For those of us that love dogs but aren’t fans of endless shedding phases or grooming sessions, shorthaired dog breeds might be our perfect match. These pooches come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, from uber-popular Labradors to sassy French Bulldogs. They’re low-maintenance in terms of fur, which means more time for belly rubs and fun-and-games, and less time dealing with tangles and mats. Short-haired pups bring all the joy without the extra fluff.
But it doesn’t stop there! For those seeking something even more minimalist, hairless dog breeds offer the ultimate in low-maintenance care. These dogs have sleek, smooth skin instead of fur – with just the occasional puff on the head – making them an interesting option for anyone who wants a unique pet.
So, whether you’re after a popular breed with a shiny coat or a one-of-a-kind hairless dog, there’s a shorthaired breed out there to cater to all canine tastes.
32 shorthaired dog breeds
1. Beagle
Beagles are demanding in lots of ways, particularly their energy levels, but when it comes to grooming, they’re low maintenance. While they have good insulation against the elements thanks to their double coat, it’s short and smooth. However, they are shedders, so expect those short hairs to appear in the molting phases.
2. Boxer
One fact about boxers is that they have a smooth, shiny coat that sits tightly on the body and requires minimal grooming. They’re also clean creatures so require only occasional baths. For the owner, very little effort for a smart and glossy dog.
3. English Bulldog
There are many things that seem excessive in the English Bulldog – they snore, wheeze, drool, and have copious folds of skin. However, when it comes to their coat, it’s short, fine and soft, requiring very little brushing. But don’t forget to wipe their wrinkles.
4. French Bulldog
It is possible to find long-haired French Bulldogs, but they are not standard. The ideal model of this companion dog has loose skin, covered by fine, short hair – producing a beautifully glossy, smooth coat.
5. Dalmatian
The striking coat of these spotted dogs is more noteworthy for its pattern than its length. In fact, Dalmations can be long-haired, but this is a recessive gene so the majority have short hair. Either way, the coin-sized black spots on a sparkling white background turn heads wherever they go.
6. Smooth-haired Dachshund
Like many breeds, there are smooth, long, and wiry haired dog breed versions of the dachshund – whether it’s a standard, miniature, or rabbit-sized variety. The smooth has very short and dense hair, typically with a lovely shine to it. This is the low-maintenance version, with minimal bathing and grooming required. No mud sticks on this plucky hound!
7. Doberman Pinscher
These loyal guardians have very short, glistening hair with an almost imperceptible undercoat, if at all. Their sleekness means they don’t thrive in arctic conditions but on the plus side, Doberman Pinschers are low to moderate shedders and require minimal grooming.
8. Great Dane
With this much dog, it’s just as well the Great Dane has a short, sleek coat – as although it doesn’t shed a lot, that still adds up to a lot of loose hair.
Long-haired Great Danes are in existence but they are rare.
9. Greyhound
Pure-bred greyhounds have sleek, short coats – adding to their aerodynamic physique. Although there are other long-haired “greyhound” types, such as the Borzoi and Afghan Hound, that can run like the wind, the archetypal greyhound has short, low-shedding fur.
10. Rat Terrier
This American breed has short, thick fur that needs little grooming and bathing. Several breeds are likely to have influenced the Rat Terrier but the Smooth Fox Terrier plays a major part in pedigrees and has passed on its short coat.
11. Jack Russell Terrier
There are three types of Jack Russell: smooth, broken, and rough. All are shedders and double-coated. The smooth has no traceof hair on the head, face, legs, or body. While it is short and flat, it retains the hardy coarseness of the breed to provide protection from inclement weather.
12. Labrador Retriever
A Labrador Retriever’s coat is richly colored, double-layered and dense, but it is typically short. Unlike the longer coats of the Golden and Flat Coat Retriever, the Labrador has short, weather-resistant, and sleek fur. Easy coat maintenance is just one of the many reasons to love Labradors.
13. German Shorthaired Pointer
The clue is in the name. This short, flat-coated breed has stunning liver fur, often with white ticking or spotting. While it looks smooth and chic, this is a powerful working dog that will take on any physical condition.
14. Pug
Pugs have short, glossy coats that don’t require too much upkeep. However, they are fairly heavy shedders and can be a touch on the smelly side, so don’t neglect the weekly grooming session.
15. Rhodesian Ridgeback
While the breed’s hallmark is their reverse stripe of hair growing down their spine, their smooth, glossy and richly colored red (technically wheaten) coat is another definitive feature. Hailing from Zimbabwe originally, where the climate is warm and temperate, they didn’t need a thick woolly coat as they worked hard tracking game under the hot African sun.
