While we love all our furry canine companions, that doesn’t always mean we love the massive clumps of hair some breeds leave behind, and that seem to linger for months, if not years.
Thankfully, given the sheer quantity and variety of dog breeds out there, there are a number of medium sized dogs with short hair that you can keep without inheriting a lifetime’s supply of fur coats.
The Types of Medium Sized Dogs with Short Hair
While these breeds do have their size and short hair in common, they are incredibly diverse in other regards, and have been bred to suit a wide range of different lifestyles and environments. We’ll guide you through our list of some of the more notable short haired dog breeds to help you figure out which breed is right for you.
1. Australian Cattle Dog
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Size: 30-50 pounds
Coat: short double-coat
As the name implies, the Australian Cattle Dog is a working breed originating from Australia, where it was bred to help ranchers manage livestock. An energetic and exceedingly intelligent breed, the Australian Cattle Dog requires a good deal of mental and physical stimulation, taking great pleasure from completing objectives and small tasks.
Although the Australian Cattle Dog makes the list of medium sized dogs with short hair, it should be noted that the breed’s double-coat tends to shed more than some of the other breeds on this list.
2. Basset Hound
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Average Size: 45-75 pounds
Coat: smooth, short
The Basset Hound’s shortened legs and elongated body are immediately recognizable traits that contribute to this breed’s charm. Like other hounds, the Basset Hound was bred for its ability to recognize and track scent trails on hunts.
Although originally a working breed, the Basset Hound has since become a popular breed with families, and in recent years has been bred more for its companionable attitude and droopy-eyed charm than for its usefulness on a hunt.
The Basset Hound’s short coat and light coloring means that its shed is less prominent around the house and can be kept under control without too much effort.
3. Bulldog
Average Lifespan: 4-11 years
Average Size: 40-55 pounds
Coat: smooth, short
Recognizable for its squashed face and stocky frame, the Bulldog is an iconic breed originating from England, where it was used for bull-baiting. Like the Basset Hound, the Bulldog has since been bred more for its unique features and personable outlook than for its use in sport.
Because of this, the Bulldog makes for a lovable and affectionate household companion. While this breed does come with a short coat and minimal shed, it should be noted that bulldogs also suffer from a host of congenital issues that may require frequent veterinary care as they age.
4. Beagle
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 18-25 pounds
Coat: short, soft
The inspiration for Snoopy and one of America’s favorite dog breeds, the Beagle is another working breed that has since made the transition to family life. Equipped with an excellent nose for tracking, the Beagle can sometimes get lost on the trail and become completely absorbed by whatever trace scents it’s picked up on.
While the breed is obedient and eager to please, the excitement of a new smell can make them deaf to their owner’s commands. Of the medium sized dogs with short hair, the Beagle is renowned for being a great family dog that is gentle around children and welcoming to strangers.
Known as a talkative breed, the Beagle will vocalize its excitement, and its howl can be heard from quite a distance.
5. Whippet
Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
Average Size: 15-40 pounds
Coat: short, fine
Known for its agility and speed, the Whippet is a sighthound of English origin that was developed as a sporting breed for its racing ability. Like its larger cousin, the Greyhound, the Whippet is lean and muscular with a slight frame.
Because the Whippet is known to be a jumpy and nervous breed, it should be kept in an environment without loud noises or excessive visual stimuli. The Whippet’s coat is extremely short and fine-haired, and owners have described its shed as minimal and easy to control.
6. Dalmatian
Average Lifespan: 10-12 years
Average Size: 35-70 pounds
Coat: short, fine
Famously used by firefighters, the Dalmatian is known for being a fearless and athletic breed. Its distinct black and white dotted coat is immediately recognizable from a distance, and is unique to this breed.
The Dalmatian is a friendly and exuberant breed that owners describe as eager to please and protective of its family. Notable for its short coat, it should also be mentioned that Dalmatians lack a dog odor. For families with sensitive noses, the Dalmatian is a popular choice and is easy to clean up after.
7. Bull Terrier
Average Lifespan: 10-14 years
Average Size: 45-80 pounds
Coat: short, fine
The Bull Terrier is an English terrier breed originally bred for pest and rodent control. Its most unique feature is its wedge-shaped head which lacks the distinct slope common to all other breeds.
Stocky and athletic, the Bull Terrier is solidly built and requires a moderate amount of exercise. Its short coat is fine and light in color, meaning its hair does not stand out on furniture or clothes and is easy to clean.
The Bull Terrier makes a great choice among mid sized dog breeds for those wanting an energetic and fun-loving pet that doesn’t need excessive grooming or shed too much around the house.
8. American Foxhound
Average Lifespan: 10-13 years
Average Size: 50-70 pounds
Coat: short
Like the other hound breeds on this list, the American Foxhound was bred to be used on hunts as a tracking dog capable of following an animal’s scent for great distances.
Remarkably similar in appearance to the Beagle, the American Foxhound is considerably larger than its Beagle cousin, and therefore comes with a larger space requirement. Like the Beagle, the American Foxhound can be vocal at times, and is known to follow its nose on walks.
9. Chinese Shar-Pei
Average Lifespan: 11-12 years
Average Size: 30-60 pounds
Coat: short
Distinguishable from its short ears and wrinkly face, the Chinese Shar-Pei is a breed originally from China that is believed to have been bred as a guard dog. True to its history as a guard dog, the Shar-Pei is known to be a watchful and protective breed that develops a strong bond with its owner.
While its coat is easy to clean up after, the Shar-Pei’s facial folds should be looked after and cleaned to avoid infection and skin irritation.
10. German Shorthaired Pointer
Average Lifespan: 9-12 years
Average Size: 40-70 pounds
Coat: short
The German Shorthaired Pointer was originally bred to assist on hunts to identify the direction and location of a hunter’s quarry. One of the more striking medium sized dogs with short hair, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a patched and ticked coat that often comes in a mix of browns and whites.
This breed is well suited for family life and requires a good amount of physical exercise. Like others on this list, its coat is short and fine, and upkeep of its coat requires only a moderate amount of intermittent brushing.
11. Vizsla
Average Lifespan: 12-14 years
Average Size: 40-65 pounds
Coat: dense, short
Originally from Hungary, the Vizsla was bred as a sporting and companion dog that is receptive to commands and training.
Incredibly smart, the Vizsla is a quick learner and eager to please. Its athletic build also means this breed requires a good deal of room and space to run, and enjoys taking on challenges.
Due to its short coat and amiable disposition, the Vizsla makes a great family companion that is easy to clean up after and responds well to children.
12. German Pinscher
Average Lifespan: 10-13 years
Average Size: 20-45 pounds
Coat: short
The German Pinscher, like its close relative the German Shorthaired Pinscher, was originally bred for hunting in a variety of environments, and is adept on land as well as in water. Because of its background as a hunting dog, this breed requires more exercise than others on this list and can become listless if not given the opportunity to run or play on a regular basis.
Although its coat requires similar upkeep to the German Shorthaired Pinscher, the German Pinscher differs in color, with a predominantly black overcoat and brown/tan chest.
