25 Best Dog Breeds With Short Hair We have the tea on 25 of the most popular, low-maintenance, short-haired dog breeds for the neat freak in all of us. If you don’t have a lot of time to groom your dog or prefer the look of breeds not overwhelmed by their coats, a short-haired dog may be perfect for you. They are easy to take care of, and, in several cases, hypoallergenic. With all this in mind, we have the tea on 25 of the most popular, low-maintenance, short-haired dog breeds for the neat freak in all of us. Italian Greyhound Getty Images If you’re looking for a medium-sized, spry dog that’s easy to care for, the Italian Greyhound is a perfect choice. They don’t possess the unmistakable dog smell or shed, and their hair is short enough that they don’t even need regular brushing. However, Italian Greyhounds need consistent bathing (from once a week to no more than every six weeks), nail trims and gland expression to keep them happy and healthy. Blow your dog dry to loosen any excess dirt, dander and hairs before bathing. Italian Greyhound Overview Getty Images Temperament: Playful, Sensitive, Alert Height: 13-15 inches Weight: 7-14 pounds Life Expectancy: 14-15 years * All breed information is sourced from the American Kennel Club. Boston Terrier Getty Images The Boston Terrier’s short hair is smooth and fine. They do shed, but you can keep this to a minimum with consistent brushing once a week with a soft-bristled brush or grooming mitt. Frequent brushing will also evenly distribute their natural oils across their coat. Bostons need to be bathed only occasionally, from once a month to every six weeks — unless they find a fun mess to get into, which they often do. Boston Terrier Overview Getty Images Temperament: Friendly, Bright, Amusing Height: 15-17 inches Weight: 12-25 pounds Life Expectancy: 11-13 years Miniature Pinscher Getty Images Mini Pins have hard, wiry coats. They are not the heaviest shedders in the canine kingdom, but they still lose plenty of hair, which you can keep under control with a weekly brushing routine. A monthly bath is all they need, but keep them warm throughout the experience. They hate being cold, which is evident in their shivers. Also, be careful of getting soap in their upright ears — if you do, rinse them thoroughly, so there’s no residue. Miniature Pinscher Overview Getty Images Temperament: Fearless, Fun-Loving, Proud Height: 10-12.5 inches Weight: 8-10 pounds Life Expectancy: 12-16 years Dalmatian Getty Images Spotty, wiry-haired Dalmatians shed a lot, so brush them three to four times a week outdoors to keep loose hairs at bay and out of your house. Dalmatians love to self-clean and have no distinct dog smell; therefore, they need only an occasional bath. Dalmatian ears are famous for infections, so check them once a week, and if necessary, clean the inside area of dirt and debris with a cotton ball and a gentle cleanser. Dalmatian Overview Getty Images Temperament: Dignified, Smart, Outgoing Height: 19-24 inches Weight: 45-70 pounds Life Expectancy: 11-13 years Whippet Getty Images This medium-sized powerhouse is one of the fastest breeds in dogdom and is an easy-to-care-for, affable best friend. This flat-coated dog sheds all-year long, so brushing them every few days is a must. Whippets can go up to two months before needing a full groom. Be sure to check their skin routinely, as they are prone to scrapes, tears and nicks. Whippet Overview Getty Images Temperament: Affectionate, Playful, Calm Height: 19-22 inches (male), 18-21 inches (female) Weight: 25-40 pounds Life Expectancy: 12-15 years Basenji Getty Images Basenjis are fastidiously clean and often groom themselves, much like cats do. However, they shed all-year long, so brush them at least once a week with a soft-bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt. This breed does not have a doggie smell, so you’re OK to wash your Basenji every month or two. Just make sure to do all extras necessary — regular nail clippings, ear cleaning, anal gland expression and teeth cleaning. Basenji Overview Getty Images Temperament: Independent, Smart, Poised Height: 17 inches (male), 16 inches (female) Weight: 24 pounds (male), 22 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 13-14 years Weimaraner Getty Images This quiet, happy breed has a beautiful coat of smooth, solid-colored hair in different gray shades and is one of the easiest dogs to keep clean, as dirt just doesn’t stick to their fur as it does other breeds. They do shed, though, so brush them regularly. You can make their coat shine by using a chamois towel. Weimaraners love to roll around in pretty much everything, especially if it smells, so bathe your pup as needed (which will probably be a lot!) Weimaraner Overview Getty Images Temperament: Friendly, Fearless, Obedient Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female) Weight: 70-90 pounds (male), 55-75 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 10-13 years Vizsla Getty Images Vizzies have no undercoat, so their grooming doesn’t take much time. They do shed a small amount, so brush them frequently to keep you and your home clean of dog hair. The Vizsla’s skin excretes an oil that keeps them supple and keeps bad smells at bay, so they can go a month or two without being bathed. When they do need a bath, place them in lukewarm water with quality pet soap to keep their sensitive skin from being irritated. Vizsla Overview Getty Images Temperament: Affectionate, Gentle, Energetic Height: 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female) Weight: 55-60 pounds (male), 44-55 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 12-14 years Boxer Getty Images