Dogs are undeniably lovable, but some breeds come with a little more baggage in the form of fur and funky odors. While they might not win awards for cleanliness, their personalities often make up for it. Still, it’s good to know what you’re getting into before bringing one of these furry tornadoes into your life. Here are 15 dog breeds known for their powerful shedding and sometimes-smelly reputations.
1. Saint Bernards Shed and Drool Like It’s Their Job
Saint Bernards are gentle giants with big hearts, but their massive size means lots of fur—and plenty of drool to go with it. These dogs have a thick double coat that sheds year-round, with even heavier blowouts in spring and fall. Their natural oils, which help protect their skin, can lead to a distinct doggy odor if not properly managed. Regular grooming and baths are a must to keep their shedding and smell under control.
2. Siberian Huskies Are Shedding Machines
Siberian Huskies are beloved for their striking looks and boundless energy, but their shedding is on another level. They have a dense double coat designed for Arctic climates, and they “blow” their coat twice a year, leaving fur everywhere. Despite being relatively odor-free compared to other breeds, their shedding is a constant battle. Invest in a high-quality vacuum and prepare for fur-covered furniture if you adopt one of these beauties.
3. Bloodhounds Carry a Signature Funk
Bloodhounds are famous for their extraordinary noses, but their droopy skin and natural oils make them one of the smellier breeds. Their loose skin folds can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to unpleasant odors if not cleaned regularly. While their short coat doesn’t shed excessively, routine maintenance is still required to keep them clean. Be prepared to deal with a dog that smells distinctly “doggy” no matter how much you love them.
4. Akitas Shed Like There’s No Tomorrow
Akitas are loyal, powerful dogs with a coat as impressive as their personality—but it comes with a price. Their thick double coat sheds consistently throughout the year, with massive blowouts during seasonal changes. While they aren’t known for a strong odor, their fur can trap dirt and grime, leading to a subtle musk if not groomed properly. Regular brushing and bathing can help manage the chaos they bring to your floors.
5. Basset Hounds Bring Both Shedding and Smell
Basset Hounds are adored for their soulful eyes and floppy ears, but they also bring a unique combination of shedding and odor. Their short coat may seem easy to manage, but they shed more than you’d expect for a smaller breed. On top of that, their skin and ears can develop a strong smell if not cleaned regularly. You’ll need to commit to both brushing and ear care to keep your Basset fresh and fabulous.
6. German Shepherds Are Constant Shedders
German Shepherds are brilliant working dogs, but their double coat sheds year-round and ramps up during seasonal changes. Their shedding can feel endless, with fur sticking to every piece of furniture and clothing in your home. Although they aren’t particularly smelly, an active lifestyle means they can get dirty and bring outdoor smells inside. Weekly brushing and an occasional bath will help keep the shedding manageable and the odor minimal.
7. Labrador Retrievers Leave Fur Everywhere
Labrador Retrievers are America’s sweetheart dogs but also come with a shedding warning label. Their dense, water-resistant coat sheds consistently, and seasonal blowouts can leave your home looking like a fur factory. Labs are generally clean-smelling, but their love of water and mud can introduce some unwanted smells. Regular grooming and frequent clean-ups are part of the package when you share your life with a Lab.
8. Newfoundlands Combine Shedding and Drooling
Newfoundlands are giant teddy bears with a knack for shedding—and let’s not forget the drool. Their thick, water-repellent coat was made for cold waters, and it sheds heavily throughout the year. Combine that with their love of water and droopy jowls, and you’ve got a dog that can leave quite an aroma. Daily grooming and consistent cleaning of their skin folds will help keep your Newfie clean and comfortable.
9. Golden Retrievers Are Shedding Champions
Golden Retrievers are adored for their sunny personalities, but their luscious coat sheds like there’s no tomorrow. Their double coat releases fur year-round, with extra-heavy shedding during seasonal changes. Goldens are not naturally stinky dogs, but their love of water and rolling in dirt can lead to some funky smells. Keeping up with regular brushing and baths will make life with a Golden much more manageable.
10. Cocker Spaniels Smell and Shed in Equal Measure
Cocker Spaniels are charming little dogs, but their luxurious coat requires a lot of upkeep. Their shedding is moderate but constant, and their skin can develop a noticeable odor if not properly groomed. They’re prone to ear infections, which can add to their smelliness if not treated promptly. Regular grooming and ear cleaning are essential to keeping your Cocker Spaniel looking and smelling fresh.
11. Great Pyrenees Leave a Trail of Fur Behind
Great Pyrenees are majestic dogs with a thick, fluffy coat that sheds year-round and even more during seasonal changes. Their fur is designed to protect them in harsh weather, but in your home, it becomes a permanent part of your décor. While they aren’t particularly smelly dogs, their coat can trap dirt and outdoor smells. Consistent brushing and occasional baths are necessary to keep them (and your house) clean.
12. Beagles Have a Strong Doggy Smell
Beagles are lovable and playful, but they come with a distinct odor that’s hard to ignore. Their short coat sheds moderately, but it’s their skin and natural oils that contribute most to their smelliness. These energetic dogs are also prone to getting into messes, which doesn’t help the situation. Regular baths and keeping their bedding clean can go a long way in managing their unique scent.
13. Alaskan Malamutes Shed Enough to Make a New Dog
Alaskan Malamutes are powerful sled dogs with a double coat that sheds heavily year-round. During seasonal shedding, it feels like their fur multiplies, blanketing every surface in your home. While they aren’t particularly stinky, their active nature means they can bring outdoor odors inside. Frequent grooming and a robust vacuum cleaner are your best friends if you own one of these magnificent dogs.
14. Bulldogs Bring a Lot of Odor for a Small Package
Bulldogs are compact and charming, but they’re also one of the smelliest breeds out there. Their wrinkles and skin folds trap moisture and bacteria, leading to a strong odor if not cleaned regularly. They don’t shed excessively, but their short coat still leaves fur behind on furniture and clothing. Daily wrinkle cleaning and occasional baths are necessary to keep your Bulldog fresh and happy.
15. Bernese Mountain Dogs Shed Like Crazy
Bernese Mountain Dogs are beautiful, affectionate giants with a thick, tri-colored coat that sheds heavily year-round. Seasonal blowouts are especially intense, leaving fur piles that seem endless. They don’t have a strong natural odor, but their love for outdoor adventures can bring in some unpleasant smells. Regular grooming sessions are essential to keeping their shedding and occasional musk in check.