Skinny Dog Breeds and Their Variations

Are you looking for a new dog to adopt for your family? Do you want a skinny and tall one? It is surprising to know that there are numerous skinny dog breeds available around the globe. When you start finding out the details of skinny breeds, you will see a lot of common traits along with various different characteristics.

Even with numerous similarities, not all are from the same breed or have the same parents.  Some have short hair, some have small legs, different teeth, and skin colors. If you are not interested in big dogs, you can always adopt a skinny one. However, which one to choose is a question.

Skinny dogs are best for first-time owners too. Although, being skinny does not mean that a dog will be obedient and will not show stubbornness. A skinny body and smaller size only mean that you could have more control over them if they go berserk. Let’s see the best skinny dog breeds and help you choose one.

Top 10 Skinny Dog Breeds

The skinny dog breeds are listed below. The personality traits and brief descriptions are written to help you make a better choice. So, let’s begin.

1. Greyhound

Breed Overview:

• Age: 10 – 14 years
• Height: 68–71 cm
• Traits: Intelligent, affectionate, gentle, and athletic
• Colors: Blue, black, red, white, and fawn
• Origin: England, British Isles
• Weight: 26–34 kg

Breed Description:

This is the most common breed of dog and everyone has seen one at least once. These dogs are interested in this breed because of their athleticism. They are great runners and can achieve a speed of 45 miles per hour.

They are mostly found in the countryside, however, can live in the city too. The fur coat is short, with a long body.  They are small dogs weighing up to 70 pounds maximum. They are athletic dogs, therefore they need regular exercise and walking for proper stimulation.

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2. Whippet

Breed Overview:

• Age: 12 to 15 years
• Weight: 25 to 40 pounds
• Height: 18 to 22 inches
• Traits: Intelligent, affectionate, friendly, and lively
• Origin: England

Breed Description:

Whippets are medium-sized dogs that are similar to a smaller version of the Greyhound. They resemble greyhounds a lot. The resemblance in their appearance gives them a name, “poor man’s greyhound”.  They are not just similar in size, also they have some personality and work traits like greyhounds.

This breed is also used for sports of hunting and novice racing. They are so skinny and lean and it makes them vulnerable to numerous diseases and health related problems.

3. Pharaoh Hound

Breed Overview:

• Age: 11 to 14 years
• Height: 21 to 25 inches
• Weight: 44 to 55 lbs
• Traits: Energetic, playful, and easy-to-train

Breed Description:

They are very distinct personality dogs among all the known breeds. They are extremely affectionate, loyal, and loveable. They are renowned for their clown personalities and goofiness. This breed is good with the known faces and a family. They do not like to socialize much and keep their distance from strangers.

This breed is a very sensitive breed and can sense emotions. They can make excellent watch dogs because of their heightened senses. They bark frequently if they sense anything new or suspicious.

4. Saluki

Breed Overview:

• Age: 10 to 17 years
• Weight: 30 to 70 pounds
• Height: 23 to 28 inches
• Traits: Intelligent, independent-minded, and quiet
• Origin: Fertile Crescent

Breed Description:

They are tall and skinny and have long hair in some parts. The hairiest parts of the body are the tail, toes, and ears. They have various colors available in the market. They are very fast runners and are used for hunting games. They are extremely active and athletic and need proper mental and physical exercises for stimulation.

5. Azawakh

Breed Overview:

• Age: 12 to 15 years
• Height: 23 to 27 inches
• Weight: 33 to 55 lbs
• Traits: Affectionate, goofy, and playful

Breed Description:

They are very affectionate and loving among the family however they don’t do well with the strangers. They are extremely possessive and protective of their space, toys, and family. They are not aggressive or dangerous, however, will bark continuously if they sense anything strange or disturbing.

6. Kanni

Breed Overview:

• Age: 14 to 16 years
• Weight: 35 to 49 pounds
• Height: 25 to 29 inches
• Traits: Nimble and protective
• Origin: India

Breed Description:

They are comparatively shy than other skinny breeds, however, are extremely possessive and protective of the things and family members. This is the most common Indian breed and was specially bred for hunting hares. They are athletic and require regular exercise for proper stimulation.

7. Ibizan Hound

Breed Overview:

• Age: 10 to 12 years
• Height: 22 to 29 inches
• Weight: 44 to 50 lbs
• Traits: Trainable, goofy, playful, and loyal

Breed Description:

They are the master of rocky terrain, they are specialized in hunting and running on uneven grounds. They are descendants of a breed that accompanied the ancient commander across the Alps. The first pair that was brought to the US for breeding was named after the Phoenician goddess.

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8. Sloughi

Breed Overview:

• Age: 10 to 15 years
• Weight: 30 to 50 pounds
• Height: 24 to 29 inches
• Traits: Intelligent, reserved, and vigilant
• Origin: Morocco

Breed Description:

Their hair is smooth, silky, and short. The shedding is so moderate and it requires so less grooming. You can brush their hair once or twice a week and they will be fine with it. They require less to no exercise and it makes them perfect for a family with less time and a hectic schedule. They are really affectionate towards their family and enjoy spending time with them.

9. Afghan Hound

Breed Overview:

• Age: 12 to 14 years
• Height: 25 to 27 inches
• Weight: 45 to 65 lbs
• Traits: Independent, affectionate, loyal, and devoted

Breed Description:

This breed is so special and can hunt without human assistance. They are very intelligent and were specially bred for the purpose of hunting. They are well-known for socializing and spending time with families.

10. Silken Wind hound

Breed Overview:

• Age: 12 to 20 years
• Weight: 22 to 55 pounds
• Height: 18 to 24 inches
• Traits: Affectionate, friendly, goofy, and alert
• Origin: United States

Breed Description:

This breed is smaller in size as compared to other skinny breeds. They are specially bred for hunting. There are various colors that AKC recognizes.  They are very high-speed and athletic.

Final Thoughts

Almost all of the known skinny breeds are renowned for being hunters and racers. The skinny bodies and tall legs give them a muscular aerodynamic frame, which helps in their speed. However, not all skinny breeds have the capability of running fast and far. Dogs are capable of you need to gather more information about the breed you are interested in because of speed before making a choice.

All skinny breeds are natural hunters. Being skinny makes a dog fast and agile, hence, making them effective while hunting. Even if they are not hunting, they are really active and do well with the families with active lifestyles. Almost all skinny breeds appear aloof and goofy, while they are fierce and loyal. So, gather more information about the breed you are interested in and make a choice.