Skinny dog breeds are no news in the canine world, as you’ll be shocked at how many dog breeds turn out to be among the thinnest.
Many of these thin dog breeds have peculiar similarities, but this doesn’t make them members of the same breed.
This article lists out some of these pups—you may already have heard of a few, while others may sound quite unpopular because of their population.
Let’s kill your curiosity with the details already.
Big, Small & Tall Skinny Dog Breeds
1. Greyhound
- Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
- Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
- Height: 27 to 30 inches
- Temperament: Intelligent, Even Tempered, Athletic, Gentle
- Origin: England, British Isles
Greyhounds (also English Greyhound) are tall skinny dog breeds known to weigh around 60 to 70 pounds with a height between 27 to 30 inches.
Although their weight is average, their physical looks still present them as lean with no long body coat to enhance their body size.
At a maximum race speed of 45 mph, the Greyhound is the fastest dog breed in the world.
These sighthounds are intelligent, good family companions, and make good use of their tall skinny legs in long racing competition as they were originally bred to pursue games and other animals.
2. Whippet
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
- Weight: 25 to 40 pounds
- Height: 18 to 22 inches
- Temperament: Intelligent, Affectionate, Gentle, Friendly, Lively
- Origin: England
Whippets are medium-sized breeds that are like the smaller version of the Greyhound described as a “poor man’s version of a Greyhound.”
This is due to the similarities they possess in appearance and functions.
These sighthounds that originated in England are used for novice sports and game hunting.
The lean-looking nature of this breed may allow one to quickly guess how susceptible they would be to too many health issues.
Oh well, they are considered a moderately healthy breed with certain ailments, including arrhythmia.
Whippets are calm and active dogs that would make a great home pet.
It may interest you to know that Whippets are one of the most famous sighthound breeds in the united states.
3. Saluki
- Lifespan: 10 to 17 years
- Weight: 30 to 70 pounds
- Height: 23 to 28 inches
- Temperament: Intelligent, Aloof, Independent-Minded, Quiet
- Origin: Fertile Crescent
The Saluki is one of the skinny tall dog breeds with a long nose and long hairs in some regions of its body, including its tail, toes, and ears.
They also come in a variety of colors and possess a high speed which has been useful in gazelle hunting.
Salukis have an old history as sighthounds that royalties have used, and it is necessary to indulge them in mind and physical stimulant.
Their playful nature can make one see them as the type that would be all over the place, but they can be calm and peaceful.
4. Pharaoh Hound
- Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
- Weight: 45 to 55 pounds
- Height: 21 to 25 inches
- Temperament: Intelligent, Trainable, Affectionate, Friendly, Playful
- Origin: Malta
Pharaoh Hounds are known for their smile when excited or happy, which awarded them the nickname “the blushing pup.”
This Maltese breed is originally used for rabbit hunting on islands and was grouped as an ancient spitz hound by the Federation Cynologique Internationale.
Its slender and athletic build makes it one of the breeds with excellent running speed and may require 30 mins of daily exercise to keep it fit and cheerful.
The British Kennel Club recognized the Pharaoh Hound standard breed in 1974.
5. Kanni
- Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
- Weight: 35 to 49 pounds
- Height: 25 to 29 inches
- Temperament: Graceful, Agile, Protective
- Origin: India
These medium-sized dogs possess a lean nature, long legs, and a small but long tail.
They have an average weight of 35 to 49 pounds and a height of about 25 to 29 inches.
They have a physical appearance similar to the English Greyhound but smaller.
They are shy but will do well to protect their territory and human family when necessary.
The Kennel Club of India recognizes this rare Indian breed.
Kanni dogs are great sighthound dogs originally bred to hunt hares—this active nature requires that they are regularly exercised.
Traditionally, this breed is fed milk and corn porridge for breakfast and lunch.
6. Italian Greyhound
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
- Weight: 7 to 14 pounds
- Height: 13 to 15 inches
- Temperament: Affectionate, Athletic, Intelligent, Mischevous, Agile
- Origin: Italy
Italian Greyhounds are small skinny dog breeds that are similar to the English Greyhound but are way smaller.
