There are a million things to love about dogs, but admittedly there are certain traits than can be less appealing, like drooling.
If you’ve ever been in the company of a glorious giant St. Bernard or a small and happy-go-lucky pug then you’ve probably been covered in dog slobber or your couch for that matter.
I understand how drooling can be an unattractive dog quality for many people and if it’s a complete deal breaker for you then you might be pleased to hear that not all dog breeds are going to create puddles of saliva wherever they go.
So, in this article, we’re going to go through 30 different large, medium-sized and small dog breeds that don’t drool, as well as their other unique traits.
We’re also going to talk about drooling and whether you can escape it completely, but if you want to go straight to the 30 dog breeds that don’t slobber, then you can use our table of contents to navigate to this list!
Do All Dog Breeds Drool?
Drooling is a common enough phenomenon in most dogs, and certain dog breeds like Saint Bernard, Mastiff, and Bloodhound are renowned for their slobbering capabilities.
These dogs usually have “extra skin around their lips and muzzle, which allows saliva to collect in the folds. Then it either drips from their flews (large, pendulous upper lips) or is flung into the air when they shake their heads,” says Stephanie Gibeault, MSc.
The breeds on our list don’t have a large upper lip, so they don’t tend to drool, not unless there’s a special treat waiting for them, or they have just received a nasty-tasting medication.
It’s also worth mentioning that you can’t train your dog not to drool because it’s a natural bodily function. It’s also true that you can’t expect your dog not to drool at all, but you can find dog breeds that are less likely to cover you in their slobber from head to toe!
5 Large Dogs That Don’t Drool
I think large breeds are often associated with drooling, and while many of them do drool, here are 5 breeds that don’t partake in this slimy behavior!
Greyhound
If you’re looking for a large dog that is pretty much low maintenance and most importantly they don’t drool then the Greyhound is the perfect companion for you!
I know the fact that this is the fastest dog breed out there (40 mph) can seem intimidating, but if you can guarantee that your future Greyhound will have a daily sprint off-leash in a secure area then you can basically expect them to lounge around the house or apartment for most of the day.
You will also find that the Greyhound is a gentle and loving breed and because they are so sensitive you need to have a gentle approach when it comes to training.
The Greyhound is also a great dog for first-time owners, but prepare to be challenged, because these pups need lots of early socialization because of their intense prey drive.
Irish Wolfhound
This ancient breed is a well-mannered dog, so you won’t see them drooling unless, of course, they smell a tasty treat coming their way. The only thing you should keep an eye out is for their beard which can get wet after they’ve had their water.
Aside from a drool-free companion, you’re going to find a loving dog in the Irish Wolfhound, which might come as a surprise from such a giant breed.
These dogs get along well with children, so they are suitable for a large family, as long as they are supervised and that’s only because these dogs are so big they can cause accidents without meaning to.
Because these dogs love to be lazy it’s important to keep them occupied with regular exercise and long walks. Additionally, you need to make sure that the Irish Wolfhound is kept on a leash at all times unless you are walking them in a securely fenced area.
Doberman Pinscher
I think most of us have associated the Doberman Pinscher with a fearsome guard dog, but if you look at this breed without their ears cropped and just hanging over their pointy muzzle then you might be surprised at how approachable this little pooch looks.
The Doberman might even remind you of a Rottweiler but these dogs are more elegant, with less intense muscle mass and they don’t drool!
This noble breed is a great addition to a family that enjoys activities and outdoor games. But before you set your eyes on a Doberman you need to be honest with yourself. Are you a responsible owner, and can you dedicate your time and efforts to socialize and train this pooch early on to make sure that they will grow into a well-mannered companion?
Borzoi
Borzoi looks a lot like an Irish Wolfhound, but much more elegant, and aristocratic, plus they also don’t drool.
Even though they might seem very fragile, the Borzoi is a strong dog and pretty much as fast as a Greyhound. That’s why they can’t be trusted around small pets and walking them off-leash is not something you want to ever try unless you are in a fenced and secure area.
This dog, I’ll admit, can be somewhat of a challenge when it comes to training, but if you invest your time into raising them properly then you’ll get the most gentle and affectionate pup that is quite laid back most of the day.
