10 Dog Breeds That Drool the Most

By
Gemma Johnstone
Gemma Johnstone, writer for The Spruce Pets
Gemma Johnstone
Gemma Johnstone is a dog expert and writer with over 15 years of experience in the pet industry and as an animal welfare advocate. She has worked for the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and fundraises and volunteers for local dog rescues.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Updated on 04/30/21
drooling black dog

PraxisPhotography / Getty Images

Some dog breeds naturally drool more than others. In particular, the dogs with large and jowly cheeks and lips where lots of saliva can gather tend to be profuse droolers. For some people, this just adds to the dog's character. And for others, they can't imagine anything worse than having to clean up globs of dog slobber every day. This is why it's important to know what you're getting into when it comes to a particular breed's traits.

Here are 10 dog breeds that are known for their drooling capabilities.

Tip

Excessive drooling can sometimes be a sign of an underlying problem. Dogs can drool more when they are stressed or too hot. Drooling can also be a sign of dental problems, an allergic reaction, or nausea. If your dog is not normally an excessive drooler or other worrisome symptoms accompany the sudden excessive drooling, seek veterinary advice.

  • 01 of 10

    Saint Bernard

    profile of a Saint Bernard dog drooling

    Nik Taylor / Getty Images

    These jowly gentle giants originated in the Swiss Alps. Saint Bernards are lovable, protective, and loyal companions, and despite their imposing size, they can be excellent with children. These dogs thrive in cold climates and don't do well living in hot regions. You might find that they drool even more in hot weather while trying to stay cool.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working

    Height: 28 to 30 inches (male); 26 to 28 inches (female)

    Weight: 140 to 180 pounds (male); 120 to 140 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Short and smooth or long and silky coat; colors include white with red, brown or brindle markings; a black mask is typically seen

    Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years

  • 02 of 10

    Dogue de Bordeaux

    Dogue De Bordeaux with a line of drool

    ItchySan / Getty Images

    Also referred to as the French mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux is another big dog with high slobber potential. These dogs are loyal and generally playful and docile with their families. But they are powerful and have a strong protective instinct, so training and socialization are a must. The Dogue de Bordeaux is a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed prone to overheating. This facial structure contributes to the breed's wrinkly, jowly muzzle, which can be a gathering spot for slobber.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working

    Height: 23 to 27 inches (male); 23 to 26 inches (female)

    Weight: 110 pounds and up (male); 99 pounds and up (female)

    Coat and Color: Short muzzle with wrinkles; short coat in various shades of fawn, ranging from light to dark red; small patches of white may be present

    Life Expectancy: 5 to 8 years

  • 03 of 10

    Bloodhound

    Bloodhound walking outside

    Dageldog / Getty Images

    Famous for their highly sophisticated sense of smell, their droopy look, and their docile temperament, bloodhounds are also expert droolers. Their natural scenting instinct and sometimes stubborn nature mean you might have to work harder on training. But they still make gentle companions and are well suited to family life. Bloodhounds have long, wrinkled faces with very loose skin around their mouth, and they can store a lot of saliva in those cheek pockets.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Hound

    Height: 25 to 27 inches (male); 23 to 25 inches (female)

    Weight: 90 to 110 pounds (male); 80 to 100 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Folds of skin across the body and particularly around the face; short, smooth coat; comes in black and tan, liver and tan, and red

    Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

  • 04 of 10

    Bulldog

    English bulldog lying down

    Apomores / Getty Images

    Often called the English or British bulldog, this breed is instantly recognizable due to its wrinkled brow and somewhat grumpy expression. Looks can be deceiving though, as bulldogs tend to be very sweet and full of character. Unfortunately, bulldogs are more prone to health issues than the average dog. Their short, wrinkled snout makes them susceptible to respiratory issues, and they are prone to overheating. Their short face also gives rise to an increase in slobber.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Non-Sporting

    Height: 14 to 15 inches

    Weight: 50 pounds (male); 40 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Smooth, fine coat; comes in several different colors; skin folds

