Let’s face it—dogs can get stinky. Whether it’s a wet dog smell, bad breath, or a persistent body odor, some dog breeds are known for being a little smellier than others.
While a good grooming routine can help keep things under control, certain breeds are just more prone to odor due to their coat type, skin condition, or unique physical traits. Here are 10 of the stinkiest dog breeds and why they’re known for their pungent presence.
Basset Hound
With their long ears and droopy skin, Basset Hounds are prone to trapping dirt, moisture, and bacteria. Their ears require frequent cleaning to avoid infections, and their skin folds can emit a strong odor if not cleaned regularly. Combine that with their natural oil production, and you’ve got a smelly pup if hygiene is neglected.
Bloodhound
Much like the Basset Hound, the Bloodhound has saggy skin and large ears that can harbor bacteria and yeast. Their scent-tracking talents are top-notch, but so is their ability to attract and retain odors. Regular bathing and ear cleaning are essential.
English Bulldog
English Bulldogs have deep skin folds around their face, neck, and tail. These folds trap moisture, food, and debris, leading to a strong, sour odor if not cleaned thoroughly. They also tend to suffer from flatulence, which adds to their smelly reputation.
Shar Pei
This breed is known for its unique wrinkled skin—but those wrinkles need consistent cleaning and care. Bacteria and yeast love to grow in the warm, moist folds of the Shar Pei’s skin, making them one of the stinkier breeds if not properly maintained.
Saint Bernard
Saint Bernards have thick, double-layered coats that are prone to collecting dirt and moisture. They also drool—a lot. This combination can lead to a strong doggy odor, especially if they’re not groomed and dried properly after time outdoors.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels often suffer from chronic ear infections due to their long, floppy ears. When left untreated, these infections can produce a strong smell. Their coats also require regular grooming to avoid matting and musty odors.
Labrador Retriever
Labradors are beloved family dogs, but they’re known for producing a natural “doggy” smell due to their oily coats. Bred for retrieving in water, their skin secretes oil to protect against the elements—but if not washed regularly, this oil can create a strong scent.
Pug
Pugs have facial folds that need daily cleaning to prevent bacteria buildup. Their short snouts can also lead to digestive issues, contributing to gas and bad breath. Without a proper grooming routine, these small dogs can become quite smelly.
Beagle
Beagles have a keen sense of smell, but ironically, they also produce one. Their skin tends to secrete more oils than other breeds, and they’re known for having a distinctive “houndy” odor. Regular baths are necessary to keep their smell in check.
Boxer
Boxers are short-haired, but they still rank among the smellier breeds. They’re prone to flatulence and can suffer from skin allergies that lead to unpleasant odors. A high-quality diet and routine grooming can help reduce the smell.
- Please Note: This content was created with the assistance of AI and thoroughly edited by a human before publishing.
