14 Popular Short-Haired Dog Breeds
Short-haired dog breeds are often preferred over long-haired breeds for various reasons. Their short coats are easier to groom and rarely need to be trimmed or brushed often. Plus, you don’t have to worry about their coats becoming tangled or frequent and sometimes costly visits to the grooming salon. Short-haired dogs come in all shapes, colors, and sizes, so there are plenty of breeds to choose from.
French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are adored around the world with their flat snouts and friendly temperaments. Their compact size makes them good lapdogs and ideal canine companions for apartment dwellers. French Bulldogs are often recommended for first-time owners because they require less grooming and exercise than many other breeds. It’s no surprise why French Bulldogs have been the most popular dog breed in the United States for several years.
Beagle
Beagles are medium-sized, short-haired dogs known for their high intelligence and adorable droopy ears. This breed makes a great family pet and usually gets along well with children and other pets. Beagles love being near their family and will eagerly join you for a short walk or game of fetch at the park. Beagles have an ancient history as loyal hunters, which explains why they are always curious and alert.
Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is a large, short-haired dog breed with a noble history. With their dark coats and muscular bodies, a Cane Corso’s appearance can be unsettling at first. However, this breed is equally as gentle as they are protective. In the past, Cane Corsi were used to hunt game or herd cattle before almost becoming extinct during the World Wars. Nowadays, this breed is kept for companionship or as a guard dog.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are instantly recognized by their sausage-shaped bodies and short legs. This breed’s comical appearance is one of their many loveable qualities, with their affectionate temperaments being another. Dachshunds can have either short or long coats, with short being more common. Grooming short-haired Dachshunds is usually a breeze compared to the long-haired variation, hence their popularity.
Rottweiler
Rottweilers are large, muscular canines commonly kept as guard dogs. Although this breed has a reputation for being scary because of their appearance and protective temperament, they make excellent companions. Their most distinctive feature is their short coat which is usually black with mahogany markings. Rottweilers are highly intelligent and excel at obedience training, so they are sometimes used as service or therapy dogs.
Great Dane
Great Danes have earned the nickname “gentle giants” with their large size and affectionate nature. It’s easy to find the Great Danes size intimidating, but this breed is laid-back and gentle, even around children. Great Danes enjoy lounging around with their family as much as any small dog breed. Despite being exceptionally tall, Great Danes are only the second tallest dog breed in the world, with the Irish Wolfhound first.
Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Pinschers, affectionately nicknamed Mini Pins, are small, short-haired dogs. They look like a miniature version of the Doberman Pinscher, although the two aren’t related. Miniature Pinschers make up for their small size with their big personalities. This breed can be stubborn and feisty but loves nothing more than spending time with their family. Grooming Miniature Pinschers is straightforward, and their coat is so short that regular brushing is not necessary.
Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are ancient dogs with the strongest sense of smell out of all dog breeds. This breed is known for their long, droopy ears and tendency to always have their noses pinned to the ground following an interesting scent. Although their name sounds demeaning, Bloodhounds are named after their purebred lineage and not because they track blood. Their short coats require minimal grooming, but their long ears should be cleaned regularly.
Boston Terrier
Boston Terriers are one of the most popular short-haired dog breeds in North America. They are recognized by their tuxedo-like coats, large eyes, and flat muzzles. This breed has all the right qualities a canine companion should have. Other than an adorable appearance, Boston Terriers are cheerful and playful dogs that enjoy playing outside or relaxing with their family.
Dalmatian
Dalmatians are popular for their short, black, and white spotted coats. This breed has appeared in several well-known cartoons and films, but they are best known for being faithful family pets. Although their short coats are easy to groom, Dalmatians require vigorous exercise and can be difficult to train. This makes them better suited for experienced dog owners, but they still make good pets regardless.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are muscular dogs with wide heads and short, manageable coats. This breed might have a controversial reputation, but they have won over many hearts with their courage and loyalty. They have a rich history with an American and British lineage and share the same ancestry as Bull Terriers. Staffordshire Terriers can be reserved around strangers but are super affectionate to those they love.
Greyhound
Greyhounds are the fastest dog breed in the world and can run up to 45 miles per hour, making them faster than most humans. Their short coat helps them run fast by keeping them cool and aerodynamic. Their short coat also means that they require less grooming than long-haired breeds. Greyhounds have thin skin to prevent them from overheating too, but it is a downside in winter.
Boxer
Boxers are large dogs with a unique appearance and playful temperaments. This breed has a short muzzle, large brown eyes, and a small head that sometimes looks disproportionate to the rest of their body. Grooming and exercising this breed isn’t challenging, making them ideal for first-time dog owners. Boxers are naturally friendly, especially towards children.
Chihuahua
The small yet mighty Chihuahua is a popular dog breed around the world. Chihuahuas can have both short and long coats available in various colors and patterns. This breed is a great lapdog and exercise isn’t one of their top priorities. Chihuahuas are happy to live in apartments or small homes, as long as they can be near their family.
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About the Author
Meet Jacqueline, a seasoned writer at Animaloverse who has spent over a decade exploring the fascinating world of animals. Her love for animals, which also fuels her writing, is drawn from her personal experiences with all kinds of pets. The animal kingdom continues to ignite her curiosity as she discovers new insights every day. She also finds joy and personal growth through sports. In winter, she enjoys skiing, embracing the thrill of invigorating cold weather activities. When summer arrives, she sets out on hiking trails, exploring the beauty of nature. Among all her passions, her dog Bailey holds a special place in her heart as together, they go on exciting adventures. The happiness she experiences with Bailey often serves as inspiration for her writing.