When it comes to choosing a dog to have at home, many of us go down the route of choosing shorter haired dogs. Dogs without the long haired nature of other breeds can be easier to look after and care for. They can easily be easier to maintain without the same build-up or hair. If you want a dog that can sit on the sofa without leaving it looking like they have just been shaved, you want one of the various short haired dog breeds out there!
The problem you might run into when choosing, though, is the sheer variety of short haired dog breeds out there. The number of shorter haired dogs is massive. So you cannot just walk into a dog store or a kennel and ask for a short haired dog – your question will be met with one simple question: which type?
Short haired dog breeds come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. To help you work out what you are dealing with, we highly recommend you start with the following information.
Why should I choose short haired dog breeds?
For one, they are easier to groom and care for. The shorter hair means that they do not have the same requirements for constant grooming. At the same time, they can also be tremendous for those who want a dog that needs less management. Shorter haired breeds of dogs tend to be less specific when it comes to things like bathing, so you can find their general care is much easier.
Also, these dogs tend to be less likely to be a problem for those with allergens. If you love the idea of owning a dog but find you are allergenic, specific short haired dog breeds can be a suitable alternative. The most common reason, though, is the ease of ownership. Shorter haired breeds do not need the same level of personal care. You do not have to worry so much about their fur getting matted or tangled in bushes or tree branches, for example.
In short, they are simply an easier kind of dog to look after. They come without the same extensive care requirements and stresses. As such, they can be generally much easier to keep in top condition. Grooming is quicker and simpler, and everything, in general, is easier. What, though, are the best short haired dog breeds?
The most common and appreciated short haired dog breeds
Great Dane
First on our list is arguably among the most popular of the short haired dog breeds. These dogs are famed for their large size, easily exceeding 30” in size and well over 100lbs in weight. So, they are large and powerful canines but they are not by any means dangerous. Calm and reflective around children, the Great Dane only springs into action when it is actually needed.
They need a walk or two per day and this gives them enough of the moderate but consistent exercise they demand. Trained from a young age, they make perfect family dogs.
Labrador
Another must-include on this list of short haired dog breeds, the Labrador is a wonderful pet. They are good dogs if you can give them the energy they need, and they are intelligent enough to take to more or less any kind of training. If you are looking for a dog that you know is going to give you lots of time and love, you will find that the Lab is one of the best on the market.
They are also great for those who have pools or live near water, as they love to be in the water.
Rottweiler
Keeping up with the more recognizable names, the Rottweiler is a must-include. They can easily exceed 100lbs in weight so they can be quite hefty, big dogs.
However, when brought up properly, a Rottweiler is nothing but a gentle and kind dog. They were originally working dogs, used to pull carts and help move cattle around, so they retain that discipline and hard-working nature. They need to be trained quite a lot, and usually can be converted to your cause with some intelligent use of food.
They make tremendous dogs, though, and are excellent for those looking for a short-haired companion.
Dalmatian
These big spotted dogs have a long history of being used in fire stations, but they are mostly noted for their calming nature. These are not, though, the best short haired dog breed for those without plenty of space for them to roam. Dalmatians love lots of exercise, and regular amounts of it, so if you have it stuck indoors all day it can get quite frustrated without enough time spent being physically active.
If you are young and looking for a companion that will happily come with you on just about any outdoors journey, though, the Dalmatian is an absolute must-own.
Pug
Though Pug dogs are becoming less common due to the well-noted problems they can have in life, they are amazing toy dogs. These little dogs are known for their short hair, but they do need more grooming than other short haired dogs due to the wrinkles that form on their face.
These are also dogs that do not handle hot weather very well at all. We recommend avoiding owning a Pug if you live in one of the hotter US states. If you do get a pug in warm weather, make sure they are given every possible opportunity to cool down.
Mastiff
The Mastiff is known as being a very dog, easily hitting around 30” in size and exceeding 200lbs in weight when possible. They are incredibly big dogs, but their short coats make them surprisingly easy to care for and to groom.
They only need a few walks per day to keep them happy and in a safe weight condition. They are protective dogs, too, but they never turn to aggression or violence unless they are absolutely forced to. In general, the Mastiff makes a tremendous canine companion. Despite the short coat, though, they do shed more than most on this list.
