Large dog breeds are loved for their big bodies and even bigger hearts. Do you love large dogs but want to adopt an easy-to-maintain dog breed? Dog breeds with short hair and low shedding levels can make good pets for you.
Short-haired dog breeds have lower grooming needs compared to long-haired breeds. Some of them may shed a lot while others shed minimally. These canines can be ideal companions for fastidious pet parents.
Some of them have hypoallergenic coats, so they produce less pet dander and are well-suited for allergy sufferers. Many of them may need regular grooming to keep looking good and keep their hair free from mats and tangles.
Have a look at 7 large dog breeds with short hair and low shedding.
Large Dog Breeds with Short Hair and Low Shedding
1. Greyhound
The large hound dog breed hailing from Egypt, the Greyhound, possesses muscular legs and a narrow, streamlined body covered in a smooth coat. This short-haired dog breed has a deep chest and is capable of running at a speed of 45 miles per hour.
One of the fastest dog breeds in the world, Greyhounds make excellent family pets and get on well with children. However, they have a high prey drive, so they may not be well-suited for homes with other pets, including cats.
A Greyhound’s coat needs little grooming beyond regular baths and weekly rubdowns, explains the American Kennel Club. The breed sheds at a low to moderate rate. Occasional brushing using a soft brush or grooming mitt should be sufficient. These elite sprinters are not hyperactive.
They are excellent athletes, but once they exercise properly, Greyhounds can also be couch potatoes most of the day. Greyhounds are sensitive dogs who adapt well to new environments.
2. Azawakh
Azawakhs are deeply devoted and affectionate dogs with a loyal nature. These tall and slender sight hounds have a keen vision and blazing speed to fix and course their prey. Azawakhs typically possess sandy, fawn, or brindle coats.
Azawakh is one of those short-haired dog breeds that don’t shed much. Their fine and short coat needs minimal upkeep to look beautiful. Weekly brushing using a soft-bristle brush or hound glove is all you need to keep the coat in top-notch condition.
Being large-breed dogs, Azawakhs are better suited for homes where they get lots of space to play and roam. Azawakhs usually make loyal companions, but tend to be wary of strangers and make good guard dogs.
They are highly intelligent but independent dogs who respond best to positive reinforcement training. Azawakhs are athletic dogs, full of energy, and thrive on physical activity that allows them to stretch their legs and engage their instincts.
3. Cane Corso
Cane Corso is a majestic yet affectionate dog known for its imposing presence. These powerful and large-breed dogs can easily deter potential intruders. Their short coat comprises two layers. The undercoat varies in length depending on the climate the dog lives in.
The coat helps this ancient breed adapt to extreme temperatures. However, Cane Corsi typically do well in warm weather. They shed low to moderate year throughout the year and need only minimal grooming using a medium-bristle brush.
Brushing helps distribute skin oils and removes loose fur. However, Cane Corso may shed more during the shedding season in the spring. Purina recommends weekly brushing during shedding season to minimize shedding.
The coat comes in various colors, including fawn, gray, gray brindle, chestnut brindle, and black brindle. These big dogs may look intimidating, but they are highly devoted to their humans.
4. Boxer
Playful and upbeat, Boxers fit well with the definition of ‘gentle giants.’ These large dogs have been among the most popular dog breeds in America for several years. Their muscular bodies are covered in a short, and tight fitting coat.
Boxer dogs are among moderate to low shedding dog breeds and need only a little grooming. You can use a curry-brush or a hound glove once or twice a week to groom your Boxer’s coat. Boxers tend to be fastidious, so they need a bath only occasionally.
These affectionate and loyal canines say thanks to their entire family with hugs and kisses. With proper training and socialization, they make great family pets. Due to their large size, Boxers need lots of space to roam and exercise.
Boxers are sensitive dogs. They understand your feelings and will do anything to make you happy. However, their feelings can easily get hurt.
5. Ibizan Hound
Ibizan Hounds are polite and even-tempered dogs who tend to be quite family-oriented. Originating from the Balearic Islands off the Mediterranean coast, Ibizan Hounds are large dogs that assisted in hunting rabbits.
Ibizans have two coat varieties: wire-haired (having a wiry coat) and smooth-haired (having a smooth coat). Wire-haired Ibizans are less common than their smooth-haired counterparts. Their red and white coat is low shedding and does not need extensive grooming.
Ibizan Hounds can also be recognized by their athletic build and upright ears. According to WebMD, both short-haired and wire-haired Ibizans are low maintenance. However, they are active dogs that love having plenty of exercise every day to stay fit.
They are versatile and highly trainable and make wonderful family pets. Proper training and socialization are important to make them behave well.
6. Tosa
Tosa Inu, also known as Japanese Tosa, is a fearless, patient, and bold canine. The largest of all Japanese dog breeds, the Tosa is the epitome of courage and composure. They are usually tranquil, calm, and quiet, but get vigilant when it comes to protection work.
Tosa is highly affectionate to its owners but tends to be reserved. They have a short and dense coat that needs little maintenance. The coat sheds minimally and does not require professional grooming. The dog’s hair need ocassional brushing and bathing to keep looking good.
Tosas can be seen in shades of black, fawn, red, and brindle. Sometimes, you may find markings on their chest or paws. These low-energy dogs need moderate exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
7. Curly Coated Retriever
These wickedly smart and confident dogs are recognized by their dense curly coat. Their thick, double, and waterproof coat protects them against harsh elements. Curly Coated Retrievers are highly alert, intelligent, and friendly pooches.
The short coat is usually black or liver colored. The curls cover most of the body, but the face and front of the legs remain straight-haired. Fortunately, it is one of the non-shedding breeds and requires very little grooming to keep looking beautiful. That is why they do not need a professional groomer.
Curly-coated retrievers are low-maintenance canines and do not need frequent brushing. Loyal towards their owners but aloof of strangers, Curly Coated Retrievers are large dogs. They need firm yet kind training to behave well.
Conclusion
From Boxers to Cane Corso and Greyhound, this article highlights some big dogs that have short hair and do not shed much. Other than these breeds, Afghan Hounds, Airedale Terriers, and Irish Water Spaniels also shed minimally.
Some of these pooches are hypoallergenic while other are not. However, all of them have easy-to-maintain coats that do not require extensive or professional grooming. Only weekly brushing and ocassional bathing will suffice for them.
