17 Short-Haired Dog Breeds For Hassle-Free Grooming

Tired of fur tornadoes and endless brushing? Discover the joys of low-maintenance canine companionship with these 17 short-haired dog breeds. From playful pups to dignified companions, these breeds offer all the love and loyalty without the grooming hassle. Say goodbye to shedding woes and hello to more quality cuddle time. This guide highlights diverse breeds perfect for busy individuals and families seeking a fuss-free furry friend. Prepare to be charmed!

They’re spunky, smooth, and super cool. They’re short-haired dogs. This list is packed with them, and if you have allergies, these canines could be gentler on you. We’ve got small, medium, and large doggos since it doesn’t matter what size they come in.  

Whether it be Chihuahuas, Dalmatians, or Greyhounds, they all know how to wear the look. They come by their short hair naturally and rock their sleek locks. Could some of them really be hypoallergenic? We’ll definitely get into that.  

Now, let’s take a look at these beauties to learn more about their temperaments and the reasons why they’re showstoppers. By the time we’re done, you may want to take a trip to the salon to tell your stylist, “Short, please.”  

Short-Haired Dog Breed characteristics

1. Don’t need as much grooming as long-haired dogs but may benefit from weekly brushing to remove loose hair
2. Can stay in the heat longer than dogs with long hair

(Except for brachycephalic dogs like bulldogs and boxers, who can have a tough time breathing in the heat.)

3. Need to wear sweaters when they go outside due to their short hair
4. Have different temperaments, histories, and physical attributes
5. Affectionate with family members
6. Independent, usually in a good way

There’s a lot of information out there about which dog breeds are hypoallergenic. Here’s the scoop: No dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic. There are only breeds that may affect your allergies more or less.

Dander (microscopic flecks of skin) is what causes reactions, and all dogs have it, even hairless breeds. But short-haired dogs are usually considered suitable for busy families due to their very short coats!

It’s time to talk about the stars of the show – Short-haired dogs.

Small Sized Short Haired Dogs 

Petite in stature but big on personality, small-sized short-haired dogs are the perfect combination of low-maintenance and high-energy fun!

Miniature Pinscher

Group	Toy
Height	10”-12.5”
Weight	8-10 lbs.
Fur & color	Single-coated; 13 possible colors and color mixtures
Lifespan	12-16 yrs.

The Min Pin is not a mini-Doberman but a completely separate breed. This breed originated in Germany more than 200 years ago and was bred with Dachshunds and Italian Greyhounds.

In 1929, the Miniature Pinscher Club of America was formed, and that same year, the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in the terrier group. In 1930, Min Pins were reclassified as toy breeds.

These dogs, originally ratters, are super fast with a high prey drive, so they don’t do well with small animals in the home. But when they’ve grown up with another pet or a child, there should be no problem.

Pug

Group	Toy
Height	10”-13”
Weight	14-18 lbs
Fur & color	Single- or double-coated; Black, fawn
Lifespan	13-15 yrs.

Pugs have a way of looking at you expectantly with the eyebrows up and furls on the forehead. They have wrinkles (the good kind) and folds around the neck and head. These dogs are ones you need to watch to make sure they don’t get overheated.

They’re brachycephalic or dogs with short skulls and narrow nostrils and airways with a face that looks pushed-in. They often snore or breathe heavily. 

It was thousands of years ago when pugs originated in China. They were bred to be royal companions and still do their jobs well today with all types of people. Tibetan Buddhist monks kept them close to their side, and eventually, royals all over the world joined the ranks of being fans of the breed. Marie Antoinette and Queen Victoria both had pugs.   

Chihuahua

Group	Toy
Height	5”-8”
Weight	Not exceeding 6 lbs
Fur & color	Single- or double-coated; 30 possible colors and color mixtures
Lifespan	14-16 yrs

Chihuahuas are much more than just a yappy bother. They’re deeper and more nuanced than that. There are two varieties/types of this breed: Long-haired and smooth/short coats. 

This Mexican dog breed wins the award for being the smallest dog in the world, so their sassiness comes easy in order to be heard and for survival.

Although they’re known not to be great with small children, we had one when my daughter was a toddler, and they loved each other dearly. These dogs are perfect for families and are named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua.  

