Large Dog Breeds With Short Hair

Large dog breeds with short hair that are properly treated and trained usually make wonderful companions. But, they can also come with some owner challenges. For instance, large dogs need more space and exercise than small breeds. Additionally, some large breeds have inherited health problems such as joint issues and heart ailments. However, if you have the space and resources to have a large dog, they can be incredibly loyal, loving pets.

There are many choices when it comes to short-haired large breed dogs. These dogs can range from athletic and energetic to calm and gentle. To find the right breed for your lifestyle, a significant amount of research needs to be done. In the following sections, we’ll explore some of the most popular short-haired large dog breeds, including their temperament, exercise needs, and inherent health issues.

Short-haired large dogs are an awesome choice for anyone who wants a friendly big buddy but doesn’t want to spend a lot of time and money on grooming. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular large short-haired dog breeds. 

So, if you’re thinking about getting a dog, there are several choices to take into account. Choices like a dog’s size, a dog’s temperament, and a dog’s grooming should be tops on your priority list.  We hope this article helps you.  Please read on for more about large short-haired dogs.

Characteristics 

When it comes to grooming, the length and health of a dog’s coat is a top priority.

Large dog breeds with short hair are popular for various reasons. Two of these are that short-haired breeds are low-maintenance so they require less grooming than long-haired dogs. They are also great for people who have dog hair allergies because short hairs shed less hair and dander. 

Here are five common traits of large dog breeds with short hair:

Size Matters

Large dog breeds with short hair are often bigger than small and medium-sized dogs. Because of this they can weigh over 50 pounds and stand over two feet tall at the shoulder. To many dog owners, size is really important and matters a lot for protection and status. Popular large breeds include the Great Dane, Mastiff, and Saint Bernard.

Temperament

Large dog breeds with short hair can have different temperaments. Some are friendly, outgoing, and crave loving attention, while others are more guarded and protective. You need to research each breed of interest before settling on a dog to make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Exercise Needs

Most large short hair dogs need daily exercise to stay fit and healthy. Walks and playtime will burn off their excess energy which helps them stay in shape. Some breeds, like the Greyhound, are known for their speed and love of running. Because of this, they need a big yard or daily access to dog-friendly running space.

Training

Early socialization and training are needed so that your dog will be well-behaved and obedient.

Most of the large short hair dog breeds are very intelligent and highly trainable. At the same time, large dogs can be stubborn. They must be given positive, yet firm and consistent training or you cannot realistically expect them to be well behaved. 

Health Issues

Large short haired dogs sometimes develop certain health issues. Some breeds, like the Great Dane, sometimes suffer with arthritis or bloat. Because of this, it’s important to become familiar with the health issues common to the breeds you’re interested in before you actually commit. Also, be prepared to get your dog regular veterinary care to prevent or treat any health problems that come up.

Overall, large short hair dog breeds are great pets for many compassionate owners. They are loyal, loving, and can bring years of pride and joy to their owners.

Popular Breeds 

Top Five Short Haired Dog Breeds

If you are looking for a large dog breed with short hair, you have many options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular large dog breeds with short hair that you might want to consider:

Boxer

The Boxer is a large, handsome, and muscular breed that is well-known as a playful and energetic pet. They like to be around people, they are generally great with kids, and they enjoy playing with other pets.  Boxers are very loyal and highly protective of their human family and home. Boxers have a short, shiny coat that is easy to maintain with regular brushing. They are also a good choice for anyone with allergies since they shed very little.

Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is a sleek and elegant dog breed that is known for its intelligence and loyalty. In fact, Dobies have sort of a regal air about them. These dogs have a short, smooth coat that is easy to care for with regular brushing. Dobermans love to run and play.  They are full of energy which means they are very active and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This breed is for the person or family that likes a lot of action.  Dobies are not well suited for the sedentary. So, if you are a couch potato, this breed is not for you!

