8 Breeds Of Beautiful Skinny Dogs You Must Adopt 2024

Skinny dogs breed offer a lot of benefits over their obese relatives. These slender canines are excellent hunting hounds because they can maintain their speed and agility. They enjoy being busy even when they aren’t hunting, and they make great companions for physically active people.

skinny dogs

The community of dog lovers has become increasingly enamored with skinny dog breeds. We did research on a number of different breeds for you. To help you decide if this breed is right for your family, we’ve also provided basic stats for each.

Here are the skinny dog breeds we covered in this post, along with a synopsis of each breed’s personality traits and brief history.

Skinny Dog Breeds

Italian Greyhound

  • Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
  • Average Height: 13 to 15 inches
  • Average Weight: 7.5 to 11 lbs
  • Characteristics: Devoted, Active, and Friendly
skinny dogs

The Italian aristocracy helped the Italian Greyhound become well-known throughout Renaissance. Yet, artwork from the Mediterranean region dating back more than 2000 years contains proof of this breed’s existence.

The Italian greyhound gained popularity with English nobles throughout the 17th century, just as he did in Italy. The Italian Greyhound was one of the few toy breeds accessible at the time, and up to Queen Victoria’s reign, his popularity skyrocketed.

Italian Greyhound Characteristics

Certainly, the Italian Greyhound has a lot of athleticism for such a small dog! Running is one of his favorite pastimes, and he enjoys playing both inside and outside. On cold days, when he would like to stay indoors, he has no issues playing with a plush toy. The Italian Greyhound enjoys playing tug of war as well.

Be mindful; if you don’t allow your Italian Greyhound to exercise, he will vent his frustration on your furnishings. Like most skinny dog breeds they are pretty content to curl up in your lap.

Saluki

  • Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
  • Average Height: 23 to 28 inches
  • Average Weight: 35 to 70 lbs
  • Characteristics: Easy to train, Friendly, Playful
skinny dogs

The ancient Saluki, also called the Gazelle Hound, has been hunting in the Middle East and Maghreb deserts for countless years. Today, this stunning sighthound is still used for hunting, but it has also gained recognition for its agility and loyalty as a pet.

It is believed that Sumeria or Ancient Egypt is where the Saluki’s ancestors first appeared. This is proven in the artwork found on Egyptian tombs from 2100 BC and Sumerian carvings from 7000 to 6000 BC. The ancestors of the Saluki were the hunting dogs of the Pharaohs, who used them to pursue gazelles and rabbits.

The dogs were revered to the point where they were usually mummified. Later on, Nomadic Muslims continued to use Salukis for hunting. They gave the dogs the name El Hor, which is Arabic for “noble,” and let them stay in their tents.

Saluki Characteristics

Laziness is one of the Saluki’s primary characteristics. They aren’t canines with a lot of energy, and they won’t follow you around the house. If you can’t bear having a dog on your sofa, you’ll probably lose that argument to a Saluki who views creature comforts as a right.

You’re daydreaming about a different breed if you imagine a dog with Lassie-like devotion and loyalty. Salukis can be trained using positive training techniques, but they prefer to follow the rules at their own pace—and whim.

They don’t make too much trouble, though, do they? (Except for escaping when summoned). They don’t drag you along the main walkway, howl nonstop, or jump around like crazy people. They can dig, though, so keep an eye on your yard.

Afghan Hound

  • Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
  • Average Height: 25 to 27 inches
  • Average Weight: 45 to 65 lbs
  • Characteristics: Independent, Devoted, and Loving
skinny dogs

The Afghan Hound was found in Afghanistan’s western regions in the 19th century. These dogs were shipped to England in the second half of the century. Some claim that Afghan Hounds were utilized as guard dogs and herd dogs, both of which were suitable for the breed.

However, it’s clear that these dogs’ main job was hunting. The Afghan rulers would breed a kennel of these dogs exclusively for these uses for several years.

Asra of Ghazni, a female dog, and Westmill Omar, a hound, were purchased from England by Zeppo Marx and his wife in 1931, marking the first Ghazni imports to the United States.

Afghan Hound Characteristics

The Afghan Hound is a particularly intelligent animal because it was bred to be a hunting dog. They were intended to hunt and deal with issues on their own, without assistance from people. As an outcome, the modern Afghan Hound is a stubborn and independent creature.

Active families that wish to spend more time outside and interact with one another can consider Afghan Hounds. They like taking long walks with their owners and can play for hours in a fenced-in yard. They make great pets for homes, thanks to their positive attitudes.

It’s important that you socialize your Afghan Hound puppy with kids of all ages if you want to ensure that it won’t be terrified of them. When adopting an older Afghan Hound, it is best to have older kids.

Kanni

  • Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
  • Average Height: 25 to 29 inches
  • Average Weight: 35 to 49 lbs
  • Characteristics: Shy, Faithful, and Amiable
skinny dogs

The Kanni dog is a rare and ancient breed that is indigenous to the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The districts of Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Virudhunagar are currently home to Kanni dogs.

They are sighthounds of average size that were bred to hunt hares, blackbuck, and other small animals. The Western Ghats are part of the native range of the Kanni dog. They were also used to pursue small animals living in the Western Ghats’ highlands.

Kanni Characteristics

Kanni dogs tend to be a little bit inquisitive, constantly wanting to know what’s happening and expressing their opinion. Strangely, this gives him a strong personality and the ability to make decisions on his own when his owner isn’t there.

On the other side, this might be a major challenge when it comes to Kanni dog training. They can be difficult to train due to their strong will, and only a skilled touch can make them into excellent pets.

