20 Dog Breeds That Drool the Least
As a lifelong dog lover and veterinarian, I‘ve had the privilege of getting up close and personal with countless canines over the years. One of the most common questions I get from prospective dog owners is, "Which breeds drool the least?" While a little slobber here and there is par for the course with any pooch, some folks simply can‘t stomach the idea of being slimed on a regular basis.
In a recent survey by the American Kennel Club, nearly 60% of respondents said that a tidy, low-drool dog was an important consideration when choosing a breed. And who can blame them? Constantly wiping up drool puddles and having your clothes and furniture covered in thick, ropey saliva is not most people‘s idea of a good time.
Before we dive into the list of dogs that won‘t leave you feeling like you need a shower, let‘s take a closer look at the science behind drooling. All dogs have salivary glands in their mouths that produce saliva to lubricate food, kickstart the digestive process, and keep the oral cavity clean and healthy. The amount of saliva produced varies by breed and individual dog.
Certain physical characteristics make some dogs more prone to drooling than others. Breeds with loose, pendulous lips like Bloodhounds and Mastiffs allow saliva to pool and overflow. Heavy jowls and deep skin folds around the mouth also create pockets where drool can accumulate. Brachycephalic or short-faced breeds like Bulldogs and Boxers have compressed upper airways that can cause them to pant and drool more.
On the other hand, breeds with tighter lips, smaller mouths, and leaner faces tend to be neater in the saliva department. Working and herding dogs bred for stamina and efficiency rarely have time for drooling on the job. Toy breeds have less real estate for salivary glands and often swallow their saliva before it escapes. Long-haired breeds may appear to drool less simply because the slobber gets trapped in their facial furnishings.
To put some numbers to it, I‘ve created a drool scale to compare average slobber output between breeds. With 1 being the driest and 10 being a faucet, here‘s how some popular breeds stack up:
| Breed | Drool Score (1-10) |
|---|---|
| Bloodhound | 10 |
| English Mastiff | 9 |
| Bulldog | 8 |
| Boxer | 7 |
| Labrador Retriever | 5 |
| Golden Retriever | 4 |
| Greyhound | 2 |
| Bichon Frise | 1 |
Of course, every dog is an individual and some may buck the trend for their breed. But in general, if you want to stay relatively drool-free, consider one of these 20 breeds:
1. Chihuahua
These tiny but mighty dogs from Mexico rarely weigh over 6 pounds, making them the ultimate portable companion. Chihuahuas have very lean faces with tight lips and minimal jowls, so there‘s simply no room for excess saliva. They do tend to snort and sneeze due to their short muzzles, but slobber is rarely on the menu.
"My Chihuahua mix Pepe is the perfect lap dog. He loves to burrow under the covers with me and the only time he comes close to drooling is when I‘m eating cheese." – Maria R.
2. Australian Cattle Dog
Also known as Blue or Red Heelers, the Australian Cattle Dog was bred to herd livestock across the vast, arid expanses of the Outback. These tough, intelligent dogs have a smooth, close-fitting coat that doesn‘t trap saliva and tight lips that keep drool locked down. ACDs are intense, high-energy working dogs that need a job to do, but slobber management isn‘t on the list.
3. Bichon Frise
With their poufy white coats and black button eyes, Bichons look like sweet little clouds come to life. These adaptable companion dogs have been charming owners with their tidy habits and affectionate nature since the 14th century. The Bichon‘s curly coat sheds minimally and they tend to be less prone to doggy odor and slobber than some small breeds.
4. Border Collie
The Border Collie consistently tops lists of the smartest and most trainable dog breeds. These medium-sized herding dogs have seemingly endless stamina and laser focus when it comes to working sheep or excelling in canine sports. With their lean, tapered muzzle and tight lips, Border Collies are too busy to be bothered with drooling.
"My Border Collie Zoe is a rockstar on the agility course and has tried her paw at herding ducks and sheep. No matter how hard she works, I never find myself wiping away slobber at the end of the day." – John M.
5. Basenji
The Basenji is a small, elegant sighthound that originated in Africa as a hunter of small game. These clever, cat-like dogs are famous for not barking, although they can make a variety of other noises including yodels, screams and chortles. Basenjis are also known for being fastidiously clean, with minimal shedding, odor and drooling.
6. Papillon
Named for their large, wing-shaped ears, Papillons are dainty little dogs with a surprising athleticism and zest for life. These 5-10 pound dynamos excel in sports like agility and obedience but are equally happy warming a lap. Papillons have long, silky coats and lean, dry muzzles that stay slobber-free.
7. Greyhound
The tall, lean and aerodynamic Greyhound was built for speed, with the ability to hit 45 mph in just a few strides. These gentle giants are the fastest of all dog breeds, but also content to be couch potatoes with their favorite humans. Greyhounds have very tight lips and rarely drool, preferring to spend their time napping and looking regal.
8. Kai Ken
The Kai Ken is a rare and ancient Japanese breed originally developed to hunt wild boar and deer in the mountainous Kai region. These medium-sized dogs have a striking brindle coat, a wedge-shaped head, and an aloof but devoted personality. Like most Japanese breeds, the Kai Ken is fastidiously clean with a low-shedding coat and minimal drooling.
