You are not alone in liking or wanting a skinny dog breed. Most skinny dog breeds are quick, athletic, and sociable.
In this piece, I will not only discuss 24 thin dog breeds, but also provide a personal suggestion.
So, remain with this post and read until the conclusion to acquire all the details!
1: Greyhound
Greyhounds have incredible speed; they once set a world record of 68 km/h.
Apart from being extremely quick, greyhounds have everything you want in a dog.
They are loyal, friendly, and non-aggressive. They are also fairly tall and thin.
Furthermore, due to their incredible speed and stamina, greyhounds require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation every day. They may not be an appropriate breed for lazy individuals.
2: Whippet
They, like the Greyhounds, are among the fastest dog breeds.
Whippets were bred in England in the nineteenth century to hunt and catch small animals.
They appear to have been initially introduced to America by English mill workers in Massachusetts.
Their physical form appears athletic; they are medium-sized canines with lean bodies. They appear to be designed solely for competitive racing with other canines.
Whippets also have a wonderful demeanor, being gentle, patient, tolerant, and affectionate. However, they require regular training, exercise, and socialization from a young age.
3: Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are little, amiable, friendly, and lovely dogs, but they can also be a bit needy when it comes to devotion.
They are best suited for people who are prepared to provide their pets with adequate attention, as their small and delicate structure leaves them vulnerable to injury.
Unfortunately, separation anxiety is common among greyhounds.
Originally, they were bred as a companion and hunting dogs in England. They still like chasing house mice and still possess the hunting instinct.
4: Saluki
Another extremely swift and slender dog breed, the Saluki, is thought to have originated in the Fertile Crescent, which includes portions of modern-day Egypt, Iraq, and Iran.
The tribes that lived on the move employed salukis as hunting breeds.
Their long, silky ears and slender bodies give them a really striking appearance. They get along well with kids and have a calm disposition.
They can, however, be aloof toward strangers due to their innate shyness. They must be socialized starting at a young age.
5: Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds have one of the most exquisite appearances among canines, therefore you just cannot ignore them.
They are particularly cute because of their long hair, slim build, and attractive face. However, they make wonderful family pets in addition to being stunning animals.
When it comes to people they share a connection with, they are incredibly devoted and loving.
In the chilly highlands of Afghanistan, Afghan Hounds were raised to pursue prey by sight.
They also have a strong instinct to flee in pursuit of perceived prey, therefore walking off-leash is not recommended.
Overall, they are terrific slender dogs to pet.
6: Azawakh
The African breed known as the Azawakh is incredibly swift and athletic. The Saharan Tuareg people, who were nomads, raised them to hunt gazelles and other fast-moving animals.
Today, the Azawakh is becoming more and more popular as a companion dog breed, and you can see them in many dog sports events.
They are colored red, blue, black, brindle, and white, and they are fairly tall as well.
7: Sloughi
The slender, tall, and incredibly quick canine breed from northern Africa is called the ‘Arabian Greyhound,’ or Sloughi.
Experts say that the Sloughi has an interesting history. Although the actual date and origin of the dog breed are unknown, it is thought to have originated in North Africa in the thirteenth century, if not earlier.
They were domesticated to hunt small- to medium-sized prey, including hares, foxes, jackals, gazelles, antelope, and sand grouse.
They are a loyal and clever breed with a pleasant disposition, however they can be a little distant at times.
8: Pharaoh Hound
Pharaoh Hounds are medium-sized dogs recognized for their kind, friendly, and clever temperament.
They are one of the oldest dog breeds and have a distinctive appearance.
They were kings’ canines and may have hunted gazelles alongside pharaohs, hence the name.
Fun fact: they are Malta’s national dogs.
Furthermore, they are an excellent choice for first-time owners.
9: Ibizan Hound
Ibizan Hounds are adorable, slender, and kind canine breeds that were developed in the Balearic island of Ibiza to hunt small game and rabbits.
They are excellent companion dogs and are ideal for first-time owners. However, for healthy development, they require early socialization, obedience training, and balanced nutrition.
They can live in an apartment while having high levels of energy if they receive sufficient daily exercise and mental stimulation.
10: Borzoi (Russian Wolfhound)
A member of the hound family, the Borzoi is also referred to as the Russian Wolfhound.
They are tall and swift and have a distinctive appearance in addition to being skinny. Because of their high level of awareness and alertness, they make excellent watchdogs.
They do enjoy going on walks with their owners, but they are not as playful as some of the other dogs on this list.
11: Deerhound
The Deerhound, also known as the Scottish Deerhound, is a hunting dog breed that was developed to hunt and bring down Scottish roe deer.
Deerhounds are slim and have a lot of hair, which surprisingly does not shed much.
They also do not require much maintenance. Brushing their coat once a week is adequate.
However, experts do not recommend this breed to people who have little expertise or are first-time owners because they are big dogs who require a lot of areas to run around and expend their energy.
They also require sufficient guidance beginning at a young age, which can only be provided by a competent leader with extensive expertise.
12: Silken Windhound
Experts believe that the Silken Windhound is descended from the larger Borzoi, the shorter-coated Whippet, and a small amount of Sheltie. The Silken Windhound shares certain similarities with Borzoi.
Still, despite their skinny looks, Silken Windhounds are loving, energetic, and eager-to-please dog breeds that were developed in the US.
While they are not as good watchdogs as Borzoi, they do make excellent family pets if given the right upbringing and training from a young age.
