In total, there are more than 300 recognized short-coated dog breeds. Here you will find an overview of the 50 most beautiful short-haired dogs worldwide.
Incidentally, short hair is no guarantee that the dogs will shed little. Short-haired species often shed even more than long-haired dogs.
A short coat is considered to be easier to care for and allergy-friendly. Some of the following breeds are also considered hypoallergenic.
1. Dachshund
The clever dachshund is a barking four-legged friend from Germany. The little sausage dog loves to hunt and dig.
Nevertheless, the daring, short-haired dog is one of the 12 most popular dog breeds worldwide. It is suitable for keeping as an apartment dog and gets along well with children.
Fun Fact: “You stupid dachshund!” – Huh? Did you know that “dachshunds” are also used to refer to particularly stupid and clumsy people?
2. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a short-haired dog from the cultural city of Weimar. Originally, the fast, alert four-legged friend was bred to hunt wild animals.
Despite its short coat, this dog sheds quite a bit. There are also long-haired variants of this breed, but these are very rare.
Fun Fact: Weimaraners are born as tabby puppies. They are born with dark gray stripes that disappear within a few days.
3. Boston Terriers
The Boston Terrier is a short-haired, low-maintenance dog native to the United States. He is also nicknamed the “American Gentleman” because of his friendly personality.
This playful four-legged friend is the 21st most popular dog breed worldwide. No wonder: the little charmer loves and enjoys his attention.
Fun fact: Even a canine gentleman has to have a catch… Unfortunately, with this specimen, it’s flatulence and the corresponding breeze.
4. Dalmatians
The Dalmatian is an outgoing dog from Croatia. In the past, he was used as a carriage dog and protected the horses.
Today, this short-haired breed is used in a variety of ways as a guard, hunting, or family dog. The spotted four-legged friend has become known mainly through films.
Fun Fact: Speaking of points… did you know that the black or brown spots don’t show up until the puppies get older? All puppies are completely white at birth.
5. French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is an athletic, short-haired dog. He was already bred in France to be kept as a house dog.
The affable, little Great Danes are wonderfully suited to apartment life and are recommended for beginners. Polls rank them among the cutest dogs in the world.
Fun Fact: Watch out for deep water holes! French bulldogs are poor swimmers and often sink in seconds.
6. Central Asian Ovcharka
The Central Asian Ovcharka is a short-haired dog native to Central Asia. Despite the short fur, this confident four-legged friend sheds a lot.
This strong, courageous dog is one of 56 German Shepherd breeds and is considered one of the heaviest dog breeds at 79 kg. He could also take on bears in battle.
Fun Fact: One Dog Breed, 19 Officially Recognized Names! Crazy but true.
7. Pug
The affectionate pug is a short-haired dog native to China. He is particularly noticeable because of his many wrinkles, the flat snout, and the huge googly eyes.
The small lap dog is great as a family dog and builds up a very close bond with children. In general, they like to follow their caregivers everywhere.
Fun Fact: The fourth oldest dog in the world was a pug! He reached the biblical age of 28.
8. Rottweilers
The Rottweiler from Germany is a courageous, loyal four-legged friend with a strong hunting instinct. He is easily trainable but still needs consistent training.
This short-haired dog makes a wonderful guard dog. But these alert, fearless four-legged friends are also well suited as rescue and police dogs.
Fun Fact: The “Rottie” is named after the town “Rottweil”, which is about 20 minutes away from my home.
9. English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is a wrinkled, short-coated dog breed. This four-legged friend often has an underbite, is broadly built, and is very muscular.
In the past, these animals were often used in bloody fights. Fortunately, this so-called “bull-baiting” has long since been banned.
Fun fact: English bulldogs are usually artificially inseminated. Because of their short legs and low stamina, reproduction rarely works.
10. Vizsla
The Hungarian Vizsla is a gentle, short-haired dog. It is suitable as a hunting dog, but also as a family dog for active owners.
This four-legged friend needs a lot of exercises. He is easy to train and would like to be employed accordingly. Dogs especially enjoy swimming.
Fun fact: These beautiful four-legged friends change their eye color as they mature. The puppies are born with blue eyes. During puberty, these then turn orange-brown.
