19 Skinny Dog Breeds You’ll Love

When it comes to adopting dogs, people tend to lean towards the larger, more furry pups. Yes, they’re charming with their hairy faces and floppy ears. However, when it comes to personality, skinny dog breeds have tons of it and should be given a chance, too. They’re adorable little goofballs of various colors with tons of energy and are usually more playful than their bigger counterparts.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of fantastic lean and long-legged pups that could be perfect for your home. From the adorably ugly dog breeds to the majestic furry pups, there is a whole range of dogs to choose from. So, let’s dive into 19 of the cutest skinny dog breeds.

19 Skinny Dog Breeds

From the majestic Afghan Hound to the energetic Whippet, here are 19 of the best skinny dog breeds out there.

1. Afghan Hound

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Now, this is one glamorous pup. Afghan Hounds have lean bodies and long legs. But these tall skinny dogs are famously known for their fabulous silky fur that’s straight out of a L’Oreal ad. It’s not all for show, though, as this coat protects them from the harsh climate in the mountainous regions where Afghans and nomadic tribes are from. 

These loyal and independent pups weigh between 45 and 65 lbs – although most of that has to be their silky coats. They’re hunting dogs and enjoy exploring and solving problems on their own. 

However, these furballs are also quite enthusiastic and love being around children and all family members if they’re socialized well. They can be aloof, though, and would prefer to spend time on their own until they’re ready to mingle.

2. Azawakh

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The Azawakh is a breed from West Africa that is known as a tough and durable hunter. These dogs are lean, and you can see their whole bone structure including their deep chests through their skin. Even though vision and speed aren’t their strong suits, they are very independent and highly intelligent. 

Azawakhs enjoy spending time with their owners and love playing and running around. They need a lot of exercise to keep their energy at bay, though. Even though they’ve been around for thousands of years, the American Kennel Club in the United States only recognized the Azawakh as an official breed in 2019.

3. Bluetick Coonhound

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The Bluetick Coonhound is the perfect mix of athleticism and size to make the ideal companion. Blueticks are muscular dogs with sleek bodies that are ready for racing. They enjoy a good snooze in the sun. However, when there’s prey around, they won’t stop until they get it. 

These pups are very affectionate and crave love and attention from their owners. Of course, with their long, floppy ears and smooth coat, why won’t you want to spend all your time petting them?

4. Borzoi

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The Borzoi is a majestic pup with a graceful and swift nature. They’re also known as Russian Wolfhounds and are admired for their impressively beautiful looks. These pups have a tall and slender frame that is covered in a super silky coat.     

Borzois can weigh between 75 and 105 lbs and are pretty athletic. They’re also one of the tallest dog breeds out there. 

Sometimes, these furballs can be a bit stubborn. However, training should take care of that in no time. They are known to be quite affectionate, and their favorite pastime is running, of course. 

These pups are also very calm and agreeable. However, they’re still tough enough to pin down any rabbit that dares look at them. They have a catlike grace and enjoy roughhousing with the family.

5. Chinese Crested

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Chinese Cresteds are tiny pups known for their unique look. They’re practically hairless, except for their ears, tails, and the odd patch of hair. These dogs look like they’ve just woken up from a deep slumber all the time. Weighing between 5 and 12 lbs, these small size dogs have a lot of personality. 

The one purpose of this almost bald dog breed’s life is to please you. Chinese Cresteds are very affectionate and are Velcro dogs, so they will follow you everywhere. They’re also lively and energetic and love playtime with the family.

6. Doberman Pinscher

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A Doberman Pinscher might not be the first dog breed that pops into your mind when you hear skinny dogs. However, they are incredibly tall, muscular, and lean dogs that fall into this category despite their size. These pups are very athletic and enjoy running over long distances and exercising. They could be the fastest dog breed. They can weigh between 71 and 99 lbs. 

