6 short-haired dog breeds for hassle-free grooming
Italian Greyhounds and Miniature Schnauzers are among the short-haired dog breeds that shed less than others.
Short-haired dogs are generally easier to maintain and can be a good choice for people who want a lower-maintenance pet. They also shed less than other coat types, meaning you'll have less fur on your clothes and furniture.
"It's handy to note though just because some dogs shed less, it is a myth that certain breeds of dogs are hypoallergenic and therefore don't cause allergic reactions in people," PDSA vet, Gemma Renwick, tells Country Living.
"It's often not fur that's the real problem, people are usually allergic to the dander (flakes of dead skin) and/or proteins from their pets' saliva and skin glands.
"Fur does, of course, shed in varying amounts according to breed and coat type. Shedding spreads the allergens, so dogs that shed a lot are more likely to cause worse allergy reactions in people, but allergens will still be present, no matter the breed."
Take a look at the some of the PDSA's recommended short-haired dog breeds below...
Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are speedy, hardy hounds known for their short hair, pointy ears and toned physique.
"Their short coat and affectionate nature can make them ideal for first-time owners, and they tend to prefer quick bursts of intense exercise over very long walks. Their Hound ancestry makes them intelligent and loyal," says Bill Lambert, a spokesperson for The Kennel Club.
Basenji
"Basenjis have a short coat, and they are often described as being very cat-like in their behaviour – partly because of their grooming habits and their desire to keep themselves clean," says Gemma.
"When it comes to helping them groom, brushing once a week is usually enough to remove any dead hair. Their short coat requires minimal grooming, making them an excellent choice if you prefer a low-maintenance dog."
Miniature Schnauzers
"Schnauzers are great and versatile dogs, easily recognisable by their bristly whiskers, eyebrows and beard," says Bill.
"Across all three sizes, Schnauzers are intelligent, reliable and very adaptable dogs and the Miniature Schnauzer makes a fairly compact companion and can do well in a number of canine activities, including agility, obedience and rally."
Chinese Crested
If you want a small dog breed with a big personality, then the short-haired Chinese Crested is for you.
Gemma says: "They are classed as a hairless dog breed, however, they do often have fur in certain areas, such as on their ears. With a lot of their skin showing, you’ll need to be sure to protect their skin in the sunshine."
Bichon Frise
The much-loved Bichon Frise is another great dog breed that sheds less.
"Bichons are lively and outgoing dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners," says Bill. "Their friendly personality and affection they show to their owners make them popular show dogs as well as a family companion."
‘Doodle’ crossbreeds
A 'Doodle' dog is any kind of mixed-breed dog that has a Poodle in their ancestors. Despite their curly fur, they shed less than other dog breeds.
"Given their Poodle parent, Doodles may inherit the same curly fur, and depending on how curly their fur is, they will need daily grooming and will often require frequent clipping," adds Gemma.
You Might Also Like
