Long-Nose Dogs: Breeds, Health & Care Guide

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20-Second Summary

This blog is going to explore everything about the dolichocephalic dogs, covering the popular long-nose dog breeds like Greyhounds, Borzois, Collies, Afghan Hounds, Whippets, and Salukis.

You will not only get to know why they have such long noses, but also learn about the long-nose dog characteristics.

You will explore long-nose dog advantages like:

• Enhanced smell
• Superior vision
• Long-Nose breathing benefits

We will also cover some long-nose dog health issues, such as nasal tumors and aspergillosis, along with some practical long-nose dog care tips, including dental protocols and preventive strategies for dogs with elongated snouts, so that you, as an owner, know how you will be able to support the good health of these long-living and athletic dogs. 

What Are Dolichocephalic Dogs? Understanding Long-Snouted Breeds

Based on the skull shape, dogs can be classified into the types of breeds named:

1. Dolichocephalic dogs, which have a considerably long skull and muzzle, include Afghan hounds and greyhounds.
2. Brachycephalic, which have really short skulls, like the little pugs.
3. Mesocephalic, which have a moderate skull, like beagles.

All of these categories define the dogs based on skull and muzzle and how they affect their abilities, like health and longevity.

Now, the long-snouted breed, Dolichocephalic dogs, have very narrow heads and snouts.

These dogs have specialized skills around enhanced sniffing and preying abilities due to the positioning of their eyes for a panoramic view, making them ideal hounds or dogs to hunt prey.

But at the same time, they are prone to some health issues like fungal infections and nasal problems, which require their owners to keep a keen eye on balancing their health with their athletic abilities. 

Why Do Some Dogs Have Long Noses? The Genetics Behind Elongated Snouts

While the individual dolichocephaly puppies are born with the head shape as per their parents, and are considered naturally born that way, their parents are considered the by-product of the generations of selective breeding by humans.

• The dogs with muzzles were bred intentionally by humans to enhance their specific traits and appearances.
• A long-term breeding process from almost 200 years has now led us to the dolichocephaly dog breeds with an elongated nose and different types of head shapes.
• The reason behind breeding for this face and nose shape was to use these dogs for specific purposes, like spotting prey with enhanced speed and vision, using their wider vision, and sniffing power.

So today we can see the natural genetic variations for sure, which occur naturally, but the basic morphology has been created by humans.

Long-Nose Dog Breeds: Which Sighthound Fits Your Lifestyle?

A sighthound is a type of Dolichocephalic dog that is known for being a great prey hunting animal that uses its enhanced vision for hunting rather than using their sniffing ability. 

If you are seeking to get a sighthound, then below is a table that gives you the six best sighthounds you can consider bringing to your family as a companion, and also see what kind of environment and exercises you need to keep them. 

Breed	Activity Level	Daily Exercise	Housing	Size (lbs)	Lifespan	Grooming	Ease of Keeping	Best For
Whippet	Ultra-Athletic	45-60 min	House/Apt	25-40	12-15 yrs	Minimal	8/10	First-time owners, apartments
Greyhound	Ultra-Athletic	45-60+ min	House	60-70	12-14 yrs	Minimal	7/10	Athletes, experienced owners
Saluki	Ultra-Athletic	60+ min	House	35-65	12-14 yrs	Moderate	5/10	Very active owners, experienced
Collie	Moderate	30-45 min	House/Apt	50-75	14-16 yrs	Moderate	7/10	Families, first-time owners
Borzoi	Highly Active	45-60 min	House	60-105	12-13 yrs	Intensive	5/10	Experienced owners, large space
Afghan Hound	Highly Active	45-60 min	House	50-60	12-14 yrs	Very Intensive	4/10	Grooming enthusiasts only

Now that you have a quick view of them all, let us explore each type of sight hound in detail. 

Greyhound Long-Nose: The Gentle Speedster Explained

Greyhound is known as the world’s fastest dog, with a running speed of around 40-45 miles per hour, and is also known for its nickname of “45-mph couch potato.”

They are excellent sprinters with a double-suspension gallop gait, which enhances their predatory ability despite being couch potatoes in a home environment. 

