When choosing a dog, one concern many prospective pet owners have is cleanliness. For individuals who pride themselves on maintaining a neat and tidy home, selecting a dog breed that is relatively clean, low-shedding, and easy to groom is a priority. Fortunately, several dog breeds naturally keep themselves clean, shed minimally, and are less likely to cause messes, making them perfect companions for those who want to maintain a spotless household. Below, we explore eight of the cleanest dog breeds that are ideal for owners who value cleanliness and order.
Basenji
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Known as the “barkless dog,” the Basenji is a breed that stays quiet and keeps itself remarkably clean. These small, agile dogs are naturally fastidious and have been compared to cats for their grooming habits. Basenjis are known to lick themselves clean, much like felines, and they shed very minimally, which means less fur floating around the house. Their short coat requires little maintenance and no strong odor, making them an ideal breed for owners who want a tidy, low-maintenance pet.
Bedlington Terrier
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The Bedlington Terrier is not only known for its lamb-like appearance but also its clean and manageable coat. This breed has a distinctive, curly coat that sheds very little, making it a great choice for owners who want to avoid fur-covered furniture. Bedlington Terriers have a low odor and do not drool, which adds to their cleanliness. While their coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting, it doesn’t shed excessively, ensuring your home remains relatively fur-free. Their friendly and calm nature makes them easy to manage in a tidy household.
Shiba Inu
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Shiba Inus are known for their self-cleaning tendencies and low-maintenance grooming needs. This Japanese breed has a dense, double coat that sheds twice a year, but between those shedding seasons, they tend to stay clean and odor-free. Shiba Inus are naturally fastidious, often grooming themselves in the same way cats do. They are independent and like to keep their surroundings neat, which aligns well with a tidy household. Shiba Inus are also known to be relatively quiet and do not drool, further contributing to their reputation as one of the cleanest dog breeds.
Greyhound
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Greyhounds are sleek, elegant dogs that are surprisingly low-maintenance in grooming and cleanliness. With their short, smooth coats, Greyhounds shed minimally and have little body odor. This breed does not drool, and their shedding is almost imperceptible, making them a great option for tidy homes. Greyhounds are also very calm indoors, preferring to spend most of their time lounging on the couch rather than making a mess. Their low-maintenance grooming routine and clean habits make them a perfect match for owners who want a dog that won’t disrupt a neat living environment.
Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
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The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is one of the cleanest dog breeds, thanks to its lack of fur. With little to no hair to shed, Xolos are hypoallergenic and require minimal grooming. Their skin needs to be moisturized and protected from the sun, but they are otherwise incredibly low-maintenance when it comes to cleaning. The lack of fur also means they do not have the typical doggy odor that other breeds may carry. Xolos are also known for being calm and composed indoors, making them an ideal choice for owners who value cleanliness.
Bichon Frise
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The Bichon Frise is a small, white fluffy dog known for its cheerful disposition and clean habits. This breed has a soft, curly coat that doesn’t shed much, which makes it perfect for households looking to avoid excess fur. Bichons have a minimal odor, and their coat can be easily managed with regular grooming. While they require occasional brushing and trimming, they don’t leave a mess around the house. Bichons are also hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people with allergies who want a clean, low-shedding pet.
Whippet
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Whippets are similar to Greyhounds in their sleek, clean appearance and low-maintenance grooming needs. With a short, fine coat, Whippets shed very little and do not have a strong odor. They are also known for their calm demeanor indoors, often preferring to snuggle up on the couch rather than cause a ruckus. Whippets do not drool, and minimal shedding requires very little cleaning. Their easygoing nature and clean habits make them an excellent choice for owners who want a pet that blends seamlessly into a tidy home environment.
Poodle
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Topping the list is the Poodle, a breed renowned for its intelligence and hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat. Whether you choose a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle, this breed is known for its clean habits and minimal shedding. Poodles have a curly, dense coat that traps loose fur, preventing it from spreading around the house. While their coat requires regular grooming to keep it in good condition, Poodles have little to no odor and do not drool, making them an excellent choice for a tidy household. Their clean, manageable coat and affectionate nature make Poodles one of the cleanest and most popular breeds for owners who value cleanliness and companionship.
Chihuahua
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Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds, and their compact size makes them easy to keep clean. They have short coats that don’t require much grooming, and they tend to shed minimally. Chihuahuas are also known for their fastidious nature, often grooming themselves like cats, which makes them a great choice for owners who want a tidy home. With regular baths and nail trims, Chihuahuas can stay clean and fresh with minimal effort.
Italian Greyhound
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Italian Greyhounds are naturally clean dogs with short, sleek coats that shed very little. Their low-maintenance grooming needs make them an excellent choice for tidy homes. These small dogs are also known for their neat habits and dislike of dirty environments, so they’ll do their best to stay clean. Regular brushing and the occasional bath are all needed to keep Italian Greyhounds looking their best.
Maltese
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Maltese dogs may have long, flowing coats, but they are surprisingly easy to keep clean with regular grooming. Despite their luxurious fur, they don’t shed much, making them a great choice for owners who prefer a tidy home. Regular brushing helps prevent matting, and many Maltese owners trim their dog’s coat short for easier maintenance. Their white coats require extra attention to stay clean, but with proper care, Maltese dogs are some of the cleanest and most elegant companions.
