Owning a stunning dog is a dream come true for many people, but when they think about their grooming requirements, many want to step back. And this is not because they have unique grooming requirements or it costs a lot of money or time; it is because owners do not learn properly “how to keep a dog”. Before we bring a pet home, we must prepare ourselves in every way.
Moving forward, for owners who want to keep a dog as a pet and are worried about their grooming, there are dog breeds that have naturally short, smooth coats that are easy to look after. On top of that, because of the breed’s gentle temperament, the grooming sessions turn out to be a way for bonding between the dog and the owner.
If you are on a hunt for a dog breed that makes a lovable furry friend and has a simple grooming routine, we have listed some fluffy dogs that don’t need hours of coat maintenance. Also, in this guide, you will find grooming tips for each breed based on their coat types.
Stunning Dog Breeds Boasting Short, Easy Fur
1. Great Dane
The Great Dane is one of the gentle giants with a simple grooming routine. It is a reserved, loyal, friendly, and devoted dog that gets along easily with every pet or human. It was bred in the 1800’s in Germany to hunt large game, but later was refined as a family companion dog.
However, first-time pet owners might struggle with a Great Dane, but with regular training and socialization, it turns out to be a wonderful dog. These playful dogs require spacious areas for exercising and playtime, followed by long walks twice a day.
Their short fur needs to be brushed once a week, making it an impressive and low-maintenance dog.
Coat Type: Short Coat
Coat Maintenance Tip: Weekly brushing with a rubber curry or bristle brush will keep their coat glossy and reduce shedding, says PetMD.
2. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, powerful, and agile dog that was bred in Southern Africa to track lions and protect homes from predators. For this reason, it is also known as the African Lion Dog. The breed is recognizable because of the distinctive ridge of hair growing in the opposite direction along its back.
Being an independent, intelligent, and mischievous dog, it is not recommended for first-time owners. The breed’s short, dense coat sheds lightly and rarely develops tangles, which makes it easier to groom. Furthermore, these confident and loyal dogs thrive with consistent training and an active lifestyle.
Coat Type: Short, smooth coat which is either light wheaten or red wheaten
Coat Maintenance Tip: Weekly brushing using a rubber-grooming mitt once or twice a week, and monthly bathing are enough.
3. Greyhound
The Greyhound is one of the fastest dog breeds that is muscular, gentle, noble, and makes a sweet-tempered companion. While it was bred for coursing game, today the breed exhibits great affection towards its families, but tends to stay reserved around strangers. They are also called clean-house dogs because of their short and fine coat.
Their smooth fur requires occasional brushing. But as they have a fine coat, they need extra protection during cold weather. Routine exercise and lounging on the couch keep them happy. However, because of their high energy levels, training would be a challenge for the owner. But patience is the key.
Coat Type: Smooth coat that is short and glossy
Coat Maintenance Tip: PetPlan recommends grooming once a week, and for extra shine, polishing with a hound glove. You can also use a damp cloth to keep them clean.
4. Basenji
The Basenji is a curious, intelligent, energetic, and alert dog that hails from Africa and has a clean, smooth, odor-free coat. It was originally bred as a hunting companion, but today it makes an ideal pet because of its lovable personality. There are two things for which Basenji is famous: First, it’s a barkless dog, and known for its cat-like self-cleaning ability.
These high-energy and intelligent dogs can easily get bored, which is why physical and mental stimulation is important for them. They need daily exercise and playtime in a fenced area, followed by fun activities like running, hiking, and scent tracking, etc. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, but their minds demand a lot of attention from the owner.
Coat Type: Smooth, short coat
Coat Maintenance Tip: Super short coat requires a short brushing session once a week to remove loose hair and maintain the healthy coat.
5. Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound is an easygoing and trainable breed that is intelligent, stubborn, independent, and affectionate towards its family. These athletic and elegant hounds were bred as rabbit hunting companions, whereas today we see them as excellent companions that thrive with regular training and exercise.
This short-haired dog breed demands a low-maintenance grooming routine. But, considering their energy, they need plenty of exercise, followed by daily walks, tracking, agility, and hiking, etc. And when their exercise needs are met and they are trained properly, these dogs can be left alone on occasion.
Coat Type: Short, coarse coat which is either smooth or wiry
Coat Maintenance Tip: While the breed requires brushing once a week, WebMD advises using a grooming glove instead of a brush.
6. Vizsla
The Vizsla is an ancient hunting breed that has an energetic, loyal, gentle, and affectionate nature. Many pet parents admire this breed for its golden-rust coat. It is well suited for people who are willing to dedicate their time to bonding with this dog by fulfilling its exercise needs and spending quality time with it.
Being a large to medium-sized breed, Vizslas respond well to positive reinforcement training. When they are trained and socialized from a young age, they turn out to be well-behaved dogs that get along with grown-ups and older kids. However, when around small kids, they must be supervised.
Coat Type: Smooth, short and dense coat
Coat Maintenance Tip: To prevent matting and reduce shedding, routine brushing is important. A slicker brush or a pin brush are both good for brushing once a week.
7. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is a big athletic dog that is intelligent, obedient, fearless, and confident. It is admired for its sleek, muscular build and confident presence. It has a smooth coat that is easy to care for. Being highly trainable, they thrive in obedience and basic dog training. However, consistency is the key.
These devoted dogs are naturally protective of their families without demanding excessive grooming. While they are intimidating to intruders, on the other hand, they make great companions after regular training and early socialization. Meeting their exercise demands is important, as it could lead to aggression in them.
Coat Type: Short, smooth coat
Coat Maintenance Tip: Weekly brushing helps control shedding and keep the coat healthy. Along with occasional baths. Use a brush with short and soft bristles as it keeps the coat shiny.
Conclusion
Grooming a dog isn’t as difficult as one might think. But grooming is not just confined to looking after their coat; it includes their training, socialization, exercising, and looking after their health issues.
While these breeds possess a calm demeanor, they qualify for city dwellers and allergy sufferers as well because of their low shedding. Also, daily brushing and regular bathing are important as they help control shedding and loose fur.
Along with regular grooming, these dogs need a lot of exercise because of their boundless energy and the working history that they come from. And when trained and socialized properly, they make perfect companions for families and are safer to be around small children.
However, one thing that owners need to be careful about is that they must not be left alone for a long period.
