Do you live in a warm climate? Or maybe you don’t have the time to commit to daily grooming sessions? If these describe you, a short-haired dog may be the perfect fit.
The term short-haired dog refers to a wide variety of breeds that share one trait: They have relatively short hair. While the hair length varies from breed to breed, all short-haired dogs will require less grooming than their long-haired counterparts.
What are the benefits of owning a short-haired dog?
1. Low Maintenance Grooming
Short-haired dogs don’t require as much grooming as long-haired dogs. This means you won’t have to spend as much time brushing and bathing your dog, and you’ll save money on professional grooming bills.
2. Reduced Shedding
Short-haired dogs also tend to shed less than long-haired dogs. This is because they have less loose hair to shed in the first place. If you’re allergic to dog hair or just don’t like finding tufts of fur around your house, a short-haired breed may be a better choice for you.
3. Ideal for Active Dogs
Short-haired dogs are also a good choice for active dogs or those who live in warmer climates. Their short coat keeps them cool in the summer heat and doesn’t get in the way when running and playing.
4. Comes in a Variety of Breeds
There are many short-haired dog breeds to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that fits your lifestyle and personality. From small breeds like the Chihuahua to large breeds like the Labrador Retriever, there’s a short-haired dog for everyone.
Top 20 Short-Haired Dog Breeds:
Now that you know the benefits of owning a short-haired dog let’s look at the most popular short-haired breeds.
1. Affenpinscher:
Affenpinscher, also called the “monkey terrier,” is a small, short-medium-haired breed from Germany. These dogs are known for their monkey-like faces and their playful personalities. Affenpinschers make excellent companion dogs and do well in apartments.
Their wiry coat is black, gray, or silver and does not require a lot of grooming. The Affenpinscher is an active breed that needs daily exercise.
2. American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a dog breed originally bred in the United States for use in Animal-baiting. This practice has now been outlawed, but APBT remains a popular breed. The APBT is a very muscular and athletic dog and is one of the most popular breeds in the United States.
The short, smooth coat of the APBT is easy to groom and requires little maintenance. This breed is an active dog that needs daily exercise. This breed is recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) but not the American Kennel Club (AKC).
3. American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff) is a dog breed developed in the United States from crosses between the English Staffordshire Bull Terrier and various other terriers. The Amstaff is a large, muscular dog with a short, thick coat. They are loyal and protective dogs that make great family pets.
Some Amstaffs are also used as working dogs in various roles such as law enforcement, security, and search and rescue. The short coat of the Amstaff is easy to groom and requires little maintenance.
4. Australian Cattle Dog
The Australian Cattle Dog (ACD) is a short-haired, blue, or red speckled breed developed in Australia for herding cattle. These dogs are intelligent and versatile and make excellent working dogs. These breeds are cautious and reserved around strangers but are loyal and affectionate with their families.
They need a great deal of an experienced owner who can provide firm, consistent training.
5. Beagle
The Beagle is a small, short-haired breed of dog originally bred in England for rabbits hunting. These dogs are known for their distinctively shaped heads and long, drooping ears. Beagles are friendly and pleasant dogs that make great family pets. Beagles have an average lifespan of 10-15 years.
When properly trained and exercised, Beagles are obedient and gentle dogs. However, they are also stubborn and hard to housebreak. Beagles require a lot of exercise and training to make them good pets.
6. Boston Terrier
Boston Terrier is a short-haired dog breed originating in the United States. They are also sometimes called “American Gentleman.” Boston Terriers are small and compact with short tails and erect ears.
The coat is fine, short, and smooth. They come in black, brindle, seal, or white, all with white markings.
Boston Terriers are gentle and affectionate dogs that make great companions. They are also intelligent and easily trained. Boston Terriers are good watchdogs and do not require a lot of exercise.
7. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a short-haired dog breed originating in Mexico. They are the smallest dog breed and come in various colors, including black, brown, cream, and white. Chihuahuas have large, pointy ears and long tails.
Chihuahuas are loyal and loving and make great companion dogs. They are also relatively easy to train. They are one of the longest-lived dog breeds, with a 14-20 years lifespan.
8. Pug
The Pug is a short-haired dog breed originating in China. Pugs are small dogs with wrinkled faces, flat noses, and curly tails. They have a fine, glossy coat that comes in various colors, most often fawn or black. Pugs are known for being sociable and loving companions.
Their temperament is often described as cheerful, charming, and mischievous. Pugs are fantastic pets for families with children. They are also friendly with other dogs and animals. Check out the pug and beagle mix dog breed.
9. Dachshund:
The Dachshund is a short-legged, long-bodied hound and a popular dog breed. The standard size was initially developed to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, while the miniature was bred to hunt rabbits.
Dachshunds have various coat colors and patterns. This includes a dapple coat when the dog has a patchwork of colors. The standard colors are red, black and tan, and brindle.
They are also known as “wiener dogs” because of their elongated body shape. Dachshunds are playful, curious, and bold. They can also be stubborn and tenacious. Training them requires patience and consistency.
10. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog, also called the Frenchie, is a small dog breed. They result from a cross between toy Bulldogs imported from England and local ratters in Paris during the 1800s. They were popular among the upper and working classes, with many famous people owning them.
They have a muscular body, a short coat, and a large head with bat-like ears. This breed comes in many colors, but brindle, fawn, and cream are the most common.
French Bulldogs are very friendly and make great companions. They usually do not require much exercise and are content to lounge around the house.
11. Greyhound:
The Greyhound is a tall, slender breed of dog originally bred for racing and coursing. These sighthound dogs can run up to 45 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.
The large scale of commercial greyhound racing has led to the adoption of thousands of these dogs as pets.
Greyhounds are loving and gentle dogs that make great companions. They are also relatively easy to train. However, they need a lot of exercises and should not be left alone for long periods of time.
12. Whippet
The Whippet is a beautiful, sleek dog that is built for speed. Although they are short-haired, they do shed moderately. They resemble a small Italian greyhound image credit and are in the sighthound family. Whippets have a short, smooth coat that is easy to groom.
Their coat is typically black, blue, fawn, or cream-colored with white markings. The Whippet is a gentle and loving companion that is great with children and other pets. They need exercise and love to run, making them an excellent choice for active families.
13. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier is a compact breed of dog. They were initially bred for fox hunting in England. Jack Russels are known for their high energy level and strong prey drive. Jack Russells have a white coat with black or brown markings.
The Jack Russell Terrier is a friendly, loving dog that is great with children. They are also very intelligent and easily trained. However, they need a lot of exercise and can be destructive if left alone for too long.
14. Weimaraner:
The Weimaraner is another large breed of dog originally bred in Germany. The name Weimaraner comes from the city of Weimar, where these dogs were first developed.
Weimaraners are known for their sleek, elegant appearance and loyal, affectionate nature. They are famous for families with children, as they are good with kids and have a lot of energy. They need exercise and training to stay happy and healthy.
15. Great Dane:
The Great Dane is a large German breed of domestic dog known for its tallest body. The record holder for the tallest Dane ever is Zeus, measuring 111.8 cm (44.0 in) from paw to shoulder. Great Danes are one of the world’s tallest dog breeds.
They are gentle giants and are patient and loving with children. They require daily exercise but are relatively low energy compared to other large breeds. Great Danes make great family pets and watchdogs.
16. Boxer:
The Boxer is a medium-sized, short-haired breed developed in Germany. Its coat is soft and tightly fitting, with a fawn or brindle coloration, and may have some white markings all over it.
Boxers are brachycephalic (they have a broad, short skull), they are square-muzzled, have a mandibular prognathism (an underbite), their jaws are very strong, and their bites are mighty.
The boxer was originally bred as a working dog for hunting and bull-baiting and later became a famous guard dog. Due to their loyal and protective nature, boxers are often used as police dogs, military dogs, and guard dogs for private citizens.
17. Doberman Pinscher:
The Doberman Pinscher, or simply Doberman, is a medium-large breed of domestic dog originally developed around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector from Germany. The coat is short, thick, and hard, with a black facial mask.
Doberman Pinschers are known to be intelligent, alert, and tenacious. They are courageous and fearless and considered very loyal to their owners and excellent guard dogs. The Doberman pinscher is often confused with the Miniature Pinscher.
18. Rottweiler:
The Rottweiler is a large domestic breed originating from Germany. They were initially bred as working dogs, and their size and strength made them ideal for herding livestock and pulling carts. They are still used for working dogs in many different capacities but are also popular pets.
Rotties are loyal and protective, making them excellent guard dogs. They are affectionate with their families and are great with children. However, they can resist strangers, so socialization is essential from a young age.
19. Dalmatian:
Dalmatians are one of the recognizable dog breeds, thanks to their unique black-and-white spotted coats. They are a medium-sized breed that originated in Dalmatia, a region in Croatia.
Dalmatians are known for their high energy level and playful nature. They are also very intelligent and trainable. However, they can be stubborn sometimes and need firm but gentle training.
These low-maintenance dogs are just as friendly and active as their long-haired counterparts and make great family pets.
20. Vizsla:
The Vizsla is a Hungarian breed of dog, one of Hungary’s oldest and most popular breeds. The coat is short, smooth, and dense, with colors ranging from golden rust to deep red-brown.
They are known due to their loyalty, affection, and trainability. Vizslas are also active and require a great deal of exercise.
These dogs are recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club group 1 and American Kennel Club. They make great family dogs and are good with children but may be too energetic for very young children. Vizslas require regular grooming and shedding.
Conclusion:
The best thing about short-haired dogs is that they are very versatile. You can use these dogs for different purposes, such as hunting, tracking, and even service animals. Short-haired dogs are also relatively easy to groom and care for.
However, it is essential to note that short haired dogs shed more than their long-haired counterparts. Short-haired dogs make great pets for active families and individuals looking for a versatile, low-maintenance companion.
