Top 20 Short Hair Dog Breeds You Should Know

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By LIFAHSAIJan 13, 20260 comments

Short-haired dogs are often seen as the easy option for busy pet parents. With a short coat, less fur on the couch, and only occasional brushing, many people assume these dogs are low maintenance. For UK pet parents, choosing the right short haired dog breed matters even more. Our cooler climate, seasonal rain, and shorter daylight hours affect how dogs handle cold weather, loose fur, and skin health. Some short haired breeds struggle in winter and need coats, while others thrive indoors and are generally calm indoors. This guide you’ll learn which breeds suit apartments, active families, or homes with kids and other pets—and what care they truly need.

The Top 20 Short Hair Dog Breeds You Should Know

Short haired dog breeds come in many sizes, energy levels, and personalities. Below is a comprehensive list style overview, grouped by lifestyle fit, not just looks.

Small short-haired breeds

Chihuahua

Item	Details
Height	5–8 in
Weight	2–6 lb
Coat length	Short/smooth (also exists long-haired)
Color	Many colors (fawn, cream, black, white, mixes)
Temperament	Alert, bold, loyal, “big personality”
Lifespan	12–16 yrs
Energy level	Medium
Living space needs	Great for apartments; prefers warmth
Common health issues	Dental disease, patella luxation, heart issues
Family friendly?	Best with older kids; fragile with rough play

Miniature Pinscher

Item	Details
Height	10–12.5 in
Weight	8–10 lb
Coat length	Short, smooth
Color	Red, stag red, black & rust, chocolate & rust
Temperament	Fearless, lively, curious
Lifespan	12–16 yrs
Energy level	High
Living space needs	Apartment OK with daily walks + play
Common health issues	Patella luxation, Legg-Calvé-Perthes, dental issues
Family friendly?	Good with older kids; needs training

Dachshund (Smooth)

Item	Details
Height	5–9 in
Weight	11–32 lb (Mini vs Standard)
Coat length	Smooth/short (also wire-haired, long-haired)
Color	Red, black & tan, chocolate, dapple, more
Temperament	Brave, stubborn, devoted
Lifespan	12–16 yrs
Energy level	Medium
Living space needs	Small homes OK; limit stairs/jumping
Common health issues	IVDD (back), obesity risk
Family friendly?	Yes with respectful kids; careful handling

Pug

Item	Details
Height	10–13 in
Weight	14–18 lb
Coat length	Short/smooth (can shed a lot)
Color	Fawn or black
Temperament	Sweet, charming, people-focused
Lifespan	12–15 yrs
Energy level	Low–Medium
Living space needs	Excellent apartment dog
Common health issues	Brachycephalic breathing, eye issues, overheating
Family friendly?	Yes—typically great with kids

French Bulldog

Item	Details
Height	11–13 in
Weight	16–28 lb (typical)
Coat length	Short, smooth
Color	Brindle, fawn, white, pied, mixes
Temperament	Playful, adaptable, affectionate
Lifespan	10–12 yrs
Energy level	Low–Medium
Living space needs	Great for apartments
Common health issues	Breathing/spine issues, allergies
Family friendly?	Yes—often strong family fit

Boston Terrier

Item	Details
Height	15–17 in
Weight	12–25 lb
Coat length	Short, smooth
Color	Black/brindle/seal with white
Temperament	Friendly, fun-loving, generally calm indoors
Lifespan	11–13 yrs
Energy level	Medium
Living space needs	Excellent for apartments/city life
Common health issues	Flat-face breathing, eye issues
Family friendly?	Yes—popular family dog

Medium short-haired breeds

Beagle

Item	Details
Height	13–15 in
Weight	20–30 lb
Coat length	Short, dense
Color	Tri-color, lemon, red & white, more
Temperament	Curious, friendly, scent-driven
Lifespan	12–15 yrs
Energy level	Medium–High
Living space needs	Daily walks needed; yard helps
Common health issues	Ear infections, obesity, hypothyroid
Family friendly?	Yes—often great with kids/other dogs

