Whether you’re new to owning a dog, or have owned one for years, there are plenty of grooming tips for short haired dogs to help keep your pet looking its best. This post is all about grooming tips for your short haired dog.

From brushing to trimming the undercoat, to regular ear checks, here are some tips to help keep your furry friend in tip top condition. 

Your short haired dog will require less grooming as long haired dogs, but it is still important to keep him looking dapper.

Short Hair Means Less Trouble

Short haired dogs don’t need too much grooming when it comes to  bathing and brushing. Brushing them once or twice a week should be plenty, as the short hair won’t cause too much of an issue with tangles and mats. 

And since they don’t have long fur hanging around that can easily get matted or tangled, you won’t need to worry about having to brush a short haired dog multiple times a day. The brushes for short-haired dogs are simplistic and cheap.

Brushing Regularly Is Still Important

Tutorial: How to Groom a Short-Haired Dog

Things Needed:
Before you start grooming your short-haired dog, gather the following supplies:

1. Dog grooming brush (suitable for short hair)
2. Dog shampoo (mild and specially formulated for dogs)
3. Dog conditioner (optional but recommended)
4. Dog nail clippers
5. Dog ear cleaner solution
6. Cotton balls or pads
7. Towels
8. Treats (for positive reinforcement)
9. Grooming table or non-slip surface (optional but helpful)
10. Hair dryer (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Environment

Set up the grooming area in a well-lit and comfortable spot. Make sure your dog is relaxed and familiar with the space to minimize stress during the grooming session.

Step 2: Brushing

• Start by brushing your dog’s coat to remove any loose hair and tangles.
• Use a dog grooming brush suitable for short hair. Consider a rubber curry brush or a bristle brush.
• Brush in the direction of the hair growth to avoid discomfort.

Step 3: Bathing

• If your dog is dirty or smelly, it’s time for a bath.
• Wet your dog thoroughly with lukewarm water.
• Apply a small amount of dog shampoo, lather gently, and make sure to cover all areas of your dog’s body.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all the shampoo.

Step 4: Conditioning (Optional)

• If your dog’s coat is dry or damaged, consider using a dog conditioner after shampooing.
• Apply the conditioner following the instructions on the product, focusing on the coat and avoiding the eyes and ears.
• Rinse out the conditioner thoroughly.

Step 5: Drying

• Use a towel to pat your dog dry after the bath. Be gentle, and avoid vigorous rubbing.
• If your dog tolerates it, use a hairdryer on a low and cool setting to speed up the drying process. Keep the dryer at a safe distance from the dog’s skin.

Step 6: Nail Trimming

• Examine your dog’s nails and trim the tips if they are too long.
• Be cautious not to cut into the quick (a blood vessel in the nail) as it can cause bleeding and pain.
• Consider using a nail grinder to smooth the edges.

Step 7: Cleaning Ears

• Dampen a cotton ball or pad with a dog ear cleaner solution.
• Gently clean the visible part of the ear, avoiding going too deep into the ear canal.
• Never insert anything into the ear canal as it can cause injury.

Step 8: Reward and Positive Reinforcement

• Throughout the grooming process, provide treats and positive reinforcement to keep your dog calm and happy.
• Offer praise and affection to create a positive association with grooming.

Step 9: Regular Grooming

• Short-haired dogs still benefit from regular grooming to maintain a healthy coat and skin.
• Aim to groom your dog at least once a week, adjusting the frequency based on your dog’s shedding and activity level.

Table: Grooming Schedule

Remember, grooming is a bonding experience for you and your dog. Be patient and gentle throughout the process, and always monitor your dog’s comfort and reactions. If your dog gets too stressed or anxious, take a break and resume later.

Using a soft brush or a slicker brush to brush your dog’s short coat can help remove any dirt or debris that may be lodged in the coat. 

The brush can also help you distribute the natural oils in the coat of a short haired dog.

In addition to brushing your short haired dog, you should check for any abnormalities such as lumps or cuts. Some dogs may get more lumps as they get older. If your dog has a skin disorder, you should contact a veterinarian immediately.

Short-haired dogs don’t have the same matting issues that dogs with longer coats have. However, short-haired dogs still need to be brushed to prevent the buildup of hair on furniture and clothing.

Even though the shedding is not as extreme, short haired dogs shed nonetheless. Just like most dogs, a short haired dog will need to have his excess fur removed, his regular nail trimming and of course his genital area cleaned up. 

Brush After Dog’s Bath 

A warm room during bath time is the best for chillier climates. 

If it is cold out, giving your dog a nice bath with lukewarm water is great but he will be cold when he gets out. Having the room warm for him and drying him off with warm towels (right out of the dryer) will take the chilly edge off.

