When you think of dogs, you often imagine the friendly wag of a tail, the joy of a game of fetch, and unconditional love wrapped in fur. But there’s a less pleasant side to some of our canine friends, their distinct smell!
According to research on dog odor, a dog’s natural scent can be quite unpleasant, especially when they are kept indoors near humans. However, certain factors like poor grooming, skin conditions, and diet can lead to even stronger and more unpleasant odors in some dog breeds.¹
Mind you, all dogs have their unique scent, but there are certain breeds whose reputations precede them in the odor department. It’s time to know the surprising truth about the stinkiest dog breeds and what makes them have that ‘special’ aroma.
1. Basset Hounds
The Basset Hound is recognized by everyone with its long droopy ears and soulful eyes. This breed is notorious for being one of the stinkier ones. Their lovable ears trap moisture and bacteria, making the perfect recipe for a pungent smell. Not to mention, their oily coat tends to collect and retain odors, ensuring a lasting impression in the scent department.
Studies have shown this isn’t just anecdotal; Basset Hounds do have olfactory abilities that surpass those of many other breeds¹. This keen sense is not entirely beneficial to owners sensitive to doggy smells, as those scent-detecting wrinkles trap dirt and odors, too.
2. Saint Bernards
The gentle giants of the dog world, Saint Bernards, bring more than just massive size and a warm blanket of fur. These big buddies can also pack a punch in the stench stakes. Their thick, dense coats can trap dirt and oils, which tend to get smellier as time goes by unless there’s a meticulous grooming regime.
Did you know that Saint Bernards are not just stink-prone but also have a remarkable knack for sniffing things out (ref). Their scent capabilities allow them to be fantastic rescue dogs, which is a silver lining to their susceptibility to getting a bit smelly.
3. English Bulldogs
Don’t let those wrinkles and that frowning face fool you — English Bulldogs can emit quite the scent. The cute rolls and folds in their skin can harbor bacteria and yeast if not cleaned regularly, leading to a distinctive bulldog bouquet.
Research hasn’t specifically targeted the olfactory abilities of English Bulldogs, but they are no strangers to scent work to some extent. Regardless of their sniffer skills, English Bulldogs require dedicated owners ready to embark on routine clean-ups to keep them smelling fresh.
4. Boxers
Boxers are full of energy, love, and, unfortunately, sometimes an unforgettable smell. Their short hair might fool you into thinking they’re low maintenance, but they can produce quite a strong odor if their natural oils accumulate on their coat.
Boxers may not have made the headlines in terms of olfactory research, but they’re spirited and have an impressive sense of smell, proven handy in various working roles. That said, to keep a Boxer from becoming a stinker, owners need to keep up with regular grooming.
5. Cocker Spaniels
The beautiful and elegant Cocker Spaniel with long, floppy ears is yet another breed that can suffer the stinky fate. Those charming ears don’t allow air to circulate very well, hence they are prone to infection and a buildup of wax and grime. Which leads to a distinct scent that some may find less than pleasant.
In terms of sniffing capabilities, Cocker Spaniels may not top lists in studies, but their hunting instincts mean they’ve got a fairly good nose that’s served them well historically in tracking. This breed can, however, be kept smelling sweet with regular ear care and grooming.
6. Shar-Peis
Shar-Peis are unique with their excessively wrinkled skin, but these folds are veritable stink traps, retaining moisture and breeding bacteria. Their coat produces oils that fend off bacteria but can also lead to a noticeable odor if not groomed regularly.
While their role in scent work isn’t known, Shar-Pei’s sense of smell is decent enough for general doggy duties. These dogs are quite the package — quirky looks come with a need for special attention to skincare to prevent them from becoming walking scent grenades.
7. Mastiffs
Mastiffs have a grand presence, and unfortunately, sometimes a grand smell to match. Their size means more skin and more skin means more space for odor-inducing problems like drool, which Mastiffs are famous for producing in abundance.
Even if Mastiffs aren’t the poster breed for top sniffers, they have a sense of smell that’s adequate for their needs. For Mastiff owners, keeping a drool rag handy and staying on top of regular cleanings is crucial in combating their stinky potential.
8. Labrador Retrievers
Beloved across the globe (ref), Labrador Retrievers are known for their friendly nature and versatile abilities, but they’re also known to get a bit smelly. Their water-resistant double coat is excellent for swimming but perfect for trapping oils that can start to smell if not washed out.
Labradors show their prowess when it comes to scent detection, often working with professionals in various scent-related jobs. But even with their esteemed status, Labs, like any other breed, require proper care to avoid that doggy stink.
9. Bloodhounds
Lastly, we have the Bloodhound, the Sherlock Holmes of the dog world with its unparalleled tracking ability. Their loose skin and long ears aren’t just for show; they help waft scent particles toward the nose, which is brilliant for tracking but also means they retain a lot of the scents they encounter.
It’s scientifically proven: Bloodhounds’ sniffing abilities are second to none (ref). This canine scent-detecting prowess has been widely recognized and celebrated in research. Nonetheless, these scent-hound heroes need regular grooming and ear cleanings to stay sniff-worthy without making their human companions recoil.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_odor
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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.