15 Dog Breeds That Are a Nightmare for Clean Freaks

If you’re someone who treasures spotless floors, fur-free furniture, and minimal chaos in your home, having a dog might feel like a challenge. While all dogs come with some level of mess, certain breeds are particularly difficult for neat freaks to manage. From shedding and drooling to muddy paw prints and general chaos, these 15 breeds might not align with your vision of a clean and tidy home.

Saint Bernard

Saint Bernards are dogs with hearts as big as their bodies, but they are drool factories. You’ll find trails of slobber not just on your floors but on walls, furniture, and even ceilings if they shake their heads. Their thick coats shed a lot as well, requiring constant brushing and vacuuming to manage the mess. Plus, their love for the outdoors often results in muddy footprints everywhere. 

Labrador Retriever

Labradors are one of the most popular breeds worldwide, and for good reason—they’re loving, playful, and versatile. However, their double coat sheds year-round and can pile up quickly, especially during shedding seasons. You’ll need a heavy-duty vacuum to keep up. Labs also have a knack for splashing in water or rolling in mud, which means you’ll be dealing with wet floors and dirty paw prints more often than you’d like.

Newfoundland

Newfoundlands are the definition of a lovable mess. Their massive size means that every drool drip and fur clump feels magnified. Their double coat sheds heavily, and they love water, so expect your floors to be damp more often than not. Newfies are also gentle but clumsy, so their wagging tails might knock over vases or leave smudges on low surfaces.

Alaskan Malamute

Built for arctic climates, Malamutes have a dense double coat that sheds an overwhelming amount of fur, particularly during seasonal changes. Their love for outdoor adventures often results in muddy paws and dirt tracked indoors. They’re also known for digging, so if you have a garden, be prepared for the soil to find its way into your home.

German Shepherd

German Shepherds are intelligent and loyal, but their shedding is relentless. They’re known as one of the heaviest shedders, and their fur will end up on floors, furniture, and even in your food if you’re not vigilant. Shepherds also love being active, which means you’ll regularly deal with muddy or dusty paw prints after outdoor playtime.

Bulldog

Bulldogs may look low-maintenance due to their compact size, but they’re drool machines. Their folds require frequent cleaning to prevent infections, and their saliva often ends up on your floors and furniture. While they don’t shed as much as some breeds, their short coat still leaves a layer of fur on everything they touch.

Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are stunning dogs with their piercing eyes and wolf-like appearance, but they come with a messy downside. Twice a year, they “blow” their coat, shedding an unbelievable amount of fur in just a few weeks. Even outside of shedding season, you’ll need to vacuum constantly to keep up. Add to that their love for digging and exploring, and you’re in for a lot of cleaning.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniels are adorable, but their long, wavy coats are a magnet for dirt, twigs, and debris. They shed consistently and require regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Additionally, their floppy ears tend to drag into water bowls or pick up dirt, adding another layer of cleanup to your routine.

Great Dane

Great Danes are known as gentle giants, but their size alone amplifies any mess they make. A simple shake of their head can send drool flying onto walls and ceilings. While they don’t shed as much as some breeds, their short hair still ends upon furniture and clothing. Cleaning up after a Great Dane feels like cleaning up after a small horse.

Beagle

Beagles are small but mighty when it comes to mess. Their curious nature often leads them to dig and explore, bringing dirt and mud into your home. Their short coat sheds more than you’d expect, and their love for food means they’re not shy about making a mess around their feeding area.

Bernese Mountain Dog

With their thick, beautiful coats, Bernese Mountain Dogs are heavy shedders who leave fur everywhere. They also drool more than you might expect, especially after eating or drinking. Their size means that the mess feels amplified, and their playful nature often results in muddy paw prints throughout your home.

Dalmatian

Dalmatians may have a sleek coat, but their short, stiff hairs shed constantly and stick to fabric, carpets, and furniture. They’re also highly active and love to run, often coming back inside with dirt and mud on their paws. If you value a clean home, a Dalmatian will keep you busy with cleanup.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are lovable family dogs, but their luxurious coats shed non-stop. During shedding season, you’ll find fur in every corner of your home. They also love water and mud, which means bath time and clean-up will become a regular part of your routine. If you’re a clean freak, their constant shedding might drive you a little nuts.

Pug

Pugs might look low-maintenance with their small size and short coat, but don’t be fooled—they can leave quite a mess in their wake. Their short hairs shed year-round and stick to everything, from your furniture to your clothes. While they’re not as heavy shedders as larger breeds, their shedding can feel constant and requires regular cleaning to keep up.

Boxer

Boxers are affectionate, playful, and full of energy, but they’re also one of the messier breeds you could choose. Their short coat may seem like it wouldn’t be a problem, but they shed more than you’d expect for a dog with such minimal fur. Their short hairs have a way of embedding themselves into furniture and carpets, making them difficult to remove without frequent vacuuming.