These Dog Breeds Are So Stinky You’ll Be Scrubbing For Days And It Still Won’t Help
Some dogs come with a secret weapon—an odor that’s nearly impossible to shake, no matter how many baths you give them. If you’re lucky enough to share your home with one of these stinky breeds, get ready to scrub and suffer! These pups have a knack for trapping dirt, moisture, and bacteria in places that will make your nose twitch in distress. Curious to know which breeds will turn your home into a no-go zone for your nostrils? Hold your breath, because this list is about to get really, really stinky.
1. Retrievers And Water Dogs Are Swimming In A Sea Of Smells
Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and their water-loving cousins are swimming in a never-ending stink storm. Their waterproof coats, designed to keep them dry, actually trap moisture, dirt, and bacteria—no matter how much you scrub. ScentHound explains that these dogs’ oils are great for keeping water out, but they’re terrible at keeping the bad smells from sticking. With a coat like that, their natural scent is pretty much an unpleasant signature that lingers after every swim. You’ll be washing them constantly, but don’t expect any miracles.
2. Hound Breeds Will Make You Question Your Love Of Dogs
Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, and their other smelly cousins don’t just smell—they redefine what it means to be stinky. Their droopy ears and skin folds trap moisture and bacteria, which leads to yeast infections and, you guessed it, overpowering odors. Their strong sense of smell isn’t confined to their noses; it spreads throughout their entire body, making you wonder why you even tried to get close. IHeartDogs warns that these dogs can cause a stinky mess in your entire home, and even just one cuddle could leave you smelling like a musty old cupboard.
3. Bulldogs Have Skin Folds That Could Give You Nightmares
You’ve never truly understood “odor management” until you’ve lived with a Bulldog or Pug. Those adorable little wrinkles are not just cute—they’re the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, moisture, and, of course, stink. If you neglect their skin folds, they’ll develop yeast infections that can turn your cuddle buddy into a walking stink bomb. ScentHound says if you don’t clean their folds regularly, get ready for an ongoing battle with a truly grotesque smell. The odor will follow you, no matter how much you clean them.
4. Saint Bernards And Newfoundlands Are Basically Walking Mud Puddles
If you’ve got a Saint Bernard or Newfoundland, you’ve got yourself a drool factory. These giant, lovable beasts are notorious for drooling constantly, and their wet fur traps moisture like a sponge. If their coats aren’t properly dried after a swim or stroll, the smell of damp dog will fill your house. Without constant care and grooming, these dogs could leave your home smelling like a swampy mess. PetMD explains that their thick fur is the perfect storm for foul odors, which can linger for days after a bath. Say goodbye to freshness.
5. Shih Tzus Are Small Dogs With Big Stink Potential
Don’t be fooled by their size—Shih Tzus are a force to be reckoned with in the stink department. Their long, luxurious coats need constant care, and if you skip just one grooming session, dirt, moisture, and bacteria quickly build up. Without proper care, their silky coats become a tangled, matted mess that carries an unpleasant odor. DogTown says you’ll be surprised by how quickly their cuteness turns into a serious smell disaster if you’re not on top of their grooming game.
6. Basset Hounds Are The Masters Of Unbearable Odors
Basset Hounds might be the ultimate stinky breed. Their droopy ears and skin folds act like perfect little petri dishes, trapping bacteria and yeast that contribute to their strong, musty smell. IHeartDogs explains that their grooming requirements are nothing short of intensive, and neglecting them can leave you with a dog that smells like it’s been living in a damp cave. If you’ve got one of these dogs, you’re signing up for a major stink battle.
7. Old English Sheepdogs Will Test Your Limits Of Grooming Patience
Old English Sheepdogs might look like fluffy clouds, but their coats are a nightmare to maintain. Without regular grooming, their fur can turn into a tangled, wet mess that traps moisture and, of course, smells. TuftApp says if you’re not up for the challenge of grooming this dog on a daily basis, be prepared to face one seriously smelly pup. Their thick coats require consistent care to prevent odor from taking over.
8. Afghan Hounds Have Grooming Requirements That Will Make You Question Your Choices
Afghan Hounds are the rockstars of the dog world, but their luxurious coats come with a price. These dogs need regular, meticulous grooming to stay clean, but even that can’t save you from the inevitable smell. Newsweek explains that their long, silky hair traps moisture, oils, and dirt, creating a perfect breeding ground for unpleasant smells. If you’re not ready to devote hours each week to their grooming, you’ll end up with a dog that’s as stinky as it is beautiful.
9. Cocker Spaniels Are Silky But Stinky
Cocker Spaniels are the epitome of silky charm, but if their coats aren’t regularly maintained, they’ll turn into smelly, matted monsters. Their ears are another prime odor trap, and when their fur is left to its own devices, dirt and bacteria build up quickly. PetMD says these adorable pups can start stinking like a gym locker room if you aren’t committed to constant grooming. Those silky coats need serious care, or they’ll be your worst nightmare.
10. Pulis Are Not For The Grooming-Phobic
If you’re not into grooming, don’t even think about getting a Puli. Their corded coats need constant care, and if you neglect them, they’ll become a stinky, matted disaster. DogTown says the Puli’s coat traps moisture, dirt, and bacteria, which makes it almost impossible to keep smelling fresh. These dogs will test your dedication to grooming like no other, and if you can’t keep up, expect to deal with a dog that smells worse than a garbage truck.
11. Dachshunds May Be Small, But Their Smell Is Bigger Than Their Bark
Dachshunds may be tiny, but they pack a punch when it comes to odor. These little guys are prone to getting dirty quickly, and their floppy ears and small body size make it easy for moisture and bacteria to build up. Without regular ear cleaning and grooming, you’ll have a dog that smells like wet earth and mold. Their stubbornness doesn’t help either—getting them to sit still for a bath or grooming session is no small feat.
12. Boxers Will Have You Scrubbing For Hours
Boxers are known for being playful, but their muscular, short coats can trap odors just as easily as longer-haired breeds. Boxers are naturally prone to a strong doggy scent, especially if they’ve been running around in the mud or have an active lifestyle. If you don’t stay on top of regular baths, you’ll quickly be battling the scent of sweat and dirt. Their energy might be contagious, but their smell? Not so much.
These breeds are just as loveable as they are stinky, but don’t say you weren’t warned. If you’re considering one of these pups, be ready for constant grooming and a never-ending battle with their powerful odors. Some dogs come with a beautiful coat and a gorgeous face, but what’s hidden underneath might just knock you out!