13: Cirneco dell’Etna
Cirneco dell’Etna is an intelligent, athletic, and self-sufficient dog breed. Their compact stature makes them a great option for individuals seeking an athletic dog that is not overly huge or dominating.
Furthermore, they have a relatively long lifespan (12 to 14 years) and are kind, affectionate, peaceful, active, loyal, independent, and sweet-tempered.
A great choice for people who have a busy lifestyle.
14: Thai Ridgeback
Thai Ridgebacks are another ancient breed that was bred to guard properties, pull carts, and hunt vermin.
They are incredibly faithful to their owners, although they were not particularly popular in the West until recently. Now they’re gaining popularity.
They are not suggested for first-time owners or persons who are unable to provide their dogs with adequate attention, exercise, and mental stimulation.
15: Great Dane
Great Danes are one of the tallest canines, and as a result, they may completely transform your life.
They can reach your kitchen’s upper shelves and lick your coffee mug. However, they are huge pups who are unaware of their size and enjoy jumping on people out of excitement.
However, Great Danes can be violent and passionately protective of their land, so thorough training and socializing must begin at a young age.
16: Peruvian Inca Orchid (Peruvian Hairless Dog)
The Peruvian Inca Orchid, also known as the Peruvian Hairless Dog, is a petite, hairless, thin, smart, and friendly dog breed from South America.
Because of their small size and loving disposition, they don’t require much space and can live a very comfortable life in an apartment; yet, they require human interaction to avoid feeling lonely and developing separation anxiety.
Furthermore, they do not shed much, making them an excellent choice for persons who are allergic to dog hair.
17: Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)
Xoloitzcuintli is a hairless dog breed recognized for its intelligence, calm demeanor, devotion, and playful disposition.
They come in three different sizes: toy, tiny, and standard.
Because of their hairless skin, they require special care, including protection from sunburn and cold.
Furthermore, like the Peruvian Hairless Dog, they are well-suited to a variety of living conditions due to their versatility and loving nature.
18: Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a distinct dog breed that is petite and hairless.
According to experts, the Chinese Crested were bred as lap dogs for royalty, but no one knows exactly where they originated.
Some believe they are African dogs, while others claim they are Mexican. It is confirmed that they were brought to China in 200 BC and bred as lap dogs for royalty.
They have a playful and friendly attitude. They enjoy receiving attention from their family and will gladly play with you whenever you want.
19: Basenji
The medium-sized Basenji dog breed originated in Central Africa and was developed primarily for hunting.
They have a thin build and a short coat that is primarily red, black, brindle, or fawn.
Their distinct barkless vocalizations, however, set them apart from other dogs. They make a high-pitched, acoustically pleasing sound called yodeling.
20: Podenco Canario (Canarian Warren Hound)
Podenco Canario is a medium-sized, slender dog native to the Canary Islands, renowned for its distinctive and refined appearance.
According to some researchers, they have some ancestry with Egyptian dogs.
In addition to their peaceful demeanor, Podenco Canario dogs are also noted for their lack of barking and intense loyalty to their owners, which causes them to get anxious when their owners leave.
21: Portuguese Podengo
Portuguese Podengo is a unique breed that resembles its cousins, the Pharaoh Hound, Cirneco dell’Etna, and Ibizan Hound.
Portuguese Podengos are lively and joyful canines who enjoy playing. They also do not mind having another pet in the house; they prefer to be with a pack of dogs or at least one other dog in the house.
They are also good jumpers, so you will need to construct a tall fence to keep them in your backyard.
Overall, an excellent dog breed to own!
22: Dalmatian
Dalmatian is a breed known for its black and white markings all over the world. They originated as a hunting dog breed in Croatia and have since evolved into amiable, clever, and energetic canine breeds.
They are ideal for families because of their outgoing and pleasant demeanor toward children.
However, as with any other breed, they require early socialization and basic training to avoid developing into aggressive or dangerous dogs.
23: Thai Bangkaew Dog
Thai Bangkaew Dogs are not incredibly thin; they do have some weight and a lot of hair, but I had to include them on this list because of their loving, clever, and alert personality.
They make great friends, guards, and hunting dogs. They can interact well with people if they are properly socialized and trained.
However, they, like all dog breeds, have weaknesses. They dislike other dog breeds and may get violent towards them, but with proper training, you can erase this inclination to some level.
24: Australian Kelpie
The Australian Kelpie is a hardworking, intelligent, and trainable canine breed that is excellent for farm work, including herding animals.
They definitely require a lot of exercise because they are high-energy dogs, and not giving it to them could cause behavioral issues.
Kelpies require a strong leader who can commit time to their training because of this. They are therefore inappropriate for inexperienced owners.
Which Do Breed Would Be Right For You?
It all depends on the qualities you’re looking for. If you want a powerful, robust dog breed to guard your property, the Great Dane is a good choice, but if you want a highly energetic or active breed, the Greyhound is the way to go.
Similarly, if you want a breed that is petite, affectionate, and loves its owners, consider Italian Greyhounds.
However, Chinese Crested dogs might be a good choice if you’re seeking an exotic breed that’s really uncommon and distinctive-looking.
Personally, I adore Great Danes because they are tall, protective, amiable, and kind canines that I believe provide all the qualities a dog owner might want.
But because they are so large and might not fit in your space, they might not be the best choice for you.
I hope you liked this post.
Thanks for reading!