Dachshund

Group	Hound
Height	5”-9”
Weight	11-32 lbs
Fur & color	Single- or double-coated; 15 possible colors or color mixtures
Lifespan	12-16 yrs

The “sausage dog!” There are three coat types of these cute little dogs: Long-haired, wire-haired, and smooth-haired. In Germany, their place of origin, Dachshunds are known as Teckels (badger dogs).

These dogs are still used for tracking and hunting small game (their size helps them crawl into small spaces) as well as being incredible companions.

There are standard – 16-32 lbs. – and miniature – 11 lbs. and under – dachshunds, and the latter was bred only to be a pet. This breed tires easily, those little legs, so make sure you’re not exercising them too much. Having said that, they do need daily exercise like a short walk and an interactive game.

Beagle

Group	Hound
Height	13” and under
Weight	Under 20 lbs; 13”-15” – 20-30 lbs.
Fur & color	Double-coated; 25 possible colors or color mixtures
Lifespan	10-15 yrs.

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Snoopy! Yes, the most famous beagle of all is the star of the Peanuts franchise. This breed is just plain sweet. They’re also excellent hunting dogs and have a double coat to regulate body temperature in extreme weather. 

They will get vocal and bark at things that startle (or even when things don’t). Dachshunds have fragile spines due to their physical makeup, so they don’t need to be doing things like running up and down stairs a lot.

They’ll also need early socialization with children to ensure they don’t nip or bite them.   

Italian Greyhounds

Group	Toy
Height	13”-15”
Weight	7-14 lbs.
Fur & color	Single-coated; 22 possible colors or color mixtures
Lifespan	14-15 yrs.

These sleek beings look like pieces of art with their slender bodies, long necks, and graceful movements. Greyhounds originated over 2,000 years ago in ancient Greece and Rome. It was when they made their way to Italy that they were named.

They don’t thrive in extreme weather (hot or cold) due to their single, short coats and should wear sweaters if they must be in the cold for a bit.

This toy breed is affectionate and gentle with a delicate build and would interact better with older children than the younger ones unless they grow up together. Although they’re not high-energy, they need daily exercise for both mind and body.

Boston Terriers

Group	Non-sporting
Height	10”-12”
Weight	12-25 lbs.
Fur & color	Single-coated; 5 possible color mixtures, including black & white
Lifespan	11-13 yrs.

Boston terriers were bred to be our animal companions and are truly people-oriented. They’re so poised around us, they’re called the “American Gentleman.” Totally fine with adults, kids, and other pets; they’re also known as the dog who wear a tuxedo due to their eye-catching colorings. 

Always keep a close eye on them for any allergy or breathing problems, including heat stroke, that could happen since they’re brachycephalic. These short-haired dogs originated in Boston, MA, USA, in the 19th century and are one of the few breeds that have come from the US.  

French Bulldog

Group	Non-sporting
Height	11”-13”
Weight	Under 28 lbs.
Fur & color	Single-coated; 10 possible colors or color mixtures
Lifespan	10-12 yrs.

Friendly, sturdy, and muscular – All characteristics of this spunky gal (or fella). Originating in the 1800s in France, these dogs were called bouledogue Francais until 1905, when The Kennel Club in England changed their name to the French bulldog.

In 2021, the Frenchie was in the #2 spot on the Most Popular Dogs list the American Kennel Club (AKC) reports each year. In 2022, the list looked like this: 

1. French Bulldog
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd Dog
5. Poodle

They bumped the lab! Since this is another breed who is brachycephalic, watch him during summer outings and don’t take him swimming since they don’t know how. Your best bet? Stay indoors to enjoy this dog and its incredible personality.  

Medium Sized Short-Haired Dogs 

Striking the perfect balance between playfulness and manageability, medium-sized short-haired dogs are the epitome of effortless companionship!

Bull Terrier

Group	Terrier
Height	21”-22”
Weight	50-70 lbs.
Fur & color	Single-coated; 21 possible colors and color mixtures
Lifespan	12-13 yrs.

With a football-shaped head, these unique dogs with short hair certainly turn heads. The original breeder, James Hinks, wanted to make a dog who was personable and gentle, and that he did. Being a “gentleman’s dog” earned the bull terrier the nickname “The White Cavalier.”

They’re known for being great with even young children but must always be supervised with them as all other dogs should be.  

Although refined, this breed is highly energetic and is playful, and loving. So, if you’re a hiker or a biker looking for a best friend, this breed with short hair would be in Heaven in your home.