You should never leave a Kanni dog alone if you own one. They are prone to being restless, which can result in negative actions like chewing on boots and ripping up your valuable possessions. Isolation and insulation can make Kanni dogs uncontrollably violent and aggressive.

Ibizan Hound

  • Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
  • Average Height: 22 to 29 inches
  • Average Weight: 44 to 50 lbs
  • Characteristics: Trainable, Playful, Loyal
skinny dogs

With a 5000-year history, the Ibizan Hound is one of the oldest breeds still in existence. Remains of this dog or a breed that was its ancestor have been found in tombs of pharaohs from 3100 B.C. They were brought to the Balearic Islands about 800 B.C., where they were maintained as a pure breed for close to two thousand years.

In Spain, the Ibizan Hounds were trained specifically to hunt rabbits in difficult terrain like rocky cliffs. They are usually referred to as “Hannibal’s dogs” since they traveled with the ancient commander over the Alps.

Hannibal and Tanit, the first Ibizan Hounds, imported to the United States for breeding, were consequently given the name of the Phoenician goddess.

Ibizan Hound Characteristics

The Ibizan Hound was built to chase small pets like rabbits, cats, and rats, therefore keeping them away. The Ibizan Hound will hunt and perhaps kill an unidentified cat, but cats raised with it will blend in seamlessly as members of the “family pack.”

Ibizan Hounds are calm, clean, amusing, and polite, and their owners occasionally refer to them as “Beezers.” They are independent and guarded, and they will maintain a careful eye on strangers. Once they realize the stranger is not a threat, they will immediately begin to relax.

Greyhound

  • Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
  • Average Height: 27 to 30 inches
  • Average Weight: 57 to 88 lbs
  • Characteristics:  Friendly, Aloof to strangers, Athletic
skinny dogs

In temple carvings from the Turkish city of Catal-Huyuk, dating from 6,000 BC, greyhound-like dogs—domesticated hunters with long, slender bodies—appeared. Greyhound-like dogs were depicted on a funerary vase from 4,000 BC that was found in contemporary Iran.

These dogs must have been very important to the people of the time because ancient artists tend to depict religious or socially significant things exclusively. Whether these dogs were the ancestors of modern-day greyhounds is unknown.

Greyhound Characteristics

The tranquil nature of greyhounds is well known; they are graceful and quiet in small areas. They favor cozy, welcoming environments where they may curl up and relax. While these qualities make the Greyhound the perfect inside pet, it needs a lot of exercise and room to run at the speed it is renowned.

However, greyhounds, the dog world’s sprinters, do not take very long to tire out. To keep a Greyhound in shape, a big, fenced-in yard, trips to the dog park, or a daily stroll or jog should be more than sufficient.

Pharaoh Hound

  • Lifespan: 11 to 14 years
  • Average Height: 21 to 25 inches
  • Average Weight: 44 to 55 lbs
  • Characteristics: Playful, Energetic, Easy-to-train
skinny dogs

One of the first canine breeds known to exist, the Pharaoh Hound, originated in Egypt thousands of years ago. Beautiful artworks depicting Pharaoh Hounds bear evidence to the breed’s history in ancient Egypt. These paintings and sculptures from Egyptian temples date back to 4400 B.C.

The Pharaoh Hound has been known for more than 2,000 years in Malta, where it has practically survived unchanged from its ancestors, which are discovered adorning Egyptian tombs.

Pharaoh Hound Characteristics

The Pharaoh Hound is endearing, friendly, and loving to its owners. They have great personalities. It is well-known among the family for having an odd or clownish personality. These dogs, like other hounds, are well-mannered and keep their distance from outsiders.

A well-socialized dog will also get along with humans, other dogs, and kids. Because of their sensitivity, they can sense the emotions of their owners and even experience frustration. They are great watchdogs since they frequently bark in response to strange noises or movements.

Azawakh

  • Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
  • Average Height: 23 to 27 inches
  • Average Weight: 33 to 55 lbs
  • Characteristics: Affectionate, Playful, Can Adapt To Apartments Well
skinny dogs

The Azawakh and nomadic tribes coexisted in close proximity in Africa. According to the AKC, “the nomads have a special affection for the Azawakh”. They reside in the same house as the family as a whole. They take on the duty of protecting the flocks and the camp from intruders.

The breed is devoted to hunting and supplies meat for the family, but since wildlife is declining and weapon use is rising, the dogs’ value is decreasing.

The Azawakh hunt hare, wild boar, and antelope. When it came to gathering prey, their stamina and agility were helpful. They have large legs that could easily navigate the rough, dusty terrain.

Azawakh Characteristics

The breed is typically described as being distant since it has no interest in making friends with new people. But even though it’s not always enjoyable, it can be affectionate with its family.

Early on, it develops a solid relationship with its owners. Thus, it must be given away from the breeder no later than four months of age to avoid behavioral problems and pain. Although rarely violent, it is extremely protective of its house and family, barking provocatively and constantly when disturbed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What breed of dog is tall and skinny?

The Greyhound is frequently the first breed that comes to mind when thinking of tall, skinny dogs. This dog can grow to a height of two feet, six inches, and typically has just around 13 percent body fat.

What is the skinniest dog?

Miracle Milly, a Chihuahua, was the tiniest dog recorded. She stood 3.8 inches tall and weighed about one pound. One of the most well-known tiny dog breeds is the chihuahua.

How come sighthounds are so thin?

The reason why sighthounds are so thin is because of how they developed. The majority of them have wonderful health as they hardly ever have obesity or overweight issues, and their highly aerodynamic bodies make them ideal for sports competitions.