30 Short Hair, Medium-Sized Dog Breeds With Low-Maintenance Care

This article was updated on September 1st, 2023

Short hair, medium-sized dog breeds are highly sought-after. These breeds not only possess a sleek and manageable coat, but they have reduced shedding and minimal grooming requirements. In this article, we will list 30 exceptional medium-sized, short-haired dog breeds, perfectly suited for those seeking a blend of companionship and low-maintenance upkeep. You can also read our article about small short-hair breeds.

Short-hair breeds: a gallery

5 most popular medium-sized, short-hair dogs

The American Kennel Club has compiled a list of the 200 most beloved dogs of 2022. We’ve found the top 5 most popular medium dog breeds with short hair. The French Bulldog reigns supreme, followed by the Whippet and Segugio Italiano. Let’s begin with the French Bulldog, the new fan-favorite.

1. French Bulldog (under 28 pounds)

The French Bulldog’s compact size, affectionate nature, and adaptability make it an ideal companion for all types of lifestyles. They sport a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming and sheds very little. Occasional baths, ear cleaning, and routine dental care complete the straightforward grooming routine.

• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Traits: Adaptable, playful, and affectionate
• Coat: Short, smooth coat
• Shedding: Moderate shedding
• Grooming: Brushing, attention to facial wrinkles, and occasional baths are essential for their well-being.

2. Whippet (25-40 pounds)

The Whippet is admired for its sleek, streamlined build and gentle disposition. The breed’s coat is short, fine, and smooth, resulting in minimal shedding. While shedding is generally low, occasional grooming sessions and baths suffice.

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Traits: Gentle, affectionate, intelligent, adaptable, and agile
• Coat: Short, fine coat
• Shedding: Minimal shedding
• Grooming: Weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush keeps their coat gleaming and manages loose hair.

3. Segugio Italiano (39-62 pounds)

Also known as the Italian Greyhound, the Segugio Italiano dog breed is well-loved, and for good reason. Its friendly demeanor and sharp senses make it a skilled hunter and a loyal companion. Their coat is short and dense, requiring minimal grooming.

• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Traits: Elegant, friendly, playful, and gentle; bonds closely with their human companions.
• Coat: Short, dense coat
• Shedding: Moderate shedding
• Grooming: Low grooming needs, occasional brushing

4. Miniature Bull Terrier (18-28 pounds)

• Lifespan: 11-14 years
• Key Traits: Energetic, playful, loyal, determined, and affectionate
• Coat: Short and smooth
• Shedding: Moderate shedding
• Grooming: Weekly brushing maintains coat health and controls shedding.

5. Staffordshire Bull Terrier (24-38 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Traits: Courageous, playful, and good with children; protective and confident demeanor.
• Coat: Short and smooth
• Shedding: Moderate shedding
• Grooming: Minimal grooming requirements

Other medium-sized, short-hair dogs (up to 50 pounds)

Short hair, medium-sized dogs strike a balance between athleticism and manageable size, making them well-suited for both active individuals and those with limited space. One of the most appealing aspects of these breeds is that their overall grooming requirements are straightforward. Their short coats shed less compared to longer-haired counterparts, resulting in reduced grooming time and fewer hair-related allergies. Brushing sessions are typically efficient, and the risk of matting or tangling is virtually nonexistant.

Basenji (22-24 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Traits: Curious and independent. Basenji breeds also don’t bark.
• Coat: Short, fine coat
• Shedding: Minimal shedding
• Grooming: Low grooming needs with regular ear cleaning due to their unique upright ears.

Swedish Vallhund (20-35 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Traits: Alert, friendly, intelligent, and versatile herding breed.
• Coat: Double coat, medium-length
• Shedding: Moderate shedding
• Grooming: Regular brushing, especially during shedding seasons, helps manage loose hair.

Brazilian Terrier (22 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Traits: Energetic, intelligent, loyal; excellent as a companion and small-game hunter.
• Coat: Short, smooth coat
• Shedding: Minimal shedding
• Grooming: Low maintenance coat

Finnish Spitz (20-33 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Traits: Lively, intelligent, and excellent at alerting; renowned for their fox-like appearance and distinctive bark.
• Coat: Dense double coat
• Shedding: Seasonal shedding
• Grooming: Regular brushing during shedding seasons. Ears, teeth, and nails need regular attention.

