All dogs drool on occasion, but there are certain breeds for whom it is truly par for the course. While excessive drooling can be a symptom of illness in breeds that are low-droolers, some dogs simply cannot contain the flow of their saliva, and it’s just another part of their charm.
The following dogs that drool excessively have a propensity for slobbering due to extra skin around their lips and muzzle, which leads to saliva accumulating in the folds.
When saliva collects in these folds, it either drips or is flung about when the dog moves or shakes its head. If you’re a would-be owner of any of the following breeds, it’s time to start stockpiling the rags!
The 12 Dogs That Drool Excessively
While the breeds on this list are all drippy dogs by nature, it is important for owners to take note of any significant changes in the volume of drooling over time, as this can indicate mouth, throat, or stomach issues.
1. Bloodhound
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Average Size: 80-110 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
The Bloodhound has one of the most famous sets of jowls in the canine kingdom. The floppy folds of their faces are synonymous with their stubborn and dogged pursuit of a scent.
The epitome of single-mindedness, a Bloodhound on the scent will not stop until they locate the source, whether it be a lost person or a criminal on the run. Not just there to look charming, their long, wrinkled jowls sweep the ground and ‘stir up’ traces of the scent towards their nostrils.
While one of the drooliest breeds amongst the dogs that drool excessively, it is worth noting that a Bloodhound is even more prone to copious salivation after eating and drinking.
2. Newfoundland Dog
Average Lifespan: 9-10 years
Average Size: 100-150 pounds
Coat: medium, double
The gentle giant Newfoundland breed excels in the water due to its webbed feet, but it also has some seriously sloppy jowls!
A remarkably powerful working breed, the Newfoundland specializes in water rescues. Their unique paws give them maximum propulsion through the water, and their thick double coat keeps them safe and comfortable while hard at work.
They are also highly regarded for their calm disposition and intelligence, both tremendous assets where delicate rescue situations are concerned. Not to mention, they love children and make steadfastly loyal companions when not partaking in their daring endeavors. With so much going for them, what’s a little extra drool?
3. Saint Bernard
Average Lifespan: 8-10 years
Average Size: 120-180 pounds
Coat: short, rough, smooth, double
The Saint Bernard possesses one of the most beloved sets of jowls in all of dog-dom. The breed is best known for its star turn in the 1992 film Beethoven and the film’s subsequent sequels, which depicted the titular dog as rambunctious and very slobbery!
Despite their intimidating size, Saint Bernard’s are relatively placid and known for being gentle with children.
Their genial disposition offsets their ‘hangdog’ features; their droopy eyes, wrinkled foreheads, and of course, those long sagging jowls. Conscientious Saint Bernard owners are never without a rag to wipe their pup’s face and understand that a little extra spittle comes with the territory.
4. English Bulldog
Average Lifespan: 8-10 years
Average Size: 40-50 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
The distinctive face of the English Bulldog is a near-universal symbol of a fighting spirit. Their furrowed brow and underbite may give them the countenance of aggression (or at least grumpiness), but their temperament is easygoing and loving.
The breed was transformed through selective breeding from fighting dogs into mellow pets, but enthusiasts wanted to keep their delightfully idiosyncratic ‘tough guy’ features intact.
Their short faces and thick jowls seem perfectly designed for maximum slobber dribbling and messy eating, but they’re cute enough to get away with it. And of course, they look extra precious in a bib!
5. Tibetan Mastiff
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Average Size: 70-150 pounds
Coat: medium, double
One of the most ancient breeds amongst the dogs that drool excessively, the Tibetan Mastiff is a formidable guardian with jowls as powerful as they are drippy.
For untold centuries, this breed served as mighty sentinels in their native Himalayas. In keeping with the remoteness of their homeland, few things are known about their origin or exactly when the Tibetan Mastiff as we recognize it emerged.
There is, however, a striking regality in how they carry themselves, an air of self-containment that makes them all the more compelling. Everything about the Tibetan Mastiff is grand, from its weight of up to 150 pounds to its broad head and it’s drooling prowess!
