A person grooming a small dog.

10 Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Need Grooming (Revealed)

If you are looking for small dog breeds that don’t need grooming, then this article is perfect for you. We will explore 10 different breeds of dogs that do not require much grooming at all.

This way, if you are one of those people who don’t have the time to care for their pet’s fur, these breeds might be right up your alley!

Small Dog Breeds That Don’t Need Grooming

Pug

A pug laying on the wood floor.
Photo by Mink Mingle on Unsplash

Pugs are a relatively low maintenance breed of dog. Pugs hardly need grooming, and it is not uncommon for them to only have their nails clipped, teeth brushed, ears cleaned, and face wiped down with a damp cloth. 

Their hair is also short enough, so it does not get matted down when left ungroomed for an extended period of time. In fact, most owners simply use a  towel to wipe the pug’s face when they come in from outside or after meals.

Related Post:

Chihuahua

A cute Chihuahua laying on a red sofa.
Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

Chihuahuas are not only the smallest dog breed, but they also require little grooming. These dogs only need to be bathed and brushed occasionally, and their nails trimmed once or twice a month. They also do not shed much fur, which is good for people with allergies.

This is because their coats do not shed and grow to a great length like other breeds. In fact, Chihuahuas have some of the shortest hair on their body, as well as short ears and legs. The few times that they might need a bath would be for accidents or after rolling in something stinky! 

Related Post: Is The Chihuahua An Excellent Dog For Apartment Living

K9 Training Institute

Manchester Terrier

A Manchester Toy Terrier posing on a walkway.
Image by Настя Черникова from Pixabay

Manchester Terriers don’t need much grooming. The breed only needs to be brushed once a week, and they should never be bathed unless they are dirty or smelly. Frequent bathing is not recommended as it strips the dog of its natural oils. Manchester Terriers also shed very little hair.

In fact, their breed standard calls for no more than weekly brushing with a stiff bristle brush to remove dead hairs and stimulate the skin’s natural oils.  Their nails don’t need trimming very often, and their teeth only need brushing every few days! 

Related Post:

Miniature Pinscher

Miniature Pinscher on a log.
Image by Dorena Beckendorf from Pixabay

Do you have a Miniature Pinscher? They are an adorable breed that requires little grooming. Here is what to do: -Bathe them once every three months with a gentle shampoo and conditioner

-Brush their teeth twice per week using dog toothpaste or human toothpaste designed for children -Trim their nails every two weeks if they don’t wear down naturally on hard surfaces, and clean out the ears once per month with dog ear cleaner.

Related Post:

Norfolk Terrier

A Norfolk Terrier sitting on a lawn.
Image by No-longer-here from Pixabay

The Norfolk Terrier’s coat doesn’t need much grooming. The dog has a short, smooth coat that doesn’t mat easily and is typically an easy to maintain breed. It only requires occasional brushing with a stiff bristle brush or rubber curry comb, bathing when necessary, trimming of the nails every month or so if needed, ear cleaning about once a week, and wiping off any dried slobber from the corners of its mouth after meals. 

After bathing, towel dry their fur until they’re almost completely dry, then blow-dry them using the cool setting on your hairdryer to get rid of any moisture that may still be present. 

Related Post:

Beagle

A beautiful beagle on a leash.
Photo by Oliver on Unsplash

A breed of dog that doesn’t need much grooming is the beagle. This makes them great for people who don’t have the time or desire to spend hours on their pet every week. They have a double coat which consists of both a coarse, long outer layer and a soft, dense undercoat.

The smooth coat requires only occasional brushing with an undercoat rake to remove dead hair and prevent matting. Beagles shed little fur compared to other breeds of dogs, which makes them perfect for people who are allergic to animal dander or can’t tolerate lots of pet hair in their home environment. 

Related Post:

Rat Terrier

A Rat Terrier being walked.
Image by Anna Powałowska from Pixabay

Rat Terriers are a breed of dog that do not need much grooming. This is because they have a short, dense coat that does not mat or tangle easily. In addition, Rat Terriers shed very little hair and require only an occasional bath to keep them clean. They also have a single layer of soft fur, so bathing is usually not necessary unless the dog has been in dirt or mud recently.

Rat Terrier owners should still brush their pet’s teeth at least once per week and keep an eye out for ticks, fleas, and other external parasites.Rat Terriers are fairly easy to train because they are very food motivated. They do not shed or drool much at all either, so they make great companions in the home with people who have allergies.

Related Post:

Boston Terrier

A black and white Boston Terrier on a leash going for a walk.
Photo by Erik Mclean from Pexels

Boston Terriers are best for city dwellers because they don’t need much grooming. They only require occasional brushing with a soft bristle brush to remove any loose hair or tangles that may have formed in their coat. A quick bath every few months is all they really require, and some people might even bathe them once per year. 

The breed’s short coat doesn’t require any special care, and their nails grow slowly, so you won’t have to worry about clipping them every week or two. The Boston Terrier has been nicknamed the “American Gentleman” because of its sophisticated personality and great intelligence. Their small size makes them an ideal pet for people who live in apartments.

Related Post:

K9 Training Institute

Basenji

A purebred Basenji posing for a photo.
Image by Andrea Fischer from Pixabay

Basenjis are known for their minimal grooming needs. The Basenji’s hair is short and sleek, meaning they require little maintenance to keep them looking great. However, this does not mean that they don’t need any care at all! Here is a guide to the simple grooming process of the Basenji:

Brush with a wire brush or stiff bristle brush about once every two weeks. -Bathe only when necessary with dog shampoo or baby shampoo. Nails should be trimmed about every two weeks if they are not wearing down naturally.

Related Post:

Italian Greyhound

An Italian Greyhound outside chewing on a tree branch.
Image by Holger Langmaier from Pixabay

Italian Greyhounds are a breed of small dogs that have been bred for centuries to chase down rabbits and other small animals. This has led to them having very short, smooth coats with little undercoat. In addition, they do not shed much at all! For these reasons, the Italian Greyhound is an excellent choice for those who want a low-maintenance pet or those who struggle with allergies or asthma, as this dog does not produce dander or hair. ​​​​​​​

An Italian Greyhound requires very little grooming to keep it looking good and feeling comfortable. The only real requirement for this breed is brushing their teeth on a daily basis, as they are prone to dental problems if not brushed regularly. Other than that, you’ll need to brush them every few days and  bathe them about once every three months or so depending on how dirty they get.

Related Post:

Need some more help choosing a dog? Check out this article: 23 Most Low Maintenance Small Dog Breeds (Explained)

Author

  • Karin S

    Welcome to All About My Small Dog, where my love for small dogs and years of hands-on experience meet your need for trusted information. As a dedicated small dog enthusiast and pet parent, I'm deeply committed to sharing expert insights, reliable advice, and a community of support. Every blog you read here is crafted with the utmost care, guided by my passion and expertise. You can trust that you're in the right place for valuable insights and a warm community that understands the unique joys and challenges of small dog ownership. Together, we'll make sure your small dog's world is filled with love, care, and knowledge.

    View all posts