17 Short-Haired Dog Breeds (with Info & Pictures)
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Short-haired dogs are typically low-maintenance pets and require less grooming than long-haired dogs (though this isn’t always true). You’ve probably heard of many short-haired breeds, such as the Dalmatian and Boxer. However, there are also several that you may not have heard of, like the German Pinscher.
Below, we’ll review some of the most popular short-haired dog breeds.
The 17 Short-Haired Dog Breeds
1. Beagle
Beagles are known for their baying howl and strong noses. As hunting dogs, they were bred to track rabbits through dense undergrowth and “flush” them out. They originated in England, but their easy-to-care-for coats have made them popular today. They’re friendly, laidback dogs that are affectionate with just about anyone.
Beagles are ideal pets for families, especially those with young children. However, like most hounds, they can be stubborn and challenging to train, but they respond well to treats as rewards.
2. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier is a small, non-sporting dog from the United States. They were bred specifically to be companion dogs, so they have several traits often appreciated by families, such as their friendly nature. They’re often called the “American Gentleman” due to their temperament.
These intelligent, eager-to-please dogs are also easy to train, though they may be independent at times. Boston Terriers are generally good with children, other pets, and strangers. However, they may not like rough play or larger dogs. Their shortened snout also makes them prone to health issues, including eye disorders and breathing difficulties.
3. Boxer
Boxers are medium-sized dogs with very short fur. They’re related to Mastiffs, though they are much smaller than most. They can be fawn or brindle, and many have white markings.
Boxers are often fun-loving and intelligent. They bond closely with their families and are delightfully silly. However, when strangers enter your property, they can also be quite protective.
They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, or they can become bored and destructive. They are very good with children and other pets, though they can be wary of strangers. They take their job as family guardians very seriously.
4. Dalmatian
Dalmatians are white with black spots that develop a few weeks after birth. They shed very heavily and need frequent brushing, so they are higher maintenance than most short-haired dogs.
This breed is often described as “dignified.” They bond closely with their family but may be unsure of strangers. They’re usually playful, alert, and intelligent.
Since they are working dogs, Dalmatians need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. They must be trained with positive reinforcement and require plenty of stimulation. They get along with children and other pets but don’t enjoy rough play.
5. German Pinscher
The German Pinscher is native to Germany and related to the Schnauzer. They have dense, short coats that are either black and tan or red (though the shade of red can vary a lot).
German Pinschers are intelligent and energetic. They’re pretty affectionate with their family and very loyal, but they’re suspicious of strangers and may take up the role of family guardian.
They need plenty of exercise, or they can quickly become bored and destructive. They’re often good with children and other pets but can be a bit territorial with other dogs. They’re prone to a range of health problems, including hip dysplasia and eye disorders.
6. Greyhound
Greyhounds are a lithe, agile breed well-known worldwide (largely thanks to their use in coursing). They’re sighthounds that were bred to hunt using their sight rather than their sense of smell. When Greyhounds race in competition, they chase a mechanical object around the track.
The Greyhound is athletic, graceful, and fast. When running, they can reach up to 40 miles per hour. They’re not distance runners, and they only need moderate exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and anxiety. They can be trained with positive reinforcement and patience but may also be stubborn and easily distracted.
Greyhounds are gentle and affectionate with their owners, though they may be shy to strangers. Early socialization is essential to keep them from becoming fearful of new guests and neighbors. While they’re often good with children and other pets, they’re prone to chasing fast-moving objects (something to keep in mind with small pets and children).
7. Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are very similar to “regular” Greyhounds. However, they are much smaller. They look like smaller versions of the full-sized Greyhound. Despite that, they have been a separate breed for nearly 2,000 years.
They’re often described as affectionate and playful, and they’re sociable with their family. However, they can also be shy or fearful of others, requiring plenty of socialization to prevent these behavior problems. While Italian Greyhounds can run very fast, they don’t need excessive exercise.
They often run very fast for a few minutes and then spend the rest of the day lying on the couch, so their stamina is pretty low. The Italian Greyhound is good with children and other pets but may be instinctively driven to chase small animals or moving objects.
8. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a short-haired breed that can get much larger than most canines on their list. They have a dense coat that sheds moderately and needs weekly brushing,
Labs can have black, yellow, or chocolate chocolate coats with black or brown noses and a broad head. They also have an “otter tail” that helps propel them in the water. Labs are friendly, high-spirited, and very loyal to their owners. They form strong bonds with their owners but are also friendly with strangers.
However, they require a lot of mental stimulation and exercise. They do best when given a job to do and make outstanding gun dogs.
