Long-haired dog breeds can look absolutely gorgeous, but they’re also difficult to groom. Short-haired alternatives can look just as beautiful – and cute – while also being a lot easier to maintain. These are 19 short-haired dog breeds suitable for owners who just don’t have the time for a heavy grooming workload.
Beagle
The American Kennel Club says that Beagles are “one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.” Families across America love the Beagle for its loyal personality and friendly behavior, but they’re also quite low-maintenance. Their short coats don’t shed too much, and they don’t need to be brushed too often.
Boxer
Boxers might need a lot of regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy, but you won’t need to stick to a busy grooming schedule to keep their short, smooth coats shiny. They’re also loyal and protective dogs that will make great family pets in most homes.
Dachshund
Some types of Dachshund are significantly easier to groom than others. The wire-haired and long-haired Dachshunds can make grooming a challenge, but the smooth-haired Dachshund has a short coat that’s easy to maintain. These dogs are curious and playful and an excellent option for apartment living.
French Bulldog
This small dog has a short, fine coat that very rarely needs any more attention than a weekly brush. French Bulldogs, or ‘Frenchies’ as they’re often known, are adaptable and affectionate dogs who are wonderful, friendly companions. Small but cheerful, they don’t need excessive amounts of exercise.
Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a small dog breed with a pretty easy grooming schedule. The occasional brush will keep their short coat under control, and a bath every now and then will keep them smelling good – although they’ll need a wash when they’ve been in the mud like any other dog!
Pug
Pugs are interesting because some of them have a single coat, while others have a double coat, which means they have an extra layer of fur on top of a dense undercoat. However, grooming both types isn’t too much of a hassle. Double-coated pugs shed more, though, which is important to consider.
Chihuahua
You might think that the Chihuahua is easy to groom simply because of its tiny size. While that might be partially true, it’s not the whole story. Smooth-coated Chihuahuas are also easy to groom because of their fur, which doesn’t need much brushing to remain sleek and shiny.
Greyhound
Greyhounds are excellent family pets for many reasons, including their gentle personalities and surprisingly low exercise needs. They’re also very easy to groom. The RSPCA advises that “Greyhounds do not need daily brushing and should only be washed if they need it, which is usually rare.”
Vizsla
Grooming a Vizsla is so easy that some owners find themselves rarely brushing the dog at all. Simply rubbing it down to remove any loose hairs is enough. Their short red coat doesn’t need much maintenance, but their high energy levels will keep you on your toes.
American Pit Bull Terrier
The appearance of the American Pit Bull Terrier, with their broad heads and stocky bodies, is highly distinctive. Many people also recognize their short, stiff coats, which make grooming a breeze for their owners. Their loyalty and affectionate personalities are also reasons why this breed makes for a good pet.
Italian Greyhound
You might be wondering what the difference is between an Italian Greyhound and a Greyhound. Both have short, fine coats that are easy to groom, but Italian Greyhounds have been bred to be smaller and slower than normal Greyhounds. They’re still elegant, agile dogs that love playing and going on walks.
Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Pinschers are lively, energetic, and confident dogs who often make very entertaining pets. They’re also easy to groom, as their short coats only need to be brushed about once a week. They usually don’t shed as much as some longer-haired breeds.
Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers might be one of the less popular breeds in the U.S. due to their rarity, but they’re still quite easy to look after. Their fur is short and dense, so they don’t need to be brushed every day, and they’re intelligent little dogs that don’t like to be alone for too long.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Similar in appearance to the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terriers (or ‘Staffies’) are also fairly easy to groom. According to PDSA, “Staffies are pretty low maintenance when it comes to grooming because they have very short fur.” However, they’ll need long walks and lots of playtime to tire them out.
Whippet
Whippets are a wonderful choice for families that want an agile yet gentle dog that doesn’t shed too much. They have single coats, which means they don’t lose as much hair as other dogs, and they rarely need to be brushed.
Basenji
Basenjis might not be the perfect dog for every family, as they can be quite independent and aloof. However, they have a short, fine coat that is easy to keep clean, making grooming quite simple. They’re intelligent and need a lot of mental stimulation to stop them getting bored.
Bullmastiff
They might be large and imposing, but Bullmastiffs are gentle giants at heart. Their short, dense fur is easy to groom, and they’ll become loyal guardians of your family. However, there are a number of health problems that this breed can face, from breathing issues to joint problems and some cancers.
Weimaraner
This dog breed is intelligent and energetic – Weimaraners will love accompanying you on all sorts of outdoor adventures. When you get home, they’re easy to groom as they have short, sleek coats. The Spruce Pets notes that “grooming a Weimaraner is about as easy as it gets.”
Pointer
Finally, one of the best short-haired dog breeds out there is the Pointer, which is sometimes called the English Pointer. Short-haired with a smooth coat, they don’t need to be brushed often, but they do have high energy levels, which make them excellent matches for more active families.
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