Dog Breeds That Drool the Most
Big-jowled pups offer unwavering loyalty and warm companionship while minimizing mess.
Many dog owners cherish their pets for their affection, loyalty, and quirky personalities. However, some breeds come with a notorious reputation for one less glamorous trait: drooling. While a little slobber is common among all dogs, certain breeds are genetically predisposed to excessive drooling due to their facial structure, size, and lip shape. This guide explores the most drool-prone breeds, the science behind their slobbery habits, and practical tips for those contemplating life with a slobbery companion.
Why Do Some Dogs Drool More Than Others?
Drooling, or ptyalism, is a natural function in dogs. Saliva helps with digestion and oral hygiene. Yet, the amount each breed produces — and, more importantly, how much escapes — varies greatly. The reasons include:
- Loose or pendulous jowls and lips allow saliva to escape easily.
- Short snouts (brachycephalic breeds) reduce the capacity to swallow saliva before it drips out.
- Size: giant breeds simply have more mouth area and produce more fluids.
- Excitement, food anticipation, exercise, and specific health conditions can all increase drooling.
For some breeds, drooling is just part of their charm. For potential dog owners, it’s a key consideration that may affect daily life, furniture cleanliness, and even wardrobe choices!
Top Dog Breeds Known for Drooling
The breeds listed below are widely recognized as the most prolific droolers. Each brings its own unique personality and charm — along with that characteristic slobber.
1. English Bulldog
Origin: United Kingdom
Lifespan: 8–10 years
The English Bulldog is perhaps the most iconic drooler of the canine world.
Short snouts, loose wrinkled skin, and large jowls make it practically impossible for this breed to contain its spit. The breed’s drooling increases after drinking water, eating, or during excitement. Despite this quirks, Bulldogs are affectionate, calm, great with kids, and make excellent family pets for those prepared for their tendency to slobber and snore.
2. Bullmastiff
Origin: United Kingdom
Lifespan: 7–9 years
Bullmastiffs were originally bred as guard dogs and are known for their protective yet loving nature. Their large, muscular build comes with short muzzles and lips that hang down, making drooling unavoidable. These gentle giants are loyal, easy-going, and affectionate, but any potential owner must be prepared for copious drool, especially after drinking or playing.
3. Newfoundland
Origin: Canada
Lifespan: 9–10 years
The enormous and kind-hearted Newfoundland, famous for rescue work and swimming prowess, has equally impressive drooling abilities. Their sheer size, combined with huge, loose lips, means that slobber is just a part of life. Newfies drool the most after eating, drinking, or exerting themselves. Still, their devotion and gentle natures make them adored companions — even if you need to keep towels handy at all times.
4. Saint Bernard
Origin: Switzerland
Lifespan: 8–10 years
Saint Bernards are iconic rescue dogs, recognized instantly by their grand stature and gentle personalities. Their famously loose flews and massive heads mean drool is inevitable — and often legendary. Saint Bernards are one of the breeds most associated with slobbery beards after drinking or when excited. These loving, tolerant dogs excel in cold climates and thrive in active families if drool isn’t an issue.
5. Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff)
Origin: France
Lifespan: 5–8 years
Known as the protagonist dog in the film Turner & Hooch, the Dogue de Bordeaux or French Mastiff boasts a heavy, muscular frame and, unsurprisingly, prolific drooling. Thick, loose jowls combined with a gigantic mouth means saliva collects quickly—and is often flung in all directions with a shake of the head. Endearing and loyal, this breed forms deep bonds but requires owners ready for the realities of daily cleanup.
6. Bloodhound
Origin: France/Belgium
Lifespan: 10–12 years
The Bloodhound is revered for its tracking and scenting abilities in police and rescue work. But its pendulous skin and large, deep flews guarantee plenty of drool, especially when actively following a scent. Bloodhounds are remarkably gentle with people and children, but their faces attract — and disperse — saliva freely. Owners should be ready for drool particularly after exercise or a long tracking session.
7. Basset Hound
Origin: France
Lifespan: 12–13 years
With their floppy ears and solemn eyes, Basset Hounds are lovable companions — and prolific droolers. Their extremely droopy jowls mean that saliva collects and escapes, especially when they’re sniffing scents, excited, or after eating and drinking. They are affectionate and laid-back but expect to wipe their faces — and yours — regularly!
8. Cane Corso
Origin: Italy
Lifespan: 9–12 years
This imposing Italian mastiff breed is a natural guardian. Cane Corsos are intelligent, alert, and athletic. Their large heads and loose lips mean that saliva is a constant companion, especially after exercise or during excitement. Though protective, Corsos bond closely with families; owners should be ready with wipes and bibs for their loyal bodyguard.
