Dogs are pretty unique in their appearances and the ones on this list are known for their long necks. This can sometimes prove to be useful or might even end up requiring you to take a few precautions at home.
While this feature ties the following dogs together, they have several other distinct characteristics. Let’s take a look!
Italian Greyhound
Italian Greyhounds are dogs that originated, you guessed it, in Italy. These dogs are slender and elegant and are also known as sighthounds since they rely on their sight for hunting, which is what they were initially bred for.
These dogs were also kept as companions by the French and British royals and nobles and are now largely domesticated. They can live up to 15 years of age.
Appearance
In terms of their appearance, Italian Greyhounds measure around 13 to 15 inches in height and have a weight of around 11-14 pounds, making them quite small as compared to other sighthounds.
In particular, these dogs have long necks that narrow a bit to give way to a tiny but sharp head. They also have long legs.
They usually have singularly black, grey or fawn coats.
Temperament
Italian Greyhounds are highly affectionate with the people around them and can also get along well with other dogs and strangers. They are adaptable and flexible when it comes to new situations.
These dogs are also quite playful and energetic while still being easily trainable. They are sensitive and usually quite alert as well. They are also pretty agile and quick on their feet.
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Basenji
The Basenji is a dog that originates from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa. These dogs are quite intelligent and can live up to 14 years of age. They were initially bred for hunting and are now mainly domesticated, although they are not particularly popular.
These dogs are known for their yodel and are also usually silent in terms of how much they bark.
Appearance
These dogs tend to have a distinct appearance and are usually small to medium in size. They tend to measure around 17 inches in height and have a weight of up to 24 pounds.
They have long and elegant necks, pointed ears and a muscular and well-built body. They are usually brindle, white or black in color, often a combination of the three.
Temperament
In terms of temperament, these dogs are quite intelligent, independent, alert and energetic. They need plenty of space and exercise on a regular basis.
They are also slightly cautious when it comes to meeting new people but can get friendly once they become familiar with people. They also tend to be a bit stubborn and difficult to train.
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Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds originate in Afghanistan and are mainly bred for their elegant and stylish appearance, although they were initially used for hunting as well.
These dogs are medium to large in size and tend to have a long lifespan that can go up to 18 years, although the average is roughly around 11-13 years.
Appearance
Afghan Hounds usually have a distinctive appearance. They measure up to 27 inches in height and have a weight of approximately 60 pounds, with males usually being bulkier.
These dogs have a long and glossy coat along with a slender and long neck. Their coats are usually white in color but some can also be golden/red or black.
Their tails are additionally known for their curve at the tip.
Temperament
Afghan Hounds are highly independent dogs. They usually become quite affectionate with their owners once they become comfortable, otherwise they can come across as almost cold in their behavior.
They are elegant dogs and are often used in sports and therapy. However, they can be a bit difficult to train due to their stubborn and independent nature.
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Borzoi
The Borzoi is another sighthound that relies on its sight for hunting. These dogs are large in size and originate from Russia where they were initially bred for the purpose of hunting wolves.
These dogs tend to have a lifespan of around 15 years, although this can even be around 10 years depending on the conditions of the dog.
Appearance
Borzoi dogs are quite long and tall. Apart from their long necks (helpful during hunting since they relied on sight), they also have long legs and a long body structure.
They measure around 30 inches in height and have a weight range of 60-105 pounds. They come in a range of colors with slightly long and glossy coats.
They also have long and pointed heads.
Temperament
Temperamentally, these dogs are loyal, friendly and highly energetic, requiring plenty of exercise on a daily basis.
They are also agile and athletic. They have a calm temperament and might appear aloof at times due to their independent nature.
Because of this independence and stubbornness, it can be a bit difficult to train them, although the extent of this usually differs depending on your particular dog.
Azawakh
These dogs originate from several parts of West Africa, including the Azawagh Valley which earns them their name.
These dogs were originally bred for sports, hunting and as companions and continue to be used for such purposes except hunting. They usually live up to 12-15 years.
Appearance
Azawakh dogs weigh up to 55 pounds and have a height of around 24-30 inches. They are usually slender, thin and tall in appearance.
These dogs have long and thin necks that match the rest of their lean body structure. They have a short coat and brown, brindle or red in color with white markings and darker ears and snout.
Temperament
These dogs tend to be quite friendly and loyal, although they can be a bit stubborn and vicious if not given proper training and socialization.
They are also vigilant and have high levels of energy. They also have a pack mentality.
Additionally, these dogs bark very rarely. They can be slightly cautious when it comes to strangers and other animals but a good amount of socialization can help with this.
Pharaoh Hound
Pharaoh Hounds tend to originate in Malta. Initially, they were bred and used for hunting rabbits while also being kept as companions.