German Shorthaired Pointer

Group	Sporting
Height	21”-25”
Weight	45-70 lbs.
Fur & color	Single-coated; 7 possible colors and color mixtures
Lifespan	10-12 yrs

Let’s first look at their significant traits:

1. Endurance
2. Power
3. Speed
4. Friendly
5. High-energy

Only go-getters need apply. This breed is a gundog who loves his job and is fantastic at it. In the 1920s, the first shorthair came to America and was recognized by the AKC in 1930.

He sheds, but not much. A quick once over with a grooming glove every few days will keep him looking spiffy. They need exercise twice a day in the form of a long walk and running around in a fenced-in yard.

With his webbed feet and boundless energy, he’s one of the dog world’s best swimmers. German hunters spent generations to make the perfect bird dog in the 1800s and came out with a winner. The German wirehaired pointer is more popular in Germany, while the short-haired version is the favorite in America. 

Dalmatian

Group	Non-sporting
Height	19”-24”
Weight	45-70 lbs.
Fur & color	Single-coated; 6 possible color mixtures, including black & white
Lifespan	11-13 yrs.

Affectionate, intelligent, and obedient, this short-haired dog could be the perfect dog for you. He’s one of the world’s most recognizable dog breeds. (Who doesn’t know one when they see one?) 

The name Dalmatia means “land of shepherds,” and their name is from the area of ancient Illyrian. 

In England, in the 17th century (but historians think the breed is much older than that), Dalmatians worked as carriage dogs. They protected carriages and people from any threats. And yes, they eventually ran beside horse-drawn fire “trucks” to help them maneuver along city streets. The AKC recognized the breed in 1888. 

Large Sized Short-Haired Dogs 

Majestic in stature and sleek in coat, large-sized, short-haired dogs bring grandeur and simplicity into every home they grace.

Greyhound

Group	Hound
Height	27”-30”
Weight	60-70 lbs.
Fur & color	Single-coated; 30 possible colors or color mixtures
Lifespan	10-13 yrs

This gorgeous breed has a gentle disposition and makes an ideal family dog. They do have a high prey drive though, so they probably shouldn’t be around other small pets, including cats.

These quick sighthounds depend on speed and agility to track prey and have spot-on vision that helps them detect the slightest motion. They have lots of energy and, with the proper daily exercise, can make the ideal companion since they’re so loving.

The greyhound’s perfect home would be one with only adults, no other pets, and no couch potatoes. Even with early socialization, their prey drive is one for the books.  

Vizsla

Group	Sporting
Height	21”-24”
Weight	44-60 lbs
Fur & color	Single-coated; 7 possible colors or color mixtures
Lifespan	12-14 yrs

This breed is seen as a national treasure in its home of origin, Hungary. Vizslas arrived in Britain in the 1950s. They were bred to track and hunt small and large game, and falconry is another talent in their arsenal. 

According to Gundog Journal, their main sporting roles are: 

1. Retrieving 
2. Tracking 
3. Hunting 
4. Pointing 
5. Flushing

These highly intelligent dogs with short hair can be wary of strangers and sometimes other dogs but cozy right up to their guardians. Since they’re so talented with scent work, creating “games” by hiding something for them to find is perfect for them.

Boxer

Group	Working
Height	21.5”-25”
Weight	65-80 lbs. – Females are about 15 lbs. less
Fur & color	Single-coated; Brindle, fawn, white
Lifespan	10-12 yrs

The beautiful boxer was thought to have been bred by German dog fanciers from a larger breed called the Bullenbeisser. By the late 1800s, the modern boxer had originated. Throughout history, boxers have been busy doing:

1. Police work
2. Cattle dog
3. Watchdog
4. Guard dog
5. Guide for the blind
6. War dog (WWs I and II)

When the breed “play fights” with his paws, he looks like a boxer, hence the name. Since the 1950s, this short-haired dog breed has been one of America’s top 10 most popular breeds. The AKC recognized the breed in 1904. 

Weimaraner

Group	Sporting
Height	23”-27”
Weight	55-90 lbs.
Fur & color	Single-coated; Blue, gray, silver gray
Lifespan	10-13 yrs.

Look up “sleek” and “regal” in the dictionary, and you might find a Weimaraner’s picture. These friendly, intelligent, assertive, short-haired dogs are also called “the dog with the human brain” because they’re so smart.

