The body odor of dogs is, in many cases, part of their nature and it tends to be more intense in some breeds than in others. Although living with a dog is a wonderful experience, for some people who are sensitive to odors or who live in closed spaces, knowing which dog breeds smell bad can be determining factor when choosing a furry companion.
Although this smell normally does not indicate any health problem and is part of the daily life of those who have dogsIt's a good idea to know which breeds are most prone to giving off that characteristic strong odor. If you want to find out if your future friend could belong to this select group, keep reading because we'll tell you everything you need to know.
Why do some dogs have more body odor?
The intensity of body odor in dogs It depends mainly on the type of coat, the amount of fat in the skin and its predisposition to certain skin conditions.Some breeds have a dense, oily coat, which helps them retain moisture, sebum, and dirt. This excess sebum can be due to genetics, the breed's original purpose, or even poor hygiene.
On other occasions, as is the case with dogs with many folds of skin, these become the perfect breeding ground for bacteria or fungi, causing a more intense odor. Furthermore, the tendency to seborrhea, certain allergies and ear or skin infections can enhance that characteristic smell.
There are also specific moments in which the bad smell is accentuated, such as after bathing or when they get wet from the rain, since humidity enhances the natural scent they emit. However, bathing frequency should be appropriate for each breed, as overwashing can cause an increase in sebum production as a defense mechanism, making the dog smell even worse.
Dog breeds most prone to smelling bad
Let's review, in detail, The breeds most frequently mentioned by experts as those that tend to give off a strong odorDon't forget that this shouldn't be considered a defect or a sign of disrespect for their affection; it's simply another characteristic that can influence living together, depending on each family's preferences.
Newfoundland
1. Shar Pei
The Shar Pei is an emblematic breed for its abundant and deep folds in the skinThis peculiarity is visually adorable, but it requires special care. Moisture and dirt accumulate in the folds, which can create the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi. If they are not cleaned and dried regularly, The Shar Pei can give off a strong and persistent odor, especially if you already suffer from common skin conditions such as dermatitis or pyoderma.
2. Newfoundland
The Newfoundland is a large and powerful breed with a very dense, thick and oily coat.Native to cold, humid climates, this protective coat helps them withstand water and cold, but also retains sebum and moisture. This, combined with their love of water and their size, causes a strong odor that can be difficult to disguise, especially if the dog isn't properly dried and brushed after each bath or dip.
3. Grand Griffon Vendéen
The Grand Griffon Vendéen, one of the oldest hunting breeds originating in France, It has a double layer of hair: a rough outer layer and a soft, dense inner layer.This system protects them from bad weather but prevents air from penetrating and drying the skin, facilitating the buildup of moisture and sebum. If they're not brushed and bathed regularly, their odor can become very noticeable, especially on humid days or after outdoor activities.
4. Bourbonnais Pointer
This French dog, traditionally used for hunting, It has a thick, fatty coat that serves a protective function.However, this abundance of fat causes the skin and coat to retain odors. Bourbonnais Pointers require careful grooming and brushing to keep the strong scent they naturally give off at bay.
5. Italian Spinone
The Spinone Italiano, also known as the Italian Griffon, It is another large hunting breed with a rough coat.This breed is not only prone to body odor, but its tendency to drool can make matters worse, as saliva accumulates on the coat and skin. Furthermore, when wet, the combination of moisture and sebum further intensifies that characteristically strong odor.
6. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is famous for its elongated body, short legs and huge floppy ears, but they're also notable for their distinctive scent. Their skin is very oily and prone to seborrhea, which promotes the growth of bacteria and yeast. Furthermore, their long ears can accumulate moisture and dirt, increasing the risk of infections and unpleasant odors if not kept clean. Keeping a Basset Hound healthy requires regular (but not excessive) baths and special attention to their ears.
7. Labrador retrievers
Known for their good nature and popularity, Labradors have a coat that combines a dense outer layer with a very oily inner layer.This natural grease is very useful when the breed was used to work in the water, but it also makes their body odor quite noticeable, especially when they get wet or if grooming is delayed.
