If what’s standing between you and your new dog is the prospect of long and daily brushing sessions, we have good news for you. While many gorgeous, long-haired pups are cherished by pet parents, not all owners can spend the required time on dog grooming. Many large dog breeds, despite their varying exercise needs, are short-coated and require minimal grooming.
It’s not that dogs with short coats don’t need any upkeep and don’t shed at all, but these pups are less likely to develop matting and tangles. They also need less professional grooming than the thick and long-haired dog breeds.
If you want a big dog that will fill your house with their loyal presence but requires less coat care, here are 7 amazing breeds you can pick from.
Large Dog Breeds with Short Hair and Low Grooming
1. Anatolian Shepherd
The Anatolian Shepherd is one of the oldest breeds and was originally bred to guard livestock in Anatolia, Turkey, according to PetMD. These hard-working dogs are very loyal and are accustomed to working independently.
These big and muscular dogs can intimidate predators and intruders with their imposing physique alone. They’re a great choice of family dogs for families who would like their pet to be watchful and protect their home.
These doggos can be 27 to 29 inches in height and weigh between 80 to 150 pounds. Anatolian Shepherds can come in a long-haired variety, but they’re mostly short-haired dogs and need only weekly brushing and occasional bathing to stay in good condition.
This breed’s shedding season comes twice a year; they tend to shed heavily during that period and need regular upkeep to remove loose hair.
As wonderful domestic dogs with a protective instincts, Anatolians like to watch over kids and even other, smaller dogs. They do need a determined owner who’ll give them early socialization and obedience training.
2. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgeback is an impressive, muscled-up canine that has been called “The Renaissance Dog” and is distinct due to its trademark ridge of hair on its back, according to the AKC. These dogs can be 70 to 80 pounds in height with a weight range of 24-27 pounds.
This breed has helped hunters in South Africa hunt large predators, like lions, by tracking and baying. They can be strong-willed in nature and need an experienced owner to train and look after them. They’re better suited for active families and solo owners who can keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Rhodesian Ridgeback’s wheaten, smooth coat is short and, despite shedding a little, needs minimal grooming. This short-haired dog breed needs only once-a-week brushing sessions to remove loose hair and to evenly distribute body oils.
As these doggos have worked with humans as hunting dogs, they can be amiable and loyal towards their families. They tend to be wary of strangers (both humans and dogs) and might show aggression towards other dogs they’re not familiar with.
3. Great Dane
Great Dane is an imposing but friendly large dog breed that stands at an impressive height of 28-32 inches and weighs between 110-175 pounds. Its majestic build has earned it the title of the “Apollo of Dogs,” and it has a balanced, athletic body.
Great Dane is an almost 200-year-old breed that originated in Germany and was used to hunt large game like wild boars, according to Britannica. This intelligent breed tends to be very alert and needs some daily exercise, like walks and mental stimulation activities.
They have sharp scenting instincts and, while on walks outdoors, can try to follow an interesting smell. Make sure to leash train them and raise them with proper and early obedience training.
Great Dane is a short-haired breed; their short coat sheds very little. It’s still a big dog and can leave a significant amount of hair on your couch if left unchecked; with only once-a-week brushing, you can get rid of the loose hair and keep their coat clean.
4. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinscher is an athletic dog, immediately noticeable due to its glossy black coat and rust markings on its eyebrows. It’s considered a wash-and-wear breed due to its short coat, which can shed but still needs only a quick brushing session daily. These strong dogs can be 60-100 pounds in weight and stand between 24-28 inches in height.
While Doberman Pinschers’ coat care is easy and manageable, they are high-energy dog that needs daily exercise. This sleek and elegant breed makes an excellent companion for active owners who enjoy daily walks and hiking with their dogs. As these dogs were originally bred as personal protection dogs, they can be employed as loyal guard dogs to keep your family and property safe.
Dobermans are one of the smartest dog breeds and are quick learners; if raised well, these dogs can be taught cues and commands well. These pups can be good with children and other pets, but they do have a high prey drive and need early socialization training to grow to be well-behaved companions.
5. Weimaraner
Weimaraner is an elegantly built sporting dog with a sleek body, alert gaze, and big, droopy ears. They can be 23-27 inches in height and 55-90 pounds in weight. These pups were originally used as gun dogs who’d point game to help their hunter humans find it and retrieve the game for them.
Weimaraner is one of the most popular dog breeds and is considered a great family dog for experienced and active families. This friendly and loyal doggo is a perfect companion for families with children due to its dedicated and protective nature.
As dogs who were bred to hunt, Weimaraners love being given jobs to do. They tend to be active dogs who enjoy going on long walks and hiking adventures with their pet parents. There’s nothing more beneficial and enjoyable than running for these pups; give them a chance to stretch their legs, and they’ll stay happy.
Despite Weimaraners’ exercise needs, they are low-maintenance dogs when it comes to coat care. These “Gray Ghosts” come in a smooth, short coat with colors like gray, blue, and silver gray, according to the AKC.
You can give their coat occasional brushing to remove the dead hair and to distribute the body oils throughout their bodies. Occasional bathing or cleaning with a damp cloth is also a good way of keeping them clean.
6. Cane Corso
Cane Corso is a massive dog that portrays the picture of strength and bravery. This breed’s name loosely translates from Latin to “bodyguard dog”; this powerful breed makes one of the strongest guard dogs. Despite its sometimes strong-headed temperament, the Cane Corso makes a very loyal and protective dog for its human families.
This dog has a short double coat; the undercoat tends to shed all year, especially during its shedding season. Despite this, only weekly brushing can keep a Cane Corso’s smooth coat in good shape by removing the dead hair.
This athletic breed can weigh between 90-110 pounds and can be 23-28 inches tall. Its exercise needs are no joke; it needs at least daily long walks or jogging to stay in good health and high spirits. As a dog that enjoys getting a job done, this pup will enjoy different dog sports like agility, dock diving, and tracking competitions.
7. Greyhound
If you want a dog that can run fast, a Greyhound is an obvious choice. This sleek dog has a deep chest, an inverted S shape, and athletic legs built for running. Its speed, sharp instincts, and powerful sight help it track its prey; it can track even moving targets effectively.
While a determined hunter in the field that loves to stretch its legs, the Greyhound can be surprisingly sweet and even-tempered when at home. This dog weighs between 60-70 pounds and tends to be 27-30 inches tall. Despite its large size, a Greyhound can make a suitable pet for apartment living, as long as you’re taking it out regularly and giving it a chance to run around.
If you’ve got other pets, like cats at home, you’ll need to be careful when adopting Greyhounds, as they have a sharp prey drive. Though Greyhounds can sometimes let out whining sounds, they’re not excessive and loud barkers.
When it comes to grooming, the good news is that Greyhounds are not a high-maintenance breed. Regular bathing or cleaning their skin with a damp cloth keeps them clean, but they need only occasional brushing.
Conclusion
These large, low-maintenance breeds are true gifts for owners experienced enough to take care of them. All of them are affectionate breeds that can make loyal partners if they’ve been trained properly. A reputable breeder can provide you with a healthy and well-trained canine friend that you and your family will cherish.