Although known for their robust speed, the reason why we are calling them a gentle speedster is that:

• They are generally very calm as pets and prefer sleeping for longer hours of the day.
• When they join your house as a member, they form a strong pet companionship with their owners and love snuggles and close affection from their humans.
• They love positive reinforcements, and despite being hunting dogs, they do not bark excessively and are usually quiet as a dog.

The only concern here is that since they are built naturally for chasing moving objects, they should be kept on a leash when taken outside, or could be kept in a yard with a fence when they are off the leash.

Borzoi Long-Nose: The Regal Russian Wolfhound with the Longest Snout

This Russian Wolfhound is known for a long snout, which is specially designed for grabbing the prey with its strong jaws and holding it strongly.

• These are the type of dolichocephalic dogs that have long heads with narrow muzzles.
• Based on their temperament, they are usually very loyal, quiet, and affectionate towards their owners.
• These athletic dogs are of a tall athletic posture with silky and wavy coats of hair and long heads.

Their main examples are the Eris, which have an almost 12.2-inch-long snout, and Lapsha, which is another well-known dog of this breed, having a remarkable nose length.

Collie Long-Nose: From Lassie to Modern Family Companion

Belonging to the heritage of smart herders, aside from their stylish looks and gentle nature, these dogs have transitioned from Scottish farm dogs and are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and their fame in appearing in many TV series as Lassie (Rough Collies), as well as being evolved as therapy dogs.

• Their long, tapered snout is their defining feature.
• Their temperament is known to be intelligent, loyal, and pleasing pets for families, which is great with the kids, too.
• Their long, beautiful coat requires regular grooming

While they are great with families, and despite their appealing and cute looks, they require engagement to keep them calm; otherwise, their boredom may make them show herding behavior or be very loud. 

Afghan Hound Long Snout: Ancient Beauty with Grooming Demands

This is the most ancient sight hound with its origins from Afghanistan that has a long Roman nose, regal looks, along with a silky coat of hair, which makes it a high-maintenance sight hound, which requires an intensive form of grooming, including:

• Brushing and combing for mite prevention, and keeping their hair from getting tangled.
• Regular bathing, along with proper ear cleaning and dental care.
• Necessary monthly nail trimmings.

So having an Afghan hound would require you to have a strong commitment to take care of your Afghan hound, both health-wise and for its beauty upkeep.

Based on their temperament, these hounds are very Independent, intelligent, agile, and aristocratic.

These can be challenging based on their independent nature, and might also require you to provide them with good activities where they can have plenty of exercise.

Whippet Long-Nose: The Miniature Speedster for Apartment Living

Are you an apartment owner? Well, this sighthound might be your best pick. Let us find out why.

• This couch potato breed can do well in a small space like an apartment. You only need to take care of giving them a good run per day to keep up with their sprinting needs, and then they are the most loyal, loving, and quiet companions that can do well in low-energy indoors.
• Another great fact about these dogs is that they do not give a specific dog smell, unlike other dogs, and a weekly nail trim, with weekly brushing and occasional bathing, makes them a great housemate option with their minimal shedding.
• These sight hounds are very good with families and other pets, and their sleek and aerodynamic head defines their sighthound heritage.
• This is the most adaptable species, which will not bother you a lot, and you can take them for a sprint when you are not busy.

Their quiet habit makes them wonderful for neighborhoods in apartments too, and you might find them sleeping on a couch or near a window in the sunlight most of the time. 

Saluki Long-Nose: The Noble Ancient Breed of Kings

Saluki is known as one of the oldest dog breeds whose history goes back to Egypt, as it has been known to be revered by the tribes of Bedouin and Pharaohs due to its unmatched speed and grace in hunting the gazelles.

• Due to this history, they are often called the Royal Dog of Egypt or even a Persian Greyhound.
• They use their sight to hunt animals like gazelles and hares, sometimes with falcons.
• These are very loving and loyal companions to their families, but stay reserved with strangers, and are known to be very intelligent and independent in nature.

If you are planning to get them for yourself, then they can be great in activities like coursing, hunting, and hiking, and they will need gentle training along with daily exercise or activity to keep up with their hound nature. 

Long-Nose Dog Types other than Sighthounds

Other than sight hounds, there are different types of long-nose dogs that include the following:

• Scent Hounds: Bloodhound, Basset Hound (super sniffers, driven by scent).
• Working/Herding: German Shepherd, Collie (intelligent, versatile, good scent work).
• Terriers: Dachshund (tenacious hunters of vermin), Fox Terrier (mischievous). 

