13 Dog Breeds That Don’t Smell: Yes, They Really Exist

Many potential dog owners worry about that distinctive ‘dog smell’ taking over their homes. The good news? Not all pups come with a strong odor!

Some breeds naturally produce less oil on their skin or have different coat types that minimize doggy smell. Whether you have allergies or simply prefer a fresher-smelling home, these 13 breeds might be your perfect match.

1. Basenji: The Barkless Wonder With No Smell

Originally from Africa, the Basenji grooms itself like a cat, which significantly reduces odor. These intelligent, independent dogs have short, fine coats that rarely trap dirt or moisture.

Without the typical doggy smell, Basenjis make ideal apartment companions. Their unique trait of not barking (they make yodel-like sounds instead) adds to their appeal for those living in close quarters.

Despite their fastidious nature, they still need regular brushing to remove loose hair and distribute natural oils. Their self-cleaning habit makes them one of the cleanest canine companions available.

2. Poodle: Sophisticated and Smell-Free Companion

Famous for their hypoallergenic qualities, Poodles come in three sizes—Toy, Miniature, and Standard—all sharing the same odor-free characteristics. Their curly, dense coat doesn’t shed much but grows continuously, requiring regular grooming.

The Poodle’s wool-like hair traps dander and loose hair, preventing it from spreading around your home. This unique coat texture also means less doggy smell lingering in your living space.

Beyond their smell-free nature, Poodles rank among the most intelligent dog breeds. Their combination of brains, beauty, and cleanliness makes them popular companions for people with smell sensitivities.

3. Bichon Frise: The Powder-Puff Without the Pong

With their cotton-ball appearance and cheerful personality, Bichon Frises charm everyone they meet. Their white, fluffy double coat rarely sheds and produces minimal dander, contributing to their reputation as odorless companions.

Unlike many breeds, Bichons don’t have that distinctive doggy smell, even when wet. Their hair grows continuously rather than shedding seasonally, which helps contain allergens and odors.

Regular grooming keeps their coat pristine and prevents matting. While professional grooming every 4-6 weeks is recommended, the payoff is a delightfully fragrance-free furry friend who loves cuddling without leaving that telltale dog scent behind.

4. Portuguese Water Dog: The Presidential Pick for Odor-Free Living

Made famous as the Obama family’s choice, Portuguese Water Dogs offer a winning combination of playfulness and minimal odor. Their waterproof coat repels moisture rather than absorbing it, which helps prevent that musty wet-dog smell even after swimming.

These athletic working dogs were bred to assist fishermen in Portugal, spending long days in the water retrieving equipment and herding fish. Their specialized coat evolved to withstand frequent swimming without developing odor.

Available in wavy or curly varieties, their coat requires regular maintenance but rewards owners with a virtually smell-free companion. Their intelligence and trainability make the grooming routine easier to manage.

5. Maltese: Tiny Treasures With No Telltale Scent

Aristocratic in bearing and historically beloved by royalty, the Maltese carries itself with dignity and, remarkably, without odor. Their long, silky white coat lacks an undercoat, which means less trapped moisture and dirt that typically cause doggy smell.

Despite their luxurious appearance, Maltese dogs produce minimal dander and oil. Daily brushing prevents matting and removes any environmental debris before it can cause odor.

These ancient companion dogs have been perfected over thousands of years to be the ideal lap dog. Their small size (typically under 7 pounds) and odor-free nature make them perfect for close quarters and apartment living.

6. Kerry Blue Terrier: The Blue Beauty Without the Stink

Sporting a distinctive blue-gray coat that feels soft as human hair, Kerry Blue Terriers offer the unusual combination of terrier spunk without terrier smell. Their single coat doesn’t shed seasonally, instead growing continuously like human hair.

Originally bred in Ireland as all-purpose farm dogs, Kerry Blues have a naturally clean coat that produces minimal oil. The texture of their wavy hair prevents dirt and debris from becoming trapped close to the skin where bacteria could cause odor.

Regular trimming every 4-6 weeks keeps them looking sharp. Their beard might need daily wiping after meals, but overall, these intelligent Irish dogs remain remarkably odor-free despite their active lifestyle.

7. Schnauzer: The Bearded Guardian With Fresh Appeal

Available in Miniature, Standard, and Giant varieties, Schnauzers combine German efficiency with naturally clean coats. Their wiry double coat has a texture that repels dirt and moisture, helping prevent the bacterial growth that causes odor.

