If you are someone with a swamped schedule, it’s pretty obvious that catching up with the grooming needs and cleaning up a copious amount of dog hair is quite difficult for you. That’s where small, hairy dog breeds came to the rescue.
Such breeds don’t require extensive grooming on a regular basis as compared to dog breeds with long hair. Moreover, these dogs shed very little, which makes them suitable for households with people who have allergies or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
So, if you are in search of such a dog, read this blog as it will help you decide which one fits smoothly into your lifestyle.
Top 7 Small Hairy Dog Breeds
Here are the top 7 short-haired dogs with compact size that can offer you loyal companionship without shedding hair all around your home.
1. Basenji
The Basenji belongs to the hound group of dogs with a short, non-smelly, and smooth coat. Their height ranges between 16-17 inches, and their weight lies somewhere between 22 to 24 pounds. These small dog breeds are independent and highly intelligent dogs, but aloof towards strangers.
Additionally, they like to chase after the smaller pets like cats, rats, mice, and hamsters. They are also called “barkless dogs” because they don’t bark but make a yodel-like sound due to the unique shape of their vocal cords.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
When it comes to grooming, the Basenji highly resembles a cat. They like to keep themselves clean and tidy. They shed minimally, and weekly brushing is enough to remove loose hair from their body. In addition to this, they don’t need frequent baths either.
Despite the fact that Basenji has very less grooming needs, they are highly active dogs because of their past role as hunting dogs. For this reason, a daily 30-minute walk session or getting them involved in mindful activities is necessary.
However, one needs to keep in mind that Basenji likes to escape out in search of scent as they are also a member of the Hound group. So, better avoid leaving a Basenji unattended in an outdoor area, or else they can easily go missing.
2. Boxer
Boxers are muscular, athletic dogs with a deep chest that is covered under their smooth coat. As per PetMD, their height ranges between 21.5 to 25 inches, and they weigh between 50 to 80 pounds. They have a friendly temperament with high energy levels and a spirited nature.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
Boxers are really low-maintenance dog breeds if we talk about their grooming requirements because of their short hair. Their coat sheds moderately, so regular brushing is not so necessary. Brushing once a week is enough to keep their coat in its best state. If your Boxer keeps himself clean, there’s no need to frequently bathe them as well.
As Boxers are highly playful and energy-filled pets, their exercise cannot be compromised, or else their aggressive side may be unleashed. These sturdy dogs need a 30-minute to 2-hour exercise session on a daily basis, and they can also perform really well in dog sports such as rally, lure coursing, and agility.
3. Bull Terrier
Bull Terrier is one of the most recognized breeds in the United States because of its unique-shaped head, triangular eyes, and muscular body. PetMD notes that they are affectionate companions with a friendly temperament that makes them the best family dogs. Due to their high intelligence levels, they are not so hard to train as well.
Grooming Needs & Exercise Needs
One of the best things about owning a Bull Terrier is how low-maintenance they are when it comes to grooming. Their short, sleek coats stay shiny with just occasional brushing—no frequent grooming sessions needed! Plus, their generally healthy eyes and ears mean they’re less prone to infections, making care even easier.
Bull Terriers are also highly active and energetic dogs, and they need a regular exercise routine. Apart from walks and mental stimulation, they also long for continuous human interaction, or else they may harm the interior of your home.
4. Dalmatian
Energetic, playful, and sensitive, that’s what defines the personality of a Dalmatian. They have a medium to large-sized muscular body with a fairly long tail that’s curved from the underside. They are affectionate and loyal towards their family. However, in order to make them behave well with strangers, early socialization is necessary.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
Dalmatians have a white-colored, short, and dense coat, due to which professional grooming is not so necessary. However, despite having a short coat, they shed, and frequent brushing with a rubber comb or mitt is recommended. However, occasional baths are enough for them, but it’s better to brush their teeth once a week to avoid tartar buildup.
Dalmatians go best with the pet parents having an active lifestyle because of their energetic nature. These dogs are in their best state when they have something to do. So, it’s better to involve them in activities like walks, running, dock diving, swimming, agility, etc.
5. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinscher is a crossbreed of the German Shepherd and the Greyhound. Because of their loyal nature, alertness, and intelligence, they are great family dogs. But these dogs are also used as alert dogs for security and search, and rescue operations. They fall into the category of “working dogs,” and their height range is 24 to 28 inches.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
Dobermans have a short coat that comes in a variety of colors range including tan, black, and brown. As they have really healthy skin, they don’t need frequent grooming. However, as they are moderate shedders, brushing them daily or twice a week helps in managing shedding.
Due to the active energy levels and their past role as guard dogs, they are well-suited for households where they have enough space to play. With the right amount of exercise, early socialization, and consistent training, a Doberman Pinscher can be a great home buddy.
6. Great Dane
Great Danes, often termed as “gentle giants,” are large dogs that are full of joy and affection. A male Great Dane weighs up to 170 lbs, whereas a female Great Dane weighs 140 lbs. With a muscular build, narrow head, prominent brows, and straight front legs, they have a really regal appearance, as per the AKC.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
Just like other breeds discussed in this article, Great Danes have a short, silky coat that omits the need for daily grooming. They have a low shedding rate as well, but weekly brushing will help in staying free from all kinds of allergens and insects. Occasional baths are enough for them however, regular trimming of nails is necessary.
Great Danes are already quite gentle, but involving them in puppy training sessions from an early age will turn them into well-behaved adults. Their exercise needs are also not so high. A 30-minute walk session twice or thrice a week is enough for them. However, a Great Dane really cherishes weight pulls, agility, and sports like free ball.
7. Greyhound
Greyhound is believed to be one of the ancient dog breeds. They are known for their gentle nature in the dog world, which also makes them suitable for households with children. If we talk about their appearance, Greyhounds have a sleek, athletic body with a short coat. Their coat comes in multiple colors, including fawn, white, red, black, and blue, but the most common one is black.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
Greyhounds are also quite easy to maintain dogs when it comes to grooming because of their short coat that doesn’t shed often. Just brushing them occasionally with a soft brush is enough. They are also not prone to any kind of severe skin infection or allergies, due to which there’s no need to bathe your greyhound often.
If you are planning to own a Greyhound, be prepared to offer them an active lifestyle as well. This means involving them in high-energy activities and exercise sessions. But due to their gentle demeanour, these play sessions will be a fun activity for their pet parent as well.
Conclusion
All in all, all the above-discussed breeds are highly suited for people who are looking for dogs with short hair. However, one needs to know that there’s no particular breed that doesn’t shed at all or has no grooming requirements. If you are thinking of bringing a pet just to leave them on their own, it’s better to reconsider your decision.
