Dogs seem to enjoy life much more than we humans do. As soon as one smells the outdoors, it’s as if they experience a massive dose of dopamine, excitedly running around as fast as their legs will carry them or straining to break free from their leashes. However, all this fun frequently means they can get somewhat messy, and a new study by Dr Beckmann has revealed which dog breeds are the messiest and cleanest in the UK.

Without delaying the big reveal more than is necessary, Labradors have been named Britain’s muckiest dog breed following new national research into the hilarious habits of ‘man’s best friend’.

The study[1] from cleaning and laundry expert, Dr. Beckmann revealed the top five messiest and cleanest breeds, with Great Danes and German Shepherds also among the top three scruffiest pups.

At the other end of the scale, pint-sized Chihuahuas were found to be the cleanest dog breed, followed by Shih Tzus and Beagles.

TOP FIVE MESSIEST DOG BREEDS

  • Labrador
  • Great Dane
  • German Shepherd
  • Bulldog
  • Cocker Spaniel

TOP FIVE CLEANEST DOG BREEDS

  • Chihuahua
  • Shih Tzu
  • Beagle
  • Poodle
  • Dachshund

Overall, the poll of pet owners found around half (49%) of the nation’s furry friends wreak havoc in the home, with over four in ten (43%) cleaning up an animal-related mess at least once a week.

As a result, 39% of pet owners are less likely to buy nice furniture and fittings because they’re worried their four-legged friend will ruin it, with the average owner spending £55 a year cleaning up or repairing their animal’s mess.

Shedding fur (55%) and cleaning up after them (46%) are the two biggest issues pet owners face, while when it comes to stains, vomit (39%), excrements (34%) and urine (30%) are the most difficult to clean up.

Elsewhere, the research found dogs are six times more likely to wreak havoc in the home than cats, while almost one in ten (8%) pet owners received their furry friend as a Christmas present.

To celebrate the nation’s muckiest pups, Dr. Beckmann has launched the first-ever Mucky Pet Awards, with pet owners invited to submit pictures of their dirty dogs (or even filthy felines!) to be in with a chance of winning one of five Dr. Beckmann hampers.

The hamper includes a personalised Dr. Beckmann Pet Stain & Odour Remover with the winner’s filthy four-legged friend on the front. The number one winning entry will also get a mucky-themed professional photoshoot with their beloved pet and a £250 voucher of their choice*.

To enter, simply post a photo of your mucky pup or filthy feline on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #DrBMuckyPets and tagging @drbeckmannuk.

And even if you’re not a competition winner, Dr. Beckmann’s Pet Stain & Odour Remover, which helps remove stains and odours from carpets and furnishings, is available online and in-store at Sainsbury’s and Asda for a discounted price of just £3.

Chloe Baker, Dr. Beckmann spokesperson, said: “It’s time to embrace the joy and chaos of life with our beloved four-legged friends. And this year, it’s Labradors that take the cake – sometimes literally!

“At Dr. Beckmann, we understand the trials of pet ownership, and that’s why we’re here to help. Our discounted Pet Stain & Odour Remover is your secret weapon against the messiest of mishaps.

“And as a nation of proud pet owners, let’s celebrate the charm of our mucky pups! Join the Mucky Pet Awards by sharing your adorable chaos-makers on social media and enter our competition using #DrBMuckyPets and tagging @drbeckmannuk.”

Dr. Beckmann’s Pet Stain and Odour remover is available at a wide range of retailers and in-store and online at Asda (until 24th January) and Sainsbury’s(17th-30th January) for just £3.

The cleaning and laundry brand, based in Greater Manchester, has also partnered with the Manchester & Cheshire Dogs’ Home as part of its Mucky Pet Awards and donated a year’s supply of Pet Stain & Odour Remover to the home to help clean up after the residents.

[1] One Poll survey of 2,000 respondents, November 2023.