City life, warm climates, or a preference for lower-maintenance coats all make short-coated dogs a popular choice for many households. They can be easier to groom, dry faster after baths, and often suit active owners who want a dog that’s ready for walks and play without a lot of brushing.
There are 37 short-haired dog breeds, ranging from American Pit Bull Terrier to Whippet. For each entry you’ll find below the columns: Scientific name, Weight (kg), Shedding level — so you can compare origin, size, and how much fur to expect, and then choose what fits your home and routine; you’ll find below.
Do short-haired dog breeds shed less than long-haired breeds?
Not necessarily — shedding depends on the breed and coat type more than length. Some short-coated breeds, like many terriers and the American Pit Bull Terrier, shed moderately year-round, while others, such as the Whippet, shed minimally. Regular brushing, a healthy diet, and seasonal grooming help control loose hair regardless of coat length.
Which short-haired breeds adapt well to apartment living?
Breeds that combine a calm indoor temperament with moderate exercise needs tend to do best: smaller or medium short-haired types and those known for mellow behavior (for example, Whippets and some bully breeds) can adapt well if they get daily walks and mental stimulation. Match energy levels and training needs to your routine for the best fit.
Short-Haired Dog Breeds
| Breed | Scientific name | Weight (kg) | Shedding level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beagle | Canis lupus familiaris | 9–11 | Moderate |
| Boxer | Canis lupus familiaris | 25–32 | Moderate |
| Doberman Pinscher | Canis lupus familiaris | 30–45 | Low |
| French Bulldog | Canis lupus familiaris | 8–14 | Low |
| English Bulldog | Canis lupus familiaris | 18–25 | Low |
| Boston Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 5–11 | Low |
| Pug | Canis lupus familiaris | 6–9 | High |
| Basenji | Canis lupus familiaris | 9–11 | Low |
| Greyhound | Canis lupus familiaris | 25–40 | Low |
| Whippet | Canis lupus familiaris | 11–20 | Low |
| Italian Greyhound | Canis lupus familiaris | 3–5 | Low |
| Vizsla | Canis lupus familiaris | 20–29 | Moderate |
| Weimaraner | Canis lupus familiaris | 25–40 | Moderate |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback | Canis lupus familiaris | 30–36 | Low |
| Basset Hound | Canis lupus familiaris | 18–27 | Moderate |
| English Pointer | Canis lupus familiaris | 20–30 | Low |
| German Shorthaired Pointer | Canis lupus familiaris | 25–32 | Moderate |
| Brittany | Canis lupus familiaris | 13–18 | Low |
| Great Dane | Canis lupus familiaris | 45–90 | Low |
| Cane Corso | Canis lupus familiaris | 40–50 | Low |
| Bullmastiff | Canis lupus familiaris | 45–59 | Low |
| American Pit Bull Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 14–27 | Moderate |
| American Staffordshire Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 20–32 | Moderate |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 11–17 | Low |
| Bull Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 22–38 | Low |
| Miniature Pinscher | Canis lupus familiaris | 3–5 | Low |
| Manchester Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 4–10 | Low |
| Smooth Fox Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 6–8 | Low |
| Parson Russell Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 6–8 | Moderate |
| Dalmatian | Canis lupus familiaris | 20–27 | High |
| Bloodhound | Canis lupus familiaris | 36–50 | Moderate |
| English Foxhound | Canis lupus familiaris | 25–34 | Moderate |
| Harrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 18–27 | Moderate |
| Dogo Argentino | Canis lupus familiaris | 36–45 | Low |
| Thai Ridgeback | Canis lupus familiaris | 23–32 | Low |
| Toy Fox Terrier | Canis lupus familiaris | 2–4 | Low |
| Dachshund (Smooth) | Canis lupus familiaris | 7–14 | Low |
Images and Descriptions
Beagle
Small scent hound from England with a short, dense coat that lies close to the body. Friendly, energetic, and good with families; requires regular exercise and scent-work outlets. Moderate shedding and low-grooming needs make them a popular adoption choice.
Boxer
Medium-to-large German origin with a smooth, short coat and muscular build. Playful, loyal, and good with active families; needs daily exercise. Coat is easy to brush but sheds moderately, so regular grooming keeps loose hair under control.
Doberman Pinscher
Sleek, intelligent German breed with a short, close-lying coat. Highly trainable and protective, suited to active owners and working roles. Low to moderate shedding and minimal grooming make Dobermans practical for busy households.
French Bulldog
Compact, playful breed originating from France with a fine, short coat and distinctive bat ears. Suited to apartment life and low-exercise routines. Generally low shedders, easy-care coat, but prone to skin folds that need regular cleaning.
English Bulldog
Stocky British breed with a short, smooth coat and folded skin. Calm, affectionate, and low-energy—great for apartment dwellers. Low shedding but requires regular care of facial wrinkles and ears to prevent irritation and infection.
Boston Terrier
Small American companion dog with a short, fine coat and tuxedo-like markings. Affectionate and adaptable to city living. Low-shedding and easy to groom; regular brushing and dental care are helpful for overall health.
Pug
Small brachycephalic breed from China, later developed in Europe, with a short, smooth coat. Charming and sociable but prone to skin folds and breathing issues. Heavy seasonal shedding; requires regular brushing and wrinkle care.
Basenji
Ancient hunting breed from Central Africa with a very short, fine coat that stays close to the skin. Quiet and independent—famous for being “barkless.” Low shedding and simple grooming; good for owners seeking a tidy, energetic companion.
Greyhound
Elegant sighthound from Europe with a very short, smooth coat and lean build. Gentle and surprisingly calm indoors despite athletic potential. Minimal grooming and light shedding make Greyhounds ideal for adopters wanting low-maintenance coats.
