Dogs are one of the earliest and most loyal friends of man from time immemorial to the present day. Over the many centuries of coexistence next to humans, four-legged helpers have acquired a large number of professions ranging from the main hunting and security to companion dogs, and various species that differ not only in appearance and size, but also in the length of the coat. There are long-haired and short-haired individuals. Most often, the length of the dog’s coat does not matter to the owner, because the nature of the dog does not depend on this. But for some it is very important how long the coat is, and what are the possibilities for caring for it.
Features
Many future owners, considering the possibility of keeping a dog in a city apartment, opt for dogs that have a short and smooth coat. The reason for this is the opinion that smooth-haired dogs molt less and they do not leave so much hair on furniture upholstery and carpets, so they do not cause allergic reactions.
Unfortunately, this opinion is fundamentally wrong. The length and quality of the animal’s coat does not affect the number of molts; therefore, seasonal changes occur both in dogs with long hair and in short-haired dogs. The only difference is the length of the fallen hair. Of much greater importance is the density of the undercoat. Least of all, the hair is left on the dog’s things with a rare underfill or without it at all.
The same can be said for allergies: the negative reaction of the human body is not caused by the length of the dog’s coat, but by the smell emanating from the animal.
What is really worth paying attention to when deciding which dog with the best length of coat is best to keep in the apartment is the possibility of caring for its coat.
Long-haired dog breeds, regardless of size, require more thorough grooming, which includes frequent combing, taking a lot of time. If you are a busy person and you do not have much free time, then short-haired dogs will suit you best.
There is a large selection of dog breeds with short hair, differing in size, character and purpose.
Small breeds and their description
Small dogs are best suited for housing.
Chihuahua
The smallest and most brave dog in the world, Chihuahua breed comes from Mexico. The ancestors of this miniature dog were human companions, accompanying him not only throughout life, but also after death. Modern representatives of the breed are also companion dogs and perform decorative functions. Many representatives of Bohemia carry the Chihuahua with them, since the size of the dog allows them to comfortably accommodate even in a small handbag.
The weight of an adult Chihuahua ranges from 500 g to 3 kg, and the height at the withers is from 10 to 20 cm. Dogs of this breed have rather large erect ears located high and wide, and large eyes without rolling out. There are two subspecies of the Chihuahua: Shorthair and Longhair. The color of the dog can be any.
Chihuahuas are very mobile, curious, hardy, friendly to others and do not know what fear is.
Pug
A small companion dog, originally from ancient China, has gained great popularity due to its calm character and cheerful disposition.
Small, from 28 to 32 cm, weighing from 6 to 8 kg, compact, with a proportional physique, the dog has a short, soft and silky coat. The breed standards allow three color options:
- black
- silvery;
- yellow-fawn.
Dogs of light color on a square flattened muzzle with hanging ears and bulging eyes must have a dark mask.
Pugs have problems with the respiratory system due to the peculiar shape of the muzzle.Therefore, they must be protected from hypothermia and not overloaded with physical exertion. These calm dogs are perfect for those who can not devote much time to long and active walks.
Obesity can become a particular problem for a sedentary dog, as pugs tend to be obese. Therefore, the diet of a pet should be closely monitored.
French Bulldog
A strong, compact dog, whose ancestors were fighting dogs, retained a strong-willed character from them and a certain tendency to aggression. Therefore, if you decide to purchase a French bulldog, then you will need some time to properly raise a dog.
The size of a strong, excellent reaction dog is small. The growth of adults varies from 27 to 35 cm in males, females are 3 cm lower, weight in the range of 8-14 kg.
The appearance of French bulldogs resembles pugs and ignorant people often confuse them. But, unlike a pug, a bulldog has erect ears on a large head and a characteristic muzzle with a forked upper lip and a wide nose.
Frenchman's coat is dense, short, stiff, shiny, without down coat. Acceptable colors:
- reddish with or without tiger stripes and the presence or absence of white spots;
- brindle;
- pale yellow;
- black brindle;
- white in combination with tiger, fawn or spots.
By character, the bulldog is loyal to people, but can be aggressive towards other animals. The dog is very fond of children, easy to train, active and friendly. She is wholeheartedly attached to the master and serves faithfully, rushing to the defense with courage, not looking at the size of the danger.
Due to the short fur in cold weather, it is necessary to wear jumpsuits on the dog, but you cannot deprive the dog of walks. He needs daily active walks at any time of the year.