Dobermans are known as people-oriented dogs who love socializing and spending time with humans. They can also be very affectionate and gentle if trained correctly. Some Dobermans only bond with one person, though, so their loyalty will be shown immediately. 

These dogs have earned the title of royalty in the canine kingdom due to their shape and personality. No human or animal will want to mess with a Doberman.

7. English Greyhound

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These pups are quite the sight to behold. Greyhounds are so fast they’ve even been clocked to run 44 miles per hour. They’re still used in racing today, and people tend to adopt retired racers to give them a nice home to relax in. They typically weigh between 50 and 70 lbs and have long and slender body with short coats. 

This fast dog breed needs regular exercise, even as retired racers, or they might get bored and destructive. These pups are very affectionate and love spending time with their owners. However, they are wary of strangers and should be taught to be approachable.

You might enjoy reading my article on the most stubborn dog breeds.

8. German Shorthaired Pointer

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German Shorthaired Pointers aren’t necessarily the skinniest dogs out there. However, they are longer in length than in height, which classifies them in the skinny dog category. These pups are square-shaped with a noble expression and sloping shoulders that make them look very elegant. 

These friendly pups used to be gundogs and thrive on exercise and being outdoors. They were bred in Germany to create the ultimate hunting dog. This means they’re also quite obedient and learn very easily. 

They love swimming and are good with children and other dogs, so playtime will be a blast. If you love spending time outdoors, then a German Shorthaired Pointer will be your perfect companion.

9. Ibizan Hound

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Ibizan Hounds were bred to hunt small game and rabbits. Some of the other dogs on this list might value their nap times, but the Ibizan Hound is always on the go. They enjoy running and hunting and will indulge in these activities whenever they get the chance. 

These pups are known to have deer-like grace, and they can jump six feet in the air. A high fence around your yard is thus vital. 

These furballs resemble Greyhounds in terms of their slender bodies. However, they have large ears that set them apart. If you need a jogging partner, the Ibizan Hound is the one for you. 

They’re also super loyal, affectionate, and even-tempered. Just don’t let them out of your sight, as you might be unable to catch them. They also enjoy playing games in the backyard and get along well with children.

10. Irish Setter

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The Irish Setter is a lanky dog that originated in Ireland. They’re known for their gorgeous deep red coats and striking eyes. These pups are quite tall and lean with long legs, weighing between 65 and 75 lbs. 

Irish Setters are happy dogs that are very affectionate and playful. These pups are famously known as family dogs since they get along well with children and other animals. They’re outgoing and love to meet new people. 

Essentially, the Irish Setter is a big kid at heart, and they love being outdoors and playing with tennis balls. They also have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise. These pups can become quite bored, though, so when you’re training them, change your methods every time.

11. Italian Greyhound

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Italian Greyhounds are like mini versions of English Greyhounds. Interestingly, they gained popularity with the Italian aristocracy during the Renaissance, and they’ve remained popular ever since. These little pups usually weigh between 7 and 11 lbs and are known for their long legs and tails. 

Italian Greyhounds are tiny but packed with pure athleticism. Running is one of their favorite pastimes, and if you don’t let them expend their energy, your house will become a racetrack. They also enjoy playing Tug of War, so indulge in a good quality rope toy for you and your pup to play with before curling up together.

12. Kanni Dogs

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The Kanni breed looks a bit like a Greyhound. However, these pups are smaller in size, weighing between 35 and 48 lbs. They’re usually black or tan and have short coats on their lean bodies. 

Kanni dogs originated in Tamil Nadu, South India, and their name comes from their coat color. It also refers to their high-energy personalities. 

Kanni dogs are shy and gentle but can be very loyal and protective of their owners. This breed needs a lot of exercise as they have endless energy. They also tend to be independent and can be stubborn and territorial. However, they’re pretty intelligent and easy to train.

13. Pharaoh Hound

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The Pharaoh Hound is a tan breed with amber eyes and a graceful appearance. There’s a reason the Egyptian god Anubis is depicted as having the head of a Pharaoh Hound. These pups weigh between 45 and 55 lbs and have a lot of energy. They really love to run. 

