24 Small Dog Breeds With Short Hair (Low Grooming Needs) (2024)

Dogs are undoubtedly adorable, but they can be a handful when it comes to their upkeep. Hence, going for small dog breeds with short hair is the most sensible choice for busy owners.

Small, short-haired breeds would only typically require occasional grooming, which will also take little time because of the size of these pooches. Further, their shedding rate is significantly low.

So, if you don’t particularly enjoy cleaning up dog hair, you might gravitate toward a low-maintenance, lap-sized dog. This article will introduce all small, short-coated breeds that shed minimally. Let’s start!

24 Small Dog Breeds With Short Hair

Battling against pet hair is constant for many dog owners. Some dogs shed all year round, which can worsen during the shedding seasons.

However, those considering getting a small, short-haired dog wouldn’t have to deal much with pet fur. The advantage of owning one includes cutting costs on frequent dog salon trips and grooming time.

Convinced that a smooth-coated compact pet is right for you? Here are the 24 dog breeds you can choose from.

1. Italian Greyhound

Playful and smart, the Italian Greyhound is above one foot in height with a slender, graceful body. This dog breed is notable for its sleek, short hair.

It’s considerably smaller than its taller Greyhound relatives but is nonetheless just as athletic as they are.

It was developed as a hunting dog, but even though most Italian Greyhounds no longer participate in small games, their instinct to chase is still there. Hence, the breed is active and might often end up getting dirty.

Generally, one or two baths a year is sufficient for the Italian Greyhound or any time its coat looks dirty. The frequency varies depending on the lifestyle.

A weekly brush also helps loosen and remove dead, excess hair before it ends on your furniture. To achieve optimal results, carefully choose pet products that are gentle for your Italian Greyhound’s coat and skin.

2. Boston Terrier

Known to be the “American Gentleman,” the Boston Terrier is a small companion with low grooming needs. This small short-coated dog is playful, loving, and intelligent.

The Boston Terrier has a black, seal, white, brindle, red, or blue coat that doesn’t grow to the point that it has to be cut, trimmed, or shaved.

On top of that, this breed’s coat doesn’t easily attract dirt unless it loves to roll in muddy areas. Nonetheless, a damp towel can remove the grime from its coat if it gets dirty.

Even though the Boston Terrier needs less grooming, it will benefit from regular brushing.

This can be done on a weekly basis using a soft-bristled brush. Meanwhile, a bath is only necessary every 6 to 8 weeks or if this pooch gets dirty.

3. Miniature Pinscher

The Miniature Pinscher looks closer to a Doberman but is more related to the Dachshund and Greyhound. The Min Pin is known to be light and generally tiny, with a smooth short coat. Some also have cropped ears.

Yet, its size doesn’t keep it from not having a big personality. In fact, it may try to rule the household, which is why proper training is vital for this pooch.

A good grooming routine will work well for the Mini Pin as well. Making training sessions interesting will give the dog a fun experience.

A weekly brush is enough to keep the coat in tip-top condition. A bath can be done every 6 to 8 weeks or any time the Min Pin looks dirty or emits a doggy odor.

4. Basenji

The Basenji is a small, short-coated hound that has cat-like behaviors. It acts independently, is often aloof and willful, and would usually develop closeness to just one or two favorite family members.

Interestingly, it also loves to groom itself. That said, the Basenji is not usually the one to emit bad doggy odor. You can still give it a bath as needed, but carefully choose products that can’t dry up its skin.

When it comes to coat brushing, the Basenji sheds all year round but in an insignificant amount. A weekly brush using a grooming mitt, hound glove, or bristle brush is about everything you need.

Just do a quick rub down since the Basenji has a sparse undercoat. Brushing also helps spread its natural oils evenly. This ultimately leads to healthier skin and coat conditions.

5. Short-Haired Chihuahua

The short-haired Chihuahua may be known as a toy dog breed, but its big dog personality makes up for the lack of its size. Some of its official coat colors are white, cream, fawn, and gold.

You won’t have to deal much with this breed’s shedding, even if you have several running around the house. Its fur is so short and small you’d hardly notice it in case it blows off its coat.

Surprisingly, this unnoticeable shedding can go on for the entire year. Hence, it still needs an occasional bath and a weekly brush to keep its coat healthy.

On top of that, since the short-haired Chihuahua weighs no more than six pounds, grooming would only take minutes. It’s good news for owners with little time to groom their pets.

6. French Bulldog

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the French Bulldog, which also comes in a teacup variety, is the second most popular dog breed. Owning this small dog does not require a lot of maintenance.

