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There are many different types of dogs, from large, heavy breeds like Saint Bernards, to tiny toy dogs like Chihuahuas. Everyone has a favorite and there is a dog for everyone. For instance, if you are looking for a skinny dog, you have come to the right place. Here, we list several of the most popular skinny dog breeds and provide information about each, so you can see if they’re right for your home or if you would rather just be a fan.
How Are Dogs Classified?
Dogs can be classified into groups based on their physical traits and original purpose. These groups often have similar characteristics, making finding a dog with desired traits easier. For instance, many skinny dogs are in the sighthound category. Sighthounds are a group of dogs which were bred to chase game like deer and hare. They are known for their slenderness, speed, and excellent vision.
The 11 Skinny Dog Breeds
1. Greyhound
| Origin: | England |
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Height: | 26–30 inches |
Greyhounds have slender, aerodynamic bodies built for speed. They are one of the oldest breeds and their skinny, aerodynamic shape makes them excellent racing dogs, while their calm and gentle nature makes them wonderful companions. The Greyhound has a long, narrow head and a short, smooth coat that can come in many colors, including black, brindle, fawn, blue, and white.
2. Whippet
| Origin: | England |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Height: | 18–22 inches |
Whippets are medium sized dogs and look like smaller versions of Greyhounds. They are quick, agile, and love to chase, but also love curling up on the sofa with their owners. The Whippet has long, thin legs, a deep chest, and a short coat that can come in various colors and patterns, including solid colors, brindle, and parti-color.
3. Italian Greyhound
| Origin: | Mediterranean basin |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Height: | 13–15 inches |
Italian Greyhounds are the smallest of the sighthound breeds, characterized by their dainty, slim build and graceful appearance. These dogs are affectionate and tend to form strong bonds with their owners, making them loyal companions. The Italian Greyhound has a small, narrow head with a long, slender muzzle and a short, fine coat that can come in various colors including black, blue, fawn, red, or any of these colors broken with white.
4. Saluki
| Origin: | Middle East |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Height: | 21–28 inches |
Salukis are ancient hunting dogs known for their slender and elegant physique. They are independent and dignified animals with a deep history. They require regular exercise and have a strong prey drive, so like most sighthounds they may not be a good choice for pairing with cats and other small pets. The Saluki has a short, silky coat which can be smooth or feathered. The feathered variety has longer hair on their ears, tail, thighs and backs of their legs. The coat can be found in various colors, including cream, red, fawn, black and tan, and white.
5. Borzoi
| Origin: | Russia |
| Lifespan: | 9–14 years |
| Height: | 26–33 inches |
Borzois, once called Russian Wolfhounds, are majestic and tall sighthounds with a calm demeanor and a noble presence. Originally bred for hunting wolves, they are now gentle and loyal companions that make fantastic pets, though they still retain a strong prey drive. The Borzoi has a silky, medium to long coat that you can find in various colors and patterns, including solid colors, sable, and brindle, and they have a distinctive ruff of fur around their neck that makes them easy to identify.
6. Afghan Hound
| Origin: | Afghanistan |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
| Height: | 24–27 inches |
Afghan Hounds are known for their long, slender bodies and silky coats. They have an independent but affectionate personality, and owners often describe them as cat-like due to their solitary nature. These dogs require regular grooming to maintain their luxurious fur, and you can find them in many colors, including cream, red, black, blue, and brindle.
7. Irish Wolfhound
| Origin: | Ireland |
| Lifespan: | 6–8 years |
| Height: | 32–34 inches |
Despite their imposing size, the Irish Wolfhound has a slender build and is a gentle giant with a calm and friendly nature. Historically used for hunting wolves and other large game, they now make loyal family pets for loving pet owners worldwide. They have a rough, wiry, outer coat and a soft undercoat which can come in various colors, including gray, brindle, red, black, and white.
8. Pharaoh Hound
| Origin: | Malta |
| Lifespan: | 11–14 years |
| Height: | 21–25 inches |
The Pharaoh Hound is known for their slim and athletic body. They are affectionate and good-natured dogs with a distinctive trait of blushing when excited. This skilled hunter excels in agility sports and has a short, fine coat that is typically tan or chestnut with white markings.
9. Ibizan Hound
| Origin: | Spain |
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Height: | 22–28 inches |
Ibizan Hounds are slender and graceful dogs with a distinctive upright ear shape. They are known for their intelligence and independent nature and are excellent jumpers that excel in various dog sports and competitions. The Ibizan Hound has a short, fine coat that can come in various colors, including solid white, red, or a combination of these.
10. Deerhound
| Origin: | Scotland |
| Lifespan: | 8–11 years |
| Height: | 28–32 inches |
Scottish Deerhounds are tall and slender dogs originally bred for hunting deer, and they have a gentle and dignified disposition. They make excellent family pets, though they require ample exercise and space! They have wiry, rough coats that you can find in gray, brindle, and blue-gray.
11. Sloughi
| Origin: | North Africa |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Height: | 23–29 inches |
The Sloughi is a lean and elegant sighthound known for their speed and agility. They are loyal and protective of their family but may be reserved with strangers without proper training. Originally bred by Amazigh nomads for hunting, this breed is adapted to warm, arid climates and has a short, fine coat that you can find in shades of cream, red, fawn, and brindle.
Conclusion
There are plenty of skinny dogs to choose from out there if that’s the kind of dog you are looking for. While many of the dogs on this list are sighthounds, other types of dogs can be slender. The Greyhound is one of the most popular skinny dogs, and many owners like the Italian Greyhound, which looks similar but is smaller. Remember to consider your chosen skinny breed’s other traits and characteristics when deciding if they are the right fit for your family.
Featured Image Credit: Dora Zett, Shutterstock