11. Beagles
The Beagle is a tracking dog bred for hunting. The medium-sized, short-haired breed originates from England and lives up to 15 years.
This four-legged friend is an ideal family dog. Because he gets along well in the apartment, loves children, and is very trusting. Even strangers and other dogs are no problem.
Fun Fact: Beagles are real singing talents. These four-legged friends like to make more than 20 different sounds. From barking to yodeling, everything is included.
12. Basset Hound
The English Basset Hound is a short-haired tracker dog. What is particularly striking about this hunting dog is its long floppy ears and short legs.
These four-legged friends definitely have coach potato potential. But once they’re outside, they hang their noses to the ground and seek out tracks.
Fun Fact: These dogs’ floppy ears aren’t just decoration. They also have a function. Because when they run, they wave the smells directly into their noses.
13. Basenji
The Basenji is a short-haired dog native to Africa. The playful, curious four-legged friend is the only dog breed that cannot bark by nature.
That is why this breed is also called “African Barkless Dog”. But don’t get excited too soon, instead of barking, you’ll find yodeling. In addition, this dog is considered difficult to train.
Fun fact: the Basenji is a good choice if your neighbors are sensitive to hearing. At least nobody can be annoyed by loud barking.
14. American Foxhound
The good-natured American Foxhound from the USA was originally bred for hunting. The short-haired dog breed served as a tracker and was used in packs.
This active, active four-legged friend is not suitable for keeping in an apartment. In rural areas, he does much better as a hiking and jogging partner.
Fun Fact: These four-legged friends can howl so loudly that you can hear them from more than a kilometer away. At least their howls have a musical sound.
15. Great Dane
The Great Dane is a submissive, patient breed of dog. This short-haired breed is one of the largest and heaviest in the world.
These giants are less suitable for apartments and first-time owners. They need a lot of exercises and should be trained consistently.
Fun Fact: Which famous Great Dane springs to mind? – “Scooby Doo”! Yes, the funny cartoon character represents a Great Dane.
16. American Staffordshire Terriers
The American Staffordshire Terrier is a short-haired dog native to the United States. He is better known among connoisseurs as “Staffy”. He is easily trainable and sheds little.
The Staffy gets along well with dogs but finds it difficult to be left alone. Due to its past as a fighting dog, this four-legged friend is still considered dangerous in many places.
Fun Fact: There used to be a rumor that these dogs could lock their teeth in one position – but of course that’s nonsense!
17. Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is a friendly, eager four-legged friend. The pointed-eared, short-haired dog is one of 56 German Shepherd breeds.
This herding dog was very popular with farmers. Because the Kelpie is easily trainable and very adaptable. He is also good as a guard dog.
Fun fact: go for a walk, work out and that’s it? Not with this four-legged friend! In order to be really happy, this four-legged friend needs mental tasks in addition to physical activity – the ideal trickster dog!
18. Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is a stubborn four-legged friend from Belgium. This short-haired dog has by far the best nose and around 60 times more olfactory receptors than humans.
What is particularly striking about this hunting dog are its long ears. This breed is not suitable for beginners. Bloodhounds are super active and relatively difficult to train.
Fun fact: This short-haired four-legged friend is a real rodent! It doesn’t matter whether it’s the remote control, your plants, or stones.
19. Beauceron
The Beauceron is a four-legged French friend. It is one of the heaviest dog breeds in the world. This short-haired dog was mainly used as a shepherd dog.
But this breed is also ideal as a tracker dog. They have a strong herding instinct and a will to please. With their obedience, they want to make their owners proud.
Fun fact: Although these dogs have waterproof fur, many specimens are very afraid of water and prefer to retreat to their basket when it rains.
20. Boerboel
The Boerboel is a short-haired dog native to South Africa. It was formerly kept primarily as a guard and hunting dog. His weight can easily break the 80 kg mark.
This strong, muscular four-legged friend is not suitable for living in an apartment and should only be left in experienced hands. It is difficult to train and is considered potentially dangerous.
Fun Fact: Translated, Boerboel paradoxically means “farmer dog”. This four-legged friend was hardly ever kept by farmers.