The distinctive beard and eyebrows give Schnauzers their characteristic expression but require wiping after meals and drinks. Their bodies remain remarkably odor-free thanks to minimal oil production in their skin.

Regular professional grooming every 6-8 weeks keeps their coat in top condition. Hand-stripping (plucking dead hair) rather than clipping preserves the wire coat’s natural dirt-repellent qualities, though many pet owners opt for easier clipping maintenance.

8. Havanese: Cuba’s Fragrant-Free National Treasure

Havanese dogs bring the sunshine of their Cuban heritage without any accompanying smell. Their silky, lightweight coat has evolved to keep them cool in tropical climates while naturally repelling dirt and odor.

Unlike many small breeds, Havanese produce minimal skin oil, which significantly reduces doggy smell. Their hair grows continuously rather than shedding seasonally, which helps contain dander and prevent that distinctive dog odor from permeating your home.

These cheerful companions can be kept in a puppy clip for easier maintenance or grown long for show. Either way, their naturally clean coat remains one of their most appealing features alongside their playful, affectionate temperament.

9. Shih Tzu: Imperial Companions With Impeccable Freshness

Bred to be lap dogs for Chinese royalty, Shih Tzus were developed with cleanliness in mind. Their luxurious double coat grows continuously rather than shedding seasonally, which helps contain dander and odor.

Despite their long, flowing hair, Shih Tzus produce less oil on their skin and coat than many breeds. Regular bathing and grooming keep them smelling fresh, whether you maintain the traditional floor-length coat or opt for a more practical puppy cut.

Their name means “little lion,” but there’s nothing fierce about their smell. These affectionate companions have been perfected over centuries to be the ideal indoor pet, with minimal odor being part of their appeal.

10. Labradoodle: The Friendly Hybrid Without the Funk

Combining the friendly temperament of Labradors with the non-shedding coat of Poodles, Labradoodles offer the best of both worlds. Their curly or wavy coat traps loose hair and dander, preventing it from spreading throughout your home.

The Poodle genetics in these popular crossbreeds contribute significantly to their minimal odor. Most Labradoodles inherit the Poodle’s reduced oil production in the skin and coat, resulting in less doggy smell even when wet.

Coat types can vary between individuals, with some being more Poodle-like and others more Labrador-like. The curlier the coat, generally the less the dog will smell, though all varieties tend to be fresher than many purebreds.

11. Lagotto Romagnolo: The Truffle Hunter With No Trace of Odor

Famed for their truffle-hunting abilities in Italy, Lagotto Romagnolos can detect the faintest scents while producing almost none themselves. Their dense, curly coat resembles sheep’s wool and doesn’t shed seasonally, helping contain dander and prevent odor.

Despite working in muddy, damp conditions hunting valuable truffles, these dogs naturally stay clean. Their waterproof coat repels moisture rather than absorbing it, preventing that wet-dog smell even after swimming.

Regular grooming keeps their distinctive rustic appearance in top condition. Though relatively rare outside Italy until recently, they’re gaining popularity worldwide partly due to their hypoallergenic, odor-free nature combined with their intelligent, affectionate temperament.

12. Italian Greyhound: Sleek Speedsters With Surprising Cleanliness

Miniature versions of their racing cousins, Italian Greyhounds combine elegance with exceptional cleanliness. Their short, fine coat produces minimal oil and sheds very little, contributing to their reputation as virtually odorless dogs.

The lack of body fat on these slender athletes means less oil production in their skin. Their thin, single-layer coat requires minimal grooming—just occasional wiping with a damp cloth keeps them clean and odor-free.

Unlike many toy breeds, Italian Greyhounds rarely develop dental issues that can cause bad breath. Their naturally clean mouth, combined with their odor-free coat, makes them some of the freshest-smelling canine companions available—perfect for those who want a lap dog without the typical small dog smell.

13. Whippet: The Graceful Athlete With Minimal Maintenance

Often called a “poor man’s racehorse,” Whippets combine blazing speed with surprising cleanliness. Their short, smooth coat contains minimal oil and sheds very little, making them naturally odor-free companions.

The Whippet’s sleek body lacks the skin folds where bacteria and moisture can accumulate in other breeds. Their thin skin and low body fat mean less oil production, contributing to their reputation as one of the cleanest-smelling dog breeds.

Despite their athletic abilities—reaching speeds up to 35 mph—Whippets are calm and quiet indoors. Their combination of low grooming needs, minimal shedding, and virtually no doggy odor makes them ideal pets for those who want a clean home without constant maintenance.