Dogs That Drool The Most – (Slobber Pups) Which Ones?

Dogs That Drool

Dogs that drool may not be an issue for you when choosing the perfect breed, but if all that saliva dripping from a dog’s mouth has your stomach woozy, you might want to know what dogs are the biggest droolers so presumably you would avoid those breeds.

But before you turn your noses to these dogs, let me “bore” you with a little extra information about drooling. 

A Mastiff dog sitting down facing the camera, drooling, against a white background
This Young Mastiff is an example of Dogs that Drool

Now, we’re not talking about a medical condition such as hypersalivation or ptyalism.  This condition can occur in any breed and is due to some medical problem such as a mouth disease or dental problem.

Other issues that can cause a dog to drool excessively include heat stroke, motion sickness, and, of course, the more uncommon, rabies, and distemper.


What is Drool?

Just what exactly is drool?

Drool is simply saliva – we all have it. Saliva, from the salivary glands, mixes with the food we eat to aid in digestion. When a dog has loose, droopy lips or jowls, saliva is more likely to drip out of the mouth or in some breeds, pour out and onto anything close by such as you. 

Remember, all dogs drool. There is a psychological component to drooling. Dogs drool in response to fear, but also in response to food. Have you ever noticed your dog’s reaction when he is aware that he is going to get a treat?

Just the thought of or the appearance of a treat will cause salivation in a dog. Remember Pavlov’s dogs in Psychology 101?  You may notice many dogs licking their lips in anticipation.

They are salivating but removing the evidence.  Now, those dogs that drool may not be able to do this because of the shape of their faces.


Dogs can Drool

  • When stressed, tired, anxious
  • In anticipation of a treat
  • When they have a medical condition
  • If they are prone to car sickness
  • As a way to cool down during panting
  • As a result of eating something they should not have eaten

Dogs that Drool

When faced with the decision of which dog breed is best for you, many people don’t think about drooling, but if this is an issue for you, it is likely to be a deciding factor.

I remember when I brought home my first bulldog puppy.  So sweet and loving—just the best breed, but as the puppy grew, so did the amount of drool. 

Drool on my best outfits, trails of saliva all over the hardwood floors, and a slimy mess in her bed. 

You always knew where she was simply by following the trail of drool. I would never have traded her in for a second, but it did require extra time to clean. 

I also learned that I could keep a small washcloth (my drool rag) handy when she was around. Cloth baby bibs worked well and we always kept a supply of large bandanas. She wore a colorful bandana for every day of the week. 


Dogs that Drool:  The Biggest Slobbers

Just who are the big droolers? The following list of dog breeds represents those that have the potential to drool a lot. 

Even though the breed of your choice may be on this list, it does not mean that they will be heavy droolers. 

Talk to the breeder and request to see the parents, at least, the mother. The potential to drool can be viewed on a continuum from just a little drooling to waterfall emerging from the dog’s mouth. But none is drool-free.

Dogs that Drool (Listed in Alphabetical Order, not in the order of drool production)

Basset Hound

Basset Hound

The Basset Hound may just be one of the most placid, gentle dogs in the hound group, with a nose to scent only surpassed by the Bloodhound.  A friend to all, but they need a tolerant owner who doesn’t mind a little drool, smell, and shedding.

Those that can appreciate their independent personality and their occasional stubbornness will be rewarded with a companion that loyal, great with children and accepting of other dogs.


Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog

What isn’t there to love about the Bernese Mountain Dog? Also nicknamed “Berners”, these dogs are all that they seem to be. Loving, affectionate, intelligent, loyal, and the list goes on and on.

Since they are such people oriented dogs, they do great with kids and are best suited for families that can give them as much attention as possible. Living with someone who works nine to five every day and can only see their dog for a little bit at night, may want to consider a different breed of dog.


Black and Tan Coonhound

Black and Tan Coonhound

Origins: United States
Size:  Medium to Large
Grooming:  Easy
Training: Average
Recognition:  AKC (Hound),  ANKC (Hound),  CKC (Hounds),  FCI (Group 6),  NZKC (Hound,  UKC (Scenthound)


Bloodhound

Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is famous for its incredible nose, which holds true to this day. These dogs will often be seen with their heads near to the ground, tracing the source of an exciting scent.

As with most hounds, the Bloodhound can be difficult to train. Breeds such as this have a stubborn streak, as they are often independent, preferring to do their own thing. It takes a good, consistent owner for them to consider doing what they’re told.


Boxer

Boxer

This high-spirited whirlwind has a soft side. He absolutely adores his family and becomes completely devoted to them. This means that he doesn’t like to be left alone for too long as he thrives on human contact.