Great Dane

The Great Dane is a laid-back breed. This is a huge dog, often exceeding 200 pounds. Known as a gentle giant, Great Danes are loved for their leggy but handsome looks, huge size, and calm temperament. This breed has a short, smooth coat that is low maintenance with regular brushing. Great Danes are very affectionate and loyal to their human families, so they are exceptional pets for those with big homes and big yards.

Rottweiler

The Rottweiler is a muscular and confident dog breed that is known for its loyalty and protective nature. They are the dog equivalent of the brawny bouncer.  Rotties will defend their possessions, their humans and their homes at all costs. These dogs have a short, thick coat that is easy to care for with regular brushing. Rottweilers are very intelligent and require plenty of exercise and playtime.

Dalmatian

The Dalmatian is a very cool and distinctive looking dog breed that is easily recognized with its black spots on a white coat. Famous as a faithful fire station dog and the fireman’s best friend, the Dalmatian is an energetic dog with a short, smooth coat that is easy to care for with regular grooming. Dalmatians are a low maintenance breed but they are generally very active and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

There are many popular large, short hair dog breeds to choose from. We’ve listed just five of the most popular ones here for your consideration. So, when selecting a dog, please consider the many choices available to you. Be sure to take notice of their dogs’ personalities, activity levels, and grooming requirements to make sure you and the dog you fall in love with are a good match.

Large Short-Haired Dogs’ Health

Obviously, health is a huge consideration for large short-haired dogs. There are a few important things to keep in mind and, while big dogs are generally low maintenance, they still need proper care to make sure they stay fit and healthy.

Weight Management

One of the most important health considerations for large short-haired dogs is weight management. Large dog breeds can become obese if they are overfed or do not get enough exercise.  Because of this, everyone who has a large dog needs to watch its weight and adjust its diet and exercise routine as needed.

Joint Health

Another consideration for large short-haired dogs is joint health. Large dogs are more likely to develop joint issues such as hip dysplasia, so it is important to keep their joints healthy. This can include feeding joint supplements, giving them plenty of heart-healthy exercise that doesn’t overexert them, and not doing activities that impact their joints.

Dental Care

Dental care is often overlooked for pets, but it is very important for large short-haired dogs. These breeds are prone to dental issues such as tooth loss and chronic gum disease. It is important to brush their teeth regularly (Caution: Never use human toothpaste or other human dental products on dogs). You should provide dental chews or toys designed to help keep a dog’s teeth and gums clean.

Regular Health Check-Ups

It is so important to take your big dog in for regular check-ups with your veterinarian. This often includes routine vaccinations, blood work, weighing, body temperature checks, and other preventative care measures.

By keeping these health measures in mind and providing proper care for your large short-haired dog, you can help them live a long and healthy life.

Grooming Large Short-Haired Dogs

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance dog, a large short-haired breed may be the right choice for you. These dogs have a hair coat that is easy to care for and needs only minimal grooming. However, even short-haired dogs need regular bathing and body grooming to keep them healthy and looking their best.

Here are some grooming tips for you:

Brushing

Without a doubt, short-haired dogs don’t need as much brushing as long-haired dogs, but they still need to be brushed regularly. Brushing removes dead hair and distributes the dog’s natural skin oils throughout the coat. A weekly brushing with a soft-bristled brush or grooming mitt should be sufficient for most short-haired breeds.

Bathing

Short-haired dogs don’t need to be bathed as frequently as long-haired dogs, but these dogs should still be bathed periodically to keep their coat clean, bug free, and generally healthy. Usually a regular bath every 2-3 months should be sufficient, but as needed if your dog gets particularly dirty or stinky.  Always test the water temperature before bathing the dog to make sure the water is not too hot or too cold.  Ideally, the bath water temp should be around 98 °F (36-37 °C) for dogs, or tepid to the touch.

Nail Care

Short-haired dogs may not have as much hair to maintain, but their nails still need to be routinely trimmed. Long nails can cause discomfort and even lead to health problems, so it’s important to keep them trimmed. Aim to trim your dog’s nails every 4-6 weeks, or as needed. If a nail is split or otherwise damaged, your vet or professional groomer should examine it.