Leonberger
If you wanted a large dog breed with substantial weight and muscle on them, perhaps one that looks like a St. Bernard but doesn’t drool, then the Leonberger is the one!
This friendly giant is perfect for a family with kids, however, they are not suitable for a life in a city apartment or a small house for that matter. Even though they are quite laid back they require plenty of exercise, and if you enjoy cycling then the Leonberger can be your cycling buddy.
They also enjoy chilling with their favorite humans, so much so that they end up sitting on their owner’s lap!
8 Medium-sized Dogs That Don’t Drool
While impressive, large breeds aren’t for everyone, so let’s take a look at some medium-sized dogs that won’t cover you or your house in slobber!
Border Collie
The Border Collie is considered to be the most intelligent dog breed, and these dogs are also extremely hard-working and energetic. That’s why they do best in the hands of an experienced owner that lives in the country.
If you’re looking for a loyal companion that doesn’t drool all over you then the Border Collie is going to make you and your family feel loved, dry, and protected!
Despite their friendly character, Border Collies need to be socialized early on because they can be quite reserved around strangers.
Husky
The Husky isn’t just the epitome of northern canine beauty, but it’s also a naturally clean breed, with little doggy odor and it doesn’t drool. Of course, that doesn’t mean their coat doesn’t require proper weekly grooming to keep looking so lush and shiny.
Aside from their breathtaking presence, the Husky breed is an incredible companion to have and they enjoy spending time with their human, as long as their mental and physical needs are met with adequate exercise and running.
Huskies are also known to be quite the drama queens and they are very vocal when they don’t like something, they can also become quite destructive if left alone for too long.
Standard Poodle
Perhaps a Poodle wasn’t the first breed on your mind when you set out to look for a canine companion, but these aristocratic dogs aren’t all looks, they are also very athletic, loving, intelligent and most importantly they don’t drool.
This breed also comes in three different sizes, the Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodle. So, if you live in a small apartment you can always go for the two smaller sizes.
You might also want to consider a Poodle if it’s your first dog because this breed is not just smart but it’s also easy to train. Because they can be overly protective of their family, it’s important to socialize and train your Poodle early on, and as a result, you will have a well-mannered, loving, and enthusiastic companion!
Shiba Inu
If you’ve been a dog owner before and you feel confident in your training capabilities then the Shiba Inu is a wonderful dog that will challenge you and reward you for trying by being the most loyal companion there is!
These dogs are energetic and if you love going for walks then they’ll be more than happy to accompany you. According to AKC the Shiba Inu aren’t known for being destructive but they can suffer from separation anxiety, so they “should be able to spend periods of time crated even when the owners are home and at night.”
There are many wonderful qualities about the Shiba Inu, but the reason they are on this list is that they don’t drool, more so, this breed is obsessed with being clean, and perhaps that’s why it’s easy to teach them the appropriate method of toileting.
Samoyed
If you’re looking for a dog that will always make you smile then Samoyed’s affectionate smile is your answer! But jokes aside, this dog’s natural smile, meaning the upturned corners of the mouth, is exactly what makes this breed a drool-free dog.
Since the Samoyeds don’t drool and have low dander levels, they are often considered hypoallergenic, but ASPCA advises anyone with a dog allergy to first “spend time around a Samoyed before adopting one.”
Drooling aside, similarly to Huskies, the Samoyed breed is a wonderful companion to have, not only for you as an owner but your whole family, including children! This breed demands love and attention and they love being a part of family activities, so you need to make sure they don’t get bored or lonely.
Brittany
If it’s your first time hearing about the Brittany breed you’re not alone, but after this brief introduction, you will definitely leave wanting more!
Brittany was developed by French hunters hundreds of years ago and as AKC puts it, they’re considered “one of the world’s most versatile bird dogs, capable of working on duck, woodcock, pheasant, partridge—just about anything with feathers”
It’s truly a gorgeous dog, with a kind and alert face, that is suitable for an active family with kids. While this breed doesn’t drool, their coat needs to be brushed at least twice a week, but with such a loving companion at your side, it’s worth it!
Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle dog is all about the active life, so if you have a substantial piece of land or a large yard and you can also dedicate your time to exercise with this pooch by running, jogging playing fetch, and all the fun activities that dogs love, then this breed is going to make you incredibly happy!
What I love about the Australian Cattle dog, aside from the fact that they practically don’t drool, is that despite their love for the great outdoors they still want to stay inside when it’s time to relax with the family.
That being said, this is not an easy dog to train and it’s mostly suitable for experienced owners that can socialize and properly train this pooch to get along with strangers and other dogs.
Kerry Blue Terrier
I truly love the Kerry Blue Terrier, because it’s such a unique-looking dog and the curly coat and chunky legs simply melt my heart each time they take a step forward!
These dogs don’t have any drooling tendencies, no more than any normal dog would, but you will have to keep their beard dry and clean after they’ve eaten and had a drink.
Kerries are balanced dogs, they enjoy outdoor activities and exercising as much as the next dog, but they also love spending time with their owner cuddling on the couch, while the TV is buzzing in the background.
If you live in a busy city then this dog might not be for you, simply because they enjoy a quiet life, preferably in a home with a garden and secure fencing.
Finish Spitz
The Finish Spitz is on the small size of medium-sized dogs and as the name suggests this Northern breed is perfect for colder climates.
This is a loyal breed that has no problem spending its time with children and the whole family for that matter, but they can be aloof around strangers and other dogs which can result in barking.
So, if you’re someone who is sensitive to noise Finish Spitz might not work for you. This breed can also be challenging to train if you’re a novice dog owner, but by keeping the training sessions short and fun you can truly transform this pooch into a well-behaved companion.
The Finish Spitz is not a breed that slobbers or drools, but their lush coat does require proper care and it’s important to brush out the old undercoat so the new coat can grow properly.
17 Small Dogs That Don’t Drool
Small breeds are often easier to handle for those of us who live in a small apartment in the city, and if that’s the case for you, or you simply love smaller-sized dogs then you need to check out the following breeds that don’t drool!
Corgi
I don’t want to offend any of the other drool-free breeds on this list but I just love corgis. You can call me basic all you want but they are too chunky not to love!
Aside from not drooling, this fluffy dog on short legs is super intelligent and they are also quite active, which means that any future family activity you’re going to plan the Corgi will need to be involved.
The great thing about Corgis is that they respond well to training and according to AKC “gently exposing the puppy to a wide variety of people, places, and situations between the ages of 7 weeks and 4 months will help him develop into a well-adjusted, well-mannered adult.”
If that’s not convincing enough I don’t know what will!
Whippet
I know that Whippets look almost identical to Italian Greyhounds, but While Italian Greyhounds can be somewhat uptight, quirky, and even crazy, Whippets are more laid back.
Perhaps that’s because Whippets are larger than Italian Greyhounds, or there might be some other reason behind the relaxed Whippet. Of course, when I say relaxed I don’t mean that all they do all day is sleep like the Greyhound for example, instead, this breed is quite energetic and if their mental and physical needs aren’t met they can become quite destructive!
That being said, because of their size whippets can feel quite at home in an apartment or a house with a fenced yard, after all, the most important thing for them is to be close to their owner.
Oh, and did I mention that Whippets don’t drool?
Italian Greyhound
Perhaps I spoke too soon about Corgis because I also love Italian Greyhounds! These are one of the silliest dogs out there, and they are often oblivious to it.
If you were planning on getting an Italian Greyhound then you will be pleased to know that these dogs don’t drool, snore or bark for that matter. They do however love to lick their owners!
You should also be prepared for a lot of love-bombing from these dogs, and if the attention they are seeking is denied them, then be prepared for a really bad reaction. Don’t worry, they won’t become aggressive in any way, but they will become shy, hyper, or both.
While some of the small breeds on this list are lap dogs and don’t require a lot of exercise the same can’t be said about Italian Greyhounds. Just like the large Greyhound, this breed has a strong prey drive so they should not be let off leash unless they are in a fenced and 100% secure area.
