Large dog breeds carry an inspiring presence built with power and grace, yet nothing beats the simplicity of a short-haired coat, which makes life with them effortless. Their striking appearances hide loyalty, love, and companionship, which only show to those who really know them.
The short hair of these breeds comes with several practical benefits. It significantly reduces brushing time, making grooming quick and easy. Their coat also allows for easier detection of any skin issues, ensuring better overall health care.
Additionally, short-haired dogs dry off much faster after baths and stay more comfortable in warm climates, making them a convenient and low-maintenance choice for many owners.
These breeds are perfect for families, active owners, and those who are seeking guardianship, as they can adapt a bit to diverse living conditions with proper exercise, affection, and care. They prove that living with a giant one can be both manageable and rewarding.
Let’s read more about the breeds to explore their traits of sleek coats and personality.
Large Dog Breeds with Short Hair Coats for Every Lifestyle
1. Azawakh
Azawakh is a tall dog breed that hails from the western African Sahara Desert as a hunting dog. These short-haired dogs rank among the fastest dog breeds in the world, and are resistant to high temperatures as well.
However, trained and well-socialized Azawakh beautifully balances its independent and affectionate nature.
The short hair of Azawakh does not need regular grooming sessions, but once a week brushing with a soft-bristle brush.
These large dogs are very protective of their family members, as they were used to living in packs and guarding one another. Being a great protection dog, Azawakh stays reserved with strangers.
Azawakh is a popular dog in the US with attributes of agility, companionship, and guardianship, says the AKC. This breed is an embodiment of elegance and fitness and has great physical and mental exercise requirements.
Early training and socialization are important when you have these hounds in your home.
2. Black and Tan Coonhound
Droopy ears, sharp noses, and a powerful build define Black and Tan Coonhound, which is famous for being in the list of short-haired dog breeds. These large dog breeds were originally bred to hunt big game such as raccoons, bears, and lions in America. Thus, today’s Coonhound has a strong prey drive.
According to Hills’ Pet, their grooming demands are comparatively less, but ear cleaning is essential as they are prone to infections. Their short coat is dense and sheds twice a year. They need regular nail trimming with weekly brushing and a bath routine.
Black and Tan Coonhounds are smart and loving dogs who want to spend time with their owners either outdoors or indoors. With a stubborn streak, their training and socialization should start at an early age.
Moderate exercise and mental stimulation are important for their well-being, which includes long walks, running, and play sessions in a fenced yard.
3. Beauceron
Beaucerons are gentle giants who offer love, loyalty, and intelligence together. These herding dogs carry confidence and elegance with their muscular build, dark eyes, and frank temperament. With a black, gray tan coat, Beaucerons are short-haired dogs that have lots of qualities.
Their short but dense and smooth double coat is water repellent, and it sheds more in changing seasons; otherwise, their grooming needs are more manageable than other big dogs.
Though this furry companion has minimal grooming requirements with a dashy personality, it does not make a good breed for novice pet parents.
As a working dog, Beauceron’s activity levels are high, and thus they need a good amount of space and extreme daily exercise for a healthy lifestyle, says WebMD.
These dogs need experienced active owners and excel in canine sports like agility, skijoring, and herding. Since these smart dogs form strong attachments with their owners, their training is easy.
Fun Fact: A French novelist has called these dogs the Country’s gentleman.
4. Airedale Terrier
This versatile dog breed is blessed with athleticism, hunting abilities, and companionship. Airedale Terrier is characterized by muscular legs, a dense, wiry coat, and a sporty beard. These dogs are considered the King of Terriers, owing to their large size among the members of the Terrier group.
They were bred as hunting dogs in England. Being a short-haired dog breed, the Airedale Terrier has low maintenance coat, with a need for professional grooming thrice a year. However, weekly brushing and dental cleansing are important for their better upkeep.
With boundless energy, these active dogs need lots of physical activity. With strong hunting desires, these dogs are advised to be kept on a leash. They are eager to please and loving dogs who enjoy the company of humans, other dogs, and children, and make excellent companions.
Due to a lack of exercise and mental enrichment, the medium-sized dogs tend to develop some behavioral problems.
5. Cane Corso
Cane Corso is a protection dog breed with a devoted and affectionate temperament. Since these dogs were developed to offer guardianship, Cane Corsi (plural form) form great companions with strong protective instincts. They have minimal grooming requirements, but need persistent and patient training.
The intimidating presence and kind nature of the Cane Corso make it an interesting, majestic dog breed. They are friendly and loving with their family, but remain reserved around strangers.
Hiking, bike rides, and long running are some activities that Cane Corse needs, making it a suitable breed for active households.
The sturdy and muscular Cane Corso has short hair with some stiffness, with variable colors. Due to the hard texture of hair, they relatively shed a little, but not in the spring season.
Brushing in a week during the non-shedding season is perfectly fine, while in the shedding season, they need regular brushing.
6. Greyhound
Greyhounds rely on their agility rather than scent and endurance to excel in tracking. Sharp eyes with keen vision and strong legs with power and speed make it a great sighthound.
While being independent dogs, Greyhounds still make perfect companions at home, thanks to their affectionate and friendly nature.
Regardless of their sheer size, Greyhound is a surprisingly low-maintenance dog breed. This short-haired breed needs brushing once a week but bathing after every 4-6 weeks. Though there is no need for a professional groomer, Greyhounds’ nail trimming and ear cleaning are important.
They are difficult to train, which is why positive reinforcement methods in training sessions are vital for their best training.
These large dog breeds do not bark too much, and after meeting their exercise requirements, these dogs are perfect couch potatoes. Provided with ample space and basic activities, these dogs are well-suited for apartment living.
7. Weimaraner
Friendly, obedient, and agile Weimaraner is also celebrated for being a short-haired dog. Its short hair does not shed much and looks smooth and sleek. Thus, regular upkeep of the flat coat and ears is important, while nails need more attention than the other mentioned things.
Remarkably intelligent and energetic Weimaraners need proper physical and mental activities to remain happy and healthy. While they love to spend time with their owners, they should also be supervised during their interaction with kids, as they may accidentally knock them over.
They offer great companionship for active families, being a loving hunting dog. This dog may develop separation anxiety if left alone for a long time. That’s why these highly trainable dogs need proper socialization and training to behave positively.
However, due to hunting instincts, they are not suitable for households having other pets, including cats, rabbits, and small mammals.
Conclusion
The large dog breeds we discussed above are a fusion of strength, charm, and convenience in a way that suits almost any household rhythm.
They bring uncomplicated grooming, steady temperaments, and natural ability to blend into different lifestyles. They fit into daily routines with ease, from morning walks/runs to peaceful evenings indoors.
Without adding unnecessary demands, these dogs become reliable partners with affection, regular exercise, training, and care.