21. Entlebuch Mountain Dog
The Entlebucher Sennenhund is a breed of dog from Switzerland. These short-haired dogs shed little. They are easily trainable but have a strong hunting instinct.
They love to work, like to be kept busy, and need a lot of exercises. Its long body with comparatively short legs is striking.
Fun Fact: Ever heard of “shepherd eyes”? This means the light spots above the eyes, which give the impression that the dogs keep an eye on the herd even with their eyes closed.
22. German Boxer
The Boxer from Germany is a short-haired breed of dog. On average, the four-legged friends are between 9 and 15 years old. They are ideal family dogs.
With their loyal, loving nature, they enchant those around them. They get along very well with children. They can also be used as guard dogs due to their protective instinct.
Fun Fact: Why is this short-haired dog actually called a Boxer? This comes from his tendency to stand on his hind legs and use his paws when playing.
23. Hollandse Herdershond
The Hollandse Herdershond is a Dutch four-legged friend. Despite the short coat, this dog sheds a lot. He is easily trainable with a mediocre hunting instinct.
These shepherd dogs are very versatile. From rescue dogs to family dogs, everything is possible. These specimens are always friendly towards children and dogs.
Fun fact: These four-legged friends could rival Batman. Because when they are born, they usually already have ears that are as large and protruding as adult dogs. Of course, this makes them look particularly cute.
24. Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier comes from England and was bred there as a fighting dog. Today he is therefore on many fighting dog lists. They are not aggressive animals per se.
With early socialization, playful four-legged friends can be trained well. They are very trusting towards their families. Also, they love children.
Fun Fact: Is this short-haired dog stubborn or just hard of hearing? According to statistics, one in five white bull terriers is said to be deaf.
25. Koolie
Hailing from Australia, the friendly Koolie is a short-coated sheepdog and working dog. He is very territorial and has a strong guardian instinct.
With their tenacious nature, these short-haired dogs can easily run through half the day. They, therefore, need a lot of employment and utilization.
Fun fact: these four-legged friends have all sorts of guardian techniques up their sleeves. They also like to take the shortcut over the back of a flock of sheep if need be.
26. American Pit Bull Terriers
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a stubborn, intelligent four-legged friend. The short-haired dog is easily trainable, has a moderate bark, and needs a lot of exercise.
Despite its career as a fighting dog, this dog can make a loving companion. He needs a lot of attention and love. He doesn’t enjoy being alone.
Fun Fact: A really scary pit bull as a guard dog? Bad idea! These four-legged friends are far too friendly and like to greet strangers by wagging their tails.
27. Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Leopard Dog is an energetic, short-haired dog native to the United States. It was originally bred as a hunting dog and later used as a guard and shepherd dog.
This hunting dog needs a lot of exercises and an experienced owner. Due to their strong hunting instinct, other pets are often problematic. Early socialization is mandatory.
Fun fact: When chasing, these four-legged friends often even follow their prey up trees. Coming down afterward usually proves to be difficult.
28. Bullmastiff
The loyal Bullmastiff is a breed of dog native to England. Due to their natural protective instinct, the four-legged friends make excellent guard dogs.
Short-haired dogs are among the top 50 most popular dogs in the world. They are also often used in films. The strong animals are not suitable for beginners.
Fun Fact: Hard shell, soft core. Although these protective watchdogs can seem quite menacing, they quickly turn into cuddlers in the family.
29. Chihuahuas
The alert, cheeky Chihuahua is a four-legged friend from Mexico. He was bred as a handbag dog. With its 2-3 kg it is a tiny one among the dogs.
You have to be careful with this delicate, short-haired dog with other dogs and small children. Such a small four-legged friend can quickly be injured life-threateningly.
Fun Fact: The Chihuahua may be a tiny creature, but he’s still a brave, alert dog! In the US, for example, there are large numbers of wild, hunting Chihuahuas.
30. Cane Corso Italiano
The Cane Corso is a quiet, trainable four-legged friend from Italy. In the past, it was mostly used as a guard or protection dog. Today he mostly serves as a family dog.
However, this large, strong four-legged friend is not suitable for first-time owners and apartments. Despite good obedience, these short-haired dogs require strong leadership.