Brushing its coat once or twice weekly is enough to avoid brush burn caused by friction. It’s also recommended that you use a soft slicker brush to avoid scratching your dog’s skin.

As a rule of thumb, baths are done every 6 to 8 weeks or if your Frenchie gets dirty after playtime.

What’s advantageous in owning a small dog breed with short hair, such as the French Bulldog, is you won’t need to bring it to a dog grooming salon for a haircut. That means more time spent bonding with your fido at home.

7. Pocket Beagle

The Pocket Beagle is a variation recognized by the AKC and The Kennel Club. It is 13 inches and under in height and less than 20 pounds in weight. Due to its small proportions, grooming won’t take too much time.

This is an excellent alternative to a standard Beagle if you want a small dog with low grooming requirements.

Giving it a positive grooming experience at an early age is a must for a Pocket Beagle. This way, it can stay still as you give it a thorough brush weekly. The use of rewards, such as dog treats, can reinforce the behavior.

To remove odor and keep the entire coat dirt-free, bathing every 6 to 8 weeks is necessary. However, if one of your Pocket Beagle’s pastime activities is to swim, you can set its bathing schedule rarely.

8. Miniature Dachshund

The miniature Dachshund, which also comes in a toy version, has three types of coats: wired, smooth, and long-coated. Out of these variations, the smooth-coated mini Dachshund has the most minimal grooming needs.

Aside from its short coat, what’s more to expect from its appearance is its longer-than-tall body. It greatly resembles a sausage; hence it’s often called a wiener or sausage dog.

It only sheds occasionally, so its short coat would only require you to brush it every once in a while. Generally, it won’t take long before the grooming session is over.

Since it’s a notorious digger and burrower, a miniature Dachshund’s bathing schedule can be set as often as it gets dirty.

However, a 6 to 8-week bathing schedule would be ideal if the mini Dachshund mostly spends its time indoors.

9. Pug

The Pug was developed as a small companion dog, notable for its short coat that comes in black and fawn colors. It’s a true charmer with an even temperament, an outgoing personality, and a loving disposition.

Training this dog comes easy as it loves to please its owner. Still, teaching it the ideal habits is recommended early. Additionally, a grooming routine must be incorporated into its lifestyle as early as puppyhood.

It sheds a certain amount due to its double coat but can be managed well using a medium bristle brush weekly to remove loose hairs.

Ensure that the Pug’s wrinkles are free from skin infections. Also, the eye areas should always be cleaned to avoid the onset of eye problems, like eye stye. A once-a-month bath would be enough for this breed.

Watch a short video below showing a Pug getting bathed at home:

10. American Hairless Terrier

The American Hairless Terrier finds happiness in being a lap dog. It is easy to lift or carry thanks to its lightweight and compact physique. It also doesn’t take up too much space nor consume too much time when groomed.

Talking about its maintenance, the American Hairless Terrier, as the name suggests, has no fur for you to deal with, except for some appearing on the eyebrows and whiskers.

Bathe this dog every 6 to 8 weeks or if needed. This will help keep its skin healthy and not dry from the chemicals of dog shampoos. You can use dog wipes to clean its body if an oily film starts appearing on the skin.

Having the American Hairless Terrier as a family pet will definitely be much more manageable compared to having a larger, long-haired dog.

11. Hairless Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is a small, velcro dog that is unique in its looks. It has two varieties: the hairless and the coated. Between the two, the hairless variety is easier to groom.

The hairless Chinese Crested, in particular, is fun to look at. In fact, it looks like a mini horse, considering its fur, which only appears on the head, down to the back of the neck, lower legs, and tail.

Since it weighs only 8 to 12 pounds, the hairless Chinese Crested is perfect for apartments. To add, shedding poses no problems. Most of its body parts lack fur, making it a very low-maintenance breed.

However, brushing the areas where the long coat is present is needed to avoid tangling. Meanwhile, its coat’s upkeep requires it to be bathed every two weeks. This prevents skin irritations and acne.

12. Cirneco dell’Etna

The Cirneco dell’Etna is a serious hunter who aces coursing games. At the same time, it excels as a compact, short-haired family companion with an affectionate side to show.

Its physique makes this sighthound a nice lapdog. And if it’s not being cuddled by its owner, this dog is out and about acting upon its inquisitive nature.

To keep up with its hygiene, look into the kind of lifestyle it has. The more often it gets dirty due to outdoor play, the more frequent its baths and brushing should be to remove trapped debris and dust.

