20 Short-Haired Dog Breeds for Hassle-Free Grooming (With Info & Pictures)

Do you need a short-haired dog to save you time and money on grooming? In our list of short-haired dog breeds, you'll find dogs of various sizes, from the large Great Dane all the way down to the tiny Chihuahua. Short-haired dogs don’t need to be brushed as often, but be warned that they still shed, and not all of these dogs are hypoallergenic. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at each of our picks for short-haired dog breeds:

The 20 Short-Haired Dog Breeds

1. Weimaraner

This German hunting dog comes from the Weimar region. Weimaraners are athletic and require lots of exercise. This short-haired dog breed comes in a variety of gray shades. Weimaraners get along with children and make excellent family dogs, as long as you allow them to burn off their energy.

2. Great Dane

Great Danes, although easy with coat maintenance, will be more work in feeding and finding space for them. Even though they are huge, they have a calm nature and don’t need to let off tons of energy like other large dogs. If you give them a short walk or two a day, they will get all the exercise they need. Train them early on, and they will be a lovable, lounging pup for you and your family.

3. Pug

The Pug is a cute little pup that comes from China. Pugs were beloved by Chinese emperors and weren't initially available to average citizens. They love to be right by your side and make you laugh with their antics. Their hair is short and simple to groom, but they will need their wrinkles cleaned with a wet wipe or cloth every week. Pugs also have a hard time in hot weather, so make sure to keep him cooled off.

4. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds are very similar to their ancestor, the Greyhound. These short-haired dogs are sweet and calm, and they don’t need much exercise. They make the perfect pet for owners who can’t handle the larger Greyhound but still want the same admirable temperament. Speaking of their small size, you must be careful while carrying them around with you because of their vulnerability to injuries.

5. Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinschers (Min Pins, for short) are similar to Doberman Pinschers, but Min Pins are the older breed. They have a short coat that needs brushing once a week to make it look sleek and shiny. They have plenty of pride and confidence and are considered the “King of Toys.” Miniature Pinschers are great for a family with older children who know how to handle small dogs.

6. Labrador

The most popular dog breed in America for 28 years has a short coat that’s easy to care for. Labradors love the water, so you won’t have difficulty bathing them. They're affectionate, caring, and playful. Labs are very easy to train, which is why they are often used as service animals. Labs are great for people of all ages.

7. Rottweiler

Rottweilers have a reputation to guard and protect and are fiercely loyal to their families. Long ago in Germany, they were bred to drive cattle and pull carts of meat for butchers. This independent breed needs good training early on to be manageable. You will likely win over any Rottie with a treat in the form of food, which is an excellent way to train them, too.

8. Dalmatian

Dalmatians are known as fire station dogs for a reason. Before there were fire engines, Dalmatians used to walk beside the horses pulling the carts to calm them down. They're incredibly energetic and require lots of daily exercise to stay happy. Because of that, they might not be the best breed for apartment dwellers.

9. Vizsla

With characteristics of a pointer and retriever, the Vizsla has striking similarities to the Weimaraner dog, besides their brown coat. Vizsla dogs are smaller and don’t require quite as much exercise, though they are quite agile and can run for a long time if they need to. They are graceful dogs with beautiful coats that do not require much work to maintain.

10. Chihuahua

Chihuahuas come in long or short-coat varieties that can be many colors. Don’t let their size fool you; these tiny dogs surprisingly carry a lot of energy and a big dog personality. However, if you want to take fewer trips to the groomer and be able to carry your dog practically anywhere, a short-haired Chihuahua will be a perfect fit for you.

11. Boston Terrier

Boston Terriers got the name “American Gentlemen” because of their short, tuxedo-like coat, which is easy to care for. They are full of character, keeping families playing and laughing for years. They have a good amount of energy that should be worked out with enough daily playtime.

12. Mastiff

Though not as tall as Great Danes, Mastiffs rival them in weight and sheer mass. They are protective but not aggressive and quite loving toward their human family. They are relatively low-energy dogs that only need a few short walks a day to maintain their weight. Even though this big dog has short hair, Mastiffs tend to shed a lot, and when combined with their excessive drooling, they can cause an allergic reaction in those with dog allergies.

13. German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthairs are bird dogs with a high prey drive. They're energetic dogs that need plenty of space to run and explore, which could be perfect for a family with kids on a ranch or a farm. The best part is that their coats only need one brushing a week, but they'll need a bath after they swim or play in the mud.

14. Dachshund

The Dachshund, like the Chihuahua, can be bred with varying coat types, including long-haired, short-haired, and wire-haired. If you get a short-haired breed, the coat maintenance is minimal. Dachshunds (also called Doxies) commonly have skin problems, so they might need to be bathed more often than you’d think. Despite that, Doxies make excellent little watchdogs and will give you lots of love as long as you pay it forward with your attention.

15. Boxer

Boxers hail from Germany and were developed in the 1800s. Despite their fighting title, they're friendly and cheerful. Boxers not only make great friends with their human family but also with pet family members. Make sure you have enough time to give these pups the exercise they need, as they have high energy levels.

16. Rhodesian Ridgeback

The Rhodesian Ridgeback was named for the strip of hair on their back that grows in the opposite direction, causing a “ridge.” The Rhodesian Ridgeback was originally bred in South Africa to hunt lions in the wild. These short-haired dogs are more suitable for an active owner or couple since they're energetic and strong-willed. They require thorough training and aren't the best pets for first-time owners.

17. Whippet

Whippets have been called the “poor man’s Greyhound” and were used in the late 18th century and early 19th century as rabbit chasers and racing dogs. They are a cross between Italian Greyhounds and Greyhounds. They're gentle pups, and although they're not as energetic as the Greyhound, they need an hour or more of daily exercise.

18. Beagle

Beagles are small/medium-sized scent hounds with a happy disposition and a moderate amount of energy. Their coats are water-resistant, which also means that they won’t get dusty too easily. Though they shed a moderate amount, brushing them regularly will keep their coats looking great. Beagles make great family dogs, but their impressive sense of smell can lead them to distraction during training.

19. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs, or Frenchies, are big-eared and joyful dogs. Although they are small, they are not dainty or fragile. It’s difficult not to smile when you see one. They're affectionate and loyal, but they should not be allowed to play outside unsupervised. They're too friendly to unfamiliar people, and since they're incredibly expensive, they're vulnerable to theft.

20. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a charming dog that once graced the TV as Wishbone in the mid-90s. You would think that because of their acting reputation, the Jack Russell would be easy to train, but that is not the case. It’s best to get a Jack Russell only if you have experience handling feisty dogs. Regardless, their coats are simple to groom, and they love playing games and running around with their owners.

Final Thoughts

Short-haired dog breeds have fewer grooming requirements than long-haired dogs, which makes them desirable for busy dog owners. However, that does not mean they shed less and never need brushing! Regular brushing will keep your pup’s hair from getting everywhere and allow you to examine their skin for problems like bumps, skin lesions, and parasites.

• See also: Short Haired Golden Retrievers: Pictures, Facts, Origin & History

Featured Image Credit: Alexandra Morrison, Shutterstock