Which dog breeds have the cleanest coats? I’m sure a lot of prospective dog owners with tidy houses would like to know. Sadly, “clean” is relative and might apply to dogs with hardly any discernible doggy odor or groom themselves like cats. Or, maybe “clean” means dogs with low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats, or even dogs without any coats. Here are the top ten cleanest breeds, based on these factors.
1. American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier was recognized as the country’s first hairless breed by the American Kennel Club in 2016. The AKC says the new breed came from a mutation that occurred in a litter of Rat Terriers in 1972. One of the puppies was hairless, pink-skinned, and had black spots. He was playful, affectionate, and feisty. Eventually, the American Hairless Terrier breed became popular with families. As terriers, they are also inclined to play outdoors, dig in the dirt, and chase anything that moves.
There is some shed skin on the American Hairless Terrier, and their skin is sensitive to the sun, so they must use sunscreen or wear protective clothing to prevent sunburn. Dogs without hair don’t shed, but they’re more prone to skin problems. “While they’re clean and neat, they can have skin problems like us,” says Gina DiNardo, vice president of AKC.
2. Xoloitzcuintli
AKC recognized the Xoloitzcuintli in 2010. It can either be hairless or have a short coat. It’s an ancient Mexican breed called itzcuintli, after the Aztec god Xolotl.
It makes a great companion dog and requires moderate exercise and grooming. A typical Xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo for short, is calm, aloof and attentive. It’s a good idea to bathe Xolos every now and then, then apply lotion to their hairless versions.
3. Bedlington Terrier
If “clean” means a low-shedding coat, the gentle and loyal Bedlington Terrier is your dog. Despite its unique look, this sheep-like breed doesn’t shed, but it needs regular clipping. Bedlington Terriers’ coats should be maintained by an experienced groomer, according to the AKC.
4. Poodle
The Poodle was approved by the AKC in 1887 and comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. It is well known that because its coat doesn’t shed, it is a good choice for people with allergies. The Poodle is a breed that is highly clever, active, and family-friendly.
The Poodle’s coat is so popular that it has led to a lot of hybrids, such as the Cockapoo (Cocker Spaniel/Poodle), Goldendoodle (Golden Retriever/Poodle), Jack-a-Poo (Jack Russell Terrier/Poodle), Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever/Poodle), and Pekepoo (Pekingese/Poodle). Of course, even low-maintenance coat breeds require grooming on a regular basis.
5. Chow Chow
Chow Chows have a lot of “clean” dog traits, and owners report that they’re “the cleanest of dogs: they housebreak easily, have very little dog odor, and are as fastidious as cats.” However, they shed a lot at certain times of the year.
This breed is easy to live with, doesn’t need much exercise, and can do well in an apartment. Chow Chow’s personality is described as “dignified” and “serious.”
In ancient China, Chow-Chows were used as hunting dogs. There are only two breeds of medium-sized dogs with blue-black tongues, and this is one of them. According to the AKC, Martha Stewart owns several Chow Chows. It’s the best endorsement for how clean a breed is, right?
6. Japanese Chin
DiNardo says that Japanese Chins, which are known for grooming themselves like cats, can even get hairballs. Japanese Chins, unlike other dog breeds, like to lick their paws to clean them, not only to eliminate inflammation or ease a sore, she notes.
The Japanese Chin was bred to be a companion animal since it is sensitive and highly intelligent. Its name, however, is misleading because it originated in ancient China, not Japan. The sleek, silky coat of this petite, medium-energy breed is surprisingly low-maintenance. The Japanese Chin is also a calm companion who, like a cat, can be agile and playful when it wants to be.
7. Basenji
The Basenji was formed in Africa and is recognized for its curled tail and quiet presence. It is cat-like in its aloofness towards strangers and self-grooming habits. The shorthaired breed requires only routine cleaning with a “hound glove” or mitt and has no dog odor. The Basenji, as a hunting breed, requires a lot of exercise.
8. Greyhound
“Clean” dogs are those who are not so high-energy and easily bored that their favorite hobby is destroying the house.
The Greyhound is the fastest breed of dog that is active outside but a couch potato indoors. The Greyhound is relatively calm at home as long as his desire for frequent exercise and fenced-in running space is addressed. “In general, greyhounds are quite tidy and neat,” DiNardo says.
9. Whippet
Another cool breed, Whippets, are known for their long, thin bodies and speed as hunting dogs. Whippets, with their short, fine coats, do not have the distinctive doggy odor of certain other breeds and may readily adjust to relaxing at home with their families, as long as they have time to run during the day.
10. Pharaoh Hound
This clean breed, like the Whippet and Greyhound, is quiet and friendly at home, and its short coat requires little grooming. The Pharaoh Hound is a smart, strong, medium-sized dog that hunts with its eyes, nose, and ears.
According to DiNardo, dogs that are properly groomed, receive enough exercise and attention, are trained to obey their owners, and are regularly bathed to control the odor-causing natural oils in their skin can match most owners’ definitions of “clean.”
