If your ideal dog comes with cuddles—not coat tumbleweeds—short-haired breeds can be a game-changer. While no dog is truly “shed-proof,” many pups with short fur tend to be easier to maintain, with less daily grooming drama and fewer surprise hair collections on your couch, clothes, and car seats.
If you love the joy of having a dog but not the constant battle with tumbleweeds of fur drifting across your floors, you’re in the right place. Some dogs keep things blissfully low-maintenance with short coats that shed far less than the average pup, making life cleaner, simpler, and a whole lot easier.
Short-haired dogs still benefit from the occasional brush and bath, but they typically require less intensive grooming than long-coated breeds.
Whether you’re drawn to compact companions or you prefer a larger presence, this list rounds up 7 short-haired breeds worth considering for a cleaner, simpler routine.
Best Dog Breeds for Minimal Shedding & Short Fur
1. Basenji
The Basenji—Africa’s famous “barkless dog”—is a compact Hound with a sleek frame, a tightly curled tail, and a wrinkled brow that gives it an almost mischievous, expressive look.
Its glistening short coat and catlike habits make it stand out in any short-fur lineup. The AKC states that the Basenji is a compact, sweet-faced hunting breed known for its intelligence and poise.
When it comes to short fur vs. low shedding, the Basenji helps explain the difference: a smooth coat can be easy to maintain, but it doesn’t automatically mean zero hair. What you do get is a naturally clean, low-odor coat that typically needs only occasional brushing and infrequent baths.
Don’t confuse “barkless” with “effortless,” though. This breed is bright, independent, and often a training challenge—more roommate than robot—and it needs serious daily activity to stay happy in your home and your schedule.
It also tends to bond closely with its people while keeping strangers at arm’s length, so early social time matters.
Fast fact: Basenjis don’t truly bark, but they communicate with an unusual sound often described as a mix between a chortle and a yodel.
2. Boxer
The Boxer (also called the Deutscher Boxer) is a medium-sized breed, famous for its athletic build and expressive, wrinkled forehead. With a short, tight coat that sits close to the body, it’s an easy-care pick for short-fur fans.
PetMD notes that the Boxer was brought to the United States from Germany in the 1930s, as reported by the American Boxer Club, and the breed was used for hunting.
For minimal shedding, the Boxer’s grooming routine stays simple: a quick weekly pass with a rubber curry brush or soft bristle brush usually does the job. They’re naturally clean dogs and typically only need a bath when they’ve actually gotten dirty.
Apartment life can work—if you’re committed to daily exercise. Boxers are energetic, playful, and happiest when they get enough physical and mental outlets, plus early social time with people and other pets to keep their confidence balanced.
One apartment-friendly caution: as a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed, Boxers can overheat fast, so skip strenuous workouts in hot weather and opt for cooler walks instead.
Fast fact: Purebred black Boxers don’t exist—dogs that look black are usually heavily brindled “sealed” Boxers, a coloring not recognized by the AKC.
3. American Hairless Terrier
The American Hairless Terrier (often shortened to AHT) is a lively, Louisiana-born Terrier that comes in hairless and coated varieties.
WebMD states that American Hairless Terriers are alert dogs with a playful nature. Small, friendly, and full of grit, it’s a smart pick for people who want a compact companion with a big personality.
For minimal shedding, the hairless AHT is about as close to hypoallergenic as dogs get—no fur drifting across your floors. Even the coated version keeps things simple with a short, glossy coat that’s easy to brush and quick to bathe.
Busy owners also love this breed’s “ready-to-go” vibe: intelligent, highly trainable, and a natural at agility sports. Expect inquisitive energy and a jaunty, confident trot that screams classic Terrier attitude.
Hairlessness does add a different kind of upkeep, though—think skin care instead of grooming. Fast fact: because they lack a protective coat, sunburn is a concern, and cold weather requires special precautions.
4. Greyhound
The Greyhound—also known as the classic coursing hound and often called the “champion sprinter of dogdom”—is a graceful, sweet-natured companion built for speed. With its signature “inverted S” silhouette, narrow head, and athletic frame, this hound looks as sleek as its coat feels.
For minimal shedding, Greyhounds shine as clean, tidy house dogs. Their fur is fine, smooth, and lies close to the body, so loose hair is typically less noticeable than in many other short-coated breeds. A quick wipe-down with a soft, damp towel can keep the coat looking fresh.