8. Cocker spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel, both English and American, often has seborrhea and a skin that tends to retain grease.If your dog isn't bathed frequently enough or doesn't brush its long, oily coat, it will eventually give off a strong odor. Not only that, but it can also develop skin conditions that intensify that scent.
Cocker spaniel
9. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter has a long, silky, oily coat with an oily undercoat.This combination, combined with the ease with which they retain moisture and dirt, makes them one of the dogs with the strongest body odor. Regular brushing and strategically spaced baths are essential to prevent the odor from becoming bothersome.
10. German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is known for its intelligence and versatility, but It can also generate intense body odor due to the amount of oil on your skin.The predisposition to seborrhea and the amount of activity you perform daily make your scent especially noticeable if you don't cleanse properly.
Other breeds mentioned: English Bulldog and Saint Bernard
In some lists, other breeds appear that are worth highlighting:
- English bulldog: Skin folds and wrinkles retain moisture and food debris, creating an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria that cause bad odor. Furthermore, their tendency to drool exacerbates the problem. It's essential to clean these folds regularly and dry them thoroughly.
- Saint Bernard: This giant breed is known for its dense coat and profuse drooling, which can cause stains and odors in areas such as the mouth, chest, and paws if not cleaned properly.
German Shepherd
Main causes of bad odor in dogs
Genetics and anatomical characteristics are the main factors, but there are other causes of bad odor that are worth knowing about. Some examples:
- Excess fat in the coat: Sebum is a natural protective mechanism, but when produced in excess, it traps dirt and moisture particles, promoting body odor. You can check here the signs related to smells in dogs.
- Deep skin folds and wrinkles: Areas that provide refuge for bacteria, fungi and food debris, causing infections and odor.
- Long, droopy ears: By hindering air circulation, it becomes a source of infections and bad odor.
- Excessive drooling: : Accumulated and uncleaned saliva can increase odor around the mouth and contact areas.
When is odor a concern? Differences between normal and pathological
In most cases, A dog's natural smell is simply part of its biology.However, if the odor changes, intensifies suddenly, or is accompanied by other signs (itching, reddening of the skin, wounds, discharge, hair loss, loss of appetite, or weakness), it may be a warning that there is an infection or health problem that you should consult your veterinarian.
Some pathologies associated with bad odors in dogs are:
- Problems in the skin, such as dermatitis, seborrhea, fungal or bacterial infections.
- ear infections, especially in breeds with long, floppy ears.
- oral diseases (tartar, infections or sores).
- Hormonal alterationssuch as hypothyroidism.
Practical tips to reduce odor in dogs with a tendency to smell bad
The key is proper maintenance, hygiene and monitoring for potential health problems.. Here are some recommendations:
- Regular brushing: Removes dead hair, distributes oil evenly and prevents the build-up of dirt and moisture.
- Spaced and careful bathsUse a shampoo specifically designed for each breed or coat type. Avoid over-bathing, as this can increase sebum production and worsen odor.
- Cleaning folds and wrinkles: In breeds such as the Shar Pei or the English Bulldog, wipe the folds daily with a damp cloth and dry them well to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Ear cleaning: This is essential for long-eared breeds. Perform a thorough cleaning at least weekly to prevent infections and dirt buildup.
- Dry thoroughly after bathing or walking in the rain.: Pay attention to areas where moisture accumulates.
- Periodic veterinary check-ups: To detect any skin, ear, or mouth diseases that may be increasing your dog's body odor in time.
What should I do if my dog starts to smell worse than usual?
If you detect that Your pet's body odor suddenly intensifies or is very different from usualDon't let it go. Watch for symptoms such as itching, redness, sores, discharge, hair loss, or mood swings. See your vet to rule out medical problems. In many cases, correcting the underlying cause (such as an infection or allergy) returns body odor to normal.
Can you choose a breed that smells less?
If smell is a very relevant factor for you, there are, of course, breeds that barely give off any scent, such as greyhounds, poodles, or hypoallergenic breeds. These typically have short hair and thin skin, which retains less oil and moisture. However, any dog can develop a bad odor if not properly cared for.
Proper hygiene and Regular veterinary check-ups help keep odors at bay, regardless of breed. The relationship with our pet, the love and respect we show it, outweigh any occasional or physiological odor.