9. Boxer
Origin: Germany
Lifespan: 10–12 years
Boxers are energetic, playful, and loving companions with distinctive squared-off muzzles and loose, expressive lips. Though not as extreme as some mastiff breeds, Boxers are still known for their drooling, particularly after activity or excitement. Their friendly personalities make the extra clean-up worthwhile for many families.
10. Bernese Mountain Dog
Origin: Switzerland
Lifespan: 7–10 years
A large, fluffy working breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog is beloved for its affectionate nature. With sizable jowls and a soft mouth, Berners often have wet chins — especially after a drink or when socializing. Spending time with a Bernese means embracing slobbery cuddles along with their warm companionship.
11. Great Dane
Origin: Germany
Lifespan: 7–10 years
The world’s gentle giant, the Great Dane commands attention — and often leaves a literal trail behind. Drool is a fact of life thanks to the combination of enormous lips and loose jowls. Danes are affectionate, goofy, and gentle — for those ready to accept the puddles left in their wake.
Table: Top Dog Breeds Notorious for Drooling
| Breed | Country of Origin | Average Lifespan | Drool Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Bulldog | United Kingdom | 8–10 years | Very High |
| Bullmastiff | United Kingdom | 7–9 years | High |
| Newfoundland | Canada | 9–10 years | Very High |
| Saint Bernard | Switzerland | 8–10 years | Very High |
| Dogue de Bordeaux | France | 5–8 years | Very High |
| Bloodhound | France/Belgium | 10–12 years | High |
| Basset Hound | France | 12–13 years | High |
| Cane Corso | Italy | 9–12 years | High |
| Boxer | Germany | 10–12 years | Moderate–High |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | Switzerland | 7–10 years | Moderate–High |
| Great Dane | Germany | 7–10 years | High |
Considerations for Future Owners of Drooly Breeds
- Be prepared for clean-up: Keep absorbent towels or wipes handy.
- Grooming: Clean the face folds and jowls daily to prevent infection or odor.
- Hydration: Extra water bowls may encourage your dog to drink—and drool—more, so keep bowls in easy-to-clean areas.
- Diet: Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can sometimes help reduce drool related to anticipation.
- Health monitoring: Excessive or sudden drooling can signal a health problem; consult your vet if the pattern changes.
Tips for Managing Drool
You can’t prevent drooling in these breeds, but management strategies can help maintain comfort and cleanliness:
- Use a dog-specific bib or bandana around the neck to absorb saliva.
- Establish a wiping routine, especially after meals and walks.
- Protect furniture and car seats with washable covers.
- Encourage drinking in tiled or easy-to-clean areas of the home.
- Ask your veterinarian about your dog’s oral health if drool seems excessive or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which dog breeds drool the most?
Breeds like the English Bulldog, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Bloodhound, Bullmastiff, and Basset Hound are the most famous for their high levels of drooling.
Is excessive drooling in dogs ever a medical concern?
Some drooling is normal for certain breeds, but sudden or excessive increases can indicate dental disease, nausea, or ingestion of toxic substances. Always consult your veterinarian if your dog’s drooling changes abruptly or is accompanied by other signs of illness.
Can drooling in dogs be reduced?
While you cannot eliminate drooling in breeds prone to it, you can manage its impact through grooming, regular face and mouth cleaning, protective covers, and keeping dogs hydrated and healthy.
Are drooly dogs good family pets?
Absolutely! Most drool-prone breeds are loyal, affectionate, and wonderful with children. However, prospective owners should be ready for extra cleanup and basic grooming.
Are there drooling differences between males and females?
There is little evidence of drooling differences between sexes; the primary factors are breed, facial anatomy, and individual dog behavior.
Conclusion: Is a Drooly Dog Right for You?
Dog breeds prone to drooling may not be suited for everyone, but their lovable, devoted natures make them wonderful companions for those prepared to embrace (and clean up after) a little extra slobber. With awareness and a little planning, the joys of a drooly breed often outweigh the minor inconveniences — and these loyal, affectionate dogs will reward you with years of companionship, laughter, and the occasional soggy kiss.
References
- https://iheartdogs.com/breeds-that-drool-the-most/
- https://a-z-animals.com/blog/these-are-the-dog-breeds-that-drool-the-most/
- https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/dog-breeds-that-drool-the-most
- https://theanimalrescuesite.com/blogs/news/dog-breeds-that-drool
- https://pethelpful.com/dogs/which-dogs-drool-most
- https://www.lovemargot.co/great-dane-blog?p=10-dog-breeds-that-slobber-the-most
- https://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/4396-big-droolers-list
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