Their nicknames are the Gray Ghost, Silver Ghost, and Weim. Proof of the breed’s existence, through records and art, suggests similar dogs may have been in the court of Louis IX of France in the 13th century.

Hunters who wanted a companion in a sporting dog spurred the origins of this breed with the short coat. The Grand Duke of Weimer was the first breeder, and the Weim was used as a gundog and companion for nobility. Until the 1920s, they were almost solely located in Germany but are now also entrenched in America.   

Great Dane

Group	Working
Height	28”-32”
Weight	110-175 lbs.
Fur & color	Single-coated; 17 possible colors or color mixtures
Lifespan	7-10 yrs.

Guess which famous dog is a Dane?… Scooby-Doo! Now that the important stuff is out of the way, let’s talk history. This breed was initially originated to hunt wild boar by English and German fanciers in the 1800s.

Breeds that were involved were the English Mastiff and likely the Irish Wolfhound and Irish Greyhound. In the same century, Danes were introduced to North America and recognized by the AKC in 1887. Modern Dog Magazine calls them “affectionate, loving, sweet, loyal,” and they got it on the nose. 

I petsit every week for a great dane named Hazel. She’s patient and kind and gets along swimmingly with her little brother, a French bulldog. Her bark is low and menacing, but she wouldn’t hurt a fly unless it was going to hurt her family. They’re protective like that.     

Doberman Pinscher

Group	Working
Height	24”-28”
Weight	60-100 lbs.
Fur & color	Single-coated; Black & rust, blue & rust, fawn (Isabella) & rust, red & rust, white
Lifespan	10-12 yrs

These massive dogs are often feared since they were bred to be guard dogs, but their innate nature is quite the opposite of dangerous. In 2021, USA Today reported about a Dobie named Ruby who “adopted” a kitten when she had her own litter of pups and nursed her alongside them. Doesn’t seem quite vicious to me.

People read a book by its cover when it comes to dogs. It’s why a Dobie’s ears are almost always cropped (boo!), so people will be intimidated when they don’t see their naturally floppy ears.

Here are some of the honorable jobs of the actual Doberman:

1. Military work
2. Police work
3. Guard work
4. Hunting
5. Tracking
6. Search and rescue
7. Therapy
8. Guide dogs for the blind  

Breeds to Avoid

Among a huge variety of furry friends, most short-haired dogs offer a delightful blend of low-maintenance charm and endless affection.

If you’re looking for a short-haired dog because you’d rather not have long hair around, try to stay away from the following quite hairy and “sheddy” dogs:

• Huskies
• Great Pyrenees
• Bernese Mountain dogs
• Bearded collies
• Pekingese
• Tibetan terrier
• Newfoundland
• Corded breeds like the Komondor and the Puli 

FAQs

What Is a Good Short-Haired Small Dog?

A beagle is a wonderful dog for adults, seniors, kids, and even first-time guardians.

Are There Dogs With Short Hair That Don’t Shed?

Short-haired dogs require minimal grooming yet offer maximum canine companionship. There are well over 20 short-haired breeds that don’t shed hair that much. All dogs shed dander.

Do Short-Haired Dogs Cause Allergies?

Some short-haired dog breeds are more likely to, and other short-haired breeds aren’t. Research to find out which dogs shed more than others.

Do Dogs With Short Hair Shed More Than Dogs With Long Hair?

It depends on the breed. Dogs with double coats generally shed twice yearly, but it’s a whole lot, while the rest of the year they may not shed as much. Conversely, dogs with single coats might shed all year since they don’t have an undercoat to “blow” (shed).

Wrap-up  

So there you have it. Seventeen fabulous short-haired dog breeds that will steal your heart and look gorgeous while doing it. Remember, just because a dog has short hair, it doesn’t mean he won’t cause an allergic reaction.

Always learn everything you can about the breed you’re getting so there will be no surprises when your new bundle of joy comes home. Well, except for the amount of bed space he’s going to take up. 

Short-haired dog breeds offer a fantastic option for those seeking a loving companion without the demanding grooming routines of longer-haired varieties. From the sleek Boxer to the playful French Bulldog, these breeds require minimal brushing, saving owners time and effort. While shedding can still occur, it’s often manageable with occasional brushing and bathing. Ultimately, choosing a short-haired breed simplifies pet ownership, allowing more time for bonding and enjoying the companionship of a furry friend. Remember, researching individual breed characteristics and activity levels remains crucial for finding the perfect fit for your lifestyle.