Owning a dog means dealing with the good and the bad. While the positives most definitely outweigh the negatives, sometimes the negatives can be rather challenging to live with. Particularly owning a smelly dog. If you’ve been thinking about adding a dog to your family and want to avoid any dogs that are prone to having a strong pongy odor, then do read on. There’s additional information included at the end on how to prevent or at least relieve some of the more potent dog odors.
So, here are 20 dog breeds that make up some of the stinkiest dogs in alphabetical order:
The 20 Smelliest Dog Breeds:
1. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is known to be one of the smelliest dogs around. However, their charming, calm, and lovable natures help make up for their strong doggy odor. Hounds have coats designed to be weather-resistant, which means they are oily, so water can easily slide off. On top of this, the Basset Hound has droopy jowls and ears that get covered in food and drool and if not washed regularly, can lead to infections, which can smell pretty nasty.
2. Beagle
Beagles are pretty adorable, but they also fall into the smelly hound group. Beagles were used primarily to hunt rabbits in packs. Each dog had a particular scent (sort of like a fingerprint) to help differentiate each one. This odor is also referred to as ‘hound odor’ or ‘hound smell.’ The long hound ears are also a factor.
3. Bloodhound
The Bloodhound gives the Basset Hound a run for the money for the title of the stinkiest dog. Like the Basset, Bloodhounds have an oily coat designed to repel water and soil, which gives them the typical musty hound odor. The Bloodhound also has very long, floppy ears and many skin folds and is known for its enormous capacity to drool. Combine all of these factors and you have yourself a rather pungent pet.
4. Boxer
The Boxer is known for its doggy odor but not every Boxer is smelly. Their coats also contain natural oils that can contribute to their strong scent even though they do not belong in the hound group. Diet is vital as many Boxer owners report on issues of odorous flatulence.
5. Bulldog
The Bulldog has many issues that can contribute to a pongy smell. Where there are skin folds, there’s always the chance of a smelly dog. The Bulldog has lots of excess skin on their face, and apparently, they might have something called a ‘tail pocket.’ Sometimes, a bulldog’s tail can become ingrown, which creates a pocket that you might not even know is there. The accumulation of dirt can produce an odiferous Bulldog, so carefully cleaning around their tail will probably help.
6. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is another breed with oily skin that can lead to a stinky dog. They are also known droolers, which we’ve already learned can lead to a rather unpleasant odor. And then there are the extra folds of skin on their faces, which have already been established as a potential culprit. Careful cleaning of their skin folds is one way of tackling this problem.
7. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are known to have issues with their teeth, which can lead to bad breath. They are prone to gingivitis, excess plaque, and tooth decay, which can all lead to infections and bad breath. They could also encounter some of the usual problems from oily skin and stinky feet or issues with anal glands.
8. Cocker Spaniel
One of the things that make the Cocker Spaniel so adorable is its beautiful, long, and silky ears. However, that’s also one of the key problems that contribute to an unpleasant odor. Those beautiful long ears are a warzone of bacteria, infections, and just generally stinkiness. They could also be prone to a smelly mouth, so lots of cleaning and double-checking these areas should help.
9. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the most beloved family pets so putting up with a smelly dog is definitely worth it. Goldens are prone to something called pyoderma, which is a kind of skin infection as well as canine atopic dermatitis, all of which can cause a foul-smelling odor. Speaking to your vet should be the first thing you do if you suspect any skin conditions.
See also: 10 Best Shampoos for Dog Odor Control – Reviews & Top Picks
10. Great Dane
The Great Dane is a giant, lovable dog that is prone to pretty stinky flatulence. You might encounter Great Danes that just have that general, smelly dog odor but when they fart, look out! Great Danes, in general, have sensitive stomachs, so sometimes, a change in diet can provide relief. For everyone.
11. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever has a dense, double coat that is water-repellent, which is a significant contributor to the scent known to follow Labs around. The telltale oil is prevalent on Labs, which provides that distinctive Lab smell. Bathing your Lab with a dog shampoo should help, but it can also strip the oils from his coat. Something to keep in mind.
12. Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is prone to sebaceous adenitis. The dog’s skin glands are attacked by the immune system and leads to a kind of dandruff and a musty scent. That long, cascading gorgeous coat of fur could contain multiple problems, so regularly checking their ears and skin could help prevent a foul-smelling Lhasa Apso.
13. Mastiff
The Mastiff is larger than the Bullmastiff, but they share similar looks and similar unpleasant smells. They both have oily coats, are tremendous droolers, and have extra skin on their heads. As already established, all of these conditions can lead to your dog smelling less than fresh.
14. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is the epitome of the gentle giant, but they bear the perfect trifecta of the causes of foul odors. They drool, they have very thick fur that needs tons of grooming, and they have an oily waterproof coat. If the Newfie isn’t groomed enough, it can cause tangles and mats that will eventually create skin problems followed closely by a smelly dog.
