Short Haired Dog & Puppy Breeds

14 Dog Breeds

Only show breeds available for adoption near me

Boston Terrier

Nicknamed “The American Gentleman” for their impeccable manners, Bostons are lively, happy dogs that love to be around humans. They enjoy shadowing their owners and will always want to get in on the fun happening around them. Outgoing, social, and very affectionate, these pups are always eager to be loved on and for some mid-day cuddles.  This breed is clever, determined, and very adaptable to training. They live to chase balls and can often get so excited by playing fetch with their humans that they get the “zoomies.” They take their play time very seriously and can get a little boisterous and strong-willed—sometimes needing to take breaks to help them not get overstimulated. Even though they have Terrier in their name, Bostons do not fit a typical Terrier personality and avoid a lot of mischief the breed classification is commonly associated with.  

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Dachshund

Close to the ground, short and sassy Dachshunds aren’t built to win any canine races, but they are built to win hearts. Part cuddle bug and part tiny dictator, this pup can be a pinch stubborn but remains endearing even in its most frustrating moments. Dachshunds make excellent watchdogs since they are always on high alert for their surroundings.

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French Bulldog

Clowning around comes naturally to the French Bulldog, who enjoys playing and enchanting their families. They make excellent cuddle buddies and are very happy simply snoozing next to their favorite person. Amiable, sweet, companionable, and willing to please, they make excellent companion dogs. 

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Pug dog breed sitting with tongue hanging out looking at the camera against a white background

Pug

Pugs offer a delightful mix of tranquility and mischief. They're the perfect cuddle buddy but also possess an entertaining silly streak. These devoted companions thrive on human interaction, so they are equally at home with family, strangers, and other pets, making them ideal for bustling households. They may experience separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods on end.

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Beagle

Beagles are bold dogs who pack a hefty punch of personality for their size. Their happy, go-lucky, adventurous demeanor makes them full of life and pizzazz. They are highly active, affectionate, and cheerful dogs who love being involved with their owners.  Developed as pack animals, Beagles love being around others and crave companionship from humans and other dogs. They are great watchdogs who are vocal and will bark or howl at anything unusual and let you know when something is off. However, if a stranger offers them food or playtime, this all goes out the window! They are extremely food-motivated and can get especially vocal around dinnertime.  A naturally curious breed that loves to explore the outdoors, Beagles have an enthusiastic way of approaching life making them entertaining and enjoyable to be around. 

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English Bulldog

The English Bulldog has a face only a mother could love but a personality that everyone adores. They are funny and easygoing dogs that have a mellowness to them. English Bulldogs are eager and willing but can be extremely stubborn when they want to be. Affectionate with their families, they get along well with most other pets and strangers. 

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Dalmatian

The Dalmatian's personality is a whirlwind of energy and devotion. Although known to have a stubborn streak, their loyalty, eagerness to please, and playful nature make them a joy to own, as long as their exercise and stimulation needs are met consistently. 

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Boxer

Boxers have boundless energy and keep a puppy-like zest for life well into adulthood. Their exuberant spirit is best handled by owners who can match their activity levels. Boxers thrive on human interaction and can become restless and destructive when left alone. They’re a family’s heart and soul, but they do require a home that can keep up with their playful antics. While they adore children, their playful personality might be overwhelming for toddlers. 

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Vizsla

With its larger-than-life personality, the Vizsla is an affectionate and energetic companion. These sensitive souls crave activity and thrive on positive training sessions. Their strong bond with their family makes them natural protectors, but it also means they aren’t a fan of being left alone. Vizslas are brimming with energy, making them perfect for those who love getting active outdoors. While some Vizslas might exhibit stubbornness, shyness, or excitability, their overall temperament is gentle, affectionate, and eager to please.  

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Labrador Retriever

Labradors are the epitome of boundless enthusiasm and unwavering loyalty. These affectionate goofballs crave human companionship. With a seemingly endless appetite for life (and food, too), Labs are always up for an adventure. Their gentle nature and patience make them ideal family companions, thriving in homes with children and other pets alike.  Eager to please, they're quick learners and excel at various activities, from obedience to agility. However, their insatiable curiosity and love for treats may require a firm but loving hand to resist their charming antics. As for their tails? They constantly signal the dog’s joy. 

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Mastiff

Good-natured, calm, easygoing, and surprisingly gentle, the Mastiff gets a bad rap thanks to its size. They are well-mannered dogs inside but need sufficient room to stretch their massive bodies. They’re loyal and while not exactly affectionate, show their devotion to their families. They can be good with older children.

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Great Dane

Great Danes are deeply affectionate and incredibly loyal. While their protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs, this instinct can sometimes lead to territorial behavior towards unfamiliar dogs. Early socialization in Great Dane puppies and obedience training are essential for shaping a well-adjusted dog.

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Rottweiler

Elegant, graceful, and more loveable than they are often depicted, Rottweilers are large, self-assured dogs. They can be headstrong and stubborn, and when not trained properly, can become aggressive or guarded towards strangers. They can also be overly assertive if they believe their family or property is being threatened. They need socialization, a high level of training, and vigorous daily exercise to become more of a gentle giant than an intimidating household pet.

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Weimaraner

Weimaraners are balls of large energy with friendly and bold personalities. They crave exercise and love to run, hike, or join you in any outdoor activity. They can become frustrated and destructive without an outlet for their boundless spirit. While friendly and eager to please, these silver dogs can also be stubborn and require consistent training.Ideally suited for active families without small children, Weimaraners thrive on camaraderie with their trusted humans and are known for being loyal, fun-loving companions. Their intelligence and alertness also make them excellent watchdogs. However, their strong personalities and need for training might not be ideal for first-time dog owners.

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