Whippet
Small to medium sighthound with a short, close-lying coat. Affectionate, calm at home, and quick off-lead. Low shedding and easy grooming; requires exercise but is typically quiet and adaptable to family life.
Italian Greyhound
Tiny descendant of the Greyhound with a sleek, short coat and delicate frame. Sweet-natured and suited to indoor life; sensitive to cold so needs warm clothing. Very low shedding and minimal grooming required.
Vizsla
Hungarian hunting dog with a short, dense, golden-rust coat that lies close to the body. Energetic and affectionate—needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Moderate shedding but overall low-grooming; great for active families.
Weimaraner
German-origin sporting dog with a smooth, short grey coat and striking appearance. Highly energetic, intelligent, and affectionate; best with active owners. Sheds moderately; weekly brushing helps control loose hair and maintain coat health.
Rhodesian Ridgeback
African hunting breed notable for the ridge of hair along its back; short, sleek coat. Loyal and independent, suitable for experienced owners who provide exercise and firm training. Low shedding and generally easy-care coat.
Basset Hound
Short-legged scent hound from France with a close-lying, dense coat. Gentle, scent-driven, and family-friendly but can be stubborn. Moderate shedding; regular brushing and ear care are important because of droopy ears and skin folds.
English Pointer
Classic British pointing gundog with a short, smooth coat ideal for fieldwork. Energetic and eager to please; needs regular exercise and training. Low shedding and easy grooming make Pointers practical for active households and adopters.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Versatile hunting breed from Germany with a short, sleek, water-resistant coat. Very active and intelligent, requiring lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Sheds moderately; regular brushing and activity help manage loose hair and behavior.
Brittany
French pointing breed with a short, tight coat and lively temperament. Friendly, trainable, and well-suited to active families or hunters. Low to moderate shedding and straightforward grooming; enjoys outdoor activity and canine sports.
Great Dane
Giant breed with a short, smooth coat and gentle temperament; originated in Germany. Calm and affectionate indoors but needs space and care for size-related health concerns. Low grooming needs, though seasonal shedding occurs.
Cane Corso
Large Italian mastiff with a short, glossy coat and protective nature. Loyal and powerful, suited to experienced owners who provide firm training. Low-shedding, easy to groom, but requires socialization and consistent exercise.
Bullmastiff
British guardian breed with a short, dense coat and massive build. Calm, affectionate, and protective of family and property. Low shedding and minimal grooming; regular exercise and early training are essential for manageable behavior.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Muscular American terrier-type with a short, smooth coat and strong, loyal temperament. Energetic and people-oriented; thrives with consistent training and socialization. Moderate shedding; simple grooming and regular exercise keep them healthy and happy.
American Staffordshire Terrier
Close-coated, muscular breed from the UK/US with friendly, bold personality. Good family dogs when socialized and trained; needs daily activity. Moderate shedding and low grooming demands make them suitable for active adopters.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Compact British terrier with a short, smooth coat and affectionate, courageous nature. Great with families and children when raised properly. Low shedding and easy-care coat; regular play and training are recommended.
Bull Terrier
Distinctive egg-shaped head and short, flat coat from England. Playful, determined, and clownish; best for active owners who enjoy training. Low shedding and minimal grooming but benefits from early socialization and exercise.
Miniature Pinscher
Tiny, lively breed from Germany with a short, glossy coat and big-dog attitude. Confident, alert, and energetic—needs mental stimulation and secure fencing. Very low grooming needs and modest shedding make them easy to care for.
Manchester Terrier
Small British terrier with a short, smooth coat and sleek build. Alert, intelligent, and affectionate with proper training. Low-shedding and easy grooming make it a practical indoor companion for owners who provide exercise and mental work.
Smooth Fox Terrier
English working terrier with a short, dense coat that lies close to the body. Energetic, bold, and tenacious—ideal for active owners who like training and games. Low shedding and straightforward grooming needs.
Parson Russell Terrier
Energetic hunting terrier with a smooth or broken coat; the smooth type has a short, close-lying coat. Bold, intelligent, and highly active—needs outlets for energy. Moderate shedding and routine grooming keep their coat healthy.
Dalmatian
Distinctive spotted breed from Croatia with a short, dense coat. Energetic, social, and suited to active families; requires exercise and mental stimulation. Heavy seasonal shedding; regular brushing is important to manage loose hair and dandruff.
Bloodhound
Powerful scent hound with a short, dense coat and loose skin around the face and neck. Gentle and focused on scents; excellent for tracking work. Moderate shedding and important ear and wrinkle care to prevent infections.
English Foxhound
Traditional British pack hound with a short, close coat built for stamina. Friendly and sociable but requires space and regular exercise. Moderate shedding; simple brushing helps control loose hair and maintain the short coat.
Harrier
Medium British hound similar to a beagle but larger; short, weather-resistant coat that lies close to the body. Energetic and pack-oriented—needs regular activity and scent work. Moderate shedding and straightforward grooming needs.
Dogo Argentino
Large, muscular Argentine breed with an all-white, short, smooth coat bred for big-game hunting. Loyal and protective, requires experienced handling. Low shedding and minimal grooming, though active exercise and socialization are essential.
Thai Ridgeback
Ancient Southeast Asian breed with a short, glossy coat and a ridge like the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Independent and loyal, suited to experienced owners; adapts well to warm climates. Low shedding and easy grooming make it practical for adopters.
Toy Fox Terrier
Tiny American terrier with a short, smooth coat and spirited personality. Affectionate, alert, and good for small-space living with active owners. Very low grooming needs and light shedding make them an easy-care companion.
Dachshund (Smooth)
Classic German scent hound in the smooth variety with a short, glossy coat that lies close to the body. Curious and stubborn; great for families who can manage back-care and provide mental stimulation. Low grooming and moderate shedding.
