8 Majestic dog breeds with long legs

Are you searching for long-legged dog breeds? You have to come to the right place! People prefer dogs with long legs for many reasons. For larger households, it is an ideal choice. Also, dogs with long legs have an easier time while playing and running. They are considered as Superman of the canine world. 

Not only are these breeds playful and curious, but have high endurance. So if you want a pooch to accompany you on a long evening, long-legged dogs are a great choice. If you want to know about the longest-legged dogs and their nature and characteristics in detail refer to the section below!

List of 8 long-legged dog breeds that you will adore

1. Great Dane

Great Dane, considered the ‘Apollo of dogs’ is one of the dog breeds that have the longest legs.  Initially, they were bred to hunt wild boar and their long legs proved helpful. Though they have an intimidating look, these gentle giants are known for their friendly nature and loyal protectiveness toward their owners. Great Dane, also known as Deutsche Dogge makes for a great family dog. Besides, they are ideal guard dogs and are imposing in terms of strength, size, and weight. Furthermore, the Guinness World Record 2022 for the world’s tallest dog was given to Zeus, who was a Great Dane. 

• Group: Working group
• Height: Male: 30 to 32 inches and female: 28 to 30 inches
• Weight: Male: 140 to 175 pounds and female: 100 to 140 pounds
• Energy Level: High to medium
• Physical Characteristics: Short coats, muscular body, floppy ears, long neck, square-jawed head
• Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
• Color: Brindle, fawn, harlequin, black, white
• Shedding: low to average shedders
• Bark: loud and intimidating barkers

2. Greyhound

Another long-legged dog breed is the Greyhound. These pooches are athletic and intelligent. Besides, they are sweet-tempered companions and highly sensitive.  Pet owners have to be patient while training them. A notable feature of the Greyhounds is that they are the world's fastest dog breeds that can cover 45 miles per hour. This breed defined agility. Besides, they possess a strong prey drive. If you want a dog with long legs and minimal grooming requirements, Greyhound is ideal. Their aerodynamic body and long legs contribute to their speed. 

• Group: Hound group
• Height: 28 to 30 inches
• Weight: Male: 65 to 70 pounds and female: 60 to 65 pounds
• Energy Level: High energy
• Physical Characteristics: inverted s-shaped body, narrow skull, deep chest, long slim tail, short coat
• Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
• Color: Black, white, brindle, fawn, blue (gray), red
• Shedding: Moderate shedders
• Bark: Less frequent barker

3. Akbas

Akbash, nicknamed as ‘Turkish Mastiff’ is among the long-legged dogs. They are known for their protective nature and were bred for the protection of sheep, hence are regarded as flock guardian dogs. When it comes to protecting their territory, Asbashes show an assertive and vigilant nature. They stand out for their notable stamina, courage, and strength. Besides being highly protective of strangers, suspicious,  stoic,  and adaptable, they are independent thinkers. Their independent nature makes it a little difficult to train them.   

• Group: Working group (Livestock guardian dog)
• Height: 28 to 34 inches
• Weight: 80 to 140 pounds
• Energy Level: Average 
• Physical Characteristics: double dewclaws (rear legs), pendent ears, deep chest, powerful jaws, wedge-shaped head, long tail
• Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
• Color: Full white with gray/ light biscuit shading in the undercoat or ears
• Shedding: Sheds moderately 
• Bark: Prone to alarm barking

4. Scottish Deerhound

Scottish Deerhounds, also nicknamed as the ‘Royal Dog of Scotland’ also belong to the long-legged dog breed. As the name implies, these breeds were bred to hunt deer. Their long legs help them walk on uneven terrain. Scottish Deerhounds have a rugged appearance that helps them adapt to the Scottish weather. These pooches are very sensitive and affectionate, hence they make for an excellent family pet. Do not go on with their friendly demeanor and calm and gentle behavior, they are extremely brave and chivalrous. In general, Scottish Deerhounds are true couch potatoes and love to laze around. 

• Group: Hound group
• Height: Male: 30 to 32 inches and female: 28 to 30 inches
• Weight: Male: 85 to 110 pounds and female: 75 to 95 pounds
• Energy Level: Moderate 
• Physical Characteristics: Rough coat, flat and board head, long neck, long tail, tucked abdomen, deep chest
• Lifespan: 8 to 11 years
• Color: light gray, light gray, sandy red, brindle, reddish fawn
• Shedding: Sheds at a low rate
• Bark: Less likely to bark 

5. Irish Wolfhound

You can consider an Irish Wolfhound if you are searching for a long-legged dog. However, you must know that they are not a good choice for apartment living due to their massive structure. If they are trained properly and socialized from a young age, they will make for ideal family pets. Further, their brave nature makes them vigilant guard dogs. Even Irish Wolfhounds have an independent nature, yet they are obedient and loyal and have a dignified and serene demeanor. Also, they have a commanding presence. Further, these pooches are fearless hunters and were initially bred to hunt deer, wolves, and boar. 