Also, you can’t leave the Frenchman alone for a long time, as he is very homesick without masters.
Dwarf pincher
A dwarf or miniature pinscher - a native of Germany with more than three centuries of history. Small dogs lived in the stables, hunting various rodents and guarding property. Over time, small dogs moved into homes and became companion dogs.
The height of an adult dwarf pinscher or miniature pinscher is 25-30 cm, and weight is from 4 to 6 kg. Six is smooth, shiny and adheres tightly to the skin. According to the standard, only two color options are allowed: red and black with tan. Due to the short coat, the dog must be protected from hypothermia.
A feature of the pincher is his gait, when the movements of the front paws resemble the stepping of a riding horse.
The overall impression of the miniature pinscher is sophisticated elegance. But although the dog looks thin, its muscles are quite strong and do not create a feeling of weakness.
The dwarf pinscher is quite active, quick-witted and easy to train. With the owner's family, the dog is quite playful, although somewhat restrained. She is wary of strangers, vividly displaying her protective qualities.
Jack Russell Terrier
The jack hunter is from England, the Jack Russell Terrier and has not lost his hunting skills to date. This breed was specially bred for hunting a burrowing beast, where the dog climbed as a whole in order to drive out or grab the animal.
Today, this small dog with a hard short coat is involved in the hunt not only for foxes and badgers, but also for hares and water rats. Farmers use a dog to protect them from rodents that damage stocks and crops.
Small, 25-30 cm tall and 5-6 kg in weight, the dog is not only a wonderful hunter and reliable companion. This is a smart, amenable to learning, agile and brave dog. Some use Russellas as a guard dog: Jackies hear the slightest noise and react to it with a bark of bark.
By the color of a short fur coat, Jack Russels are white with red or black spots.
Beagle
The beagle dog, which participated in more than a dozen films, attracted the attention of the audience not only by its appearance, but also by its cheerful, kind disposition, which is characteristic of this breed not only on the screen, but also in life.
The beagle is a specially bred dog for hunting hares and rabbits. The homeland of this miniature hound is England. Dogs of this breed have a very subtle sense of smell, so they are often used to search for drugs and surveillance.
The medium-sized smooth-haired dog has a short and dense coat characteristic of hounds. The height of an adult dog at the withers is from 33 to 40 cm, weight - from 9 to 14 kg.
A distinctive feature of the beagle are:
- ability to bark loudly, loudly and melodiously;
- long soft hanging ears, the ends of which should reach the tip of a curious nose;
- obligatory white tail tip, regardless of the overall color of the fur coat.
By character, Beagles are very good-natured, trusting, sociable and energetic. The curiosity of the dog leads to the fact that she can not sit still and is quite capable of getting lost, rushing after the subject that interested her. Therefore, on a walk, do not let the pet off the leash.
In raising a puppy, one should be persistent and make it clear to him that the owner is more important than his desires. If this is not done, then the keen nature and rather stubborn nature of the dog will lead to the fact that the dog will ignore orders.
A well-bred dog gets along well with children, gets along well with other pets, although occasionally it can be aggressive towards strangers.
In maintenance and care, the beagle is unpretentious and very clean.Best of all, he will feel in a private house, where he will have a lot of free space for movement.
Smooth Fox Terrier
England, with its rich history, is rightfully considered the birthplace of most hunting dogs. Another native of this country is a smooth-haired fox-terrier - a burrowing hunting dog intended for catching foxes, badgers, a raccoon dog and hunting rodents. The ancestors of the smooth-haired Fox Terriers lived on the British Isles for another 5 and a half thousand years BC.
Today, a smooth-haired fox-terrier is used as a burrow hunter, watchman and companion. A cheerful, agile and inquisitive dog, with proper upbringing, gets along well with people. The most favorite activity of a healthy dog is a game that she is ready to indulge tirelessly all day. The dog treats the family’s friends kindly, but is quite capable of displaying aggression against people who he did not like. A vigilant, responsible and brave fox terrier is aggressive towards other animals. The dog really appreciates the respectful attitude of the owner and tries to keep abreast of what is happening around.
Small size (height up to 39 cm, weight - from 7 to 8 kg) the dog has a thick, smooth and abundant coat that protects it from adverse conditions. The main color of the fox terrier coat is white with the addition of red, black spots or a combination of both. In leaving is undemanding.