Japanese Chin
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Japanese Chins are naturally clean dogs that tend to take care of themselves. Their silky coats are easy to groom with regular brushing, and they don’t have the strong “doggy odor” some breeds possess. Japanese Chins are meticulous about keeping themselves clean and are known for their tidy, cat-like grooming habits. They also shed very little, making them an excellent choice for owners who want a dog that won’t leave a mess around the house.
Dalmatian
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Dalmatians are sleek, short-coated dogs that are relatively low-maintenance in grooming. Their short hair doesn’t hold much dirt, and they shed minimally, making them a good choice for a clean home. Dalmatians are also known for their neatness and often avoid dirty areas if possible. With regular brushing to remove loose hairs and the occasional bath, Dalmatians can keep your home tidy while adding a unique flair to their striking appearance.
Portuguese Water Dog
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Portuguese Water Dogs have hypoallergenic coats that don’t shed much, making them an ideal breed for those who want a clean home. Their curly or wavy fur requires regular grooming to prevent matting, but with consistent care, they remain tidy and free of loose hair. These intelligent, energetic dogs are also known for their love of water, which can help keep them naturally clean. Good grooming and regular baths keep Portuguese Water Dogs looking and smelling fresh.
Papillon
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Papillons have a fine, silky coat that’s relatively easy to care for despite its length. They are known for being fastidious dogs with no strong odor and rarely getting dirty. Papillons shed minimally and only require regular brushing to keep their coats neat and tangy-free. Their small size also makes it easy for them to bathe and groom at home. Papillons are an excellent choice for those who want a dog that can stay clean with minimal effort.
Brussels Griffon
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Brussels Griffons come in two coat types—smooth and rough—both easy to maintain. The smooth-coated variety sheds very little and only requires occasional brushing to stay clean. The rough-coated variety may require more grooming, but both coat types are relatively low-maintenance. Brussels Griffons are small dogs that are easy to bathe and groom, and they are known for being neat and tidy, making them a good option for owners who value cleanliness.
Dachshund
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Dachshunds are naturally tidy dogs with short, smooth coats that are easy to care for. While they shed a bit, regular brushing helps control loose hairs, and their low grooming needs make them a great choice for those who prefer a clean home. Dachshunds also come in wire-haired and long-haired varieties, both of which require slightly more grooming, but all Dachshunds tend to stay fairly clean with regular baths and brushing.
Kerry Blue Terrier
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Kerry Blue Terriers have curly, hypoallergenic coats that shed very little, making them ideal for tidy homes. Their soft, dense fur requires regular grooming to prevent matting, but they remain neat and clean with consistent care. Kerry Blue Terriers are also known for lacking a typical “doggy odor,” which helps keep your home smelling fresh. Their love for outdoor activities is balanced by their clean coat, making them a great option for active families who appreciate cleanliness.
Shih Tzu
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Shih Tzus is another long-coated breed that stays remarkably clean with proper grooming. While their luxurious coat may look high-maintenance, regular brushing and occasional baths keep them tidy and tang-free. Many Shih Tzu owners opt for a shorter “puppy cut” to make grooming easier. Shih Tzus are also known for being clean dogs with minimal shedding, making them a perfect choice for anyone looking for a dog that won’t leave a mess behind.
Lagotto Romagnolo
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Lagotto Romagnolos are a rare breed with hypoallergenic, curly coats that don’t shed, making them a top choice for owners who like a clean home. Their fur requires regular grooming to prevent matting, but they stay clean and tidy with proper care. Lagotto Romagnolos are also known for their love of water, which helps keep them naturally clean. These intelligent and energetic dogs are perfect for active families who appreciate a low-shedding, clean breed.
West Highland White Terrier
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West Highland White Terriers (Westies) are small, sturdy dogs with a double coat that sheds very little. Despite their white fur, Westies are relatively easy to keep clean with regular grooming. Their coats require brushing to prevent tangles, but they don’t shed much, making them a good choice for owners who like a tidy home. Westies are also known for their playful, energetic nature, but they tend to avoid getting too dirty, making them an excellent low-maintenance option for cleanliness.
Scottish Terrier
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Scottish Terriers, or Scotties, have a wiry, hypoallergenic coat that sheds very little. While their coat does require regular grooming to prevent matting, it doesn’t leave behind loose hair, making them a tidy addition to any household. Scotties are also known for their independent nature and clean habits, often preferring to keep themselves neat. With proper care and grooming, Scottish Terriers remain clean and free of dirt, making them a great choice for those who value cleanliness.
Chinese Crested
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Chinese Cresteds come in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. As the name suggests, the hairless variety has minimal hair, making them one of the easiest breeds to keep clean. Regular skincare and occasional baths are all needed to keep them tidy. The powderpuff variety has a soft, silky coat that requires more grooming, but they still shed very little. Both varieties of Chinese Crested are known for their neatness and cleanliness, making them ideal for owners who want a tidy, low-maintenance dog.
Clean Breeds, Clean Homes
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For dog owners who prioritize a clean and tidy living space, these eight breeds stand out for their low-maintenance grooming needs, minimal shedding, and clean habits. From the sleek Greyhound to the hypoallergenic Poodle, each of these breeds brings not only companionship but also cleanliness to the home. Whether you’re seeking a dog with minimal fur to manage or one that naturally keeps itself tidy, these clean breeds are perfect for keeping your house and your heart full.
Toledo, United States.