Fun Fact: The Cane Corso is a real drooler. He literally leaves whole puddles in your house.
31. Labrador retrievers
The Labrador Retriever is a very trainable dog from England. It was originally bred to hunt waterfowl. Therefore, he is also a great swimmer.
Today, short-haired dogs are kept as family and service dogs. They learn very quickly and are always friendly. This makes them the most popular dog breed.
Fun Fact: These dogs love to swim. However, when bathed, they will tuck in their tails and try any avenue to escape.
32. Cirneco dell’Etna
The Cirneco is a short-haired dog from Italy. He was primarily used as a hunting dog for rabbits. It is believed that he is a greyhound breed.
However, his way of hunting (nose) and his slowness of “only” 43 km/h speak against this. This easy-care, gentle four-legged friend is well-suited for first-time owners.
Fun Fact: This breed has a reputation for being “the dog of the poor” because it used to be mostly kept by poor farmers. Even today, these dogs are therefore among the 20 most unpopular breeds worldwide.
33. English Foxhound
The English Foxhound is a social four-legged friend from England. He was bred as a tracking dog for hunting foxes. This four-legged friend is happiest when kept in a pack.
This short-haired dog is very persistent and needs a lot of exercises. As a family dog, this working animal is not recommended.
Fun fact: You won’t make friends with your neighbors with these dogs. Because they are known to bark particularly loudly.
34. Dogue de Bordeaux
The so-called Bordeaux mastiff comes from France. This large, short-haired breed was once used as a guard dog or to pull carts.
At only 5-8 years, this giant has the shortest life expectancy among dogs. Although the four-legged friends are very trusting, the dog experience makes sense here.
Fun Fact: Puddles in the house and wet socks! These four-legged friends are absolute world champions when it comes to drooling.
35. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a trusting hunting dog with a very good nose. The short-haired dog with long floppy ears is also an excellent swimmer.
This four-legged friend can be used in many different ways. It is one of the most active breeds in the world. Therefore, you should make good use of it and train regularly.
Fun Fact: This breed is one of the few tracking dogs that follow a trail with their heads held high. Almost all other dogs sniff the ground while running.
36. Doberman
The Doberman is a very trainable dog from Germany. The short-haired dog makes an ideal guard dog. He is one of the top 20 most popular dogs in the world.
Despite their short fur, these loyal four-legged friends shed a lot. They have a weak hunting instinct and bark little. The dogs should be accustomed to children early on.
Fun Fact: This breed was originally bred by a tax collector. In this job, a protection dog was definitely helpful for him.
37. Mastiff
The Mastiff originated in England. The heavy, short-haired dog was used as a guard and war dog. But he is also very popular as a house dog.
This four-legged friend is calm and good-natured by nature. Nevertheless, as a beginner, it is better not to dare to tackle these giants. They weigh on average around 100 kg!
Fun Fact: Not only are these dogs heavy, but they’re also big too! A mastiff reached a whopping 94 cm at the shoulder and thus holds the record for the tallest dog. That’s about the size of a small donkey.
38. Jack Russell Terriers
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small, short-coated dog from England. Originally bred for fox hunting, this lively dog is now often kept as a family pet.
This active, eager dog loves action. He is a big fan of tennis balls and needs a lot of exercises. Be prepared for a lot of barking in apartments.
Fun Fact: Compared to other breeds, these dogs have a wide variety of facial expressions. This also explains why they are so popular among filmmakers.
39. Greyhound
The Greyhound is a short-haired sighthound from England. At 72 km/h, it is one of the fastest dog breeds in the world. But not only that: the four-legged friends also jump up!
A greyhound can jump about 190 cm high. So you need high fences in the garden. These couch potatoes are well suited for keeping in apartments.
Fun Fact: This breed is one of the sleepyheads among dogs. They sleep in their basket for about 18 hours a day.
40. Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a tracker dog from the United States. The short-haired dog was mostly used against raccoons and wild animals.
This hunting-loving four-legged friend is not well suited for first-time owners. He should be leashed because of his strong hunting instinct. This dog is too active for the city.
