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Top 15 Stinkiest Dog Breeds

By: Arlene Divina
Arlene Divina, one of the content writers at IHD, loves going on adventures with her adorable fur baby. She now creates informative content for pet parents. Read more
| August 10, 2024

Dog owners know that sometimes, their furry friends can produce some unpleasant odors. While all dogs can get a little smelly from time to time, certain breeds are notorious for their strong, persistent smells. This can be due to various factors such as coat type, skin conditions, or even natural oils. In this article, we will explore the top 15 stinkiest dog breeds, highlighting why they are known for their distinctive odors and what owners can do to manage the smell. Whether you are considering adopting one of these breeds or are simply curious, read on to learn more about these pungent pups.

15. Basset Hound

Basset Hounds are known for their droopy ears and soulful eyes, but they are also known for their distinctive odor. Their long, floppy ears can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to ear infections and a strong smell. Additionally, their skin folds can harbor bacteria and yeast, contributing to their overall scent. Regular cleaning of their ears and folds, along with consistent grooming, can help manage their smell. Despite their odor, Basset Hounds are loving and loyal pets that make great companions.

14. Bulldog

Bulldogs, with their wrinkly faces and stocky build, are prone to skin issues that can lead to a strong odor. Their skin folds can trap moisture and bacteria, causing infections and a persistent smell. Bulldogs also tend to drool, which can add to their overall scent. Regular cleaning of their skin folds and frequent baths can help keep their smell under control. Bulldogs are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them wonderful pets despite their sometimes overpowering odor.

13. Bloodhound

Bloodhounds are famous for their incredible sense of smell, but they are also known for their distinctive body odor. These dogs have a lot of loose skin and long ears, which can trap moisture and bacteria. Their coat produces a lot of natural oils, which can contribute to their smell. Regular bathing and ear cleaning are essential to keep a Bloodhound’s odor under control. Bloodhounds are loyal and affectionate dogs, and their impressive tracking abilities make them fascinating companions.

12. Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are beloved for their beautiful, flowing coats and friendly disposition. However, their long ears and dense fur can make them prone to odors. Their ears can trap moisture and become infected, leading to a strong smell. Additionally, their coat can hold onto dirt and oils, adding to their scent. Regular grooming, including ear cleaning and bathing, can help manage a Cocker Spaniel’s odor. Despite their smell, Cocker Spaniels are loving and playful pets that bring a lot of joy to their families.

11. Poodle

Poodles are known for their intelligence and hypoallergenic coats, but they can also be prone to odors if not properly groomed. Their curly fur can trap dirt and oils, leading to a strong smell if not regularly cleaned. Additionally, Poodles can suffer from skin conditions that can contribute to their odor. Regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, can help keep a Poodle smelling fresh. Poodles are highly trainable and affectionate dogs, making them excellent companions despite their occasional odor issues.

10. Shar Pei

Shar Peis are known for their unique wrinkled skin, which can be a major source of odor if not properly cared for. The folds in their skin can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to infections and a strong smell. Regular cleaning of their skin folds and consistent grooming are essential to keep a Shar Pei’s odor under control. Despite their distinctive scent, Shar Peis are loyal and protective dogs that make great companions.

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9. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, known for their friendly and outgoing nature. However, their love for water and their thick, double coat can make them prone to odors. Their coat can trap moisture and oils, leading to a strong smell if not regularly cleaned. Regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, can help manage a Labrador’s odor. Labs are known for their loyalty and playful nature, making them wonderful pets despite their occasional smell.

8. Boxer

Boxers are energetic and playful dogs known for their muscular build and expressive faces. However, they can also be prone to odors due to their skin folds and tendency to drool. Their short coat can hold onto oils and dirt, contributing to their smell. Regular grooming, including cleaning their skin folds and frequent baths, can help keep a Boxer’s odor under control. Boxers are loving and protective pets, making them great companions despite their sometimes strong scent.

7. St. Bernard

St. Bernards are large, gentle giants known for their thick coats and friendly nature. However, their dense fur can trap dirt and oils, leading to a strong smell if not regularly groomed. Additionally, St. Bernards are prone to drooling, which can add to their overall scent. Regular brushing and bathing are essential to keep a St. Bernard’s odor under control. Despite their size and smell, St. Bernards are loving and gentle pets that make great family companions.

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6. Pug

Pugs are small dogs with big personalities and distinctive faces. Their wrinkled skin and tendency to drool can make them prone to odors. The folds in their skin can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to infections and a strong smell. Regular cleaning of their skin folds and consistent grooming can help manage a Pug’s odor. Pugs are known for their affectionate and playful nature, making them wonderful pets despite their occasional smell issues.

5. Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, are small dogs known for their long, silky coats. While their fur is beautiful, it can also be a source of odor if not properly groomed. Yorkies can suffer from skin conditions and their coats can hold onto dirt and oils, contributing to their smell. Regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, is essential to keep a Yorkie smelling fresh. Despite their size and occasional smell, Yorkies are lively and affectionate pets that make great companions.

4. Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises are small, cheerful dogs with fluffy, white coats. While their fur is hypoallergenic, it can also be a source of odor if not properly groomed. Bichons can suffer from skin conditions and their coats can hold onto dirt and oils, contributing to their smell. Regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, is essential to keep a Bichon Frise smelling fresh. Despite their size and occasional smell, Bichons are lively and affectionate pets that make great companions.

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3. American Cocker Spaniel

American Cocker Spaniels are known for their beautiful, flowing coats and friendly disposition. However, their long ears and dense fur can make them prone to odors. Their ears can trap moisture and become infected, leading to a strong smell. Additionally, their coat can hold onto dirt and oils, adding to their scent. Regular grooming, including ear cleaning and bathing, is essential to keep an American Cocker Spaniel’s odor under control. Despite their smell, these dogs are loving and playful pets that bring a lot of joy to their families.

2. Mastiff

Mastiffs are large, powerful dogs known for their protective nature and gentle temperament. However, their size and tendency to drool can make them prone to odors. Mastiffs have a lot of loose skin and wrinkles, which can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to infections and a strong smell. Regular cleaning of their skin folds and consistent grooming can help manage a Mastiff’s odor. Despite their size and occasional smell, Mastiffs are loyal and loving pets that make great family companions.

1. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are small dogs with big personalities, but they can also be prone to odors. These dogs can suffer from dental issues, which can lead to bad breath and a strong smell. Additionally, their skin can produce a lot of natural oils, contributing to their odor. Regular dental care and grooming are essential to keep a Chihuahua smelling fresh. Despite their size and occasional smell, Chihuahuas are lively and affectionate pets that make great companions.

In conclusion, while some dog breeds are more prone to odors than others, regular grooming and proper care can help manage their smell. Despite their occasional strong scents, these breeds are loving and loyal pets that bring a lot of joy to their families. Whether you are considering adopting one of these breeds or are simply curious, understanding their grooming needs can help ensure a happy and healthy life for both you and your furry friend.