Boston terrier
A descendant of the English Terrier and Bulldog, the Boston Terrier from the end of the 80s of the last century is a symbol of the American state of Massachusetts.
A small, 22–38 cm tall, smooth-haired dog is an ideal companion, getting along well with children, very gentle and loving. The coat of the pet is short, it adheres tightly to the skin, and there is no undercoat. Because of such a poor coat, the dog does not tolerate low temperatures, requiring additional clothing.
The dog’s temperament is stubborn, so raising a puppy is necessary from an early age. Boston terriers are very sensitive to negative criticism from the owner, they perceive it quite painfully, so you should not take harsh measures in the process of training.
A smart and quick-witted dog perfectly understands the limits of what is permitted and does not cross them. She gets along well with other dogs, including them in her games. It may be alone for a long time, but it prefers the human society, accompanying him wherever possible.
Russian toy
In 2017, a new breed of decorative companion dogs was officially recognized, called the Russian one.
A cheerful, thin-legged, graceful dog 20–28 cm tall is ideal for apartment keeping. Light weight up to 3 kg makes it easy to raise your pet in your arms. Short, dense, without undercoat and bald hair, the coat is not particularly difficult to care for.
The dog easily gets used to the tray and does not need frequent walks. With such dimensions, that quite enough territory of the apartment for movement and games.
The dog is very loyal to the owners and easily gets along with others, but communication with noisy children leads to nervous upheavals, from which it is better to save the dog.
Italian greyhound
The smallest of the greyhounds, Italian greyhound or small Italian greyhound has long been known. Representatives of this breed can be seen on canvases depicting European royalty and in the paintings of Renaissance masters.
A graceful, thin, well-muscled dog will serve as an ideal companion for an elderly person. 32–38 cm tall and weighing up to 5 kg, Italian greyhound can easily find a place even in a small apartment.
Italian greyhound is trusting, it is safe for people, but due to the thin constitution of the body, communication with children should be limited, since the pet is easily injured.
Since Italian greyhound belongs to greyhounds, it needs to move a lot and walk in the fresh air.
The Italian Greyhound does not have a good nose, but it has excellent eyesight and a highly developed hunting instinct. He is well versed in space, but can easily get lost in the crowd, chasing after a favorite object. Therefore, on a walk doggie should not be lowered from a leash.
In the car, Italian greyhound behaves uneasily, cannot sit in one place, so it is better to use a carrying cage for transportation.
Varieties of medium and large dogs
Small dogs are best suited for keeping in an apartment, but some prefer medium-sized or large-sized dogs.
Basenji
A primitive dog from the group of Spitz, who lived in Central Africa for 3000 BC, a basenji or a Congolese bush dog served even to the pharaohs in Ancient Egypt, where it was considered a talisman.
The first representatives of the oldest breed came to Europe only at the beginning of the last century, being presented to visitors to the zoo as exotic animals. After some time, already as a pet, the dogs were brought to England, where they approved the breed standards. An African barking dog began spreading around the world after the first pair of Congo Terriers was brought to the United States.
Basenji is an ideal companion suitable for living in an apartment. Of medium height - males up to 43 cm, bitches up to 40 cm - the short-haired dog at home was an excellent hunter. Having acquired a new place of residence, the basenji retained his instincts, which can take over on the street, so the dog needs to be raised.
The dog is easy to train, has a flexible mind and affectionate character. She feels great in the spotlight, moves easily and gracefully, quickly picks up speed.
Basenji is suitable for people with allergies, as the dog does not smell. Another distinguishing feature is silence. Basenji does not bark, but makes quiet rumbling sounds, and only then when excited.
Whippet
An average dog designed to hunt a hare is capable of speeds up to 70 km / h. Everything in its appearance is aimed at speed:
- narrow elongated head;
- strong, long legs;
- short, smooth, close-fitting coat, not resisting the headwind.
A strong nervous system and easy learnability allow you to get a reliable companion from whippet.
English bulldog
The appearance of the bulldog is severe, evoking respect for the strength of the dog. But, despite this appearance, the bulldog has a good-natured character and is well suited for home maintenance. Short dense hair without undercoat does not require special care. The main thing is that the folds on the skin must be thoroughly cleaned, preventing the development of various skin diseases.
Due to the overweight physique, the bulldog is contraindicated in physical activity, so it is considered a "dog for lazy people." The dog does not really like to walk, preferring to spend time in his favorite place. Initially, the fighting breed, over time, became decorative.