Boxer dogs are great family pets as they get on with children. However, they can be a little too boisterous around very small children so they are not advised for family with very young off-spring. Also for this reason they are not advised for the elderly.


Bulldog (all bulldog breeds)

Bulldog

Bull Dogs were originally bred for bull baiting – a horrendous “sport” which was popular from the thirteenth to nineteenth century. Almost every town or village had a bull ring in which a bull would be tethered by a length of rope to a stake in the ground.

Modern bull dog breeds are generally calm, confident, and make great family members, but need firm training to ensure that they know who is boss. (You!)


Bullmastiff

Bullmastiff

The Bullmastiff is also called the “Gamekeepers Night Dog’. The breed is gentle, quiet and devoted to those he loves,  but if threatened, he turns fearless. At upwards of 130 pounds or more, this powerful dog is confident, stubborn yet calm and gentle.

The Bullmastiff is about 60% Mastiff, the rest of his genes comes from the English Bulldog, but not the Bulldog we recognize today. Rather the 19th century bulldog, which was a vastly different looking dog than today’s version.


Clumber Spaniel

Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel is among the most low-keyed and easy going of the Sporting Dogs, although is still very much a hunter at heart. Indoors, he is quiet calm, gentle and rather lazy. Preferring to curl up on a sofa, they enjoy snoozing and eating.

It is one of the few gun dogs or sporting breeds that do well in an apartment or home in the city.  They are not barkers. They still need adequate exercise, but their quiet nature makes them an excellent choice for those living in places with close neighbors.


Dogue de Bordeaux (aka. French Mastiff)

Dogue de Bordeaux

The Dogue de Bordeaux is a big dog breed from France, used for centuries as a hunting dog and a guard dog. If properly trained they are calm, confident and good with older children, although dog-on-dog aggression can be a problem.

They are big droolers, and need frequent mopping up. They don’t need a great deal of exercise, but are not really suited to apartment life as they are so big. This breed was the star of the 1989 comedy film with Tom Hanks, ‘Turner and Hooch’, which accurately depicted the breed.


Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a breed of large, fun, affectionate dogs. They love to be with their family and owners but are not quite as warm to strangers.

Having been used mainly as herding dogs in the past, instinct makes these dogs typically a bit more awake during the night, and sleepier during the day. These gentle giants are a great addition to most families, their intelligence and independence almost makes it seem like having another person in the house.


Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever

Few breeds so abundantly deserve their immense popularity as does the Labrador Retriever, a kind, calm, family dog, known especially for its friendly, warm personality. They are light droolers. I’ve owned several Labradors, and haven’t noticed drooling to be a problem.

If there is anything else to be said about Labrador Retriever dogs, it’s that they are very cunning and very greedy. Labradors are known to eat just about anything, even if it isn’t edible. While this makes picking out the right dog food a breeze, it makes it difficult to keep them eating only dog food. A lovable rogue!


Mastiff

Mastiff

The Mastiff is huge, at over 30 inches in height and up to 230lbs in weight. A calm, confident and amiable dog that does well with children, yet will also protect your family. A light drooler.


Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiff

The Neapolitan Mastiff is a very impressive dog. Massive, heavy set and a little bizarre looking, these huge protective dogs are not to be messed with! They need a huge amount of space indoors due to their sizable bodies and, puppies particularly, are very clumsy.

Not suitable for apartments, inexperienced owners, families with children, multi-dog households,the elderly/infirm or hot climates. Any trespassers (human, canine or other) can expect to be chased off a property when there’s a Neapolitan around!


Newfoundland

Newfoundland

These sweet dogs are known to be great for families as well as sole owners. Their social personalities make them suitable for houses with a lot of people going in and out. This breed is not known to be too intense either, making them suitable for most owners.

Older owners also believe that the Newfoundland dog breed can live at their pace, with no rush brought from the dog. For people considering getting their first dog, this breed is an excellent choice.


Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard

The Saint Bernard is essentially the definition of a gentle giant. These large beasts are known for their size as well as calm behavior. Not only does this make them an easy breed to own, but ideal for more chaotic households. These dogs make great, gregarious companions, if not a little slow.

The Saint Bernard breed is an excellent choice for families. They love it when they are with others, and their gentle, tolerant nature makes them great for kids.


Spinone Italiano

Spinone Italiano

Origins: Italy
Size: Large
Grooming: Time Consuming
Training: Easy
Recognition:  FCI: Group 7,  AKC: Sporting,  ANKC: Gun Dogs,  CKC: Sporting,  KC: Gun Dogs,  NZKC: Gun Dogs,  UKC: Gun Dogs

We don’t have a page on the Spinone Italiano yet.


So that’s my list of dogs that drool! If you think I’ve missed out an important breed, please let me know via the Contact Me link. Thank you!

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