However, there should be moderation in bathing this dog to avoid irritation. On a more regular basis, though, weekly brushing and every two months of bathing are enough to keep it looking at its best.

That said, owners won’t need to bring their Cirneco dell’Etna to the pet salon that often or give it a daily grooming routine.

13. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Rusell Terrier is another small, low-maintenance dog that needs a large space to feed its thirst for adventure. It has three coat types which are smooth, rough, and broken.

Dog lovers may opt for a smooth-coated Jack Rusell Terrier if they want a small, short-haired dog with a coat that’s easy to care for.

Although the breed is a moderate shedder all year round, it comes in a compact package, meaning it will shed less than larger dogs.

Weekly brushing would suffice, although it needs to be done more frequently during the shedding seasons.

To add, a Jack Rusell Terrier that loves to stay indoors can be bathed every 2 to 3 months. If it spends a lot of time outdoors, it can be washed every time its coat gets dirty or emits a bad smell.

14. Japanese Terrier

The Japanese Terrier is known for its predominantly white body and black head. Native to Japan, this rare, minute, short-haired dog is considered high-spirited, energetic, and smart.

It may bear smaller proportions than most other dog breeds, yet the Japanese Terrier’s personality can make its presence known.

Take note, it’s a one-person dog, and the companionship it can give would be more than enough for its owner.

Those who prefer having a low-maintenance pet can consider getting a Japanese Terrier. Throughout the year, this dog breed is known to shed minimally. Due to how its coat looks, professional grooming is not needed.

Aside from the weekly brushing, its coat may require you to give it a bath when it gets dirty or follow the 6 to 8 weeks bathing schedule. This prevents too much of its natural oil from getting stripped off its body.

15. Manchester Terrier

Known for its sleek black and tan coat, the Manchester Terrier is another economical choice since it requires less grooming. This small dog breed loves being active and is also bright, affectionate, and loyal.

Like a true Terrier, this pooch is independent, alert, and brave. It is also an enthusiastic digger, so a fenced yard is ideal for its home environment.

When it comes to grooming, you can adhere to bathing it every 2 to 3 months. A weekly brush also helps tone down its moderate shedding.

On another note, while the grooming session can be over instantly, it’s the contrary when it comes to satisfying its energy requirements.

The Manchester Terrier needs an hour of daily exercise to prevent the onset of destructive behaviors due to pent-up energy.

16. Miniature Bull Terrier

The spunky Miniature Bull Terrier can’t be missed, especially with its egg-shaped head resting on a compact, yet muscular body. Its short hair would mean smooth grooming sessions.

Aside from not requiring a trim, this low-maintenance dog just needs weekly brushing to keep its coat healthy.

The breed sheds moderately, but it’s easy to keep up with its coat’s demands. A bath helps remove loose, dead hairs, which can be done every 6 to 8 weeks.

Take advantage of the Miniature Bull Terrier’s trainable attitude and expose it to grooming practices early. This way, it won’t feel threatened when it is brushed, bathed, or nail-trimmed.

17. Prague Ratter

Small yet mighty, the Prague Ratter is an independent, short-haired dog that loves to please its owner. It has daily bursts of energy, which means you should take it out on a walk or let it get involved in physical activities.

When a Prague Ratter is done steaming off, it enjoys cuddling up in its owner’s lap. This would be a good moment to brush its coat to help with its shedding.

The short, smooth coat can be maintained using a rubber brush. Use this over its body weekly, complemented by an occasional bath. Its grooming frequency will also depend on your dog’s lifestyle.

Give it a wash if it’s dirty, or stick to its schedule for bathing. This way, you’re keeping your Prague Ratter from potential skin infections caused by overgrooming.

18. Rat Terrier

Compactly built, the Rat Terrier carries a tough physique. It comes in a toy variety, but the recognized types are the miniature and the standard. Regardless of the distinctions, all of them have short coats.

What makes it a great short-haired small dog companion is its velcro personality. Owners who love clingy pets should consider getting a Rat Terrier, especially since it easily gets in tune with its owner’s emotions.

Taking care of the Rat Terrier is easy. With its short coat, this is considered a wash-and-go pet. Since it is a digger, a monthly bath and a weekly brush are recommended.

However, this depends on the lifestyle it has. If it plays outside and gets too dirty often, frequent baths are needed. Meanwhile, brushing its coat must be done often during the shedding season.

19. Russian Toy

The Russian Toy is far from delicate. Although it’s remarkably as small as a Chihuahua, it’s more robust than you think. This dog has a small muzzle, lean, athletic legs, and a strong, short-coated body.

