Are you one of those dog lovers who doesn’t mind a little—or a lot—of slobber? While some breeds barely drip, others could give Niagara Falls a run for its money.
From the big and brawny to the short and stocky, here are 11 dog breeds that drool the most. Prepare to meet the drool monsters!
1. Saint Bernard – Alpine Slobber King
The Saint Bernard is synonymous with two things: saving lives in the Swiss Alps and drooling—a lot. These gentle giants are renowned for their size and strength, but their loose lips are legendary.
Their drooling is often exacerbated by their oversized heads and naturally loose jowls. When a Saint Bernard shakes its head, slobber can easily decorate your walls and furniture. Their generous slobbering is linked to their water-resistant coats and penchant for water.
Historically, Saint Bernards were used in alpine rescue missions where they tracked lost travelers through the snow. Their heightened drooling was useful in keeping their noses moist, ensuring they could follow a scent accurately. (ref)
2. Bloodhound – Sleuth Who Leaves a Trail
A true detective of the canine world, the Bloodhound can track a scent for miles. However, they also leave their own trail of drool along the way.
With long, floppy ears and a neck full of loose skin, Bloodhounds have all the hallmarks of a drool-heavy breed. Their saliva production increases significantly after exercise, excitement, or a big drink.
Known for their exceptional olfactory abilities, Bloodhounds are often employed in search-and-rescue missions. Their nose contains around 230 million scent receptors (compared to a human’s 5 million), which also means they frequently sniff the ground. (ref) The forward-facing flaps (flews) around their mouths collect drool during their sniffing escapades and shake it out liberally once they lift their heads.
3. Mastiff – Guardian with a Gush
The Mastiff is known for its formidable size, but its drooling abilities are just as impressive. Originating in England, these gentle giants are known for their calm demeanor and loyalty.
Mastiffs are prone to panting heavily, especially after exercise, which only adds to the flow. Their history as war dogs and guard dogs meant they often needed a moist nose for scent detection. Modern Mastiffs are affectionate family companions, but their slobbery ways remain due to their loose jowls and heavy skin folds.
4. Newfoundland – Wet & Wild Water Lover
Newfoundlands are famous for their swimming prowess and their sweet disposition, but they’re also champions in the drooling department. Bred as water rescue dogs, Newfoundlands have large heads and strong necks that naturally cause drooling.
Their saliva production increases in warm weather or after drinking water. Their webbed feet and thick double coats make them exceptional swimmers, and their ability to rescue people from the water is unmatched.
Slobbers often accumulate as they eagerly await their next adventure or sip water. Still, Newfoundlands remain a popular choice for families due to their gentle nature, making them worth the occasional slobber bath.
5. Dogue de Bordeaux – French Slobbermeister
The Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff, boasts an impressive appearance and an equally impressive amount of drool. Their muscular build and large, broad head make them prone to heavy slobbering.
Historically, the Dogue de Bordeaux served as a hunting, guard, and working dog, pulling carts and assisting butchers. Their large head and shortened muzzle contribute to their slobbering tendencies. Despite their intimidating look, these dogs are gentle giants with a calm and affectionate demeanor. (ref)
6. Bullmastiff – Gamekeeper’s Drooling Guardian
A cross between Bulldogs and Mastiffs, the Bullmastiff combines the drooling tendencies of both breeds into one lovable package. Known for their courage and loyalty, Bullmastiffs are excellent family protectors.
Their prominent jowls and large heads lead to consistent drooling, especially after drinking water or when excited. Bred initially to assist gamekeepers in catching poachers, Bullmastiffs are known as the “Gamekeeper’s Night Dog.” Despite the slobber, their gentle and affectionate nature makes them a popular choice for families seeking a devoted guardian.
7. Boxer – Energetic Drool Dynamo
Boxers are high-energy dogs with a playful spirit, but they also come with a side of drool. Their brachycephalic (short-nosed) face and loose jowls mean that saliva has a harder time staying inside their mouths.
This breed’s drooling often increases after physical activity or eating, but their affectionate and protective nature more than makes up for it. Initially developed in Germany for hunting and guarding, Boxers are renowned for their loyalty and versatility. Their brachycephalic head shape and muscular build can lead to heavy breathing and panting, which exacerbates drooling.
8. Great Dane – Towering Drool Factory
Known as the “Apollo of Dogs,” the Great Dane is one of the tallest breeds around, and its drooling is just as impressive.
Great Danes are gentle giants with an easygoing temperament. Historically used for boar hunting, Great Danes have a natural instinct to guard and protect. Their towering size and pronounced lips contribute to their drooling tendencies, which can sometimes require a towel around the neck to contain.
9. Neapolitan Mastiff – Wrinkly Slobber Machine
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a wrinkly, drooling powerhouse that hails from Italy. This breed’s drooling increases when excited or after eating and drinking.
Descended from Roman war dogs, Neapolitan Mastiffs have maintained their guarding instincts and impressive presence. Their wrinkles and folds often trap drool, leading to copious amounts of slobber with every head shake. Despite their intimidating appearance, Neapolitan Mastiffs are affectionate and loyal.
10. Basset Hound – Short-Statured Slobber Specialist
The Basset Hound may be short in stature, but it’s big in drooling ability. Their droopy faces and long ears, combined with deep lips and a keen sense of smell, mean that drooling is a common occurrence.
Their drool output increases after drinking water, sniffing around, or simply being excited. Basset Hounds were initially bred in France for hunting small game due to their acute sense of smell.
Their loose skin and distinctive ears help them stir up scents on the ground but also lead to drool accumulation. Despite the slobber, Basset Hounds are gentle, laid-back companions, making them popular with families and single owners alike.
11. Bernese Mountain Dog – Swiss Slobber Snow Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its striking tri-colored coat and sweet disposition. However, their drool is also noteworthy, especially after drinking or when excited.
Their large heads and somewhat loose jowls contribute to their drooling tendencies. Bernese Mountain Dogs were traditionally used for drafting (pulling carts) and farming duties in the Swiss Alps. Their thick double coats and strong build make them ideal working dogs, but their drooling tendencies can be traced back to their deep jowls.
If drooling is a deal-breaker for you, these breeds might not be the best fit. But for those willing to embrace a bit of slobber, these 11 dogs offer plenty of love and loyalty. Just remember to keep a towel handy and your floors clean!
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.