Dachshund
Adorable and small at around 9” in size maximum, the Dachshund is one breed of dog that is very easy to fall in love with. Their hilariously long little bodies paired with wide, long necks make them very distinctive canines. They are great dogs to have around the place for sure and can be the kind of canine companion that becomes one that your family has been around for years.
They are ideal watchdogs, in that they are very intelligent and alert. If someone breaks into your property, the Dachshund will notice them before they can get in!
Boxer
Next on our list of short haired dog breeds would be the Boxer. Easy to care for in terms of grooming, the main challenge with a Boxer is getting it to adapt to your way of life. Given they are working dogs historically they have lots of energy and stamina. You need to find ways to give them the exercise they desire because a Boxer can become quite moody if they are forced to live a sedentary life.
If you want a dog that puts plenty of miles in and would make a good walking companion, though, the Boxer ranks high on our list.
Vizsla
These dogs are not as common in America as they are elsewhere, but they are great dogs in general. We love the Vizsla breed because they are so similar to other running and hinting dogs. The Weimaraner, which we mention below, is a dog with a lot of similarities in terms of personality to the Vizsla.
They are good dogs to have around the place and can retain their agility and their desire to run around well into their senior years. Their coats are naturally easy to care for and retain their look and grandeur effortlessly, making Vizsla’s great dogs to care for if you are short on time.
Whippet
Adorable in the extreme, the Whippet is the ultimate companion dog for many people. They have been around for years, and hold many comparisons to the Greyhound. They are a mix between the Italian Greyhound and the normal Greyhound. The end result is a short haired dog that looks great, is extremely kind and gentle, and has surprisingly low energy levels.
This makes them great if you want a dog that can handle life in an apartment. If you are out of the house a lot and/or you want a low-maintenance dog, the Whippet should be high-up on your list.
Weimaraner
These large-ish dogs can reach around 27” in size, but they are usually quite easy dogs to look out for. They are Germanic hunting dogs that have a long history of being used in hunting, so they are naturally big and athletic canines who can get about the place with ease. That short coat is typically in a rich grey kind of color, but you can find these dogs in various color schemes and styles.
If you want a family dog that needs lots of walks and exercise, the Weimaraner is one of the best options to consider today.
Boston Terrier
Moving into animals most associated with places, the Boston Terrier is one of the premium short haired dog breeds. They are great to be around as they are so gentle and kind, and they tend to be very easy to deal with for people of all ages. They are charismatic and endearing dogs, but they are also great for those with young children who need lots of energy and entertainment to keep them happy.
Ideal dogs if you can commit enough walking and play-time on a daily basis.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Though quite rare in the United States, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is growing in popularity elsewhere in the world. These are quite large dogs and can be a good choice for those who want a dog that looks imposing whilst being caring and friendly. They are suitable for people who spend a lot of time outside, so if you travel a lot of or you can commit many hours to the outdoors you should add one of these dogs to your list.
They are great dogs to have around but need to be strictly trained from a young age.
French Bulldog
Famed among the short haired dog breeds¸ French Bulldogs make wonderful dogs if you want something that isn’t too physically driven. They only need one or two short walks per day; they instead prefer to keep much of their energy for playing around and having fun with their owners and friends.
They are joyful and caring little dogs who are good around kids. They are the ideal companion dog, too, if you are looking for a canine friend to bring into your life when you just need something to keep you optimistic overall.
Italian Greyhound
Last on our list, the Italian Greyhound is not as well known as some of its cousins. They are related to the typical Greyhound, but they do have their own personalities and styles. Unlike other Greyhounds, they need far less exercise, and their coats are always nice and short.
However, they are also very calm and relaxing dogs. Others can find Greyhounds to be quite energetic and maddening to try and keep up with; the Italian version is far more reflective and calm by comparison. They are, though, quite injury-prone so try to keep that in mind.
Which short haired dog breed is right for you?
Armed with all of the information above, you should now take the time to look into each short haired breed listed. You can find out more about them in terms of cost, temperament, and personality. Then, you can make sure that there will be no problems down the line with regard to your dog’s health, well-being, or fit at home.
As you can see, though, there are many short haired dog breeds to pick from. This list only scratches the surface, also!