The Natural Odor of Dogs: Understanding and Managing Dog Smell
Dogs are furry animals, so it's only natural that they have their own distinct scent, commonly referred to as "dog smell." This dog smell is essentially the body odor of dogs. These odors typically emanate from four main areas: the mouth, ears, around the eyes, skin, and the anal region.
The appearance, skin, and body structure of a dog can all influence the intensity of its odor. As a result, some dog breeds naturally have stronger body odors, while others are mostly odor-free from birth. Regardless of whether the scent is pleasant or unpleasant, dog owners love the unique smell of their own dogs.
However, a living environment filled with dog odor can affect quality of life to some extent. Therefore, this article will also share tips and methods for eliminating or reducing dog smells!
But first, let's take a look at which dog breeds are naturally known for having stronger or milder odors.
Dog Breeds Known for Stronger Doggy Odor
Every dog has a unique scent, something that many pet owners come to recognize and love. However, if you happen to own one of the following breeds and don't pay close attention to cleanliness, no matter how much you adore your furry friend, they might still emit a body odor strong enough to startle you backwards!
So, among all dog breeds, which ones tend to have the strongest doggy smell?
Cocker Spaniels and Their Strong Odor
In every discussion about dog body odor, Cocker Spaniels consistently rank among the breeds with the strongest smell. The breed is divided into the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel, both medium-sized dogs originally bred for hunting and retrieving birds.
The hallmark feature of Cocker Spaniels is their long, curly coat — similar to hair styled with soft waves. Their silky fur covers their streamlined bodies, and some Cocker Spaniels have hair so long it drapes like curtains onto the floor. This long, curly fur gives them a romantic and gentle appearance, but it also contributes to a pronounced body odor.
Their thick coat is difficult to maintain; without frequent grooming, it easily becomes tangled and traps dirt and debris. If bacteria begin to grow in the matted fur, a strong odor is emitted. Additionally, Cocker Spaniels have relatively long muzzles. If food particles are not promptly cleaned after eating, debris can become lodged between their teeth, leading to bad breath.
Another signature characteristic — their large ears — are also prone to developing unpleasant smells. However, dedicated owners who regularly groom and clean their dogs can significantly reduce these odors.
Between their long, curly coat and elongated muzzle, Cocker Spaniels are prone to stronger body odors compared to many other breeds.
Bulldogs: Understanding Their Distinctive Skin and Odor
Bulldogs, including both the British Bulldog and the French Bulldog, are known for their round, endearing faces. However, if you take a closer look at the skin around their face and neck, you'll notice layers upon layers of wrinkles.
Remember, the primary areas that tend to emit a dog's natural odor are around the eyes, ears, and skin. Interestingly, these are exactly the areas on Bulldogs that have the most pronounced wrinkles. These wrinkles can easily trap dirt and grime.
Additionally, Bulldogs naturally produce more skin oils, which can make them more prone to skin issues, particularly in French Bulldogs. As a result, their skin is the main reason Bulldogs often develop a strong, distinctive odor.
Because Bulldogs have so many skin folds, they are especially susceptible to developing noticeable body odor.
The Chow Chow Dog: A Unique Urban Companion
The Chow Chow is one of the few large dog breeds that doesn't require a lot of physical activity. Because of this relatively low exercise need, they are very well suited to living in urban environments and indoor spaces.
However, owners who have raised Chow Chows often know that their homes tend to be filled with a strong doggy scent. This smell can cling to fabrics like clothing and other textiles, sometimes imprinting the distinct aroma of the dog. For devoted dog lovers, though, this is simply the scent of love!
The source of the Chow Chow's strong dog smell comes from their thick double coat, their eyes which tend to have secretions, and their notoriously drooly mouths. If you want to enjoy the satisfying feeling of holding a Chow Chow like a plush stuffed animal, you may need to tolerate a bit of their unique scent.
With their fluffy full-body coat, Chow Chows have a stronger natural odor compared to many other breeds, making their presence unmistakable both in looks and scent.
Dog Breeds with Naturally Mild Body Odor
Just as there are dogs with naturally strong body odors, there are also breeds known for having a naturally mild scent. While every dog is the most fragrant treasure to their owner, some breeds are said by their owners to carry a naturally pleasant aroma!
However, this is more of an affectionate exaggeration from devoted dog lovers. It is very important not to spray perfume or scented products on dogs, as these artificial fragrances can be extremely uncomfortable for dogs, whose sense of smell is far more sensitive than ours.
Shiba Inu: Naturally Clean and Low Odor
The Shiba Inu is naturally fastidious, with a strong preference for a clean environment. Besides needing owners to regularly help with cleaning their surroundings, Shibas are also diligent about grooming themselves, frequently tending to their fur and keeping their bodies clean.
Additionally, Shiba Inus naturally produce less saliva and have shorter fur compared to many other breeds. Although they have a thick double coat, they generally have very little body odor. Their shorter fur and lower saliva production contribute to their mild natural scent.
Huskies: The Gentle and Mild-Smelling Dogs
Huskies, known for their gentle and good-natured personalities, are also among the dogs with relatively mild body odor. As sled dogs, they have thick fur to withstand the extreme cold temperatures of polar climates. Despite their dense coat, Huskies produce very little saliva.
Even though Huskies are highly active and require a lot of exercise, they tend to eat sparingly. With proper dental care, they are less prone to bad breath. Although Huskies have thick fur, their natural scent remains quite subtle.
Border Collies: Intelligent Dogs with Naturally Low Odor
Among all dog breeds, the Border Collie stands out as the most intelligent. In addition to their remarkable intelligence, Border Collies are also known for having naturally low body odor.
These dogs produce very little saliva and typically have almost no noticeable smell. The only part of their body that might emit a scent is their ears. Therefore, if you notice that your Border Collie has a stronger than usual odor, it's important to check whether their ears are clean.
Overall, the natural scent of a Border Collie is quite mild, but regular ear hygiene is essential to keep them fresh and odor-free.
How to Eliminate Dog Odor
Of course, for dog owners who are deeply attached to their pets, the smell of their dogs is actually one of the reasons they become so addicted to them! Every day, the moment they get home, they can't wait to hug their dog and take in their scent.
However, if the dog's odor becomes too strong, it easily lingers on furniture, dog beds, sofas, clothing, and other fabrics. Wearing clothes that smell like dogs when going out can sometimes be a little embarrassing.
Additionally, if you have a dog at home, it is not advisable to use air fresheners, essential oils, or perfumes. So, how can you regularly eliminate dog odors from your environment?
If you want to help your dog get rid of body odor, besides frequent cleaning, antibacterial and deodorizing measures are also very important!
