The 7 Cleanest Dog Breeds

1. Chow Chow

This dog breed is one of the cleanest. They’re naturally cleaner than most breeds, a bit like cats. Chow Chows are also quiet and well-behaved inside, making them great companion dogs.

However, not everything about this breed is positive. They may be clean, but they have a very strong personality that can be a bit much for new dog owners. Training them is challenging, and they often make their own decisions instead of listening to commands.

Chow Chows are notoriously large, but they don’t require that much exercise. As you might guess, brushing is a requirement.

2. Shar-Peis

Shar-Peis come from China and are naturally clean, like many Chinese breeds. Many people describe them as “cat-like,” especially regarding how much they clean themselves.

These dogs are also well-mannered inside, which is good considering their very independent nature. They’re hard to train and aren’t naturally obedient. You’ll be working against their strong personality constantly.

This breed also has strong hunting instincts, so a securely fenced yard is necessary. Otherwise, they may follow their nose and eyes far over the countryside.

3. Akitas

The Akita may be a good choice if you’re looking for a larger breed. Like other Asian breeds, they are fairly clean and do a good job of keeping their coat spotless. Sadly, they are also very independent and much harder to raise than most potential dog owners give them credit for.

Akitas are especially prone to being aggressive towards dogs of the same gender. They’re particularly hard to “read,” as they don’t show the same body language as other breeds. Therefore, it can be hard for people and other dogs to figure out what they’re thinking.

These dogs are very powerful and can be protective, so socialization is absolutely necessary.

4. Basenjis

Basenjis are naturally clean and very easy to housebreak. They’re also smaller than many other breeds on this list and more suitable for new owners.

These dogs are very high-spirited and seem to have boundless energy. They’re always doing something, which is great for owners who want a more interactive dog. However, it also means they require more interaction or may easily become bored.

An unsupervised, bored Basenji can quickly turn into a nightmare.

These dogs are pretty intelligent, though this doesn’t always show up in training. They’re more clever than obedient.

5. Shiba Inu

Before you rush out and purchase an adorable Shiba Inu, it’s important to realize that these breeds aren’t nearly as easy as many people realize. Yes, they’re easy to groom and naturally clean. They’re also naturally quiet, which is a huge plus for those in apartments.

Shiba Inu often acts like big dogs with small bodies. They have a lot of personality, and they’re extremely agile. If your Shiba Inu wants to run off, there isn’t much you can do to stop them.

These dogs are also aggressive towards other canines in most cases. Proper socialization can help, but you’ll never completely eliminate their aggression.

6. Pharaoh Hound

Despite their name, Pharaoh houndsaren’t from Egypt. This breed is exceptionally fast and very good at hunting. They’re a sighthound, which makes them similar to the Greyhound (though they aren’t related).

These dogs are very lean and athletic, requiring decent exercise. However, you must also keep them leashed at all times. Otherwise, they will quickly run off and be out of sight.

Pharaoh hounds are a glutton for anything cozy. They love soft blankets and can curl themselves into very small balls. Many are also fond of sunbathing, sometimes making them seem more like a cat than a dog.

7. Greyhounds

Greyhounds are another breed that can be surprisingly clean. They tend to be easy to housebreak, as they are naturally against leaving waste in their home. Despite being built for top speeds, Greyhounds are surprisingly calm down. They’re quiet and move very gracefully, tending to be well-behaved indoors.

This breed is very sensitive, though. They prefer quieter homes and tend to get stressed out around children. They’re best for homes with older kids or only adults. Often, this breed is politely reserved with strangers, but some are friendlier.

These dogs are naturally unaggressive. However, they can be touch-sensitive, so they may not like being petted as much. Training them requires a very light hand, as they can quickly become overwhelmed.