How to Groom a Short Haired Dog

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How to Groom a Short Haired Dog

Easy

10 - 20 Minutes

2 Week

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Introduction

Think your short-haired pup does not need grooming because he has short hair? Wrong!

There is some good news and some bad news when it comes to grooming short haired dogs. The good news: no mats or knots, usually! The bad news: yes, they do need grooming to remove dead hair and skin and to distribute body oils. So, you are not out of the woods when it comes to grooming your short-haired canine companion. More good news though, regular grooming of your short-haired dog will help reduce the amount of shed hair that accumulates in your house, on your furniture, and all over your clothes!

Dog's Perspective

The good news for your short haired dog is that he probably enjoys a gentle brushing to distribute oils and remove dead hair. Because he is not long-haired, he does not have to experience pulling and tugging on his coat like his long-haired companions. For a short-haired dog, brushing can feel a lot like being petted, and most dogs are pretty happy about that. Also, removing dead hair and skin from your dog's coat will help him to regulate his body temperature better and reduce itching, as natural oils are distributed. As an added benefit, you will be more likely to discover parasites and skin conditions in a timely manner if you groom your short-haired dog regularly.

The Weekly Grooming Method

Most Recommended

4 Votes

Slicker Brush

Shampoo

Pin Brush

Nail Clipper

Deshedder

Comb

Dryer

Towel

Step

Decide if a bath is required

Each week, determine if your dog needs a bath. Short-haired dogs need baths anywhere from once a week to once a month, depending on individual differences, activity, and season.

Step

Bathe

If your dog needs a bath, brush first to remove dead hair. Put cotton balls in his ears to keep water out of the ears. Then wet your dog, wash with dog shampoo, being careful to avoid eyes, ears, nose and mouth. Use a washcloth on face and around eyes. Rinse well.

Step

Use conditioner

Use a dog conditioner for short-haired dogs to keep skin moist if necessary, as short-haired dogs tend to have dry skin.

Step

Dry

Towel dry your dog, and then allow to air dry or blow dry on a low heat setting. It is easy to burn a short-haired dog with a blow dryer as there is not a thick layer of fur between the appliance and the dog's skin, so be very cautious when using heat dryers.

Step

Trim hair and nails

Trim excess hair on face, eyes, ears legs, paws, and back end with scissors held parallel to the dog's body. Trim nails and express anal glands if required.

The Daily Brushing Method

Effective

1 Vote

Spray

Slicker Brush

Pin Brush

Deshedder

Comb

Step

Damp hair

Regular grooming every few days is recommended. Dampen your dog’s skin first with a damp cloth. This prevents dust and hair from flying around and smoothes the coat.

Step

Remove hair and dirt

Use a curry comb, a round rubber knobby brush, all over your short-haired dog's coat to remove dead skin, dirt, and hair. You can use a bristle brush to remove mud and/or a slicker brush instead of, or in addition to the curry brush. A de-shedding brush may be necessary during shedding season.

Step

Get in difficult areas

Work all over body from head to tail and under legs. Be sure to get in creases and folds of skin by holding them taut as necessary to get a brush all over the skin.

Step

Comb

Use a fine toothed comb all over the body to get finer hair or undercoat.

Step

Finish

Rub all over body with a rubber grooming glove to distribute oils. Run up and down legs and in a circular motion over the body. This also stimulates blood flow to hair follicles and skin.

Caution & Considerations

Be cautious using blow dryers or heat sources on short-haired dogs, as their hair offers limited protection from such sources to protect their skin.
Look for skin conditions and parasites at grooming time to catch issues early when they are easier to treat.
Make sure that short-haired dogs' skin is moisturized if required.
Remove dead hair and skin and distribute oils to keep short haired dog's skin and coat healthy and functioning as an insulator to keep your dog cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather.

Conclusion

Short-haired dogs do need grooming, but it should be easier than grooming their long-haired counterparts; no mats and tangles, just a lot of loose hair. Sometimes after grooming a short-haired dog, it can look like you have removed enough loose hair to make another dog! Because grooming is less of a chore for short haired dogs and their owners, it can be looked forward to as a pleasant bonding time. Your dog thinks he got a massage and you have a dog that is less likely to give you a dog hair sweater the next time you pick her up for a cuddle!

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

Grooming Questions & Answers

Question

Riley and Teegan

mixed terrier

7 Years

1 found helpful

Question

1 found helpful

Riley and Teegan

mixed terrier

7 Years

My puppies shed tremendously..Can they be trimmed with an electric clipper .

3 years, 10 months ago

Riley and Teegan's Owner

Darlene Stott

Dog Trainer and Groomer

0 Dog owners recommended

Hello, great picture! I don't think that timing them with an electric trimmer will make any difference and their coat is not meant for that. A clipper is more for dogs who have the type of coat that grows long and does not shed (poodle, Shih Tzu etc). I suggest brushing them twice a week to daily if they are in their shedding period. Use a slicker brush (the metal bristles are good to remove loose hair but don't press hard). I don't suggest using clippers. Good luck and enjoy!

3 years, 10 months ago