The Boxer’s short, tight coat doesn’t require much grooming — a bath every few months with a mild dog shampoo will do the trick. Anything more could cause their skin to dry out. If your Boxer rolls around in something between grooming appointments, you can wipe them down with a damp washcloth to clean them off. Keep an eye on their ears, as they are prone to infections. Boxer Overview Getty Images Temperament: Bright, Fun-Loving, Active Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female) Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 50-65 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 10-12 years Rottweiler Getty Images Rotties are one of the few short-coated breeds that may require an occasional trim, as they do have areas of excessive hair growth on their body. If they aren’t comfortable with grooming, expend their energy before attempting it or send them to a reputable professional groomer. Brush their coat to remove matting regularly — Rottweilers shed profusely twice a year and may need more frequent brushing and baths at that time. Rottweiler Overview Getty Images Temperament: Loyal, Loving, Confident Guardian Height: 24-27 inches (male), 22-25 inches (female) Weight: 95-135 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 9-10 years Rhodesian Ridgeback Getty Images The Rhodesian Ridgeback was bred to withstand weather extremes, but they can still get sunburned or chilly, so take care to cover them and keep them out of the sun when you can. They shed moderately, and their skin is prone to debris and parasites (mainly when they are active), so brush them frequently with a slicker brush or a grooming mitt to keep them healthy and your home hair-free. You never have to cut your dog’s fur to create those signature whorls on their back — those are all-natural! Rhodesian Ridgeback Overview Getty Images Temperament: Affectionate, Dignified, Even-Tempered Height: 25-27 inches (male), 24-26 inches (female) Weight: 85 pounds (male), 70 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 10 years Neopolitan Mastiff Getty Images A healthy Neopolitan’s hair should be no longer than an inch and should feel smooth to the touch, so brush your dog once a week to stay on top of shedding. Mastiffs have hanging facial skin with folds and wrinkles. When bathing them, make sure that extra skin is always dry and clean to prevent infection, and wipe them down daily with a damp cloth to remove debris (like food particles) that may be found inside. Neopolitan Mastiff Overview Getty Images Temperament: Loyal, Dignified, Watchful Height: 26-31 inches (male), 24-29 inches (female) Weight: 150 pounds (male), 110 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 7-9 years Great Dane Getty Images This gentle giant requires regular grooming to keep them healthy. Depending upon how active your Dane is, a bath every six to eight weeks is appropriate. Brush them frequently to keep shedding down, and before bathing, remove any loose hairs with a blowdryer or slicker brush. You can also comb their coat before bathtime to get rid of any excess hair. A post-bath hydrating spray will keep your dog’s fur shiny and skin supple. Great Dane Overview Getty Images Temperament: Friendly, Patient, Dependable Height: 30-32 inches (male), 28-30 inches (female) Weight: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 7-10 years Bloodhound Getty Images We won’t kid you — Bloodhounds are shedders and do acquire a dog smell if they’re left ungroomed for too long. As scent hounds, they were bred to be low to the ground with flaps, wrinkles, long ears and heavy lips, which produce plenty of drool. Consistent baths are mandatory, and more than one bath in a grooming session is possible. Go light on fragrances in shampoo or other products, as Bloodhound noses are overly sensitive. Bloodhound Overview Getty Images Temperament: Friendly, Independent, Inquisitive Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female) Weight: 90-110 pounds (male), 80-100 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 10-12 years Beagle Getty Images The Beagle’s coat is meant to repel dirt and grime, but while they may look clean, they need a consistent grooming routine to stay healthy. Give them regular baths at the three-week mark. They accumulate oils excreted by their body, and these, combined with dead hairs falling into their coat, trap a scent you won’t find pleasurable. Their large ear flaps are also a breeding ground for bacteria and dirt, so keep them clean with a little ear cleaner on a cotton ball weekly. Beagle Overview Getty Images Temperament: Friendly, Curious, Merry Height: 13 inches and under, 13-15 inches Weight: under 20 pounds (13 inches and under), 20-30 pounds (13-15 inches) Life Expectancy: 10-15 years Bull Terrier Getty Images Bull Terriers are prone to infections and allergies. To keep your dog’s skin in the best health possible, use a gentle shampoo, and don’t over-groom. This breed sheds twice a year and needs more brushing and bathing at that time. But when they’re not shedding, a once-a-week brushing and wipe down with a damp cloth will do, with larger grooming sessions every four to six weeks. Bull Terrier Overview Getty Images Temperament: Playful, Charming, Mischievous Height: 21-22 inches Weight: 50-70 pounds Life Expectancy: 12-13 years Chihuahua Getty Images Easy and quick to groom, the Chihuahua is small enough to wash in a bathroom sink! A weekly brushing and a monthly bath routine do this low- maintenance breed perfectly fine. However, Chihuahua’s are little balls of stress. Before attempting a bath, nail trim or any grooming at all, learning how to handle your pup safely will