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15. Pug
The Pug has a wrinkled head, that while completely adorable, can trap food, dirt, drool, and sweat, which can lead to infections. Pugs are also known for having feet that smell like corn chips, which means washing their feet is in order but make sure there aren’t any signs of infections. Dogs with pushed-in faces are also more prone to bad breath as there is usually an issue with crowded teeth.
16. Saint Bernard
The Saint Bernard is another gentle giant with drool and double coat issues. A slobbering Saint Bernard with a thick, double coat and problems with stinky ears creates a large, smelly dog. Check the ears and stay on top of cleaning up the drool, and perhaps your St. Bernard will smell a little better.
17. Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei is one big wrinkled dog! All of those skin folds found over its entire body is an obvious problem that can cause a foul-smelling dog. They are very prone to the skin infection pyoderma, like the Golden Retriever, which can also cause the Shar-Pei to smell unpleasant. Ensuring the skin folds are kept dry every time your dog is wet is one way to help combat this problem and avoid this smelly dog breed.
18. Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano has a gorgeous, luxurious beard that can harbor all kinds of dirt, food, and drool, causing a wee bit of an odor problem. They also have issues with their ears, which can lead to an unpleasant stench, and it is recommended to clean their ears at least once a week.
19. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is known to enjoy eating and rolling in all kinds of stinky things such as poop, dead animals, and might even romp with a skunk. They might go through the typical smelly dog faze if they need a bath or have an ear infection, but their love of rolling in anything places them firmly in this list of smelly dogs.
20. Yorkshire Terrier
While dogs do perspire through their feet, the Yorkshire Terrier will sweat a tiny amount through the hair follicles and, if not bathed, will emit an unpleasant scent. Yorkies are also one of the few dogs that have hair rather than fur, which has the advantage of less shedding, but because the hair grows quite long, it can pick up all kinds of debris.
What Can You Do About a Smelly Dog?
As you can see, there are multiple reasons why a dog might smell bad. Regardless of whether or not they are a breed prone to smelling stinky or they just have a regular doggy odor. The following are some general tips on ways of making sure your dog does not pong up your house.
Clean Dog Ears
A dog’s ears can be a big reason for a foul smell coming off your dog. Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly can really help and is extremely important, particularly for the really long ears of hounds and spaniels. Checking the ears will also allow you to take notice when there could be a problem, such as ear infections, which can contribute to a nasty smell.
There are products meant for treating your dog’s ears if there’s an issue as well as for just regular ear cleaning. However, do consult with your vet if you suspect your dog has any infections or other problems with her ears.
Clean Anal Glands
One of the yuckiest aspects of dog ownership is dealing with anal glands. The anal glands are located next to the dog’s anus and contain a “scent” that is usually expressed while your dog poops. This is how any dog shares its identity, kind of like a fingerprint. The anal sacs, as they’re also called, are why dogs are always sniffing butts.
However, sometimes they become “impacted” when they are not expressed naturally. Not only do anal sacs smell to high heaven, but they can become infected, and you’ll be faced with the unpleasant task of expressing your dog’s anal glands. You could also look at using products this one that is meant to naturally help with your dog’s anal gland issues.
Dog Bathing and Grooming
Sometimes just brushing and bathing your dog can eliminate the bad smell, but you need to be sure you’re doing it right, particularly with wrinkled dogs. Ensure you’re using good dog shampoo, and keeping the folds dry after your dog has gotten wet is paramount. You can also consider using a spray designed to keep your pup smelling fantastic after her bath.
A yeast infection is a common cause for a bad-smelling dog, so it’s essential to have it treated by your vet. Using additional products like Douxo Chlorhexidine can also help. But talking to your vet before using any product on your dog is crucial.
Dog Teeth Smells
Bad breath in dogs might have many different causes, and therefore, talking to your vet could help determine where this issue originated. Using a good toothpaste and regularly brushing your dog’s teeth could help but if you suspect more serious problems, bring your dog in to see your veterinarian.
Dog Gas Smells
If you have a dog that regularly passes gas, the solution could be as simple as changing your dog’s diet. You can also add a multivitamin designed to relieve gastrointestinal issues such as excess gas, constipation, and diarrhea. Again, do talk to your vet if you are looking at a change of diet or adding supplements.
Dog Allergies
There are multiple allergies that your dog might have a problem with, but the most common are food and seasonal allergies. Sometimes changing your dog’s diet to non-processed and high-protein can help. Another option is to use specially designed snacks like this one and, of course, consult your vet.
Conclusion: Smelly Dog Breeds
While these breeds are all more prone to stinkiness, all dogs, to some degree, have the same potential of exuding a less than pleasant smell. Checking with your vet is always one of the best options in case there’s an underlying issue, and there are also lots of products available that can help with more specific problems. Having to deal with loving members of your family that also happen to smell is just a part of the deal for dog owners, and aren’t they worth it?
- If you’re looking for a pup with less of a scent, try: 12 Least Smelly Dog Breeds
Featured Image Credit: LinaS1998, Pixabay