Schipperke
This breed reminds me of the Finish Spitz on our list, not only because the two dogs don’t drool, but because they both have amazing black coats. The only difference is that the Schipperke is like a smaller version with a shorter coat.
This foxy dog enjoys spending all of its time with their owner and the people they love, but because they are quite active they don’t like to get bored. So, you need to make sure that you can offer this breed enough time to exercise.
You also need to spend a lot of time training the Schipperke and it can get challenging for first-time owners because of the independent nature of this breed. You might also have to deal with this dog’s barking tendencies.
This might not be ideal if you live in an apartment, but if you can curb their barking then you can definitely bring a Schipperke into an apartment as long as you take them on daily brisk walks!
Bichon Frise
According to AKC “Bichon Frise stands among the world’s great ‘personality dogs’.” These dogs are great roommates to have, they can do well in an apartment and they get along perfectly well with other pets and children.
Just because the Bichon Frise is a small dog doesn’t mean they are not active, they often have bursts of energy that need to be satisfied through playful activities in the house or outdoors.
Above all, of course, this breed doesn’t drool in fact the Bichon Frise is considered to be hypoallergenic because they do not readily shed!
Bolognese
It seems that small dogs are less likely to drool compared to larger breeds, and the Bolognese dog is one of those small drool-free canine companions.
In their white fluffiness, you’re gonna discover a kind and loving heart that beats only for you. That’s because the Bolognese is a loyal dog that doesn’t love to be separated for too long from its owner.
While they still require a moderate exercise schedule to stay healthy, this is a calm breed that is perfect for retirees and seniors that want to enjoy peaceful walks and fluffy cuddles. It’s also suitable for first-time owners, as long as you’re ready to put in the work.
Maltese
If you love Bischon Frise and Bolognese-type dogs but want to see what’s more out there then the Maltese is another option.
This dog doesn’t drool, but it does require daily brushing and regular bathing to keep their white coat shiny and fresh.
If the maintenance doesn’t scare you then you’ll be happy to know that the Maltese is a lively and playful breed and they enjoy learning tricks. According to ASPCA “they make wonderful therapy dogs for many reasons, including their small size and loving personalities.”
Some of you will be happy to know that they do well in an apartment setting, however, they don’t always get along with loud kids.
Basenji
If you can’t imagine yourself with a slobbering pooch then consider the fastidious Basenji that will not tolerate being dirty, so much so that they often groom themselves like cats.
Aside from being clean freaks, these dogs have unique personalities. They are smart but not easy to train, they are devoted to their owners, and can be weary of strangers, they can also be quite vocal by yodeling more so than barking.
In the hands of an experienced owner, these dogs can, according to AKC “excel at, canine sports such as lure coursing, tracking, and obedience and agility competitions.”
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
For those of you who think that you would never succumb to a dog’s puppy eyes then you’ve never met a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
This dog will make your heart melt!
Despite their small demeanor, these dogs are not your typical small-sized breed, because instead of being aloof around strangers the Cavalier is far from being shy and grumpy. Instead, this breed is loving and playful and they love to be around children.
So, if you want a non-drooling pooch that loves to cuddle but one that isn’t afraid of being active when the time is right then I think you should truly consider the adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!
Dachshund
The Dachshund is undeniably a unique-looking dog with its long sausage-like body and short little legs. Nonetheless, this breed enjoys being active, and taking them on a walk twice a day should help keep them fit and build strong muscles to support and protect their back.
You won’t catch the Dachshund drooling, and if you go for the shorthaired kind then you won’t have to do much to maintain the shininess of their coat.
When it comes to their personality these dogs can be a bit difficult to train, but if you’ve got prior experience then it shouldn’t be an issue. If you have kids then the Dachshund is going to treat them well, but as long as your kids do the same.
All in all, this is a family dog that will give you lots of laughs and plenty of saliva-free love!
Havanese
If you’re looking for a fluffy, longhaired, canine friend that doesn’t drool and won’t trigger your allergies then the Havanese might be the one for you and your needs!
You need to be prepared however that this breed doesn’t like staying alone, so you need to make sure you can give it plenty of attention on a daily basis. The Havanese also needs proper socialization and training otherwise they’re going to be obsessed with you but otherwise timid around strangers.
