Love Dogs but Hate the Smell? These 20 Breeds Are Your Dream Come True
Dog lovers often face a common dilemma—the unmistakable “dog smell” that tends to linger in the house, on the furniture, and sometimes even on your clothes. While it’s a small price to pay for the unconditional love of a furry best friend, not everyone is willing to compromise when it comes to keeping their home fresh and clean.
The good news? You don’t have to. Some dog breeds are naturally lower in odor, thanks to their unique coat textures, minimal oil production, and reduced shedding. These breeds not only look adorable but also stay fresh-smelling longer between baths, making them ideal for people with sensitive noses or those who value a tidy, odor-free home environment.
Whether you’re a neat freak, an allergy sufferer, or just someone who prefers not to have your living room smell like a kennel, these breeds offer the best of both worlds—companionship without the funk. From sleek, short-haired pups to curly-coated cuties that trap fewer smells, you’ll be surprised by how many dogs can be clean, cuddly, and scent-free.
Here are 20 dog breeds that are known for their low-odor reputations. They’ll charm your heart without overwhelming your senses.
1. Basenji: The Barkless Wonder with No Doggy Odor
Originally from Africa, Basenjis are known as the “wash-and-wear” dogs of the canine world. Their short, fine coats require minimal grooming and produce virtually no odor.
These intelligent hounds clean themselves like cats, meticulously grooming their coat to keep it pristine. This self-cleaning behavior significantly reduces any potential smell.
Basenjis don’t have the typical doggy odor because they produce less of the oils that cause that distinctive smell in other breeds. Even when wet, they won’t fill your home with that unmistakable wet dog aroma that many pet owners dread.
2. Bichon Frise: Fluffy Clouds Without the Scent
Sporting a powder-puff appearance, Bichon Frises might surprise you with their lack of doggy smell. Their curly double coat actually traps loose hair and dander, minimizing shedding and odor throughout your home.
Regular grooming keeps these little white fluffballs smelling fresh. Many owners report that even between baths, Bichons maintain a neutral scent that’s barely noticeable.
An added bonus? These cheerful companions are hypoallergenic, making them perfect for smell-sensitive owners who also have allergies. Their playful personalities come with none of the drawbacks of smellier breeds.
3. Maltese: Silky White Coats That Stay Fresh
Maltese dogs bring royal elegance without royal odors. Their long, silky white hair lacks an undercoat, which is often responsible for trapping odors in other breeds.
The minimal shedding of these petite pups means less dander and hair around your home. Many Maltese owners note that with regular grooming, these dogs maintain a naturally pleasant scent.
Despite their luxurious appearance, Maltese are surprisingly low-maintenance in the odor department. A quick brush a few times weekly keeps their coat from matting and prevents any build-up that might cause smell, making them ideal companions for smell-sensitive dog lovers.
4. Poodle: Sophisticated Curls Without the Smell
Poodles stand out as one of the most odor-free dog breeds available in three convenient sizes. Their distinctive curly coat doesn’t shed much and produces minimal dander, keeping that doggy smell at bay.
The hair-like quality of their coat means less oil production compared to fur-bearing dogs. This natural characteristic helps Poodles maintain a fresher scent between grooming sessions.
Swimming enthusiasts might appreciate that these water dogs have naturally water-resistant coats that dry quickly. This quick-drying feature prevents the musty wet-dog smell that lingers with many other breeds after bath time or a dip in the pool.
5. Shih Tzu: Royal Companions with Fresh Appeal
Dignified and surprisingly low-odor, this toy breed is a favorite among those who value both elegance and cleanliness. Its long, luxurious coat may require consistent grooming, but it comes with the bonus of minimal shedding and low oil production—two key factors in preventing that typical doggy smell.
Owners often describe their scent as barely noticeable or even faintly sweet when properly maintained. Originally bred to keep royalty company in ancient Chinese palaces, these dogs were chosen not just for their looks and temperament, but also for their clean presence—ensuring they could lounge on silken cushions without offending imperial noses. That same trait makes them a pleasant addition to modern homes today.
6. Yorkshire Terrier: Tiny Terriers with Minimal Scent
Yorkshire Terriers sport human-like hair instead of fur, making them naturally less smelly than many other breeds. Their silky, fine coat produces minimal oil, which means less of that doggy odor permeating your furniture and clothes.
Regular grooming sessions keep these pint-sized pups smelling fresh. Many Yorkie owners maintain their pets in a shorter “puppy cut” that makes maintenance even easier while preserving their odor-free quality.
Don’t let their diminutive size fool you—Yorkies pack big personalities into small packages. Originally bred to catch rats in clothing mills, today’s Yorkshire Terriers make excellent apartment dogs who won’t leave your home smelling like a kennel.