6. Bernese Mountain Dog
Average Lifespan: 7-10 years
Average Size: 70-115 pounds
Coat: medium, double
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sweet-natured giant who loves children, just wants to be part of the family, and drools excessively.
This eminently loveable breed was first developed as an all-purpose farm dog in their native Switzerland and successively gained popularity as a companion dog for their affectionate, mellow temperament.
While their wide, friendly mouth is charming, it does expel a lot of saliva! As the Bernese was bred for cold weather, experts suggest that keeping them as cool as possible at all times can help to minimize drooling.
7. Neapolitan Mastiff
Average Lifespan: 7-9 years
Average Size: 110-150 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a sweet protector in the breathtakingly intimidating body of an ancient canine warrior. Once war dogs and gladiators of the Roman Empire, their wrinkled heads possess appropriately massive and ominous jowls and pendulous lips that drip saliva profusely.
A well-trained Mastiff is good-natured and loyal to the core around their preferred people, but wary with strangers. Coupled with the fact that Mastiffs are a high-drooling breed, they are not a dog for first-timers.
8. Boxer
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Average Size: 50-80 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
One of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, let alone amongst the dogs that drool excessively, the playful, athletic and intelligent Boxer is a true all-arounder!
A brachycephalic breed, they have a short snout and long jowls. While endearingly cute, the combination of these elements results in a substantial amount of drooling.
As brachycephalic dogs have several upper airway abnormalities that create breathing problems, they can be susceptible to overheating. This is one of the leading causes of excess salivation. Owners can prevent this by always keeping their Boxer as cool as possible.
9. Bullmastiff
Average Lifespan: 7-9 years
Average Size: 100-130 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
As a Bulldog and Mastiff cross, it should be no surprise that the Bullmastiff is fearless, formidable, and a big drooler.
Bred to guard the game preserves of the English aristocracy from poachers, the Bullmastiff was created to be nimble, courageous, and large enough to intimidate at up to 130 pounds. Their broad muzzle and dangling, dripping jowls add an extra element of unapproachability.
Despite its fearsome appearance, the Bullmastiff can make an adaptable and loving companion with diligent training.
10. Dogue de Bordeaux
Average Lifespan: 5-8 years
Average Size: 99 pounds and up
Coat: short, smooth
The Dogue de Bordeaux is one of the lesser-known dogs that drool excessively.
This ancient French breed was relatively obscure outside of their homeland until the release of the film ‘Turner and Hooch’ in 1989. The film’s poster features a bemused Tom Hanks posing alongside a Dogue whose chops are dripping in saliva.
While the breed can be high maintenance due to a stubborn streak, they make a rewarding companion for patient and experienced owners. They also possess proportionately the largest head of all dogs. As they age and become bigger, so do their immense jowls.
11. Mastiff
Average Lifespan: 6-10 years
Average Size: 120-230 pounds
Coat: short, double
The Mastiff cut its teeth, so to speak, fighting wild beasts and gladiators in the arenas of ancient Rome.
Weighing up to 230 pounds, the Mastiff is every bit as powerful as its history suggests. Although they can make obedient companions, their innate fighting spirit requires early socialization and training to keep under control.
Their massive jowls developed as their protection in the arena, as loose skin is harder to grab hold of, and therefore their faces were safeguarded from injury. As practical as those dangly folds are in the field, they are also the perfect vessels for slobber at home!
12. Great Dane
Average Lifespan: 7-10 years
Average Size: 110-175 pounds
Coat: short, smooth
Rounding out our list is the Great Dane, an easygoing and amiable breed whose positive qualities more than outweigh its excessive drooling.
A confusingly-named German breed, the Great Dane was once known for hunting wild boars, but today you are more likely to know them as a delightful family dog who just happens to be taller than most people when standing on their hind legs.
While not the slobberiest of dogs, their pronounced jowls and loose lips can get pretty drooly, especially when they’re hungry or excited.