Dogs with Long Legs: The Tall and the Talented
Long-legged dogs hold a special allure. Their imposing height, elegant posture, and powerful strides make them truly eye-catching companions. Here’s a look at 11 of the most impressive long-legged breeds:
1. Afghan Hound: With its flowing coat and regal air, the Afghan Hound is a true showstopper. Originally from Afghanistan, this breed was prized for its hunting prowess and independent spirit.
2. Azawakh: This African sighthound boasts incredible speed and stamina. Lean and muscular, it was traditionally used for both hunting and guarding.
3. Borzoi: Known for its luxurious coat and gentle nature, the Borzoi is a Russian sighthound once favored by royalty.
4. Polish Greyhound: Another sighthound, the Polish Greyhound is smaller than most of its counterparts but equally athletic.
5. Italian Greyhound: A miniature version of the Greyhound, this charming breed exudes elegance and affection.
6. Saluki: With its ancient roots in the Middle East, the Saluki is a sighthound known for its grace, speed, and loyalty.
7. Scottish Deerhound: This rugged Scottish breed was specifically developed for hunting deer. Its rough coat and calm demeanor make it a distinctive companion.
8. Whippet: Often called the “poor man’s racehorse,” the Whippet is a small sighthound with exceptional speed and agility.
9. Sloughi: The Arabian Greyhound, hailing from North Africa, combines hunting instincts with an elegant and refined appearance.
10. Irish Wolfhound: As one of the tallest dog breeds, the Irish Wolfhound is gentle and loyal despite its history of hunting wolves.
11. Great Dane: The gentle giant among long-legged breeds, the Great Dane is known for its regal stature, friendly personality, and protective nature.
Beyond Appearances:
Long-legged dogs aren’t just beautiful – they’re often highly intelligent, athletic, and sometimes even independent. Many were bred for hunting and herding, requiring ample exercise and mental stimulation.
Key Takeaways
- Long-legged dog breeds possess a unique combination of elegance, power, and charm.
- Many of these breeds have a rich history and specific needs.
- Before welcoming a long-legged dog into your home, research the breed thoroughly to ensure you can provide the proper care and lifestyle.
Remember: While their beauty is undeniable, these breeds should be appreciated for their individual personalities and needs just as much as their impressive stature.
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Top 11 Longest Legged Dog:
In addition to physical strength and endurance, dogs with long legs are also distinguished by their unique character. They can be independent, intelligent, and at the same time loyal to their owners. Large dog breeds are often used as guard dogs, therapy dogs, or even providing sleeping children with a blanket of love and security. See below the top 11 longest legged dog.
1. Afghan Hound:
The Tazi, or Afghan Hound, is one of the longest legged dog. Afghan Hound is highly appreciated in the royal courts of many countries, he found particular success with the English who used him as a messenger or guard of military posts when they were in India.
It was then imported to the United Kingdom at the end of the 19th century where it reproduced en masse. The Tazi was also often used for big game hunting due to its speed and intelligence. Today, he mainly participates in beauty contests thanks to his long and silky coat and his unrivaled elegance.
2. Azawakh:
The Azawakh is one of the longest legged dog originating from Africa. Its name comes from an African valley located between Niger and Mali, where it is still used by certain nomadic peoples to alert camps in the event of approach or intrusion.
The Azawakh is also known to be a particularly fast and enduring greyhound. It can reach a running speed of 65 km/h, making it an effective hunter for stopping the escape of gazelles.
The Azawakh was introduced to Europe in the 1970s. Initially, it was named Sloughitouareg because of its resemblance to the Sloughi Arabian greyhound breed. It was not until 1982 that it was officially recognized in France as a breed in its own right. Today it is mainly known as Azawakh, it is sometimes called Sahel Greyhound, Mali Greyhound, or even Oska.
3. Borzoi:
The Borzoi is known for its Arab origins. Its name comes from the Russian Psovaya Borzaya which means “long-haired fast”.
This ancient breed of greyhounds is believed to come from crosses between several breeds of oriental greyhounds, such as the Sloughi or the Tazi, and the Laïka dog breed, a sort of Russian Spitz. The first written mentions of Borzoi date back to the 11th century.
First present in several courts of northern Europe, it would have been introduced to the West from the end of the 19th century, probably in the 1870s, before reproducing more massively in England and the United States.
The Borzoi is also famous thanks to Grand Duke Nicolaï Nicolaïevitch Romanov; A lover of hunting, he had a large pack of them. Unfortunately, the breed was almost eradicated from Russia during the Russian Revolution.
The Borzoi is characterized by a spotted coat and long wavy hair. Large and strong, it can measure 80 cm high and weigh up to 48 kg.
