Love dogs but can’t handle all the fuzz? These short-haired dog breeds are the perfect solution!
Even though they love them, many people are allergic to dog hair and can’t live with a pup constantly shedding hair all over their home. But I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog. Some dog breeds don’t shed. Or at least they shed relatively little.
And while this doesn’t mean they’re hypoallergenic breeds, the risk of an allergic reaction is lower. Some prefer dogs that don’t shed hair for hygiene reasons or a lack of grooming time. Some pups, especially those that lose lots of hair, have to be brushed daily, and not everyone can find the time to do so.
So, Pet Compilation wants to help you find a breed that suits your needs. Continue reading to discover 10 short-haired dog breeds that are perfect for YOU!
Boxer
The medium-sized, short-haired boxer appeared in Germany in the late 1800s. Its smooth, sleek fur needs weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or rubber curry. This short-haired dog breed is clean and only needs occasional bathing when dirty.
Full of energy, boxers are playful, athletic, and fun-loving. They need a lot of exercise to keep them happy and to avoid any behavioral issues.
This brachycephalic breed, with its short-nose and pushed-in face, should avoid strenuous exercise when it’s hot outdoors because they can overheat quickly.
Basenji
The basenji originates from Africa and has a naturally clean, smooth coat that is odor-free and requires periodic bathing. Basenjis can even groom their coats the way cats do. Frequently called the “barkless dog,” they’re generally quiet and don’t make barking sounds like most canines.
That doesn’t mean they’re silent, though. Basenjis can whine, whimper, and make unique yodeling sounds. This short-haired dog breed bonds closely with their human family but may be standoffish with those they don’t know.
Beagle
The beagle is one of the most recognizable and popular dog breeds, otherwise known as the Snoopy breed! Beagles have short, water-resistant coats with a moderate rate of shedding. This short-haired dog breed requires basic routine grooming to keep looking their best.
Their fur doesn’t pick up much debris, either. So your pup shouldn’t need frequent bathing. Beagles are carefree, energetic, and optimistic dogs but can have a stubborn side to them. They’re an excellent match for active households.
Pug
The charming, adorable pug originated in China as far back as 400 B.C., where this canine was the beloved pet of Chinese emperors. This short-haired dog breed’s coat does shed a bit. But the more you brush them, the less hair will be on your furniture and clothes.
Pugs don’t need all that much exercise, and they don’t like hot temperatures. So be sure to keep them inside in the air conditioning on hot days. A pug’s most important job is being your loyal companion.
They don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time, but bringing them along on your adventures is easy since they’re small and portable.
Toy Fox Terrier
The toy fox terrier is a very smart, short-haired dog breed that’s courageous and full of personality despite his tiny size. The American Toy Fox Terrier Club says that the toy breed is “devoted and diminutive, with an endless abiding love.” Just don’t let their small size fool you.
The toy fox terrier packs a lot into a tiny package. Even though they’re short in size, this tiny dog more than makes up for it with that huge ego.
Small-boned but big-brained, these prideful canines weigh less than 10 pounds but have a big appetite for treats, making them a breeze to train with the proper reward to entice their taste buds. Just don’t go overboard because this petite short-haired dog breed is prone to obesity.
German Shorthaired Pointer
The German shorthaired pointer is a universal shorthaired gun dog bred to point and recover waterfowl. Their fur is a breeze to care for with weekly brushing and periodic baths. This shorthaired dog breed is a fantastic companion and family dog when they get to spend their high energy.
This short-haired dog breed can hunt in the field all day, and pet parents must do their best to provide abundant outlets for mental stimulation and exercise, or these pups can become destructive and anxious at home.
Australian Cattle Dog
With a dense double coat, Australian cattle dogs shed twice a year, at the beginning of spring and fall. So, they might need more attention to their coat than other short-haired breeds on this list.
But even though weekly brushing will be sufficient the rest of the year, they should be brushed a couple of times a week during their shedding season, also known as “blowing their coats,” to remove any loose fur.
But other than that, these hardworking dogs are an intelligent and active dog breed, just not easy for an inexperienced dog owner. This short-haired dog breed will do best in homes that can provide enough attention to exercise their bodies and brains daily.
Puzzle games and agility or dog training sessions will be just as crucial as long walks and off-leash romps in the yard or dog park. If you have an Australian Cattle dog, this Adjustable Snuffle Mat from Amazon might be a fantastic new addition in your home!
Greyhound
Greyhounds make for some of the cleanest house dogs. The smooth coat sheds much less than many other short-haired dog breeds. In fact, it’s so light and close to the body that you may not even need to brush it. Just give this breed a good rubdown with a damp, soft towel, and they’re good as new!
Skilled at running 45 miles per hour or even more, the greyhound is best known for being the world’s fastest canine breed. But don’t let all that speed fool you.
As long as they get the chance to stretch their legs a bit every day in a safely enclosed area, they’re perfectly happy to lounge around the house the rest of the time. Italian greyhounds are a mini version with the same qualities and coat as their larger counterparts, including their calm nature.
Dalmatian
The Dalmatian hails from central Europe in an area onetime called Dalmatia, otherwise known today as Croatia! The short coat of this canine is delicate, dense, and glossy. This short-haired dog breed needs weekly grooming, although you should brush more often to cut down on hair in the house.
These dogs used to be coach dogs that ran alongside horse-drawn carriages to guard and calm the horses. They did the same job for horse-drawn fire engines. Muscular and fit, the Dalmatian has lots of stamina and a ton of energy, requiring lots of daily exercise.
Doberman Pinscher
Doberman pinschers or Dobies were bred in Germany by a tax collector whose name was Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman. The short-haired dog breed’s smooth coat is straightforward to care for.
A quick brush once a week is this dog needs. Dobermans are athletic and big and require a lot of exercise to be content and joyful. These loyal dogs are famous for their guarding abilities too.
They can look intimidating to outsiders, but with their families, the Doberman is very loving and respectful, especially to children.
Do you live with any of these short-haired dog breeds? If so, be sure to leave a comment to share your experiences. And if you liked this article, you might also enjoy: 9 Attention-Seeking Dog Breeds That Stick to You Like Glue
