

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