Whippet

Item	Details
Height	18–22 in
Weight	25–40 lb
Coat length	Short, smooth
Color	Many colors/patterns
Temperament	Gentle, quiet, affectionate
Lifespan	12–15 yrs
Energy level	Medium (speed bursts)
Living space needs	Apartment OK with daily exercise
Common health issues	Dental issues; some line sensitivities
Family friendly?	Yes—gentle with kids

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Item	Details
Height	14–16 in
Weight	24–38 lb
Coat length	Short, smooth
Color	Brindle, black, blue, fawn, red, white, mixes
Temperament	Affectionate, brave, people-oriented
Lifespan	12–14 yrs
Energy level	Medium–High
Living space needs	Needs routine exercise; apartment possible
Common health issues	Skin allergies, eye issues (some lines)
Family friendly?	Often good with family when trained/socialized

Australian Cattle Dog

Item	Details
Height	17–20 in
Weight	35–50 lb
Coat length	Short, dense, weather-resistant
Color	Blue or red speckle
Temperament	Smart, loyal, protective, intense
Lifespan	12–16 yrs
Energy level	Very high
Living space needs	Best with yard/job; needs mental stimulation
Common health issues	Deafness (some lines), joint issues
Family friendly?	Yes for active families; needs structure

Border Collie (Smooth coat)

Item	Details
Height	18–22 in
Weight	30–55 lb
Coat length	Smooth (short) or rough (longer)
Color	Many (black/white common)
Temperament	Highly intelligent, driven, focused
Lifespan	12–15 yrs
Energy level	Very high
Living space needs	Needs daily work/play; yard helps
Common health issues	Hip dysplasia, epilepsy (some), eye issues
Family friendly?	Yes if active; may “herd” kids/other pets

Bull Terrier

Item	Details
Height	21–22 in (typical)
Weight	50–70 lb (varies)
Coat length	Short, flat
Color	White or colored (brindle/fawn/tri-color etc.)
Temperament	Goofy, strong-willed, energetic
Lifespan	12–13 yrs
Energy level	High
Living space needs	Better with space + training routine
Common health issues	Deafness (esp. white), skin, kidney/heart issues
Family friendly?	Can be great; needs consistent training

Boxer

Item	Details
Height	21.5–25 in
Weight	50–80 lb
Coat length	Short, smooth
Color	Fawn, brindle (often white markings)
Temperament	Playful, loyal, people-focused
Lifespan	10–12 yrs
Energy level	High
Living space needs	Daily exercise required; yard helpful
Common health issues	Heart issues, cancer risk, allergies
Family friendly?	Yes—often excellent with kids

American Staffordshire Terrier

Item	Details
Height	17–19 in
Weight	40–70 lb
Coat length	Short, stiff
Color	Many colors/patterns
Temperament	Confident, loyal, people-oriented
Lifespan	12–16 yrs
Energy level	Medium–High
Living space needs	Apartment possible with exercise + training
Common health issues	Skin allergies, joint issues (some lines)
Family friendly?	Can be excellent with training/socialization

Large short-haired breeds

Dalmatian

Item	Details
Height	19–24 in
Weight	45–70 lb
Coat length	Short, fine
Color	White with black or liver spots
Temperament	Energetic, smart, sensitive
Lifespan	11–13 yrs
Energy level	High
Living space needs	Needs long walks/runs daily
Common health issues	Deafness risk, urinary stones (urate)
Family friendly?	Yes for active homes

Labrador Retriever

Item	Details
Height	21.5–24.5 in
Weight	55–80 lb
Coat length	Short, dense double coat
Color	Black, yellow, chocolate
Temperament	Friendly, eager, steady
Lifespan	10–12 yrs
Energy level	High (esp. young dogs)
Living space needs	Adaptable; needs daily exercise
Common health issues	Hip/elbow dysplasia, obesity, ear infections
Family friendly?	Yes—classic family dog

German Shorthaired Pointer

Item	Details
Height	21–25 in (males commonly 23–25)
Weight	45–70 lb (males often 55–70)
Coat length	Short, thick
Color	Liver solid or liver/white patterns
Temperament	Athletic, eager, friendly
Lifespan	10–12 yrs
Energy level	Very high (true active breed)
Living space needs	Yard strongly recommended; needs strenuous exercise
Common health issues	Hip dysplasia, bloat risk
Family friendly?	Yes for active families