7. Havanese: Cuba’s Fragrance-Free National Dog
Havanese dogs bring the sunshine of Cuba without any unpleasant odors. Their silky, lightweight coat naturally repels dirt and doesn’t produce the oils that create doggy smell. As a member of the Bichon family, Havanese dogs inherit the group’s tendency toward minimal shedding and dander.
This characteristic makes them not only odor-resistant but also suitable for allergy sufferers. Known as “velcro dogs” for their tendency to stick close to their humans, Havanese make ideal indoor companions.
Their naturally clean state means you can enjoy all those cuddles without worrying about doggy smell transferring to your furniture or clothing.
8. Portuguese Water Dog: Ocean Workers with Fresh Coats
Surprisingly fresh for a working dog, this water-loving breed stays remarkably odor-free. Its dense, waterproof coat is designed to resist the bacteria that typically cause doggy smells, even after a swim.
Originally developed to assist fishermen—retrieving gear, carrying messages, and herding fish—this breed needed a coat that dried quickly to avoid that familiar musty scent.
The result is a low-shedding, hypoallergenic coat that not only keeps allergens at bay but also contributes to a cleaner-smelling home. With regular grooming, their curls stay neat and fresh, making them an ideal match for active households that want a spirited, low-odor companion.
9. Schnauzer: Bearded Guardians Without the Funk
With their distinctive beards and eyebrows, Schnauzers naturally resist developing that typical doggy smell. Available in three sizes—miniature, standard, and giant—these German dogs all share the same odor-resistant qualities.
Their wiry double coat requires regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. This maintenance keeps the natural oils balanced and prevents any unpleasant smells from developing.
A fun fact about Schnauzers: their name comes from the German word for “snout” or “muzzle,” referring to their distinctive facial hair. This facial furnishing might look like it would trap odors, but properly maintained Schnauzer beards stay remarkably fresh-smelling compared to many other breeds.
10. Italian Greyhound: Sleek Racers with Clean Profiles
Italian Greyhounds possess minimal body odor thanks to their ultra-short, fine coats and lack of skin folds where bacteria can hide. These miniature sighthounds barely shed and produce very little dander, making them exceptionally clean housemates.
Their naturally low body fat means less oil production on their skin and coat. Many owners report that their Italian Greyhounds maintain a neutral or slightly sweet natural scent even between baths.
Despite their delicate appearance, these ancient companions to nobility are surprisingly wash-and-wear. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth keeps them looking sleek and smelling fresh, perfect for households where cleanliness and minimal pet odor are priorities.
11. Whippet: Streamlined Sprinters with Minimal Smell
Sleek, speedy, and surprisingly scent-free, this elegant sighthound offers a winning combination of athleticism and cleanliness. With a short, smooth coat that resists oil build-up, there’s little need for frequent baths or elaborate grooming routines.
Shedding is minimal, and thanks to their lean build and lack of skin folds, there’s nowhere for moisture or bacteria to linger. Originally bred for racing and often nicknamed “the poor man’s racehorse,” these dogs are calm and quiet indoors—making them ideal for anyone craving a clean, low-maintenance pet.
Their naturally tidy habits and odor-free presence make them a favorite among fastidious owners who don’t want to compromise on companionship.
12. Border Collie: Brilliant Herders with Fresh Appeal
Border Collies might surprise you with their lack of doggy odor despite their working background. Their weather-resistant double coat naturally sheds dirt and repels moisture, helping prevent bacterial growth that leads to smell.
Regular brushing removes loose hair and distributes natural oils evenly through their coat. This routine maintenance keeps these intelligent herders looking sharp and smelling clean between baths.
Active by nature, Border Collies prefer outdoor adventures to lounging on furniture. This natural tendency to stay busy outdoors actually helps them stay cleaner, as they’re less likely to develop the staleness that can affect more sedentary breeds.
13. Samoyed: Snow-White Fluff Without the Funk
Despite their thick, cloud-like coats, these Arctic-born dogs are remarkably odor-free. Their dense double-layer fur is not only strikingly white but also naturally dirt-repellent and antimicrobial—traits that help prevent the buildup of odor-causing bacteria.
Developed to thrive in freezing Siberian climates, this breed’s coat was designed to stay clean and dry even in the harshest conditions. Historically, they slept in close contact with their human families to provide warmth, so a fresh, clean-smelling presence was essential.
That legacy lives on today, making them an excellent choice for those who love fluffy dogs but can’t stand strong doggy odors.