9. Shiba Inu
The foxy-faced Shiba Inu is another Japanese breed known for its cleanliness and cat-like demeanor. These small, muscular dogs have a dense double coat, pointed ears and a curled tail. Shibas groom themselves meticulously and have very tight lips that keep drool at bay. They can be aloof with strangers and have a strong prey drive, but bond closely with their owners.
"My Shiba Inu Hiro is the neatest dog I‘ve ever had. He keeps himself immaculately clean and I rarely even have to wipe his face after he eats or drinks." – Emily C.
10. Poodle
Poodles may be best known for their fancy haircuts in the show ring, but these versatile dogs come in three sizes and were originally bred as hunting companions. Their curly, dense coat is virtually hypoallergenic and sheds minimally. Poodles have long, lean muzzles and tight lips that make them one of the driest-mouthed breeds around.
11. Whippet
The sleek, slender Whippet looks like a miniature Greyhound and is the fastest dog breed of its size. These 25-40 pound sighthounds are gentle, affectionate companions that love to sprint at top speeds but are also content to cuddle on the couch. Whippets have short, smooth coats and rarely drool or shed.
12. Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a large, ancient Chinese breed known for its lion-like mane, blue-black tongue and aloof, dignified demeanor. These imposing dogs have a dense double coat that requires extensive grooming but minimal drooling thanks to their tight lips and dry mouth. Chows can be quite stubborn and protective, requiring careful socialization and training.
13. Saluki
The Saluki is an elegant and ancient sighthound breed originally bred by nomadic tribes to hunt gazelle and hare in the Middle East. These tall, slender dogs have a silky, feathered coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Salukis have a long, narrow head and tight lips that keep drooling to a minimum, even when running at top speeds of over 40 mph.
14. Alaskan Malamute
One of the oldest Arctic sled dog breeds, the Alaskan Malamute is a powerful, muscular dog built for stamina and strength. These wolf-like dogs have a thick, double coat that protects them from extreme cold but sheds heavily. Malamutes are affectionate and friendly with family but can be independent and strong-willed. They have tight lips and a relatively dry mouth for a large breed.
15. Cairn Terrier
The scruffy Cairn Terrier is one of the oldest terrier breeds, developed on the Isle of Skye to hunt vermin and foxes among the cairns (rock piles). These small but sturdy dogs have a wiry coat, bright eyes and an alert expression. Cairns are playful, curious and feisty, with the classic terrier love of digging. They have tight lips and small jowls that keep drooling to a minimum.
"My Cairn Terrier Angus loves to dig and explore outside, but he always stays neat and tidy. I never have to wipe away drool after our adventures." – Sarah L.
16. Bearded Collie
Not to be confused with the Border Collie, the Bearded Collie is a medium-sized herding breed from Scotland with a long, shaggy coat and charming, bouncy personality. These active, athletic dogs need regular exercise and enrichment to keep their clever minds busy. Beardies may have a lot of facial hair, but their tight lips keep drooling locked down.
17. Samoyed
The striking Samoyed is a large, fluffy white spitz breed originally developed in Siberia to herd reindeer and pull sleds. These affectionate, happy-go-lucky dogs have a thick, double coat that requires regular brushing but minimal drooling thanks to their tight lips and relatively dry mouth. Samoyeds have a friendly, social nature and signature "Sammy smile" that‘s hard to resist.
18. Boston Terrier
These dapper little dogs in tuxedo coats were developed in Boston as refined companions for urban dwellers. Weighing under 25 pounds, Boston Terriers are sturdy but compact with a short, smooth coat and pushed-in face. While their flat muzzles can lead to some snorting and sneezing, Bostons rarely drool and are easy to keep clean.
19. Havanese
The Havanese is the national dog of Cuba, developed as a small but sturdy companion for the wealthy. These cheerful, outgoing little dogs have a silky, wavy coat that comes in many colors. Havanese are highly adaptable and social, making them great city pets. They have small, lean muzzles and tight lips that keep drool to a minimum.
20. Italian Greyhound
The miniature Italian Greyhound is an ancient companion breed dating back over 2,000 years. These dainty, deer-like dogs weigh under 15 pounds but can hit speeds of up to 25 mph. Italian Greyhounds have a very short, fine coat and lean, dry mouth with virtually no drooling. They can be shy and sensitive, preferring the company of their favorite humans.
As you can see, there are many wonderful dog breeds out there that won‘t leave you swimming in slobber. From tiny lap dogs to sleek speedsters to fluffy companions, there‘s a low-drool dog to suit every lifestyle. Just keep in mind that even the driest-mouthed dogs need regular dental care to prevent tartar buildup, gum disease and other oral health issues that can lead to excessive salivation.
It‘s also important to note that sudden or abnormal drooling in any dog can be a sign of an underlying medical issue like dental problems, mouth injuries, nausea, heat stroke or certain diseases. If you notice your dog drooling more than usual, it‘s best to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian to rule out any health concerns.
At the end of the day, a little slobber is a small price to pay for the unconditional love and companionship our canine friends provide. But if you prefer a tidier kisser and neater snuggler, consider welcoming one of these low-drool breeds into your heart and home.