Long-Nose Dog Characteristics: What Makes Them Unique Physically and Behaviorally

Below are the physical and behavioral traits of long-nose dogs that make them unique in their own ways.

Physical traits of Long-Nosed Dogs

• Long-nosed dogs are well-known for their enhanced vision and excellent sense of smell, with their long snouts having scent membranes and millions of olfactory cells that help them detect faint smells and process them.
• Some long-nosed dog breeds like Saluki, Greyhound (Sighthounds), have bodies built for sprinting and smart hunting.
• They have long, narrow heads that give them their signature elongated look.
• The longer nose improves airflow and helps them stay cooler during physical activity.
• Many of these dogs have slim, athletic bodies that make them naturally fast and agile.
• Their eyes sit wider apart, giving them a broader view of their surroundings.
• Their narrow jaws can crowd their teeth, so they often need more dental care.
• Their coats vary widely, from short and smooth to long and flowing, depending on the breed.

Behavioral Traits of Long-Nosed Dogs

• Long-nosed dogs often chase small animals because many long-nosed dogs were originally bred for sight hunting and small game.
• These long-nosed dog breeds can be cautious with strangers but stay affectionate with their favorite humans.
• Their independence can slow training, though their high intelligence makes puzzle toys and interactive toys very helpful.
• They are highly athletic with a lean build and long legs, so they need daily exercise, long walks, or short bursts of running.

• Breeds like the greyhound, afghan hound, pharaoh hound, and ibizan hound usually stay calm indoors but still need a secure space to sprint.
• Hunting dogs such as the German Shepherd rely on their long snout and incredible sense of smell, which can lead them to follow scents without thinking.
• Some long-nosed breeds have a flowing coat or feathered ears, while others have a simple, sleek look, but all share that distinctive elongated shape and long muzzle.

Long-Nose Breathing Benefits: Why These Dogs Thrive in Hot Climates

These dogs can thrive in very different climates easily due to the length of their noses, which allows them a great heat-exchanging system via efficient cooling through panting.

This helps more air move through their nose, cooling the air they breathe in and the blood that flows out through the nasal passages.

Long-Nose Dog Health Issues: Common Problems and Prevention Strategies

Below are some common health issues and their prevention strategies for the long-nosed dog breeds.

Health Issue	What It Means	Prevention Strategy
Dental crowding	Their long, narrow muzzle and elongated shape can cause tightly packed teeth that collect plaque.	Regular brushing, dental chews, and routine vet cleanings.
Nasal irritation	Dogs with long noses have extended nasal passages that can dry out or get irritated, especially in dusty spaces.	Keep indoor air clean and avoid smoke or heavy dust.
Eye injuries	Wider-set eyes in many long-snouted dogs are more exposed during fast running or outdoor play.	Supervise high-speed play and stay away from thorny or rough ground.
Muscle strains	Highly athletic long-nosed breeds with long legs are prone to sprains during short bursts of sprinting.	Warm up with gentle walks and avoid slippery areas.
Sensitivity to extreme heat	Their lean build and low body fat make them heat up faster during outdoor activity.	Offer shade, cool water, and avoid running in extreme heat.
Gastrointestinal upsets	Active breeds like the greyhound or Afghan hound may have sensitive stomachs due to high-energy lifestyles.	Provide balanced meals and avoid sudden diet changes.
Anxiety from a strong chase drive	Many long-nosed dog breeds were originally bred for sight hunting and can get stressed in busy places with small animals.	Use secure areas, structured exercise, and training to manage chase triggers.

Long Snout Dog List: Ranking 11 Dolichocephalic Breeds by Activity Level

Based on their activity levels, all the dogs mentioned in this blog can be categorized into different tiers, which are given below:

Tier 1: Ultra-Athletic

These are the breeds that need 50 to 60+ minutes of exercise daily. IF you are an athlete who has daily time for helping your dog with sprinting, they will be an ideal pet for you. 