14. Coton de Tulear: Madagascar’s Odor-Free Treasure
Coton de Tulears boast cotton-like coats that resist developing doggy odor. Named after their fluffy white appearance and the port city of Tulear in Madagascar, these rare dogs naturally stay fresh-smelling with proper care. Their hair grows continuously like human hair rather than shedding seasonally.
This characteristic means less dander and loose hair around your home, contributing to their reputation as clean, odor-free companions. Historically cherished by Madagascar nobility, modern Coton owners appreciate their naturally sweet or neutral scent.
Regular brushing prevents matting and removes any debris before it can cause odor, keeping these charming companions as pleasant-smelling as they are affectionate.
15. Australian Shepherd: Colorful Herders with Clean Habits
Energetic and outdoorsy, this hardworking breed manages to stay surprisingly scent-free. Thanks to a weather-resistant double coat, dirt and moisture are naturally repelled—two of the main culprits behind doggy odor.
Quick-drying fur combined with minimal oiliness means less chance for bacteria to thrive, even after a long day of activity. With regular brushing to remove loose undercoat and evenly distribute natural oils, this breed stays fresh between baths.
Despite what their name suggests, they were originally developed in the western United States as versatile ranch dogs. Their clean reputation, paired with a strong work ethic, makes them a great fit for active families who want a loyal companion—without the smell.
16. Labradoodle: Hypoallergenic Hybrids with Fresh Appeal
Labradoodles combine the friendly nature of Labradors with the odor-free qualities of Poodles. Their curly or wavy coats tend to inherit the Poodle parent’s minimal shedding and reduced dander production.
Originally developed as hypoallergenic guide dogs, these popular crosses typically produce less of the oils that create doggy smell. The specific coat type varies between individuals, with woollier coats generally being more odor-resistant than fleecy ones.
Regular grooming keeps these friendly hybrids smelling fresh. Many Labradoodle owners report that even when their dogs need a bath, the smell is much milder than with traditional breeds, making them excellent choices for households sensitive to pet odors.
17. Papillon: Butterfly Ears and Odor-Free Elegance
Graceful and dainty, this toy breed is known for both elegance and a remarkably odor-free presence. With a fine, silky single coat that traps little dirt or oil, it stays fresh with minimal grooming.
Dental health is another plus—unlike many small breeds, this one is less prone to the mouth issues that often lead to bad breath, adding to its overall clean impression.
Historically cherished by European nobility, these dogs were bred to be charming, intelligent lap companions that wouldn’t offend delicate noses. Today, they remain lively, affectionate pets that are as easy on your nose as they are on your furniture.
18. Chinese Crested: Bare-Skinned Beauties with No Doggy Aroma
Chinese Crested dogs come in two varieties—hairless and powderpuff—both remarkably odor-free. The hairless variety has smooth, warm skin with tufts of hair only on the head, feet, and tail, eliminating most sources of doggy smell.
Without fur to trap oils and debris, hairless Cresteds simply need regular skin care similar to humans. The powderpuff variety has a soft, silky coat that produces minimal oil and dander compared to most breeds.
An interesting fact: despite their exotic appearance, Chinese Cresteds are among the most odor-free dogs available. Their lack of body odor made them popular ship dogs during ancient times, as they could control vermin without adding to the already strong smells aboard merchant vessels.
19. Kerry Blue Terrier: Blue Coats with Fresh Fragrance
With a striking blue-gray coat and a tidy temperament, this unique terrier manages to stay refreshingly low-odor. Its soft, wavy hair doesn’t shed like most terrier breeds and produces very little dander—both key factors in keeping that typical dog smell at bay.
Regular grooming is a must, but the payoff is a coat that stays fresh and clean between baths. Originally bred in Ireland as versatile farm helpers, these dogs were expected to work hard and still be welcome indoors.
Puppies are born black and gradually transition to their signature blue-gray hue by around 18 months. Through this transformation and well into adulthood, they remain one of the cleanest, least smelly terriers around.
20. Lagotto Romagnolo: Truffle Hunters with Hypoallergenic Curls
Lagotto Romagnolos might have a mouthful of a name but thankfully not a noseful of smell. These Italian water dogs sport dense, curly coats similar to Poodles that naturally resist developing doggy odor.
Famous as skilled truffle hunters, Lagottos have keen noses themselves but won’t offend yours. Their waterproof coats dry quickly after swimming or bathing, preventing that lingering wet dog smell that plagues many breeds.
An ancient breed from the marshlands of Romagna, Italy, Lagottos were originally duck retrievers before becoming specialized truffle hunters. This working heritage produced a naturally clean dog that could live closely with humans without overwhelming them with doggy smell.