Fun fact: Because of these dogs, the police have been called several times. Because they often howl like wolves when left alone.
41. Podenco Ibicenco
Hailing from Ibiza, the Podenco is a short-haired sighthound. But he misses the definition, because he does not hunt by sight, but uses his nose.
At 64 km/h it is still very fast. This active four-legged friend is well-suited as a family dog. He gets along well with children. Outside, he usually behaves wildly.
Fun Fact: These dogs are born clowns. They like to do things that make you laugh. They remember this behavior and then show it again and again.
42. Miniature Pinscher
The Miniature Pinscher is a four-legged friend from Germany. He is nicknamed “Min Pin” or “King of the Lap Dogs”. The small, short-haired dogs live up to 16 years.
These dogs are well suited for first-time owners and for keeping in apartments. They are very trusting and moderately trainable. Still, they need a lot of work.
Fun Fact: These dogs are true escape artists. They are particularly creative in the way they escape.
43. Neapolitan Mastiff
As the name suggests, the Neapolitan Mastiff comes from Naples. The short-haired dog was bred as a hunting and guard dog. It can also be kept as a house dog.
Indoors, these dogs are very calm. However, due to their dominant, obstinate nature, they are not suitable for beginners. Her hobbies include patrolling the garden.
Fun fact: Don’t be surprised if these four-legged friends fall over when climbing stairs or accidentally bump into the furniture. Mastinos are real clumsies!
44. English Pointers
The loyal pointer originated in England and was bred as a hunting dog. Its name comes from the fact that it indicates wild animals (“pointed”).
The short-haired dog is usually spotted white and brown or white and black. Due to its persistent nature, a large garden to romp makes sense.
Fun fact: You shouldn’t let these active four-legged friends get bored. Because they like to gnaw on your furniture or dig up your flower bed.
45. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a short-haired breed of dog from South Africa. He was bred to lure lions to hunters. Today they are ideal watchdogs.
These four-legged friends always have brown fur, they rarely have white heels. Typical is the fur, which grows in the opposite direction on the back (ridge = elevation).
Fun Fact: Would you like to cool off? No problem. The Ridgeback likes to dig a hole in the ground where you can cool off together with him.
46. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound from Malta is a short-haired dog with an active nature. He has a strong hunting instinct and is easy to train but barks a lot.
By nature, this greyhound is very skinny. That’s why it freezes quickly in winter. Because he used to hunt rabbits, he is also known as the “rabbit dog”.
Fun Fact: These dogs’ hunting instincts are so strong that even electric fences won’t stop these dogs when they’re on a scent.
47. American Toy Terriers
The American Toy Terrier is a short-haired, pointy-eared dog native to the United States. This little dog is very well suited to living in apartments.
The fun, playful four-legged friends seem to have a sense of humor. They love attention and like to play the clown. The four-legged friends do not want to stay alone.
Fun fact: These dogs’ short coats insulate so poorly that they freeze even on cold summer days and therefore need a coat.
48. American Bulldogs
The docile American Bulldog is a short-haired, little-shedding quadruped from the United States. It was formerly used for bloody dog fights against bulls.
Despite their strong stature, these dogs also make great family dogs. They are very loyal and friendly. They love attention and don’t like to be alone.
Fun Fact: When not paying attention, these specimens tend to gnaw wildly. You should therefore make good use of them and deal with them a lot.
49. Alpine Dachsbracke
The Dachsbracke comes from Austria and was bred as a tracker dog. With his dachshund-like figure, he could be used well on mountains and at heights.
The short-haired dog gets along well with other dogs or children. He learns very quickly and is very adaptable. Therefore, even first-time owners get along well with it.
Fun Fact: These dogs are always hungry. This also explains why if you put too much food in their bowl, they’ll quickly become overweight.
50. Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is a hunting-loving, short-haired dog from the USA. He was bred as a farm and hunting dog. Today he is mainly kept as a family dog.
The well-trained, loving dog is ideal for keeping in an apartment. He is very trusting of family and children. A lot of mental activity is useful with this breed.
Fun Fact: Some of these dogs are born with stubby tails and others have a 16-inch tails. This is due to a genetic error.