These Long Nose Dogs Have a Royal Pedigree — 7 Graceful Breeds That Are Adorable Too
You won't believe how fast they can run!
Dogs are pretty lovable in any shape and size, but sometimes with their vast array of appearances, it’s hard to believe some breeds actually belong to the same species! Take, for example, the greyhound compared to the French bulldog. Not only is the greyhound taller and leaner, it’s got a more prominent “snoot” (that’s a combo of “snout” and “nose”) than the bulldog’s flatter face. But why are some pup’s snoots so long? Keep reading to learn more about long nose dog breeds, their long and fascinating history, plus cute photos that’ll make you say “awww!”
The history of long nose dogs
Long nose dogs tend to have a distinct appearance outside of their elongated snouts. They typically have slim, sleek profiles and long, graceful legs. These breeds are referred to as sighthounds, and they’re among the oldest recorded breeds in existence.
While flat-faced dogs like pugs and Shih Tzus are “brachycephalic,” meaning they have short, squat skulls and large eyes on the front of their heads, sighthounds are “dolichocephalic.” This means that their heads are long and thin, and their eyes are farther apart, which gives them stronger peripheral vision — hence their moniker.
Sighthounds’ aerodynamic shape enables them to move fast and efficiently, which made them a popular choice as hunting and racing dogs. And while all individual dogs differ, most sighthounds make great family pets since they tend to be affectionate and content to snuggle up and nap — that is, after they’ve gotten their exercise, of course!
Long nose dog breeds
These sighthounds are truly, well, a sight since they’re as cute as they are elegant. Keep scrolling to learn more about these unique long nose dogs and how they’ve helped humans over the years.
1. Greyhound
Chances are, when you’re thinking of a long nose dog, you’re thinking of a greyhound. Also known as the English greyhound, this stately pup is regarded by some as the oldest purebred domesticated dog breed, with historical records as old as 8,000 years depicting similar dogs. And that’s not the only superlative greyhounds hold — they’re also the fastest dog breed in the world, with the ability to reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, which makes them the second fastest land animals behind cheetahs.
Despite their power, they’re sweet, gentle dogs that make great family pets, and though they need exercise, they’re not high-energy dogs, notes Nicole Ellis, certified professional dog trainer with Rover. She adds that, because of this, they make good house dogs. Keep in mind that while greyhounds are lanky, they’re not small, standing at about 30 inches tall and weighing 70 pounds, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
2. Italian greyhound
The greyhound’s European cousin, the Italian Greyhound, is long in snout but short in stature. Though they share a lot of the same physical characteristics, the Italian greyhound is only about 15 inches tall and weighs anywhere between 7 and 14 pounds, says the AKC. Their portable size and sleek, sophisticated appearance made them the pup du jour for Italian noblewomen in the Middle Ages.
Today, Italian greyhounds are popular apartment dogs since they’re small, affectionate and typically good with other pooches. They still need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy, and because they have such little body fat, it’s vital that they are kept warm in cold temperatures. This works out since they look super cute in sweaters, anyway. Need proof? Check out insta-famous fashionista Tika the Iggy (@tikatheiggy):
3. Borzoi
Borzoi have long, luscious hair to match their long noses. Also known as the ever-intimidating “Russian wolfhound,” Borzoi were cherished by Russian nobility in the 1600s for their speed and athleticism, which allowed them to take down — you guessed it — wolves. They’re tall, at almost 30 inches, and hefty, weighing over 100 pounds, and covered in long, silky fur. The AKC describes their personality as “catlike” since they’re graceful and dignified with a mind of their own. Nevertheless, they can be good pets for active families with older children.
4. Whippet
Whippets, greyhounds and Italian greyhounds are easy to get confused since they look so similar. However, whippets fall in the middle in terms of size — they’re smaller than greyhounds and larger than Italian greyhounds, at around 22 inches tall and 40 pounds. They were originally bred in England purely for racing. Despite their speed and athletic ability, they’re content with short bursts of daily exercise, and they’re also not very vocal, which makes them suitable for apartment life. They’re incredibly affectionate and friendly with children and other pups, so they make fantastic family dogs, too.
5. Saluki
Salukis’ heritage is as noble as their appearance. This ancient, long nose dog breed originated in the Middle East, where they were regarded as gifts from Allah. Although noblemen used them as hunting dogs, they aren’t aggressive in nature, but they are active and require a lot of daily exercise. Salukis are 30 inches tall and weigh about 65 pounds. They’re also highly intelligent, making them easy to train.
6. Afghan hound
Behind the luscious silky locks of the Afghan hound is a dog that’s ready to take on the world. Originating from the rocky terrain of mountainous Afghanistan, this ancient breed is equipped with warm, insulating fur and extra-thick paw pads for protection from the elements. Afghan hounds were initially used as hunters and war dogs, but they’re now cherished for their striking appearance and unique personalities. As dignified as they appear, Afghan hounds have a silly streak, and they’re not the easiest to train. (Click through to learn more about whether Afghan hounds make good family pets.)
7. Pharaoh hound
Despite the Pharaoh hound’s name, this ancient breed actually comes from Malta, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, it’s also known as the “Blushing Dog of Malta.” The reason? While most other dogs have black pigment in their nose and paw pads, Pharaohs don’t have any, so when they’re exceptionally happy or alert, the tips of their ears and nose turn bright pink, and it looks like they’re blushing! Pharaoh hounds are graceful, athletic and great for apartment dwellers with their medium size and easygoing personalities.
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