• Group: Sighthound group
• Height: 32 to 35 inches 
• Weight: 115 to 180 pounds
• Energy Level: Moderate 
• Physical Characteristics: Long and coarse coat, muscular body, small and shaped ears
• Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
• Color: Gray, black, red, brindle, white, and fawn 
• Shedding: Average shedding amount 
• Bark: Less frequent barkers

6. Whippets

Whippets are medium-sized long-legged dogs. They are extremely agile and can easily climb and jump owing to their long and slender legs. Besides, they are highly friendly, amiable, and gentle. As they have small stature, they are considered ideal lap dogs and they fit perfectly to apartment living. Moreover, whippets have a friendly disposition which makes them great family pets. Further, they are known to be the descendants of Greyhound and are also identified for their speed in racing. They have the potential to cover speeds of up to 35 mph. 

• Group: Hound group 
• Height: Male: 19 to 22 inches and female: 18 to 21 inches
• Weight: Male: 35 to 40 pounds and female: 30 to 35 pounds
• Energy Level: High on energy 
• Physical Characteristics: Narrow body, large and lustrous eyes, long whip-like tail, deep chest, tucked up abdomen, neatly folded ears.
• Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
• Color: White, black, fawn, brindle, red, pure white and dun (rare)
• Shedding: Do not shed much
• Bark: Barks to alert and when anxious

7. Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound, initially called Tazi, is among the oldest dog breeds.  They are famous for their regal appearance. Their silky coat helps them survive harsh climatic conditions. Besides their beauty and elegance, lies their unparalleled power and agility. Furthermore, they have strong chasing instincts. It is their long legs and large paw pads that enable them to run long distances. Afghan Hounds are generally very reserved and aloof. They can also be mischievous at times. As they are highly sensitive in nature, pet owners must handle them with utmost patience and love. They have long coats, hence they must be maintained and groomed periodically. 

• Group: Hound group 
• Height: 26 to 28 inches
• Weight: 50 to 60 pounds
• Energy Level: Highly energetic
• Physical Characteristics: Long coat, dark and almond-shaped eyes, long ears, tail with ring curl at the end
• Lifespan: 12 to 14 years 
• Color: Silverish, golden, red, ivory, fawn, white
• Shedding: Sheds minimally
• Bark: Don’t bark much 

8. Borzoi

You can also go for Borzoi if you are searching for dog breeds with long legs. They have a sublime and delicate appearance and flaunt a combination of strength and grace. Their long legs helped them chase scary Russian wolves. The long leg also adds to their top-speed running. These pooches are fluffy enough to stay warm in cold winters. Borzoi, also known as the Russian Hunting Sighthounds were bred by the aristocrats for coursing and hunting dogs. Besides, these breeds are intelligent and laidback. They love to relax with their owners and do not like to be left alone for a long time. 

• Group: Hound group
• Height: Male: 30 to 33 inches and female: 27 to 31 inches
• Weight: Male: 75 to 105 pounds and female: 60 to 85 pounds
• Energy Level: High
• Physical Characteristics: Long-snouted face, lean body, silk coats, narrow heads
• Lifespan: 9 to 14 years
• Color: Brindle, fawn, silver brindle, red brindle, black and tan, gold, recessive red 
• Shedding: Moderate to heavy shedders 
• Bark: Not a frequent barker



Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do some dog breeds have long legs?

 Dog breeds possess long legs due to genetic factors inherited from their ancestors. 

Can all dogs with long legs run faster?

The ability to run fast is not solely determined by leg length. Factors such as size, body shape, and overall health play crucial roles in a dog's speed.

Do dogs with long legs require more exercise?

Regular exercise is essential for all dogs, regardless of leg length. Exercise helps build endurance, strength, and balance in canines.

Are long-legged dogs suitable as family pets?

Not all long-legged dogs are automatically good family pets. Breeds like Great Danes can be excellent companions, but proper training is vital for them to become ideal family members.

Are there small dog breeds with long legs?

Certainly, some smaller dog breeds, like whippets, have relatively long legs despite their compact size.

Do long-legged dogs commonly experience joint issues?

Long-legged dog breeds may face joint problems as they age if not given proper care. Adequate attention, appropriate treatment for injuries, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise are crucial for their joint health.

Are dogs with long legs suitable for active pet owners?

Yes, long-legged dogs make great companions for active pet owners who enjoy an active lifestyle.

Are long-legged dogs well-suited for agility sports?

Indeed, long-legged dogs excel in agility sports. Any healthy and fit dog can participate and thrive in agility sports.

Conclusion

There is something unique and impressive about long-legged dogs. It not only gives the pooches a majestic appearance but also makes them  good runners. They have impeccable agility and the charm and support that they add to your life is unparalleled. 

Reference Links:

• https://www.hepper.com/long-legged-dog-breeds/
• https://notabully.org/breeds-with-long-legs/
• https://www.pawesome.net/dogs-with-long-legs/#9-irish-wolfhound
• https://afewgoodpets.com/beautiful-long-legged-dog-breeds/
• https://breedadvisor.com/dog-breeds-with-long-legs/