4. Polish Greyhound:
The Chart Polski, or Polish Greyhound, is believed to be descended from Asian greyhounds such as the Saluki. Its presence in Poland is attested from the 13th century and the breed did not really evolve until the end of the 19th century. This short-haired greyhound is known and appreciated for its medium size, muscular, and slender shapes, and character that is both confident and reserved.
5. The Italian Greyhound:
The Italian Greyhound is one of the longest legged dog. From a height of 32 to 38 cm, it resembles the Greyhound in miniature.
Its origins date back several millennia, since mummies of this small dog were found during archaeological excavations carried out in Egypt and accompanied by papyrus providing information on its breed and characteristics.
One of them was even buried in a royal tomb dating from 3,200 BC. The Italian Greyhound would then have emigrated to Greece and Italy where it would have settled until the end of the Middle Ages before invading Europe and being particularly present in the great courts. Its small size does not prevent it from being a very fast dog.
6. Saluki:
The Saluki, or Persian Greyhound, is one of the longest legged dog known for millennia in the Arab world. Mummified remains of these greyhounds have been found in numerous tombs of high dignitaries of ancient Egypt.
Its name comes from the city of Saluk in Arabia. Renowned for its beauty, elegance, and speed, it was long synonymous with wealth in the Middle East and was regularly offered to guests and distinguished guests.
Subsequently, the Saluki was introduced to Europe thanks to the travels of diplomats, particularly English.
The first official recognition of the Saluki was filed in England in 1923. Its short or long-haired coat would have changed little over the centuries. Its height can reach 71 cm and its weight is 30 kg, it is fast and popular for hunting.
7. Scottish Deerhound:
The Deerhound, or Scottish Greyhound, is a typically Scottish breed and has been recorded since the 15th century.
In Scotland, this fast and agile dog has always accompanied deer and fallow deer hunting enthusiasts and is today known to be the favorite dog of Scottish gypsies.
Legend has it that two Scottish clans went to war solely over a Deerhound. However, despite its legendary popularity, the Deerhound could have disappeared in the 19th century without the intervention of enthusiasts, including the writer Sir Walter Scott.
This breed of greyhound then regained its notoriety and was officially recognized in 1891. It is appreciated today for its nuanced gray color and its wavy, rough coat.
8. Whippet:
The Whippet is a greyhound of English origin which has the particularity of having been born in the 19th century among miners in the north of England, from the crossing of Greyhounds, Rothbury Terriers, and Small Italian Greyhounds.
Fast with peaks of 65 km/h and small in size, it has excellent acceleration capacity, which earned it the nickname “poor man’s racehorse” or Snap Dog. Popular, it allowed English minors to find games other than betting.
Furthermore, it is formidable when hunting, and its size allows it to sneak up everywhere, which makes it useful for flushing out rabbits. Officially recognized in 1899, the Whippet is known for its elegance and its average size which does not allow it to exceed 51 cm.
9. Sloughi:
The Sloughi, or Arabian Greyhound, is native to northern Africa and Egypt. Its traces are mainly found in Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. Present in the Maghreb since the 10th century, it was introduced to the West in the 1830s, but it had to wait until 1938 to be officially recognized as a breed in its own right. Alert and energetic,
it is appreciated as much for its physical qualities which make it excellent for hunting and herding, as for its slender appearance. Its fine, short hair with dark pigmentation has indeed attracted many greyhound lovers.
10. The Irish Wolfhound:
This is the Irish Wolfhound, a giant as elegant as it is muscular, yet relatively light. He has an excellent character and is affectionate, calm, and intelligent. He enjoys the company of children with whom he shows great gentleness and kindness. He is very loyal to his masters. Fast, and courageous, it was once used to hunt bears and wolves.
The female measures 71 cm at the withers and weighs approximately 40 kg. The male reaches a height at the withers of 86 cm and a weight rarely exceeding 55 kg.
11. The Great Dane:
Originally from Germany, this giant dog of great elegance is sometimes called a Great Dane because it was very present in Denmark until the Great War (1914-1918). An excellent goalkeeper, he impresses with his measurements.
However, the Great Dane shows great kindness, and boundless loyalty and is very affectionate. He is an excellent companion for children over whom he watches over with kindness.
He is also intelligent, dynamic and playful, but still knows how to remain calm if he is well educated. This splendid dog is nicknamed the Apollo of dog breeds.
The female measures 70 cm at the withers and weighs 50 kg and the male reaches 80 cm in height and weighs around 70 kg. However, some Great Danes can reach 110 cm at the withers and exceed 100 kg.
Conclusion:
Dogs with long legs are breeds that attract attention with their gracefulness and unique appearance. They have special energy and high athletic endurance. However, they require appropriate care and an active lifestyle. Owning such a dog is a big responsibility, but its fair reward is the devotion and love of this beautiful pet.