Intelligence and eagerness to please its owners are two of its best qualities. Owners love that Russian Toys are keen for cuddles and snuggles.

Thanks to its short coat, bonding with a Russian Toy doesn’t end up with a lot of its fur sticking to clothes. It doesn’t have an undercoat, so grooming comes easy. However, note that females may shed more.

Regular weekly brushing and a once-a-month bath are ideal.

In addition, you should prevent water from entering its large ears when giving a bath to avoid ear smells and infections. You can also tell if something is wrong by checking the ear wax color of your dog.

20. Toy Fox Terrier

The Toy Fox Terrier exhibits a small, muscular physique. It has attractive V-shaped ears, a highly-set tail, a predominantly white body with short hair, and a colored head. The whole demeanor speaks terrier from every angle.

Dog fanciers eyeing this breed must know that this is a fun-loving companion that gets along with older kids well. The Toy Fox Terrier loves when its owner gets involved in everything it does.

With its playful and silly antics, this dog can get dirty during playtime in the yard. Thankfully, the Toy Fox Terrier is easy to care for with its smooth, short coat.

It has little to no shedding, so a quick weekly brush is enough. You can also bathe it every 6 to 8 weeks to remove all excess hair. Other than that, there is nothing more you need to do to maintain its coat quality.

21. Toy Xoloitzcuintli

The toy Xoloitzcuintli, or the Mexican Hairless, has hairless skin, as its name suggests. For most people, this small breed is a good choice for those looking to own a low-maintenance dog.

Despite the tough-looking exterior, the toy Xolo is an even-tempered, affectionate, and loving dog breed. It’s not particularly aggressive, even toward strangers, but is rather reserved and would take time to warm up.

Some can be easily startled due to nervousness or lack of warmth since it has no coat. It is necessary to give it a doggy jacket during the cold season to help ease its anxiety.

To meet its grooming requirements, the toy Xolo needs occasional brushing. If you have the hairy variety, a weekly brushing will do.

Meanwhile, a once-a-month bath is recommended using mild dog shampoo. Avoid washing your toy Xolo too frequently since its skin is highly prone to skin issues like acne.

22. Teddy Roosevelt Terrier

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a low-set, muscular hunting dog. It’s identified by its stocky, compact build, short coat, prick ears, and tail that’s docked if it’s a working dog.

It gets along with the family, although it’s usually a one-person dog. Nonetheless, it is affectionate, friendly, and energetic.

Due to its outgoing nature, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier may often be found in the yard. An immediate bath is necessary if it loves rolling in the dirt. However, a 6 to 8 weeks schedule is preferred if it loves staying indoors.

This dog breed is a moderate shedder too. Nonetheless, with its small size, running the brush over its body will only take a few minutes. This must be done weekly to remove dead hair and to straighten its fur.

23. Danish-Swedish Farmdog

The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is a compact dog described to be mostly white with patches of tan, brown, or black, while some may have flecking on their coats. Due to its short fur, grooming is over in just a few minutes.

It has forward-folded ears, a highly set tail, and a robust physique built to deal with barnyard tasks. Depending on the lifestyle it has, the Danish Swedish Farmdog would only need a weekly brush.

A bath should be done only when it’s necessary. Generally, taking care of this small, short-haired dog is a breeze. That is if you use the right dog products that are mild and gentle to coat and skin.

The Danish Swedish Farmdog continues to be playful, spunky, and affectionate when its skin and coat are healthy and free from infections.

24. Peruvian Inca Orchid

Native to Peru, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is a small, graceful sighthound that’s either coated or hairless. That said, it’s a breed with low grooming needs.

Certainly, this dog is regal to look at, yet its personality says otherwise. The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a little clown that loves being around its owners and getting active.

Whether you get a short-coated or hairless variety, both are undoubtedly easy to groom. After all, both are mild shedders and would be good even with brushing every couple of days or weekly.

Weekly regular wash is needed, too, even for the hairless Peruvian Inca Orchid, which it requires for its skin’s health. A moisturizing and sunscreen lotion must be applied after.

On the other hand, the hairy type only requires a bath occasionally.

Final Thoughts

There are several small, short-haired dog breeds for you to choose from. Knowing which pooch to take home with you should be based on important aspects other than coat types and their grooming maintenance.

For a fantastic experience with your dog, carefully choose which one resonates with your lifestyle and preferences. Take time to know each small dog’s personality, needs, and attributes to make a final decision.

With all things considered, you can ultimately determine which pooch to introduce to your family. Let us know which small dog breed with short hair has caught your attention by leaving a comment below!