10 Large Short Haired Dogs: Breeds With Lower Maintenance

Do you love dogs and dying to get one but are not ready to invest all your time in grooming and brushing their fur? If so, then short-haired dogs are perfect for you. However, the best thing about short-haired dogs is that they need less grooming. All you need is to spend some time to upkeep them.

We cannot deny that most short-haired breeds are of low maintenance. It means you won’t have to visit dog parlors or groomers every week. And this can save your hard-earned money as well as time.

That said, just because a dog has short hair doesn’t mean it won’t need any brushing. In fact, some of these dogs shed more than long-haired breeds. Hence, brushing these dogs at least 2- 3 times a week is necessary.

So, although short-haired dog breeds may not check off the low shedding box, their low maintenance can be a pawsome thing to consider.

Things to Know Before Getting Large Short-Haired Dogs

It is needless to state that every dog has a personality that makes them adorable. However, depending on your preferences, they can also be extremely suitable. Keeping this in mind, let us explore the things that dog-lovers should keep in mind before getting a short-haired dog for themselves.

#1. They shed

We generally think that short-haired dogs shed less hair. But, on the contrary, sometimes, they may shed more than those with long hair. Breeds like Akita, and Labrador Retrievers, among others, are the commonest dogs with short fur that shed a lot. So, if you are planning to keep that vacuum cleaner at bay, think again!

#2. Other needs

Large dogs would have more needs than small ones. For example, you may need to spend time and money on their food, health issues, vet visits, and so on. Remember, larger dog breeds need more attention and care from their owners.

#3. Need extra layers for winter months

Shorter hair means less capacity for insulation. So, if you live in a colder region and are planning to get a large dog with short hair – prepare yourself with extra woolen layers to cover your dog in the winter months.

#4. High energy level

It is needless to mention that larger dogs will have more energy. And you would need to offer them proper channels to release that energy. In other words, a large dog would need a vast open area to run, stretch out and play daily. Also, if you are planning to keep them out, make sure to build an apt kennel for them.

Top Large Short-Haired Dogs with Lower Maintenance

So, are you sure that you are going to get a large dog with short hair? Well then, here is a list of top dog breeds that you can choose from. We have carefully studied these breeds before listing them here.

These dogs need low maintenance and would be happy if you brush their coat every 1- 2 weeks.

#1. Basenji

Basenji hails from Africa, and its popularity is for having smooth and clean fur that requires less maintenance. Also, this breed does not need frequent bathing, which is an added advantage. Moreover, you may find a Basenji cleaning its coat like cats. They’re known as the “barkless dog” because they’re usually calm and don’t bark loudly like most dogs. They may, however, whine and create a peculiar yodeling sound.

#2. Dalmatian

Do you remember the childhood movie 101 Dalamtians? We are sure you do.

So, have you ever thought of getting one for yourself? If not, you can consider this adorable black and white dog breed for its fine, dense, and glossy coat. However, remember that Dalmatians are serial shedders and need weekly brushing.

#3. Boxer

Boxers are medium to large size dogs and are native to Germany. These dogs do not need regular bathing, which is positive to consider. But they would need weekly brushing of their coat. Boxers are highly energetic and need a lot of exercise to stay joyful and avoid behavioral problems. Under excessive exertion, in hot weather, these dogs get overheated soon because they are a brachycephalic breed.

#4. Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is a medium-sized domestic dog breed that originated in Germany. This dog is known to have a smooth and shiny coat that needs brushing once a week. Much like Boxers, Doberman Pinschers are also highly energetic and need a lot of exercise. Although they may look intimidating to strangers, the Doberman can be social and friendly with known people.

#5. Great Dane

One of the largest breeds of dogs is the Great Dane, often known as the German Mastiff. This breed is an absolute joy to live with. Don’t get intimidated by its size; the Great Dane can be friendly and soft to the people it knows. This dog is mostly preferred for their short hair, but they may shed a lot during the spring season. So, owners may need to brush their dogs regularly during peak shedding time.

#6. German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointer is a popular hunting dog, which is good at pointing and recovering waterfowl. In addition, its coat is easy to maintain, requiring only weekly combing and the occasional wash. So, if you are looking for a truly low-maintenance dog, go for a German Shorthaired Pointer. That being said, the German shorthaired pointer is a working breed and will require plenty of stimulation via outdoor activities to avoid boredom.

#7. Rhodesian ridgeback

Originally bred in South Africa to hunt lions, the Rhodesian ridgeback has a slender and sleek hair coat that requires very little maintenance and only sheds a modest to moderate amount. However, suppose you are a first-time dog owner. In that case, it’s better to avoid this breed, as a Rhodesian ridgeback can be large, powerful, and highly energetic, all of what may seem intimidating.

#8. Mastiff

Known as one of the largest dog breeds in the world, Mastiffs are gentle, which makes them affectionate family pets. Mastiff coat is short but needs more than usual grooming. We mean that this dog would need regular brushing, bathing, and nail trimming. Another disadvantage of having a Mastiff is that you have to deal with its drool. Additionally, it can shed a lot in specific seasons. So, a Mastiff is basically a combination of shedding and drooling, which may make it unsuitable for persons who are allergic to dogs.

#9. Greyhound

Greyhounds are slender and make great hunting dogs. Their coat is short and smooth and sheds less than many other breeds. As a result, Greyhounds are known for being the world’s fastest breed. The best thing about Greyhounds is that their coat is so short that you may not even need to brush it. Just a gentle rub down with a damp towel is all they need most of the time.

#10. Vizsla

If you are an active owner, Vizsla can be your pawsome companion. This redheaded Hungarian hunting breed requires at least 50 minutes of vigorous activities every day. These dogs, however, do not have an insulating undercoat, which may make it essential to keep them warm during the winter months. In addition, Vizslas shed very little to moderately and need to be brushed once a week to keep their coats free of loose hair. On the other hand, they don’t require baths very often, and the greatest part is that they don’t have a strong canine stench.

Short-Haired Large Dogs not to be Considered

The list we provided above is inexhaustible, as there are other breeds out there who also have shorter coat hair and are large. But if you want to have a hassle-free experience, you should avoid some of those dog breeds.

For instance, Spitz and Scandinavian dog breeds may have shorter hair, but they shed a lot. Additionally, they are apt for mountain regions and arctic climates. So, if you do not reside in any of these areas, it is better to avoid these breeds, as they would require extra care.

Summary

Before we wrap up, we would like to state that if you do not see other short-haired dogs on this list, don’t worry- as there are several other large dog breeds with short hair that make excellent pets. And to learn about them, you can always conduct your research before deciding which one would be most suitable for you.

Remember, all dogs are individuals and adorable. So, go ahead, learn about them and adopt one that will give you the utmost happiness.