16. Rottweiler
Rottweilers have a short, lustrous black double coat with rust-colored markings. Their glossy coat is dense and waterproof, giving protection from the elements. They may have slightly longer hair on the forelegs and upper thighs of the hindlegs. A genetic fault can give rise to some Rotties having longer, wavy hair all over, but this is not typical of the breed.
17. Vizsla
Another name for this sleek and slinky breed is the Hungarian short-haired pointer and it’s easy to see why as they bear much resemblance to their German cousins. There are wire-haired Viszlas too, but the short-haired are more common, with their straight and shiny fur almost feeling greasy to the touch. However, though these russet beauties may be fast and energetic working dogs, with their minimal coats they do tend to feel the cold.
18. Weimaraner
Long-haired versions of this German hunting dog do exist, but the stunning short-haired version is by far the most popular as the long is a recessive gene. The shorts are renowned for their silvery sleek coat, adding to their impression of grace and elegance.
19. Whippet
The short and fine coat of the whippet does little to protect this fragile but playful dog from skin injuries. They have neither much fur nor fatty insulation covering their slender limbs, but that doesn’t stop them from tearing around at a rate of knots!
20. Italian Greyhound
This petite and slender sighthound has short, satiny hair with barely noticeable shedding, though not considered hypoallergenic. They are fastidiously clean and sweet-smelling – just need a wipe every now and then. But bear in mind that with their tiny size, minimal body fat, and very short coat, they have very little natural insulation so they usually require a coat in cold weather and a cozy place to sleep.
21. Sloughi
Like many sleek and speedy sighthounds, the Sloughi has a short, fine coat. While the very similar Saluki can have feathered ears and legs, the Sloughi is smooth all over. They can develop an undercoat in winter but tend to lack natural insulation. They hail originally from the deserts of North Africa and as such do not require the warming properties of subcutaneous fat or thick fur.
22. Basset Hound
One fact about basset hounds is that they typically have short, smooth, close hair over a delightfully supple and wrinkled coat. While their feet and ears are large, there is no feathering. The time you’ll save on grooming a basset hound’s coat (which does shed profusely), you’ll spend cleaning their ears and wiping their folds.
23. Foxhound
Foxhounds are demanding in many respects. They need hours of daily exercise, plenty of mental stimulation and they bark (or bay) at the slightest provocation. However, when it comes to grooming, their requirements are minimal. Their handsome patchy coats are short and durable, with a coarse texture to protect them from scratches as they power through the undergrowth.
24. Bloodhound
These outstanding – yet slightly goofy – scent hounds have short, dense coats which protect them from both weather and undergrowth as they follow their extraordinary noses. Pay attention to keeping a bloodhound’s folds clean and free from debris, but the coat upkeep is straightforward.
25. Bull Terrier
This jaunty dog has a short, flat, stiff coat which despite its fine gloss is coarse to the touch. Unlike bulldogs, this terrier has a close-fitting coat without wrinkles. They tend to grow an undercoat in the colder months.
26. Belgian Malinois
These impressive-looking dogs have short, weatherproof coats that are easy to take care of, despite a dense undercoat. The hair does grow slightly longer around their necks and on the tail, but overall it is very short. Meanwhile, the four other varieties of Belgian Shepherd Dog breeds – Groenendael, Laekenois, and Tervueren – have long or wiry coats.
27. American Bulldog
While the American Bulldog sheds all year round, their coats are very short, stiff, and smooth, so grooming is low-maintenance. Although the American is descended from the English Bulldog, they have much less abundant wrinkles than their British cousins.
28. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xolo – or Mexican Hairless Dog – has no hair, just tough, smooth and tight skin. However, there is a coated variety, with very short, flat fur. Bear in mind that these hairless pooches may need sunscreen in summer and extra insulation in winter due to their lack of natural protection.
29. American Hairless Terrier
Like many so-called hairless breeds, the American Hairless Terrier also comes in a coated variety. If there is fur, it’s short, shiny and minimal. Although the Hairless may suffer sunburn or from the cold in extreme weather – without additional protection – they are the perfect pooch for those families with pet allergies.
30. Peruvian Inca Orchid
This elegant sighthound is typically hairless but can be coated. Its skin or fur can be any color, and maybe flecked or spotted. Similar in vibe to a whippet or greyhound (they come in three sizes), this is an affectionate yet graceful companion dog, with the added bonus of being as hypoallergenic as they come.
31. Pharaoh Hound
Sleek, fast, and noble-looking, the friendly Pharaoh Hound was bred to course rabbits and other small game on Malta. They have a short, thin, and glossy coat, which comes in shades of chestnut, from tan to golden-red.
32. Boston Terrier
This plucky, characterful breed has a short and fine coat that requires little upkeep. They are often nicknamed “tuxedo dogs” on account of their stylish black and white markings, and their natural shine puts a touch of gloss on their glamorous looks.