A blow dry with settings on low can also speed up his drying time and keep him warm. Opting to blow dry should also improve his coat overall and leave it with a good shine.

sure to use a gentle dog shampoo. It should be specially formulated for your dog’s coat. You should also avoid using too much conditioner on your dog’s coat. Too much conditioner can make your dog’s coat look dull and dry.

You should brush your dog after bathing. A rubber brush will also help bring the loose hair to the surface, where you can easily remove them.

Buy Into A Good Brush

There are also slicker brushes, which have thin metal bristles that can help remove loose hair. However, slicker brushes can scratch short-haired dogs. You should choose a brush that has stainless steel tips for thicker coats.

A soft bristly brush is ideal for a short haired dog. It stimulates your dog’s body as you brush and feels amazing to your dog! Brushing removes dead hair and keeps your dog’s skin healthy.

A soft brush can still pick up loose hairs and any dead hairs he might have that are not seen with the naked eyes. It really depends on your dog’s coat length and how sensitive his skin is to brushing. 

Your local pet supply store should have them and here are a few top rated ones on Amazon.

If your dog has thicker fur, consider a medium bristle brush. You can even alternate using the medium bristle brush once in a while and use the soft bristle brush for regular grooming. 

Regular Ear Checks

Taking regular ear checks for short haired dogs can help you detect issues before they become serious. 

Infections can be painful and result in hearing loss. If not treated properly, they can lead to deafness and chronic pain.

Ear problems are typically caused by underlying problems, such as allergies or infections. Allergies can cause inflammation in the skin of the ears, which can irritate the lining of the ear canal. Infections can also be caused by foreign objects.

If you notice your dog’s ears are causing them discomfort, you need to take them to the vet as soon as possible. The vet can check your dog’s ears for infections or other issues, and prescribe medication to treat them. The vet may also recommend tests for parasites and yeast.

The vet can use an otoscope to look inside your dog’s ears to see if there are any infections. He may also ask you to take a sample of the ear discharge for testing.

Ear infections can occur quickly, sometimes within a few hours. The inner ear contains hearing and balance centers. Your dog may be hesitant to open his mouth, or may not respond to certain noises. The vet may prescribe oral antibiotics or steroids to reduce inflammation.

Dogs may also scratch at their ears a lot, or tilt their heads to the side. They may also have a discharge from their ears, which can smell foul.

You can use a cotton ball to gently wipe the outside of your dog’s ears. You can also buy pet formulated ear cleaners. Most of these products contain anti-inflammatory medication.

Dogs’ ears can also be damaged by disease, including allergies and glandular tumors. Dogs are also prone to ear mites, which can cause discomfort and infections.

It is important to be familiar with your dog’s ears, and to learn how to clean them. This will help you to catch problems early, and will keep your dog healthy.

Avoid Cutting The Quick Of Your Dog’s Nails

Although you definitely want to clip nails regularly (or have your Groomer do it), using really good nail clippers is important.

Identifying the quickness of your short haired dog’s nails is easy when they are light colored. 

The quick is the shadow that you can see on the sides of the nail. If you’re unsure about how to identify the quickness of your short haired dog’s nail, you should ask a veterinarian. They’ll be able to give you some tips.

When you trim your dog’s nails, you’ll want to do it gradually. This will encourage the quick to recede into the nail bed. You should also avoid trimming too close to the quick. It can cause bleeding.

When you trim your dog’s nails, you should always hold the paw in a relaxed position. You can also use a piece of facial tissue or the hem of your shirt. If you do cut through the quick, you can use cornstarch or pet styptic powder to stop the bleeding.

Once you have trimmed your dog’s nails, wait at least a week before trimming again but then do it again. Doing so will keep the quick from growing back. 

Black nails can be difficult to trim, because they are difficult to see through. You should try to keep the nails short. If the quick is longer, you can use a grinding tool to get it closer to the quick.

Concluding Thoughts

Short-haired dogs are not so difficult to care for, as their coats require minimal grooming. Using the few tips we offer can keep your dog and his coat condition is excellent standing.

They may need to be brushed occasionally and bathed when necessary, but generally require less maintenance than those with longer hair. Additionally, short-haired dogs tend not to become matted or tangled like breeds with long fur. As a result, they are a good choice for people who don’t have the time or resources to care for a dog with more complex needs. 

Some of the most popular short-haired breeds are Boxers, Bulldogs, Bulldogs and Chihuahuas. These breeds tend to be active and friendly and make great companions.

And now over to you.

Do you have a favorite short haired dog shampoo?