9. Mastiff
The Mastiff is one of the oldest breeds in the world, and they were bred for guarding and hunting. They shed moderately, so they require at least some regular brushing.
Mastiffs are good-natured and courageous, and although they’re friendly to their owners, they are also very protective. Therefore, they require plenty of socialization and training to accept family, friends, and strangers.
They’re bright, active dogs that need around 45 minutes of daily exercise. They can become bored easily and are prone to obesity, so special care needs to be taken in this regard. They make excellent guard dogs.
10. Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher originated in Germany and was developed by mixing German Pinschers with Italian Greyhounds and Dachshunds. They were originally used for hunting rats and other small animals. They look very much like tiny versions of the German Pinscher.
Miniature Pinschers are fearless, loyal, and affectionate to their owners. However, they can also be independent and self-possessed. They tend to do what they want to do.
They are very active and intelligent dogs, prone to bouts of boredom. Therefore, you need to provide plenty of mental stimulation and exercise. They often take well to training, though they require positive reinforcement and consistency.
11. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a gray, short-haired dog originally used by noblemen for hunting deer, boar, and bears. They shed moderately and need occasional grooming, but they don’t require much maintenance.
Weimaraners are friendly and often described as “fearless.” They’re loyal and affectionate to their family but can also be independent. They’re alert and watchful, though they aren’t known for being guard dogs.
They’re very active and require a lot of exercise; otherwise, they may become bored and anxious. Positive reinforcement is necessary while training, as they can sometimes be stubborn.
12. Whippet
Whippets are medium-sized dogs with very short coats. They were developed by crossing Greyhounds with smaller Terriers to hunt rabbits and other small game. They shed minimally, though they need occasional grooming.
They’re often described as playful and affectionate. However, they are calm and not nearly as hyperactive as you might expect. They’re gentle and loyal to their family but can be shy around strangers.
As you might expect, Whippets require plenty of exercise, as they are quite active. They’re trained best with positive reinforcement and plenty of patience since they can be easily distracted.
13. Great Dane
Great Danes fall into the Mastiff-sighthound category and originally came from Germany. They were used as hunting dogs for wild boar and other large animals.
Great Danes are gentle despite their large size. They’re good-natured and affectionate but can be overly protective if not properly socialized and trained. They aren’t as energetic as some large breeds but need daily exercise and play sessions with their owners.
If not exercised properly, they are prone to obesity. They can also be prone to chewing and are very food-motivated.
14. Boerboel
These large, powerful Mastiff-type dogs originated in South Africa. They were developed by crossbreeding Mastiffs, Bulldogs, and other local dogs. They were used for guarding and hunting on remote estates and farms.
The Boerboel is confident and calm. They’re very loyal, intelligent, and protective of their family. They make very good guard dogs, but most Boerboels are playful with their owners
Due to their energetic nature, they require a lot of exercise and training to stay happy and healthy.
15. Basenji
Basenjis are elegant, small dogs from Africa. They’re often described as “barkless.” However, they “yodel” instead of bark. They come in various colors, though they usually have some white markings. They also shed minimally, so they only need occasional grooming.
Although Basenjis are loyal to their families and bond closely with them, they’re independent dogs. They can make their own decisions, which can make them difficult to train. They’re often stubborn and easily distracted. They may be unsure of strangers and require quite a bit of socialization.
16. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are well-known because they are the smallest dogs on the planet, weighing no more than 6 pounds. Despite being tiny, they have prominent personalities; they’re very alert dogs that can also be comical, charming, feisty, and independent.
However, they can become overprotective of their owners, so they require a lot of socialization. Otherwise, it doesn’t take much for them to become too feisty.
They aren’t recommended for homes with young children or other dogs, as they can be snappy. However, they make great companions and don’t need as much space to be happy like other dogs.
17. French Bulldog
French bulldogs are among the most popular dogs in the United States. They’re expensive and in high demand, but due to their shortened snouts, they face several health problems, including respiratory issues.
They’re playful and adaptable and can live in nearly any home environment, making them a good choice for a range of families. They’re friendly and lively and get along with just about anyone. They don’t bark much, which is admired by their owners and owners’ neighbors.
You’ll need to socialize and train your Frenchie carefully. While they are friendly, it is possible to pamper them too much, which can lead to them becoming possessive.
Conclusion
There are several short-haired breeds available, both small and large. Many of these dogs shed very little and don’t require much maintenance or grooming. However, that isn’t the case with all short-haired dogs. In many cases, some breeds may shed profusely and require regular grooming.
Featured Image Credit: Yuri Kravchenko, Shutterstock