Pharaoh Hounds are known as blushing dogs because when they get excited or happy, their face starts to glow. You can also teach them to smile. These pups enjoy running and are exceptionally skilled at running at high speeds on rocky terrain. If you’re a jogger, then having a Pharaoh Hound is perfect for you.

14. Rhodesian Ridgeback

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Rhodesian Ridgebacks are also probably not your first thought when it comes to skinny dogs. However, these dogs are large and lean and ready to protect, just as they were bred for. These guard dogs were once used to track and bay lions. Originally from South Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback has become quite popular around the world. 

They are known for their strong and intelligent personalities. However, they do have a mischievous side and can be a little domineering. With a firm hand and training, that shouldn’t become a problem, though. These pups are protective but incredibly loving and gentle, especially with kids.

15. Saluki

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The Saluki is a thin and angular-looking hound with long, silky fur. They’re actually one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and were used to hunt for kings. These pups have even been known to take down gazelles. Thus, they need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. 

Salukis weigh between 35 and 65 lbs. However, their weight does not slow them down at all. These gentle giants love to run around and chase things. Once they’re back home, you can find your Saluki curled up in your lap or lounging in the sun.

16. Silken Windhound

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The Silken Windhound is an American sighthound bred to hunt primarily using sight and speed. They’re quite small compared to other sighthounds, though, and these medium-sized dogs weigh between 22 and 55 lbs. 

They originally come from Austin, Texas, when Francie Stull bred the Borzoi and Lurcher bloodlines to create this majestic pup. They were only recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2011, though. 

Silken Windhounds are great family pets. They’re very affectionate and playful dogs, enjoying playtime with the family. They do have a competitive spirit, though, and love to show their skills in agility competitions. 

Silken Windhounds are also exceptionally social and love making friends with other dogs and even cats (if the cat will let them). They also have no problem living with small animals, like birds or hamsters.

17. Sloughi

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The Sloughi breed originated in Northern Africa and is known for their hunting skills and speed. They have a sleek, athletic body with a short coat and love to use their athleticism to run and play around. These pups are very intelligent and loving creatures. 

If you have a yard with a high fence, then the Sloughi should fit in quite well with your family. The Sloughi can also be found spending lots of time lounging in the sun and napping. Be sure to invest in a good dog bed for these adorable furballs to make sure chill time is comfy. 

These pups enjoy spending time with their families and can be wary of strangers. They’re incredibly loyal and sweet, though.

18. Vizsla

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Vizslas are adorably unique dogs that originated in Hungary. They are known for their tall and skinny bodies with long ears. These pups weigh between 40 and 66 lbs and are very energetic. However, the part that makes the Vizsla so adorable has to be their pendant-shaped ears that hang next to their faces. 

Vizslas are affectionate and playful dogs. They love to play Frisbee and fetch. They’re also known as Velcro dogs because they are attached to their owners. These pups are also easy to train and very loyal.

19. Whippet

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The Whippet is known as a Greyhound with curves and a long tail. They have long and slender legs with a deep chest and trim waist. These pups don’t carry a lot of body fat. However, they look bigger than Greyhounds even if they only weigh between 20 and 40 lbs. 

Whippets have a ton of energy and love to run and play. They also enjoy chasing things and climbing, so you’ll need an entire training course in your backyard to keep them busy. 

Once their energy has been expended, Whippets love to curl up on the couch and take a long nap. They’re remarkably gentle dogs and enjoy being around their owners.

Final Thoughts on Skinny Dog Breeds

From the energetic racers to the lazy couch potatoes, there’s a dog for every type of family in this list of tall skinny dog breeds. Just be sure to have a lot of time, patience, and a big yard for your new little buddy to run around in boundlessly.

If you want to learn more about other pups, here’s a list of low-maintenance dog breeds for people who don’t have much time on their hands.