German Pinscher (25-45 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Traits: Energetic, intelligent, assertive
• Coat: Short, dense coat
• Shedding: Moderate shedding
• Grooming: Low grooming needs. This breed benefits from daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Norwegian Buhund (26-40 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Traits: Loyal, versatile, energetic. Bred for herding and all-around farm work.
• Coat: Double coat, medium-length
• Shedding: Seasonal shedding
• Grooming: Regular brushing during shedding seasons

Taiwan Dog (26-40 pounds)

• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Traits: Intelligent, loyal, independent; highly adaptable and a skilled hunter.
• Coat: Short coat or longer “ruff” variety
• Shedding: Moderate shedding
• Grooming: Regular brushing, occasional baths

Slovensky Kopov (33-44 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Traits: Determined, intelligent, brave
• Coat: Short, dense coat
• Shedding: Moderate shedding
• Grooming: Low grooming requirements

Drever (35-40 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Traits: Friendly, lively, determined; bred for hunting, known for their stamina and determination.
• Coat: Short, dense coat
• Shedding: Moderate shedding
• Grooming: Occasional brushing maintains coat health.

Australian Cattle Dog (35-50 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Traits: Intelligent, energetic, loyal, and hardworking herding breed.
• Coat: Short, weather-resistant double coat
• Shedding: Moderate shedding, more during shedding seasons
• Grooming: Regular brushing to manage shedding, occasional baths, and attention to nails and teeth.

Jindo (30-50 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Traits: Loyal, alert, independent
• Coat: Double coat, dense outer and soft undercoat
• Shedding: Seasonal shedding
• Grooming: Regular brushing during shedding seasons. Early socialization is essential, and they thrive on mental and physical stimulation.

Treeing Tennessee Brindle (30-50 pounds)

• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Traits: Tenacious, intelligent, energetic, determined, and affectionate; skilled in treeing and tracking game.
• Coat: Short, smooth coat
• Shedding: Moderate shedding
• Grooming: Low grooming requirements

Other short hair, medium-sized dog breeds under 70 pounds

Here are some additional short-haired dog breeds that are on the larger end of the medium-sized category.

Kishu Ken (30-60 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Traits: Brave, dignified, reserved. Bred for hunting and guarding.
• Coat: Short, straight coat
• Shedding: Moderate shedding
• Grooming: Occasional brushing keeps their coat shiny and smooth. Regular attention to their ears, nails, and dental care is necessary.

Carolina Dog (30-55 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Traits: Primitive, independent, loyal. Believed to be descendants of ancient dogs.
• Coat: Short to medium-length coat
• Shedding: Seasonal shedding
• Grooming: Low grooming needs

Working Kelpie (28-60 pounds)

• Lifespan: 10-14 years
• Traits: Intelligent, energetic, hardworking. Highly skilled in herding livestock.
• Coat: Short, weather-resistant double coat
• Shedding: Moderate shedding
• Grooming: Low grooming needs; their coat is designed to be self-cleaning due to its weather-resistant nature.

Azawakh (33-55 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Traits: Elegant, aloof, and fast. This is a more reserved breed.
• Coat: Short, fine coat
• Shedding: Minimal shedding
• Grooming: Minimal grooming needs. Protecting their sensitive skin from extreme temperatures and sun exposure is essential.

Mountain Cur (30-60 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Traits: Courageous, loyal, versatile
• Coat: Short, dense coat
• Shedding: Moderate shedding
• Grooming: Occasional brushing maintains coat health. Their self-cleaning coat reduces the need for frequent baths.

Braque du Bourbonnais (35-53 pounds)

• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Traits: Gentle, versatile, affectionate.
• Coat: Short, dense coat with ticking. This breed’s unique trait is their distinctive nose color, which changes with their coat color.
• Shedding: Moderate shedding
• Grooming: Low grooming needs with occasional brushing recommended.

Portuguese Pointer (35-59 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Traits: Energetic, intelligent, loyal
• Coat: Short, smooth coat
• Shedding: Minimal shedding
• Grooming: Pay attention to their ears, nails, and dental care.

Shikoku (35-55 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Traits: Agile, loyal, intelligent, alert, and spirited; bred as a hunting dog in Japan.
• Coat: Double coat, dense outer and soft undercoat
• Shedding: Seasonal shedding
• Grooming: Regular brushing during shedding seasons

Sloughi (35-50 pounds)

• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Traits: Reserved, noble, and intelligent. Sloughi are an ancient breed known for their hunting prowess and loyalty.
• Coat: Short, smooth coat
• Shedding: Minimal shedding
• Grooming: Low grooming needs. Protecting their sensitive skin from extreme temperatures and sun exposure is crucial.

Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound (37-66 pounds)

• Lifespan: 10-14 years
• Traits: Curious, loyal, excellent sense of smell
• Coat: Short, dense coat
• Shedding: Moderate shedding
• Grooming: Occasional brushing maintains coat health. This breed’s strong sense of smell demands mental stimulation through scent-based activities.

Thai Ridgeback (35-75 pounds)

• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Traits: Independent, loyal, protective.
• Coat: Short, smooth coat with a ridge of hair along the back
• Shedding: Minimal shedding; their short coat contributes to reduced hair around the house.
• Grooming: Low grooming needs. Occasional brushing maintains coat health.

Hairless medium-sized dogs breeds

Hairless breeds often require less grooming due to their lack of fur, and their distinctive appearance is perfect for those seeking a unique companion. It’s essential to consider their specific care needs, including sun protection, skincare, and potential sensitivities, when deciding if a hairless dog is the right choice for your lifestyle. Here are two hairless, medium-sized dogs: the Peruvian Hairless Inca Orchid and standard-size Xoloitzcuintli.

Peruvian Hairless Inca Orchid (18-26 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Traits: Affectionate, agile, sensitive
• Coat: Hairless or coated varieties
• Shedding: Hairless shed little to none; coated shed moderately
• Grooming: Hairless needs skin care; coated needs regular grooming

Standard Xoloitzcuintli (30-55 pounds)

• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Traits: Loyal, agile, alert, intelligent, and protective; known for their affectionate nature.
• Coat: Hairless
• Shedding: Minimal shedding due to hairlessness; some oil and sweat secretion.
• Grooming: Low grooming needs; skin care to prevent dryness or irritation, regular cleaning of skin folds. Sun protection is required due to hairlessness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all short-haired dogs shed?

While short-haired dogs generally shed less than their long-haired counterparts, shedding can vary among breeds. Many short-haired breeds experience minimal shedding, making them more suitable for individuals with allergies or those seeking lower maintenance. However, the extent of shedding can still depend on factors like genetics, health, and seasonal changes. Regular grooming and brushing can help manage shedding and keep their coat healthy.

What dog breeds shed constantly?

Dog breeds with a double coat or thick fur tend to shed all the time, regardless of the season. None of the dog breeds on this particular list shed constantly.

Are there short-hair dogs that don’t shed at all (or very little)?

Yes, there are short-haired dog breeds that are considered low-shedding or non-shedding, meaning they shed very little or not at all. Here are a few short-haired dog breeds known for minimal shedding:

1. Basenji: This breed is known for its clean and self-grooming tendencies, resulting in very little shedding.
2. Italian Greyhound: Their short coat sheds minimally and is easy to maintain.
3. Whippet: These dogs have a short coat that sheds lightly and is relatively easy to manage.
4. Boxer: Boxers have short, tight coats that shed less compared to longer-haired breeds.
5. American Hairless Terrier: As the name suggests, this breed has no hair, so shedding is virtually nonexistent.
6. Chinese Crested: The hairless variety sheds very little, while the coated variety may have minimal shedding.
7. Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog): The hairless variety sheds little, making it a good option for those sensitive to allergies.
8. Peruvian Hairless Inca Orchid: The hairless version sheds little, while the coated variety has minimal shedding.

Remember that individual dogs may vary, and some shedding can still occur. Regular grooming and maintenance practices, including proper nutrition and health care, can help minimize shedding even in breeds with low-shedding tendencies.

Do short-hair dogs shed less than other dogs?

Generally, short-haired dogs tend to shed less than long-haired dogs. The length of a dog’s coat can influence shedding because shorter coats have fewer hairs and less fur to shed. However, shedding can still vary widely among individual dogs and breeds.

Short-haired breeds may shed less visibly compared to long-haired breeds, as their shorter hairs are less likely to become entangled in furniture, clothing, and other surfaces. Additionally, shorter hairs may be less prone to causing allergies for some people.

It’s important to note that while short-haired dogs generally shed less, there are exceptions, and factors like genetics, health, and seasonal changes can all impact the amount of shedding a dog experiences. Regular grooming practices, such as brushing and proper nutrition, can help manage shedding in both short-haired and long-haired breeds.