The dog gets along well with children, does not show aggression to other pets and has a calm character.
Sharpei
Skins covered with short, stiff hair without undercoat, which is gathered in large folds on a sharpei, will be enough for two or even three medium-sized dogs. The owner of such a pet will always be in the spotlight. Since the dog belonged to the fighting breed in the homeland of sharpei, it is necessary to raise puppies from infancy, instilling in them the correct behavioral habits.
A kind, loyal, independent dog is distrustful of outsiders and may be aggressive towards other dogs.
Dalmatians
White with black or brown spots the size of a two-ruble coin scattered on a short, thick and hard fur, the dogs will not leave anyone indifferent.
Dalmatians are wonderful hunters, loyal friends of the family and wonderful actors. Dogs are easy to train, with pleasure perform various tricks.
A large, harmoniously folded fold dog with a calm character is suitable for keeping in an apartment, but it will be better for it in a country house, where there is room for active games.
Like many dogs with thick hair, Dalmatians molt all year round, but they do not smell of dog.
Weimaraner
A tall, strong dog with elegant outlines is considered an aristocrat among dogs. The height at the withers of an adult varies from 59 to 70 cm for males, females are 2–5 cm lower. The permissible weight of a healthy dog is 30–40 kg in males and 25–35 kg in females.
According to accepted standards, there are two subspecies of weimaraners: short-haired and long-haired. The short-haired subspecies has a thick, stiff coat with a minimal underfill or with its complete absence. The coat is silky, without waviness. For purebred Weimaraners, three coat color options are allowed: gray with silver, smoky gray, and typical for deer gray with copper tint.
Weimaraner manners are calm, they are easy to learn and able to make independent decisions. These are loyal, obedient and completely non-aggressive dogs.
German dog
The universally recognized giant among dogs is the Great Dane. A representative of this breed is registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest dog in the world. The minimum height of an adult animal is more than 0.8 m in height and about 1 m in length.
The majestic, noble and harmoniously built German Great Dane has a surprisingly soft character. He is obedient, loves children and is very kind. But the dog treats strangers with caution.
The only problem is that the dog, without calculating its strength, can easily knock down the owner, which is not aggression at all.
Doberman
A beautiful large dog with a short, stiff coat is part of the group of dogs that are most easily amenable to training. Despite the impressive size and serious appearance, the Doberman is a kind, obedient and peaceful dog. He loves children very much and with the right upbringing of the dog, he can be safely left with the kids. Dobermans are great bloodhounds and guards.
Male Dobermans are 68–72 cm tall and weigh 40–45 kg; females are slightly smaller. According to standards, a shiny dense fur coat of an animal can be black or dark brown. Mandatory rusty red tints of well-defined specific forms.
How to choose?
Deciding to take a puppy to the house, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the breed and the conditions of its maintenance. It is advisable to consult with knowledgeable people and specialists.
To see what an adult dog of the selected breed looks like, you can visit exhibitions and kennels.
If you plan to keep the dog as a pet, then any individual will do. But if future owners plan to take part in exhibitions or become breeders, then, choosing a pet, you need to look closely at how much it meets the standards accepted for the breed.
When making a decision, it is necessary to take into account the area of the apartment where the dog will live. You should not take a puppy from a dog of large breeds, if you have little space in the house. Remember, no matter how cute and small a puppy looked in childhood, an adult large dog will take up a lot of space.
For those who are often absent for a long time, it is better to choose a dog that is prone to independence and self-sufficiency, which does not require constant attention.
Those who find it difficult to often walk for a long time and actively move should not be allowed to take a dog to their house, which requires long walks with active games.
When buying a purebred dog, ask the seller for the pedigree, metric and pet passport. A healthy puppy should have all the necessary vaccinations at the time of sale.
If possible, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the pedigree and medical documents of the puppy's parents.
General rules for maintenance and care
Any dog living with you in an apartment, requires some care:
- bathing as needed;
- combing out at least once a week;
- clipping and brushing;
- walking from twice a day;
- preventive visits to the veterinarian once a year and as needed;
- feeding.
Each dog must have:
- two bowls: separately for water and for feed;
- towel, hairbrush and toothbrush;
- for dogs that do not tolerate cold, a special jumpsuit is needed for walking.
You can use natural products to feed your pets, either super-premium dry food or a holistic class selected in accordance with the breed.
See the top 10 smooth-haired dog breeds in the next video.