Dental Care

Dental health is important for all dogs, regardless of their coat type. Regular brushing and dental cleanings can help prevent dental problems and keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. Aim to brush your dog’s teeth weekly and schedule routine dental exams and cleanings with your veterinarian.

Ear Care

Short-haired dogs may be less prone to ear infections than some other breeds, but it’s still important to keep their ears clean and dry. Check your dog’s ears often for signs of infections (redness, fever, swelling, or discharge) and clean them as needed with a gentle vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls or gauze pads.

Large short-haired dogs are a wonderful choice for those looking for a high energy, low-maintenance companion pet. That is, provided there is ample room and daily exercise available to the dog.  With regular grooming, exercise, and care a big dog can stay healthy and happy for many years to come.

Exercise and Training Requirements

Exercise and training needs can certainly vary depending on the dog breed. But, in general, these dogs require regular exercise and training to stay fit and healthy.

Exercise 

Most large dog short-haired breeds need at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise every day. However, some breeds — the German Shorthaired Pointer comes to mind — may require up to 2 hours of exercise per day. It’s important to note that exercise will vary depending on the individual dog’s age, health, and energy level. Ask your vet’s advice if you’re uncertain about what’s best for your dog.

Good exercise for large short hair dog breeds include brisk walks, hikes, swimming, and playing fetch. Don’t forget, these dogs also need daily mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys and training sessions.

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Training Requirements

Training is important for all dogs, but it’s especially important for large short hair breeds. These dogs can be strong-willed and may require consistent training to avoid behavior problems.

We recommend positive reinforcement training for all dogs but especially for large, aggressive short hair breeds. This means rewarding good behavior and not punishing bad behavior. It’s important that you do not use a shock collar or other punishment-based training methods. Why? Because this can lead to fear and aggression which almost always ends badly for the dog.

Effective training should focus on basic obedience commands, such as sit, stay, heel, down, and come. It’s also important to socialize these dogs from a young age, as they can be prone to shyness or aggression if not properly socialized.

These big dogs need regular exercise and training to stay healthy and to be good pets. Exercise needs can vary depending on the breed and the individual dog. As a rule, most of these short hair breeds need at least thirty minutes to an hour of exercise every day. Positive reinforcement training is the best way to prevent behavior problems and promote good behavior.

Final Tips 

Adopting a large short-haired dog can be a nice addition to your home whether you live alone or have kids at home. 

Here are some final tips for adopting a large short-haired dog:

Consider Your Living Space

Large dogs need plenty of living space to move around and exercise. So, before adopting a large short-haired dog, make sure you have enough room in your home and yard for them to play and run. Please keep in mind that most large dogs probably won’t do well in apartments or small living spaces.  If that applies to you, then a small dog or a cat will probably be a better choice.

Research Breeds

Different breeds have different temperaments and energy levels. Do your research on breeds that fit your lifestyle and personality. Some large short-haired breeds, like Boxers and Great Danes, are known for their gentle nature, while others, like Dobermans and Rottweilers, are known for their protective instincts. So, do your research and find a breed that best fits your needs and lifestyle.

Your Schedule Matters

Large dogs need regular exercise and owner attention. If you work long hours or have a busy schedule, then hiring a dog walker or pet sitter might be a doable solution. Make sure you have enough time in your schedule to give your dog the love, attention, and exercise they need.

Consider Your Budget

Large dogs are rather expensive to care for. Make sure you have enough money in your budget for food, vet bills, and unexpected expenses. Consider adopting your big dog from a rescue organization. Doing so helps curb the abandoned dog population and pet shelters may have lower adoption fees plus they will likely provide some initial medical care.

Prepare Your Home

Before bringing home your new dog, be sure your home is ready for a big, tail-wagging dog!

Providing a comfortable bed, food and water bowls, and plenty of toys is a must-do. Large dogs will also need a strong leash and good collar for walks and training. Adopting a large short-haired dog can be a rewarding experience. By considering these tips, you can provide a loving home for your new big best friend.