Short-haired dog breeds are a great option for pet parents looking for a little less maintenance and a lot less hair.
Check out these short-haired dogs that are as soft and cuddly as their fluffy friends.
Short-haired dog breeds are the Basenji, Dachshund, Pug, Beagle, Great Dane, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Dalmatian.
Short-haired family dogs can be the perfect pup of choice for busy pet parents that are always on the go.
These cuddly canines generally have low-maintenance grooming needs that will keep you and your precious pooch from spending hours in line at the doggie parlor.
Most of the time a good old-fashioned comb-through followed by a nice, warm, bonding bath here and there will keep their coats looking healthy, clean, and in tip-top shape.
Some of these short-haired dogs are even hypoallergenic. This is a huge bonus for those that suffer from allergies due to the flying hair of their little bundles of cuteness.
So, if long, flowing locks and plenty of bonding time with the groomer are not your cup of tea, then you’ll fall in love with these short-haired cuties!
1. Basenji
If you’re hunting for an independent little buddy that loves to take on new adventures, is instinctively alert, and loves his family but doesn’t mind a little “me time”, then the bold Basenji may be the perfect pup for you.
Known as Africa’s “Barkless Dog”, these small short haired dog breeds are silly and clownlike, but confident and intelligent.
They prefer to speak their minds with a yodel-like sound instead of bellowing out a big old bark.
Even though Basenjis are crazy smart, they can be a little challenging to train. This is mainly because these independent little thinkers need to see the point in whatever you’re asking them to do.
And they need to agree with it.
These hilarious hounds are also curious, graceful, and poised with cat-like personalities.
They groom themselves just like their feline friends and don’t give off that “doggie aroma” that our precious pups will sometimes leave behind.
Basenjis have even been known to climb trees!
These low maintenance small short-haired dogs are low shedding and one of the easiest dogs to groom. They have a short, smooth coat that will only need brushing once a week.
In fact, most of the time a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth will do the trick.
Basenjis are well-balanced, have loads of patience, and are not easily upset. But they do prefer more quiet families and are not a fan of drama.
These mischievous, animated little creatures definitely have a mind of their own. Being a little smarter and a lot sneakier than they are will help you stay one step ahead of these adorable energizers!
Check out this post to learn more about these independent pups that love to keep you entertained!
2. Dachshund – Hound Dog Breeds
How can you say no to these adorable faces? Dachshunds, also called Doxies, are clever, lively, and entertaining. They have been a family favorite for years.
These brave babes were actually bred to hunt badgers. Their short, stocky legs enabled them to stay low to the ground in order to track scents, while their long and lean bodies helped them inch their way into burrows, looking for badgers.
But today, these short-haired family dogs are all about cuddling and going on adventures with their families.
Doxies are goofy and silly, but loving and devoted. Their affectionate personalities will win you over every time.
But these quiet dog breeds can also be serious little soldiers when giving you the low-down on what’s going on in the neighborhood.
Dachshunds have beautiful markings that include dapple, double dapple, piebald, brindle, brindle piebald, and sable.
These healthy small dog breeds are minimal shedders and low-maintenance cuties. They only require weekly brushing and a nice warm bath once a month.
Dachshunds thrive with pet parents that are retired or work from home. These scent hounds are sensitive little souls that love a structured routine and crave the company of their humans.
If you’re searching for an adorable pup that is the whole kit and caboodle wrapped up in a little wiener package, then the devoted Doxie may be the perfect housemate for you!
Want to learn more about the amazing coat patterns on these small short-haired dog breeds? Check out this post!
3. Pug – Small Short-Haired Dog Breeds
How would you like to wake up to this endearing face every morning? These zany little characters proudly display their signature squishy face that just screams “cuddle with me”.
These cuties from China were the “pup of choice” for Chinese emperors. In fact, they were originally bred to be lapdogs for Chinese royalty.
Pugs are social creatures that are charming, playful, and mischievous. They love their humans wholeheartedly and expect the same in return.
They make great roomies for seniors and retirees looking for a little canine companionship.
Pugs are people-pleasers with a comical sense of humor. They love entertaining and showing off for their families.
And as a Pug pet parent, you may need to have a little sense of humor yourself when it comes to the adorable sounds and smells that come from your chunky bundle of cuteness.
From wheezing and snoring to snorting and passing gas, these little fart bombs can sometimes pack a punch.
But in terms of love, devotion, and affection, you couldn’t ask for a more caring canine companion.
Grooming needs for these short-haired family dogs are extremely important but quite simple.
Pugs can be shedders so a good brushing of their coat every few days is needed. You will also want to bathe your bubbly babe every 3 weeks.
It’s also important to keep their facial wrinkles and ear flaps clean. A gentle wiping with a warm cloth daily should do the trick.
Check out this post for more on the precious Pug along with other affectionate small dog breeds!
4. Beagle – Hunting Dog Breeds
Beagles are hunting dogs at heart. Their adorable floppy ears and amazing noses work in perfect harmony when tracking prey.
When the ears of these scent hounds are completely extended out in typical Beagle fashion, they are able to connect with the end of their nose.
Their ears quickly catch scent particles and keep them in close contact with their nose, allowing the Beagle to take in as much information as possible.
Even their tails play an important role in the job duties of these trustworthy trackers.
The white tip at the end of their tail stands out against nature’s background so that hunters can see their location when following them while hunting for prey.
In ancient times, a modified version of the Beagle was bred in England, known as the “Pocket Beagle”.