    Life Expectancy: 8 to 10 years

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Newfoundland

    Newfoundland drooling

    S4M / Getty Images

    This iconic Canadian large dog breed is renowned for its drooling capabilities. Newfoundlands are also known for being calm and affectionate family members with a great love of the water. The Newfie's large size and high shedding, combined with its slobbery chops, mean you could be in for a lot of cleaning if you have one of these dogs.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working

    Height: 28 inches (male); 26 inches (female)

    Weight: 130 to 150 pounds (male); 100 to 120 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Medium-length, thick double coat; comes in brown, black, gray, or black and white

    Life Expectancy: 9 to 10 years

  • 06 of 10

    Neapolitan Mastiff

    a Neapolitan mastiff headshot

    Melissa Keizer / Getty Images

    The Neapolitan mastiff is another giant breed that has unconditional love toward its family. These dogs are quite protective though, and they can be wary of strangers. So early and consistent training and socialization are key. Neapolitans have a lot of excess skin along their body with very large and droopy jowls. This does give rise to lots of drool from this massive canine.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working

    Height: 26 to 31 inches (male); 24 to 29 inches (female)

    Weight: 150 pounds (male); 110 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: An abundance of loose skin across the body; short coat that comes in black, blue, mahogany, and tawny

    Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years

  • 07 of 10

    Bernese Mountain Dog

    A Bernese mountain dog sitting inside

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris 

    Like the Saint Bernard, the Bernese mountain dog is another giant, fluffy breed with a gentle temperament and a tendency to drool. Berners can make great family dogs that act as gentle protectors of children without showing excessive guarding traits. They are another breed that thrives in cold weather. And staying at a comfortable temperature will help to minimize the amount they drool.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working

    Height: 25 to 27.5 inches (male); 23 to 26 inches (female)

    Weight: 80 to 115 pounds (male); 70 to 95 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Thick double coat that is tricolor (jet black base color with white and tan markings)

    Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

  • 08 of 10

    Bullmastiff

    Bullmastiff drooling

    Nancy Paiva / Getty Images

    While the powerful bullmastiff has its origins as a dog that guarded against poachers in 19th century England, today it's known for being a protective and gentle family dog. This guarding trait does mean bullmastiffs need early and consistent training and socialization to prevent their instinct from becoming a problem. The breed has many facial skin folds, which lead to pooled saliva and lots of drool.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working

    Height: 25 to 27 inches (male); 24 to 26 inches (female)

    Weight: 110 to 130 pounds (male); 100 to 120 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Facial folds; short and dense coat in fawn, red, or brindle colors

    Life Expectancy: 7 to 9 years

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Boxer

    Boxer dog with a drool bubble

    Dmytro_Skorobogatov / Getty Images

    The often goofy boxer is known for being loyal, fun-loving, full of energy, and friendly. Boxers are another brachycephalic breed, and their short snout and fairly long jowls mean they are prone to slobbering. They aren't always as prolific with their salivating as breeds such as the Saint Bernard or bullmastiff. But you do still need to be prepared for some cleanup.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working

    Height: 23 to 25 inches (male); 21 to 23 inches (female)

    Weight: 65 to 80 pounds (male); 50 to 65 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Short, shiny, smooth coat that is most commonly fawn or brindle but occasionally white

    Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years

  • 10 of 10

    Great Dane

    Great Dane drooling

    D Mussman / Getty Images

    The Great Dane is one of the most popular giant dog breeds. These dogs tend to make loving, easygoing family companions if you have the space for them. They are known for being people pleasers and form strong bonds with their family, including children, with whom they are generally very gentle. But the jowls on these big dogs can create lots of slobber, so be ready with a towel.

    Breed Overview

    Group: Working

    Height: 30 to 32 inches (male); 28 to 30 inches (female)

    Weight: 140 to 175 pounds (male); 110 to 140 pounds (female)

    Coat and Color: Short coat in brindle, fawn, blue, black, harlequin (white with black patches), or mantle (black and white)

    Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years

Dog Body Language: Lip Licking
Featured Video