These Italian sighthounds are somewhat fragile and prone to injuries.
This insinuates that they need to be watched and kept in an area where they would not easily run off and get themselves injured.
Italian greyhounds may act quite hostile to strangers but are not suitable to protect the home as they can run off once the real danger is detected.
However, they make good companion dogs that may require care and frequent visit to the veterinarian for checkups to expose any health symptoms.
7. Sloughi
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
- Weight: 30 to 50 pounds
- Height: 24 to 29 inches
- Temperament: Intelligent, Graceful, Reserved, Noble, Alert
- Origin: Morroco
Sloughi makes its way as one of the big skinny dog breeds with its excellent speed and sight hunting ability.
They have a Morrocan origin and had their first set imported into the united states around 1973.
They have a short, smooth coat that sheds moderately and requires just about once a week brushing.
This breed makes an excellent house dog and may not always need to work out.
You may find them just lying around at home and enjoying family time with their human companion.
Oska, as nicknamed does not do well with strangers, making them good guard dogs for your home.
8. Azawakh
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
- Weight: 33 to 55 pounds
- Height: 23 to 29 inches
- Temperament: Loyal, Independent, Affectionate, Aloof, Rugged
- Origin: West Africa
This is one slender and muscular breed with long legs known to have originated in West Africa as a fierce and reliable hunter.
Azawakh’s existence has been traced to thousands of years back, yet only got American Kennel Club recognition in 2019, under the hound group.
They possess a short coat in which their muscles show through, almond shape eyes, and come in a few standard colors approved by the Federation Cynologique Internationale.
Although not so great at sight hounding and speed, they are recognized as an intelligent and self-dependent breed that loves to play and enjoys exercises.
9. Ibizan Hound
- Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
- Weight: 45 to 50 pounds
- Height: 22 to 27 inches
- Temperament: Intelligent, Even-Tampered, Engaging, Independent, Active
- Origin: Ibiza
The Ibizan Hound is an active lean dog that has muscles showing through its short coat.
This breed would prefer running and hunting small games like rabbits as they were bred instead of enjoying time with family.
This makes them an excellent exercise companion and a bonus to an active family.
They are tagged as one breed that resembles the Greyhound but has a distinctive color with their upright ears.
It is necessary to guard your Ibiza breed in a large fenced area to avoid wandering off to hunt as they may be challenging to get back.
Ibizans can jump more than five feet from a position.
10. Silken Windhound
- Lifespan: 12 to 20 years
- Weight: 22 to 55 pounds
- Height: 18 to 24 inches
- Temperament: Affectionate, Familial, Friendly, Playful
- Origin: United States
This breed is a small to medium-sized breed that comes with various coat colors.
Their coats are pretty rough-looking and long, giving the pup a chubbier physical appearance.
They seem to have a small head compared to their body and are traditionally used to hunting prey because of their speed.
Silken Windhound has been accepted by the United Kennel Club and belongs to the International Silken Windhound Society.
If you want a smaller version of the borzoi breed, then this pup may be the right choice.
FAQs
Are some dog breeds naturally skinny?
Yes! Several dog breeds are known to be naturally skinny. If you have any of these breeds of dogs, it is not abnormal to have them looking lean and skinny. Some of these breeds include Greyhounds (English, Italian), Whippet, etc.
Final Thoughts
Many of these skinny dogs are sighthounds as their thin nature gives them a muscular aerodynamic frame, making them fit for speed.
However, not all skinny dogs can run long distances, so try to ensure your breed is one of those that can before letting it involve itself.
Thin dog breeds are mostly active also and would require active owners that would train them appropriately, both physically and mentally.
If you love a less chubby dog with a loyal and gentle personality, then one of these pups may be right for you.
However, they may sometimes act cautiously around strangers and require a bit of early training and socialization to get along with others people.