Doberman Pinscher

Item	Details
Height	24–28 in
Weight	60–100 lb
Coat length	Short, smooth
Color	Black/rust, red/rust, blue, fawn
Temperament	Protective, intelligent, loyal
Lifespan	10–12 yrs
Energy level	High
Living space needs	Needs training + daily activity; space helpful
Common health issues	DCM (heart), bloat risk, joint issues
Family friendly?	Yes with training; very devoted

Weimaraner

Item	Details
Height	23–27 in
Weight	55–90 lb
Coat length	Short, sleek (some long-haired exist)
Color	Silver-gray
Temperament	Affectionate “velcro dog,” high drive
Lifespan	10–13 yrs
Energy level	Very high
Living space needs	Best with space + daily exercise
Common health issues	Bloat risk, hip issues
Family friendly?	Great for active families; needs attention

Great Dane

Item	Details
Height	28–32+ in (males often 30–32)
Weight	110–175 lb (males often 140–175)
Coat length	Short, smooth
Color	Fawn, brindle, black, blue, harlequin, mantle
Temperament	Gentle giant, calm, loving
Lifespan	7–10 yrs
Energy level	Medium
Living space needs	Needs room to turn/stretch; not tiny apartments
Common health issues	Bloat risk, joint issues, heart disease
Family friendly?	Yes—size supervision with kids

How to Choose the Right Short-Haired Breed

Choosing a short haired dog breed should start with lifestyle, not appearance. Many pet owners focus on short fur for low maintenance, but energy levels, grooming needs, and climate tolerance matter more.

1. Match energy to your routine

Highly energetic dogs like the German Shorthaired Pointer or Vizsla need long walks, strenuous exercise, and mental stimulation. Without it, behaviour issues can develop.

2. Consider UK weather

Short hair offers little insulation. Dogs like Whippets, Greyhounds, and Chihuahuas often need coats in winter.

3. Family and other pets

Some short haired breeds are excellent family dogs and tolerate children and other dogs well. Others are more independent and suited to adults or single-pet homes.

4. Grooming expectations

Low maintenance coats still need weekly brushing to remove loose fur and dead hair. Choosing a breed that fits your time and effort level prevents stress later.

Short Coat Care That Actually Works

Short hair does not mean no grooming. In fact, short haired dogs often shed loose fur year-round, which ends up on clothes, furniture, and floors.

Brushing basics

Use a soft bristle brush, rubber curry brush, or hound glove
Brush once or twice a week to remove loose hair and dead hair
Regular brushing helps minimise shedding and keeps skin health

Bathing

Short haired dogs usually need only occasional bathing. Over-bathing strips natural oils and can cause dry skin. A vet-approved shampoo is best.

Professional grooming

Most short haired breeds do not need frequent grooming visits, but an occasional groomer check helps with:

Nails
Ears
Skin health

This keeps pets in good condition and prevents hidden problems.

FAQs

What is the best short-haired dog?

There is no single “best” short-haired dog. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, space, and time for exercise. For many UK homes, Greyhounds are a top choice because they have a smooth coat, low grooming needs, and are generally calm indoors.

What are the calmest small short-haired dogs?

Some calm small short-haired dogs include:

Boston Terrier – friendly, adaptable, good family dog
Pug – affectionate and relaxed (needs care due to flat face)
French Bulldog – calm indoors, people-focused

Which dog breed has short hair?

Many dog breeds have short hair (smooth coat), including:

Small: Chihuahua, Boston Terrier, Miniature Pinscher
Medium: Beagle, Boxer, Whippet
Large: Greyhound, Great Dane, Doberman, Dalmatian

Short hair usually means less grooming, but short-haired dogs still shed.

What is the calmest dog to own?

One of the calmest dogs to own is the Greyhound. Despite their speed, they are known for being gentle, quiet, and happy to relax at home after a walk.

Conclusion

Short haired dogs can be a great choice for many pet parents, but short hair does not always mean no shedding or no care. The best short haired dog breed is one that fits your lifestyle, space, and energy level, not just your grooming preferences. Whether you choose a calm Greyhound, a small Boston Terrier, or an active Boxer, understanding their coat, exercise needs, and temperament will help you make a smarter choice and enjoy a happier life together.

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