To reduce shedding even more, aim for a simple routine: brush at least weekly to lift dead hair and keep that glossy finish. Tools designed for short coats—like a ZoomGroom—can be especially helpful for grabbing loose fur while spreading natural oils.
Even though they can hit extreme speeds, they’re surprisingly low-fuss indoors. Fast fact: Greyhounds can run 45 miles per hour or more, making them the world’s fastest dog breed.
5. Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound (often called the Podenco Ibicenco) is a sleek, deer-like sighthound from Ibiza, off Spain’s coast, with an elongated head and striking, upright ears that echo ancient Egyptian art. Descended from Hounds brought by traders around 3,000 years ago, this breed pairs elegance with athletic purpose.
For minimal-fur upkeep, the Ibizan shines: its short coat can be smooth or wiry, and both varieties are simple to manage. A quick once-a-week brush is typically enough to keep the coat tidy and reduce loose hair around your home.
When it comes to allergies, it’s important to keep expectations realistic. No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but breeds that shed less may be less likely to spread dander and saliva around the house—helpful if sniffles are a concern.
That said, many short-haired dogs can still trigger reactions because allergens can disperse easily in the environment, even when the coat is easy to care for.
Fast fact: Ibizan Hounds were bred as rabbit hunters, chasing by sight and leaping and pouncing with impressive speed.
6. Boston Terrier
The Boston Terrier, nicknamed the “American Gentleman,” is instantly recognizable for its tuxedo-style coat, compact build, and bright, round eyes that seem to sparkle with curiosity (and a little mischief). This non-sporting charmer is lively, affectionate, and famous for his clownish sense of fun.
When minimal shedding is the goal, Boston Terriers shine. Their smooth, short coat doesn’t demand much—think simple upkeep rather than salon-level grooming. They still shed, but typically far less than many heavier-shedding breeds, making them a solid pick for tidier homes.
Before choosing any low-shedding breed, remember that “low” doesn’t mean “none.” Weekly brushing helps lift loose hair, spread natural oils for a healthy sheen, and keeps that sleek coat looking sharp without much effort.
Grooming time is also your built-in health check: run your hands over the skin to spot irritation, bumps, or unwelcome hitchhikers early.
Fast fact: A once-a-week brush is usually enough to remove dead hair from a Boston Terrier’s coat.
7. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua—often nicknamed a “purse dog”—is a tiny, confident companion and a national symbol of Mexico. Known for its expressive eyes and signature rounded “apple” head, this toy breed packs a big presence into a small body.
For minimal shedding and easy upkeep, the smooth-coated Chihuahua is the real winner. With short fur, it typically needs only simple routine grooming, making it a smart pick for people who want a low-maintenance coat without giving up a stylish, sleek look.
Lifestyle-wise, this breed is loyal, alert, and lively, but it still benefits from training so that bold “mini boss” attitude doesn’t run the house. Chihuahuas also fit well in apartments and city routines, as long as they get plenty of lap time and attention.
Choosing the right variety matters: long-coated Chihuahuas require more frequent brushing than the smooth-coated type.
Fast fact: Chihuahuas struggle in cold weather and often need a jacket or sweater in winter to stay warm.
Conclusion
Choosing the best dog breeds for minimal shedding and short fur is really about matching your home, schedule, and sensitivity to dog hair.
While most dogs shed—there’s no “such thing” as a truly zero-mess pup—short-coated options like the smooth-coated Chihuahua can be easier for pet parents, especially when dogs shed less and need simpler upkeep, plus mental stimulation and regular exercise.
For dog allergies, some people look to non-shedding dog breeds, breeds that don’t shed, or hypoallergenic dogs/hypoallergenic dog breeds to reduce shedding hair that can trigger allergic reactions or an allergic response.
Consider low-shedding dogs or low-shedding dog breeds like the Bichon Frise, Portuguese Water Dog (often a curly coat), Miniature Schnauzer, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, or even a hairless breed like the Chinese Crested or Mexican Hairless.
Just remember: “dogs that don’t shed” still have grooming needs—from regular brushing, twice weekly brushing, and daily brushing to regular haircuts, professional grooming, occasional bath, and even hand stripping for a wiry coat.