keep you from being bitten and keep your dog’s health in tip-top shape. Sometimes, Chihuahuas never get used to grooming, so you may want to hire a pro when the time comes. Chihuahua Overview Getty Images Temperament: Charming, Graceful, Sassy Height: 5-8 inches Weight: Not exceeding 6 pounds Life Expectancy: 14-16 years French Bulldog Getty Images With a short, fine, smooth coat, Frenchies require little maintenance to keep them happy and healthy. They don’t shed much either, so you only need to brush them once a week. A monthly or bi-monthly grooming session is all a Frenchie needs, although the verdict is still out on which it should be. A good rule of thumb is to go by their scent. Clean the flaps and folds on their face with a damp washcloth before drying them thoroughly, as the area is prone to growing red yeast. French Bulldog Overview Getty Images Temperament: Adaptable, Playful, Smart Height: 11-13 inches Weight: Up to 28 pounds Life Expectancy: 10-12 years Harrier Getty Images One of the rarer short-haired breeds, the Harrier’s needs are much like a Beagle’s — they look almost identical to the Beagle but are larger and more powerful hunters. A Harrier’s glossy coat needs little maintenance outside of weekly brushing to keep their shedding to a minimum and an every-few-weeks bath to keep their doggie scent appealing. They, too, have floppy ears that attract debris, so you should also routinely check and clean them. Harrier Overview Getty Images Temperament: Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented Height: 19-21 inches Weight: 45-60 pounds Life Expectancy: 12-15 years German Shorthaired Pointer Getty Images German Shorthaired Pointers are flat-coated and low maintenance. However, brushing their double-layered coats three to four times a week will save you from rooms full of dog hair during shedding seasons. Bathe Pointers only when they need it — if you do it too much, you can strip their coat of natural oils, causing their skin excess dryness. German Shorthaired Pointer Overview Getty Images Temperament: Friendly, Smart, Willing to Please Height: 23-25inches (male), 21-23 inches (female) Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 10-12 years Pug Getty Images Pugs are the dog world’s clowns, and pug people are a breed all their own, but be forewarned — pugs are BIG TIME shedders. They have a double coat, which protects them from extremes in temperature. You should brush your pug frequently (outside, if you can) to keep the inside of your home hair-free. Pugs also have deep folds and wrinkles that have to be kept clean and dry at all times and have a strong odor that will let you know when they need a bath, anal gland expression or ear maintenance. Pug Overview Getty Images Temperament: Charming, Mischievous, Loving Height: 10-13 inches Weight: 14-18 pounds Life Expectancy: 13-15 years Rat Terrier Getty Images The adorable Rat Terrier has a coat of dense, glossy hair in many color combinations with the common denominator of white fur. This pup will need weekly brushings most of the year, but in times of heat, whelping, and in the spring and fall, they’ll need it more frequently, as their shedding will increase. Baths should be on an “as needed” basis. Keep their ears clean — as they are prone to odor and infection. Rat Terrier Overview Getty Images Temperament: Friendly, Inquisitive, Lovable Height: 10-13 inches (miniature), 13-18 inches (standard) Weight: 10-25 pounds Life Expectancy: 12-18 years Saluki Getty Images The Saluki is a generally easy-to-groom breed that needs a light brushing every few days to keep their coat shiny and smooth — a grooming glove will even do the trick in removing the occasional loose hairs. If your dog is the feathered variety of Saluki (more common than those with shorter hair), there will be extra tufts of fur in certain places like their ears and tail, both of which need frequent brushing to avoid matting. Luckily, they don’t need to be bathed often — Salukis are fastidious and avoid messes overall. Saluki Overview Getty Images Temperament: Gentle, Dignified, Independent-Minded Height: 23-28 inches (male), considerably smaller (female) Weight: 40-65 pounds Life Expectancy: 10-17 years Xoloitzcuintli Getty Images The Xoloitzcuintli’s hair is so short and sparse that they’re practically bald! If they happen to have enough hair to brush, groom it every few days, but if not, all they need is to be wiped down with a damp cloth daily. A once-a-week bath with a gentle shampoo won’t hurt either. The Xoloitzcuintli is prone to acne — whatever you put on their skin should be safe and formulated for dogs without harsh, allergy-causing ingredients. This dog will also need sunscreen, so ask your vet’s office what they recommend. Xoloitzcuintli Overview Getty Images Temperament: Loyal, Alert, Calm Height: 10-14 inches (toy), 13-18 inches (miniature), 18-23 inches (standard) Weight: 10-15 pounds (toy), 15-30 pounds (miniature), 30-55 pounds (standard) Life Expectancy: 13-18 years English Bulldog Getty Images The short-haired breed has odor issues due to their facial folds, which need to be kept dry and clean. The Bulldog sheds a LOT. Brush them outside, preferably on a grooming table, as their weight may make maneuvering them harder and uncomfortable for them. A high-quality metal brush used two to three times a week will keep your pup’s coat glossy and free from trapped hair. Bathe them about every six weeks, or contact a professional for grooming sessions. English Bulldog Overview Getty Images Temperament: Friendly, Courageous, Calm Height: 14-15 inches Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female) Life Expectancy: 8-10 years