Standing just under 9 inches tall, these tiny tots were small enough to fit into the pocket or saddle bags of hunters.
But due to genetic health issues, many Pocket Beagles had become extinct by the late 1800s.
Although Beagles are short-haired dogs, they have a dense double coat that will shed, especially in the winter.
Their water-resistant coats will need regular brushing every few days and a warm bath once a month.
Make sure to keep an eye on this curious creature. Beagles are guided by their nose and tend to roam, especially when they latch onto a scent and the hunt begins!
Can’t get enough of these adorable scent hounds? Check out our post on hound dog breeds!
5. Great Dane – Large Short-Haired Dogs
Known as the “Apollo of Dogs”, Great Danes are kind-hearted and easy-going. They tip the scales at around 200 pounds and can stand as tall as 34 inches.
It is rumored that these colossal canines were most likely bred from the Irish Wolfhound and the Old English Mastiff.
In medieval times, Great Danes were thought to have the power to ward off ghosts and evil spirits.
That’s right! These gentle giants were thought to have supernatural powers and were popular ghost-hunting companions because of their eerie ability to see and sense ghosts.
Ready for more?
Great Danes were also believed to protect people from nightmares, even sleeping beside the beds of their owners for “ghostly protection.”
The dream interpreters in the middle ages believed that if a Great Dane appeared in your dreams, it did so as a reminder to avoid being exploited, deceived, and controlled by others.
Great Danes were powerful hunters that were brave, physically strong, and incredibly quick. In fact, they were once used to take down wild boars in Europe in the 1800s.
But today, these gentle giants prefer a more leisurely and calm lifestyle with their families.
Lovingly called “leaners”, these big short-haired dogs seem entirely unaware of their massive size.
They will happily lean against you as a form of affection, or climb up into your lap, all snuggled in for a night with the family.
Great Danes are affectionate, graceful, loyal, and patient pups with laid-back personalities.
They are remarkable family dogs, as long as you are willing to sacrifice your personal space for the love of this massive but loving and devoted fur baby!
These large short-haired dogs need only weekly brushing to keep their coat glossy and healthy. But once shedding season comes around, your jolly giant will need daily brushing to keep the fur from flying.
Can dogs actually peer into the paranormal? This post will answer that question and so much more!
6. American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a Pitbull-type dog or “bully breed”. Once you can get passed the name, you’ll find an affectionate, loyal, and loving pup that adores his family.
These intelligent canines date back to 19th century England when terriers and Bulldogs were crossed by numerous breeders.
Also known as AmStaffs, these medium short-haired dog breeds are confident, good-natured, and faithful, and their loyalty is legendary.
The large head and powerful jaws of these protective dog breeds can be a little frightening, but thankfully their broad face usually bears an ear-to-ear grin followed by a short wagging tail.
In fact, the American Kennel Club (AKC) states that “a responsibly bred, well-socialized AmStaff is a loyal and trustworthy friend to the end”.
AmStaffs have single-layered wiry coats that are very short, low-maintenance, and very low-shedding.
Weekly brushing with a soft-bristled brush and an occasional warm bath are usually all these short-haired dogs need.
Also called Staffys, these sporty pups love mental and physical activities. They are at their best with vigorous daily exercise and a mind game or two to keep them sharp.
They are great housemates for experienced pet parents who are committed to early socialization and training.
But at the end of the day, the American Staffordshire Terrier is no different than any other affectionate and devoted dog.
And just like other pups, cuddling up on the couch next to his humans is what he loves and craves the most.
Check out more adorable dog behaviors that prove your pooch loves you!
7. Dalmatian – Short-Haired Dogs
We all knew this firehouse favorite would make our list of short-haired dog breeds.
Dalmatians have one of the most recognizable coats in the canine kingdom.
But when these unique pups are born, they are completely snow white, developing their trademark spots within their first 3 weeks. By the time they are one month old, most of their spots will be present.
And as these pups age, their spots will continue to grow and develop throughout the rest of their lives.
These distinctive dots, similar to fingerprints, are unique and one of a kind. No two Dalmatians will have the same number of spots or the same spot patterns.
Their spots cover their entire body, even their mouths!
These medium short-haired dog breeds are considered all-purpose pups. They have been used as trail hounds, retrievers, bird dogs, and even boar hunters.
But they are best known for their role as coaching dogs, later earning them the name “firehouse dogs.”
In the early days, Dalmatians would run alongside carriages, warding off stray dogs, guarding the coaches, and protecting the horses.
These job duties later developed into running behind fire trucks and keeping the horses calm during fire calls.
Known for their high energy levels, Dalmatians will thrive with active pet parents that love exercise as much as they do.
It doesn’t take a lot of work to keep this unique piebald coat looking its best.
Although daily brushing will minimize shedding and encourage clean, healthy coat growth, Dalmatians are generally clean canines so bathing is only necessary every 6 weeks.
Is a medium-sized dog breed the perfect pooch match for you? Then check out this post for more of these canine cuties!
Summing It All Up
Every pup requires a bit of upkeep. Bathing removes dirt, grime, and unrecognizable funk that your adorable bundle of cuteness rolls around in.
A good old washing also removes dead hair and hydrates the skin and coat, helping them feel clean, comfortable, and less itchy.
And even though your devoted little drama queen plays dead or gives you the stink eye when you’re chasing him down for his monthly spa day, just remember that, deep down, he appreciates it!
This post was all about beautiful short-haired dog breeds that are hassle-free, low-maintenance, and full of affection!
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