With proper positive training, you can expect this pooch to turn out to be an “extrovert with the comic instincts of a born clown!” As AKC states.
Affenpinscher
If you ever imagined yourself owning an Ewok then having an Affenpinscher is probably going to be the closest you can get to that dream!
Just like Ewoks, the Affenpinscher is courageous, they’re also intelligent and because they can be quite stubborn they are not easy to train especially for someone who has never owned a dog before.
Once you befriend this little rascal you will have a loyal and loving dog that doesn’t afraid to be goofy around the people it trusts.
Additionally, the Affenpinscher is a dog that is considered to be hypoallergenic, and while it certainly doesn’t drool it does indeed shed.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but if you’re looking for a tiny dog that doesn’t drool and one that is super intelligent then this might be the one dog for you.
I personally have a soft spot for Chihuahuas, especially the long-haired type. I love how loyal and charming they can be, but if you’re associating this breed with bad behaviors then I think I need to remind you that there are no bad dogs just bad owners.
In the right hands, a Chihuahua can flourish. Despite their size, they still require daily exercise and activities that can keep them satisfied mentally and physically. With this dog by your side, you’re gonna enjoy long years of companionship since they are long-lived dogs, up to about 14 years.
Papillon
If you’re still not sure about Chihuahuas then perhaps the Papillon will melt your heart isntead. This breed is tiny, hairy in all the cute places, and doesn’t drool!
Besides this is a breed that has a long history of being associated with royalty, so if you want to feel like a great Parisian lord or lady then the Papillon is the way to do it!
The Papillon is an energetic lap dog, which means that they do enjoy cuddling and sitting in laps, but they also love running around. Unlike some small-sized breeds, the Papillon is actually very social no matter if they are in the company of other people, dogs, or cats.
You may also be surprised that the Papillon is not a dog that tends to bark, and they are great companions for first-time owners, and if you have the time and drive you can train them to do all kinds of tricks.
Pomeranian
Then again if you are into something much fluffier you could try your luck with a Pomeranian. These dogs aren’t just adorable, but they also don’t drool.
Unlike the Papillon they have a high tendency to bark, but that’s only because they want to do everything in their power to protect you.
This trait as well as their aloofness around strangers and other pets can be curbed easily through training and they are very responsive even in the hands of an eager first-time owner.
It’s important to remember that despite their fluffy coats Pomeranians are quite fragile, so you need to be especially careful when you’re outside and around other dogs. While these dogs get along well with little humans, children should still be careful when engaging with Pomeranians.
Should You Worry If Your Dog Is Drooling?
As I already mentioned at the start of the article, most if not all dogs drool to some extent and that’s completely natural. Even the 30 breeds on our list can end up drooling if they are really excited.
While some drooling is indeed normal, excessive drooling is not. There can be a simple explanation for your dog’s sudden drooling, it could be caused by the summer heat, or your dog could be stressed.
My dog would drool the first couple of times I took him to the vet for a check-up, and my vet told me that this is usually pretty normal. But excessive drooling can be a sign that there’s something wrong with your dog, especially for breeds that rarely drool.
Here are some common reasons for excessive drooling according to PetMD:
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Gum (periodontal) disease or other oral issues
- Mouth injury
- Chemical or electrical burn
- Toxins and Venoms
- Pain in the abdomen
- Neurological conditions
- Viral or bacterial infection
- Congenital defects
So, if your dog is not a drooler but you suddenly notice saliva dripping from their mouth then I would advise you to take your pooch to the vet because it could be a symptom of something far more serious than stress or the heat.
Closing Thoughts
There are plenty of breeds that are known for their continuous and excessive drooling and slobbering, but you won’t find them on our list.
That being said, it’s important to understand that even these dogs can drool under certain circumstances and it’s not something you can train your dog not to do. However you can make sure that they are not overheating, they are not stressed and they are physically healthy.
So, if you’re a responsible dog owner, looking for a dog companion that has a dry mouth more or less then I do hope that you’ve found the one for you out of the 30 dog breeds here!
