Big dogs can impress with their strength, confidence, and loyalty. Most giant breeds are muscular or long-haired, but a few have short, sleek coats that are much easier to care for. Most of the time, these breeds require a bath from time to time to maintain a healthy and shiny coat.
These dogs are smart, loyal, and spirited. Some were developed to be companions to people, while other dogs were developed for hunting, herding, or guarding homes. These short-haired dog breeds are great companions for those who do not want to spend hours grooming a large fur coat.
Here are seven large breeds that have big bodies along with low-maintenance smooth coats. Let’s check them out!
Top Large Dog Breeds with Short, Sleek Coats
1. Greyhound
The Greyhound is famous for its incredible speed, but there is much more to this elegant breed than just taking part in racing.
Its short and fine fur is one of the simplest to take care of. Brushing it once a week will help to remove loose hair and maintain a smooth coat. Since the hair on its body is very thin, dirt does not stick to it easily, so minimal grooming is required.
These short-haired dogs are very quiet when in the house. They tend to relax for long periods on a comfortable bed or couch after a brief active period. This is the reason why they are known as ’45-mile-per-hour couch potatoes’.
These dogs are kind and loving towards their human family, even though they are an athletic breed. Most of them are very loyal and attached to the place they live in. Greyhounds also have great eyesight and were originally bred to hunt game by sight and not by scent tracking.
2. Great Dane
The Great Dane, also known as the ‘Apollo of Dogs’, is one of the tallest dogs in the world, as stated by the American Kennel Club. Many first-time owners are blown away by its size, which is quite large, but its nature is quite placid and docile.
It has a short, shiny coat that can be easily maintained by pet parents. Brushing with a soft brush once a week will take out any loose hair and keep it looking natural. There is no need for professional grooming for this pup.
Great Danes are sometimes referred to as ‘gentle giants’ due to their calm and loving temperament. Although they can weigh more than 150 pounds, many people consider them to be lap dogs. These excellent companions prefer spending time with their humans rather than hunting out in the grounds, even though their true origin was to hunt wild boar.
They are not as active as many people believe them to be, but they love taking short daily walks. They are fine with a moderate amount of daily exercise and plenty of rest. Due to their size, early training and obedience trials are crucial. A well-trained Great Dane will be polite and easy to live with.
3. Cane Corso
The Cane Corso is an Italian breed that is known for its power and confident nature, according to PetMD.
It has a short, dense coat that does not require much upkeep and can be brushed weekly. They shed moderately and are easy to groom throughout the year. They can be perfect companions for busy families as they only need a few baths a year.
Cane Corsos are born with a protective nature. They are quiet and unobtrusive when in the presence of their family, but are still aware of strangers and new environments. They are very serious dogs but love their owners’ company. Many of these pups do not like to roam around the yard unaccompanied.
Busy families need to teach these pups how to socialize through positive reinforcement from an early age so that they can be comfortable around other pets. These dogs are highly intelligent and are quick to learn if training is consistent and positive. Along with physical exercise, mental stimulation is also very important for them.
4. Bullmastiff
The Bullmastiff is a big dog with a surprisingly calm temperament. It has a smooth coat which is easy to maintain. Brushing it every week and using a shampoo will help to eliminate loose fur and maintain a healthy coat.
Bullmastiffs were originally bred to protect large estates due to their massive size and muscular frame. To this day, there are still many pups who stay cool until they smell something out of the ordinary.
Among the breed’s best attributes is patience. Bullmastiffs can enjoy spending time with children if they are given the right training. They can be dominant, but are typically very obedient and controlled rather than being aggressive.
These trainable friends are slow maturing, so socialization and obedience training are important to ensure that they grow into well-balanced family dogs.
5. Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is renowned for having one of the best noses in the canine world. It has a short coat that requires minimal maintenance and can be kept clean with regular brushing. Owners should also clean their long ears and facial wrinkles to avoid irritation, however.
Bloodhounds are able to track scent trails even if they are several days old. For decades, they have been used to search for lost individuals and aid law enforcement agencies thanks to their extraordinary tracking abilities.
These energetic pals are serious working dogs, but they are also gentle and affectionate breeds. They are very family-oriented and are usually patient around cats and other pets.
These short-haired breeds have loose skin and long ears, which actually help them to trap scent particles, thus making it easier to track things. Many of these dogs enjoy outdoor adventures and are quite content with resting on the couch after an interesting walk at a dog park.
6. Beauceron
The Beauceron is a French herding breed that is very powerful and quite famous because of the tan markings on its legs, according to The Royal Kennel Club.
They have a double, short, and weather-proof coat which is easily taken care of. Brushing its short double coat once a week is more than enough. Since it has short hair, it does not shed much even in the shedding season.
Beaucerons are extremely loyal, intelligent, and hard-working dogs. They became a part of the dog world originally to herd sheep and protect livestock. They love to have a job and excel at obedience, agility, and protection sports.
Beaucerons are not like some independent breeds; they need to work closely with their owners to form strong bonds with them and their family members. They are also famous for their exuberant behavior, which includes grabbing things and jumping on people, but this can be controlled with early puppy training sessions.
7. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a sleek, elegant, athletic, and intelligent dog. It has smooth, shiny fur that needs minimal brushing. This dog does not need to be bathed often; however, its nails should be trimmed regularly, and its teeth need brushing daily.
Dobermans are very observant. This dog senses changes in its environment rapidly and identifies strangers before anyone else. This is a breed that was originally bred to be a personal protection dog.
A well-socialized Doberman can be an excellent family pet that enjoys the company of its owner and loves to be around its family. Its physical prowess makes it a great candidate for agility, search and rescue missions, obedience competitions, and advanced dog training programs.
It is at its happiest when it is both physically and mentally active, which can be achieved through consistent training.
Conclusion
Owning a dog that is massive in size but also has minimal grooming needs is the ideal thing one can get. These dogs are not only beautiful but also have the energy levels to light up any room.
While the needs of each breed are different, all breeds need the right training, proper exercise, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary attention. These graceful, large dogs make great family companions and will be your lifelong friend if given the right amount of attention.
