A List of Small Dog Breeds with Long Legs [2024]

Small dogs are a popular choice for many dog lovers. They are adorable, easy to handle, and can fit into smaller living spaces. But did you know that there are small dogs with long legs? These dogs combine the compact size of a small breed with the agility and grace of longer legs. Let’s take a closer look at small dogs and explore some breeds with this unique trait.

Small dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but they typically weigh less than 22 pounds and stand less than 16 inches tall at the shoulder. They are known for their lively personalities, loyalty, and ability to adapt to various living environments. Small dogs are great companions for individuals or families with limited space or those who prefer a dog that is easier to handle.

Now, let’s delve into the world of small dogs with long legs. These breeds possess a distinct physical characteristic that sets them apart from other small dogs. The long legs provide them with an added advantage in terms of speed, agility, and endurance. Here are a few examples of small breeds with long legs:

1. Italian Greyhound: This elegant and slender breed is often referred to as a miniature version of the Greyhound. Despite being small, Italian Greyhounds have long legs that make them incredibly fast and agile. They are known for their grace and elegance, and they excel in various dog sports, including lure coursing.

2. Basenji: The Basenji is a small, athletic dog with a unique appearance. Known as the “barkless dog,” this breed possesses long, lean legs that contribute to its excellent running ability. Basenjis are known for their intelligence and independence, making them an interesting choice for experienced dog owners.

3. Whippet: Whippets are often described as miniature Greyhounds. They share the same slim build and long legs as their larger counterparts, enabling them to reach impressive speeds. Despite their athletic nature, Whippets are also known for their gentle and affectionate temperament.

4. Miniature Pinscher: Don’t be fooled by their small size; Miniature Pinschers possess long legs that give them a sleek and agile appearance. These energetic dogs are known for their lively personalities and make excellent companions for active individuals or families.

5. Jack Russell Terrier: The Jack Russell Terrier is a small yet sturdy breed with long legs that allow it to navigate various terrains with ease. These dogs are highly energetic and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Jack Russells are known for their intelligence and determination, making them popular choices for dog sports such as agility.

These are just a few examples of small dogs with long legs. Each breed has its own unique traits and characteristics, so it’s essential to research and choose a breed that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.

Small dogs with long legs offer a fascinating combination of compact size and agility. Whether you’re looking for a fast and athletic companion or simply drawn to their unique appearance, these breeds can bring joy and excitement to your life. Remember to consider factors such as exercise needs, temperament, and grooming requirements when selecting a small dog with long legs. With the right choice, you’ll have a loyal and energetic companion by your side for many years to come.

A List of Small Dog Breeds with Long Legs

What Are The Small Long-Legged Terriers?

The small long-legged terriers are a group of dog breeds that are characterized by their slender build and long legs. These terriers are known for their agility and ability to cover ground quickly. Here is a list of the small long-legged terrier breeds:

1. Airedale Terrier: This breed is the largest of the terriers but still falls under the category of small long-legged terriers. They are known for their versatility, intelligence, and friendly nature.

2. American Hairless Terrier: As the name suggests, this terrier breed is hairless, making them hypoallergenic. They are small in size and have a lively and affectionate personality.

3. Bedlington Terrier: The Bedlington Terrier has a distinctive lamb-like appearance with its curly, woolly coat. They are known for their elegance, intelligence, and gentle nature.

4. Border Terrier: This terrier breed is known for its friendly and affectionate nature. They are small, energetic, and have a weather-resistant double coat.

5. Parson Russell Terrier: Originally bred for fox hunting, the Parson Russell Terrier is a small, athletic, and energetic breed. They have a strong hunting instinct and require regular exercise.

6. Irish Terrier: Irish Terriers are known for their fiery and fearless temperament. They are small, active, and have a wiry red coat.

7. Kerry Blue Terrier: This terrier breed is known for its unique blue-gray coat. They are intelligent, versatile, and have a strong protective instinct.

8. Lakeland Terrier: The Lakeland Terrier is a small, sturdy breed known for its friendly and outgoing nature. They have a dense, wiry coat that requires regular grooming.

9. Manchester Terrier: Manchester Terriers are small, sleek, and muscular terriers. They are known for their intelligence, agility, and loyalty.

10. Miniature Schnauzer: Miniature Schnauzers are small, robust, and have a distinctive mustache and beard. They are known for their friendly and outgoing personality.

11. Rat Terrier: The Rat Terrier is a small, energetic breed known for its intelligence and agility. They are excellent hunters and make great companions.

12. Russell Terrier: Russell Terriers, also known as Jack Russell Terriers, are small, energetic, and have a strong prey drive. They require plenty of mental and physical stimulation.

13. Smooth Fox Terrier: Smooth Fox Terriers are small, active, and have a short, smooth coat. They are known for their keen intelligence and playful nature.

14. Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier: The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized breed with a soft, silky coat. They are friendly, adaptable, and make great family pets.

15. Welsh Terrier: Welsh Terriers are small, sturdy, and have a dense, wiry coat. They are known for their friendly and outgoing nature.

16. Wire Fox Terrier: Wire Fox Terriers are small, energetic, and have a distinctive wiry coat. They are known for their intelligence, agility, and boldness.

These small long-legged terrier breeds vary in size, temperament, and coat type, but they all share a common trait of being agile and active dogs. Whether you’re looking for a hunting companion, a family pet, or a loyal friend, there is a small long-legged terrier breed that will suit your preferences.

What Is A Dog That Has Long Legs?

A dog that has long legs refers to a canine with extended limbs compared to other breeds. These long-legged dogs can be classified into different size categories.

1. Large dog breeds with long legs:
– Irish Wolfhound: Known as the tallest dog breed in the world, they have long and slender legs that contribute to their impressive height.
– Great Dane: Another giant breed, Great Danes possess long and muscular legs, giving them an elegant appearance.

2. Medium-sized dog breeds with long legs:
– Saluki: Referred to as the “Royal Dog of Egypt,” Salukis have long, lean legs designed for speed and endurance.
– Whippet: These dogs are similar in appearance to Greyhounds but smaller in size. Their long legs enable them to excel in running sports.

3. Small dog breeds with long legs (terrier group):
– Kerry Blue Terrier: Despite being a small breed, Kerry Blue Terriers have long legs, providing them with agility and mobility.
– Jack Russell Terrier: Known for their energetic nature, Jack Russells have long legs that aid in their hunting and digging abilities.
– Norfolk Terrier: This breed features short bodies but relatively long legs, allowing them to navigate various terrains efficiently.

Long-legged dogs can be found in various sizes, including large breeds like the Irish Wolfhound and Great Dane, medium-sized breeds like the Saluki and Whippet, and smaller terrier breeds like the Kerry Blue Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier, and Norfolk Terrier.

What Small Dogs Have Long Bodies?

There are several small dog breeds that are known for their long bodies. These breeds include:

1. Dachshund: Dachshunds are famous for their elongated bodies and short legs. They come in different coat types, such as smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired.

2. Basset Hound: Basset Hounds have a low, elongated body with short legs. They are known for their droopy ears and sad-looking eyes.

3. Corgi: Both the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi have long bodies. They have short legs and are known for their adorable appearance.

4. Dandie Dinmont Terrier: Dandie Dinmont Terriers have a unique body shape with a long, low body and short legs. They have a distinctive topknot on their head.

5. Skye Terrier: Skye Terriers have a long, low body and a luxurious coat. They have a dignified appearance and are known for their loyalty.

6. Swedish Vallhund: Swedish Vallhunds have a compact, long body with short legs. They are known for their energetic and playful nature.

7. Shih Tzu: While Shih Tzus are not typically associated with long bodies, they do have a proportionately longer body compared to their height. They have a flowing coat and a distinct facial expression.

It’s important to note that while these breeds have long bodies, they vary in size, temperament, and exercise needs. It’s always recommended to do thorough research and consider your lifestyle before choosing a dog breed.

Can Yorkies Have Long Legs?

It is possible for Yorkies to have long legs. While the breed standard for Yorkshire Terriers does not emphasize leg length, there is natural variation within the breed’s genetics. This means that some Yorkies may have longer legs than others.

It’s important to note that the breed standard for Yorkies does not specify a specific leg length or height requirement. However, it does describe the ideal Yorkie as having a compact and well-proportioned body. This means that while long legs are not uncommon, they should still be in balance with the overall body structure.

Genetics play a significant role in determining a dog’s physical traits, including leg length. Yorkies, like all dogs, can inherit genes from their parents that influence their leg length. If a Yorkie’s parents have longer legs, it is more likely that the offspring will also have longer legs.

It’s worth mentioning that variations in leg length within a breed are not considered faults as long as they do not significantly deviate from the breed standard. Breeders and judges may prioritize other traits such as coat quality, color, and overall structure when evaluating a Yorkie’s conformation.

While the breed standard for Yorkshire Terriers does not specifically mention leg length, it is possible for Yorkies to have longer legs due to genetic variation. As long as the overall body structure remains in balance, variations in leg length are generally considered acceptable within the breed.

Conclusion

Small dogs come in a variety of breeds, each with their own unique characteristics and traits. While some small dogs may have long legs, like the terrier group, others may have shorter legs but possess a long body type, such as the Dachshund or Basset Hound. These small dogs can make wonderful companions for individuals or families, as they often have a playful and affectionate nature. Despite their small size, these dogs can still have a big personality and bring joy and happiness to their owners. Whether you prefer a long-legged terrier or a small dog with a long body, there is a small dog breed out there to suit your preferences and lifestyle.