These dogs are medium in size and usually have a life expectancy of up to 14 years. They are slender and elegant dogs while also being affectionate and intelligent.
Appearance
In terms of their appearance, Pharaoh Hounds are medium sized with a weight of around 50 pounds and a height of up to 25 inches.
These dogs are quite slender in terms of their body structure, including their long neck and long head. They have a short brown or red coat with some white patches.
They also have long ears that tend to blush when they are in a good mood.
Temperament
Temperamentally, Pharaoh hounds tend to be highly affectionate and friendly and can also get along well with other dogs and pets.
They are highly energetic and need plenty of exercise on a regular basis to keep them healthy and happy. They are also playful and alert.
These dogs are quite intelligent and can be easy to train, learning new commands and retaining them well.
Whippet
Whippets are also referred to as Snaphounds. These dogs are sighthounds, relying on their sight for hunting, which is what they were initially bred for in England.
These dogs are medium in size and quite quick and slender, making them popular for sporting and competitive events. They are one of the fastest dog breeds.
Appearance
Whippets usually weigh around 20-40 pounds depending on their conditions and their sex. They have a height of around 17-22 inches.
These dogs are long and slender, a defining characteristic of their necks and the rest of their structure. They also come in a range of colors, often displaying a couple of them on their short coats.
They also have long legs and a long stout.
Temperament
Whippets tend to be extremely affectionate and friendly with the people and pets around them. They are also highly playful and energetic, requiring you to give them plenty of exercise and affection.
They usually do not bark too often and are usually easy to train. They love lounging around in the house and with the people around them, although they are quite alert too.
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Spanish Greyhound
Spanish Greyhounds, or the Spanish Galgo, are pretty old breeds. They originated in Spain for both hunting and racing.
These dogs are sighthounds with strong eyesight. They are also medium in size with a generally calm temperament. They are also quite healthy as long as they are in good shape.
Appearance
Spanish Greyhounds tend to be of various colors while also having a range of patterns on their coats. Their coat is additionally short and can either be glossy or slightly rough and irregular in texture.
They are long and slender, with their backs being taller than the front. They also have long necks along with long heads.
Because their coats are quite short, it is important to shelter them during rough conditions.
Temperament
Spanish Greyhounds tend to be quite patient and calm in terms of their general temperament. They are quite affectionate and friendly with their owners as well as with other pets while also being kind and gentle around kids.
They enjoy cuddling and lounging around but also need regular exercise to keep them healthy. It is essential to train and socialize them properly so that they do not become too unsocial.
Doberman
The Doberman Pinscher or the Doberman is a dog that originates from Germany. These dogs were bred for the purpose of acting as watchdogs and guard dogs, particularly during wars.
These dogs are usually large in size and can live up to 10-12 years of age. They are also fearless and elegant dogs.
Appearance
These dogs are quite large in size with a height of up to 28 inches and a weight of up to 100 pounds. These dogs are quite muscular and strong.
In terms of their color, they are usually black and brown or red, with black being more prominent and the latter being present as markings on their head, chest and legs. They also have long and curved tails.
They have long ears but sometimes tend to be cropped.
Temperament
Temperamentally, these dogs are extremely affectionate with their owners as well as with kids. They are gentle while still being fearless and vigilant.
These dogs are also extremely intelligent and smart, making them easy to train so that they can respond to your commands, retain them for a long time and obey them when required.
They are also adaptable, extremely playful and highly energetic, requiring plenty of exercise.
Also Read: 15 Amazing Dog Breeds With a High Prey Drive
Dachshund
Dachshunds are dogs that originate from Germany. These dogs were bred for hunting and chasing, mainly due to their keen sense of smell.
These dogs are quite small in size and tend to live up to 12-16 years of age. They are known for their long sausage-like bodies and long necks.
Appearance
These dogs have a long body, long neck as well as a long head. However, their legs tend to be pretty short.
These dogs have long chests while their coats can be either long or short. Their coats are black, red or tan in color, usually having markings as well.
Temperament
Dachshunds are quite friendly, affectionate and inquisitive dogs. They are playful, flexible, eager to please and easy to train.
They are also quite alert and vigilant. Despite their friendly nature, they can be cautious with other people and pets while also being a bit stubborn at times.
These dogs tend to bark a lot. They also need regular exercise.
Also Read: 19 Dog Breeds Most Prone to Obesity
Final Remarks
We have now taken you through ten dogs with long necks along with their special and unique appearances as well as what you can expect from their temperaments. Some of these dogs are quite popular as pets while some others are less popular.
Hopefully, this list was useful in familiarizing you with these dogs.