Breed	Type	Daily Exercise	Size (lbs)	Lifespan	Best For	Key Trait
Greyhound	Sighthound	45-60+ min	60-70	12-14 yrs	Athletes, experienced owners	40-45 mph speed; calm indoors
Saluki	Sighthound	60+ min	35-65	12-14 yrs	Very active owners, experienced	Ancient breed; independent, reserved
Whippet	Sighthound	45-60 min	25-40	12-15 yrs	First-time owners, apartments	Most adaptable sighthound; minimal grooming
Pharaoh Hound	Sighthound	45-60 min	45-55	12-15 yrs	Active families, experienced	Alert, intelligent, high prey drive
Ibizan Hound	Sighthound	45-60 min	45-50	12-14 yrs	Active owners, experienced	Agile, independent; Spanish origin

Tier 2: Highly Active

Dogs in this tier require 45 to 60 minutes of daily activity based on their breed and physical needs. An owner with a large yard and experience to deal with this breed can do great with this tier. 

Breed	Type	Daily Exercise	Size (lbs)	Lifespan	Best For	Key Trait
Borzoi	Sighthound	45-60 min	60-105	12-13 yrs	Experienced owners, large space	Largest breed; independent, selective hearing
Afghan Hound	Sighthound	45-60 min	50-60	12-14 yrs	Grooming enthusiasts, experienced	7-10 hrs/week grooming; regal, aristocratic

Tier 1:Moderate Activity

These dogs can do well if provided with 30 to 45 minutes of daily activity. These are ideal for families. 

Breed	Type	Daily Exercise	Size (lbs)	Lifespan	Best For	Key Trait
Collie	Herding	30-45 min	50-75	14-16 yrs	Families, first-time owners	Intelligent, loyal, and longest lifespan
Bloodhound	Scent Hound	30-45 min	80-110	10-12 yrs	Active families, experienced	Incredible scent-tracking ability; stubborn
Basset Hound	Scent Hound	30-45 min	40-65	12-13 yrs	Families, moderate activity	Loving, stubborn, and independent nature
German Shepherd	Working/Herding	30-45 min	50-90	12-14 yrs	Experienced owners, active families	Versatile, intelligent, highly trainable
Dachshund	Terrier	30-45 min	11-32	13-16 yrs	Families, apartment dwellers	Small size; tenacious hunters; surprisingly hardy
Fox Terrier	Terrier	30-45 min	15-19	12-15 yrs	Active families, experienced owners	Mischievous, high prey drive; energetic

Long-Nose Dog Care Tips: Daily Routines and Seasonal Considerations

When it comes to daily routines and their care:

• Ensure they clean their nose daily with a cloth and clean water to remove any dirt on it.
• Never use products with alcohol and fragrances.
• Use a balm to keep their nose from cracking or drying.
• Play scent-based games with them to provide mental stimulation and to keep up with enhancing their sense of smell, which is their best trait.
• Keep an eye on any unusual discharges, bleeding, or swelling, as these can be signs of some underlying health conditions.

When it comes to seasonal care in the summer:

• In summer, if they are sneezing or scratching their nose a lot, that might be due to pollen allergy, so clean their nose after walks.
• Do not take them for walks in extreme weather, and only take them out during mornings or cool evenings in summer.
• Use pest control products based on your vet’s suggestion, as ticks and parasites are more of a threat in summer.

For seasonal care during the winter season:

• Clean their paws and use balm right after the walks, or provide them with boots while walking.
• Use a humidifier indoors to prevent dry air and a dry nose due to indoor heating systems.
• If you live somewhere where it snows, provide them with extra blankets if they lack a hair coat.
• If it is too cold outside, swap with shorter walks and more indoor activities like puzzle toys or scent gaming toys.

Final Remarks

Even though the long-nose dogs are naturally built to be different, and are blessed with a longer and active lifestyle, they still require their owners to know them completely for better care and longevity of this fast-paced, yet loyal and loving dog companion. 

Using this blog, you can figure out your next long-nose dog, and for more information on these breeds individually, do not forget to keep coming back to Pet Guides Info.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do long-nosed dogs live longer?

Yes, the long-nosed dogs live longer (13.3+ years) than the short-nosed breeds, like French Bulldogs, which live only 9–9.5 years on average.

What are the most common health issues in long-nosed dogs?

The most common health issues in long-nosed dogs are nasal tumors, aspergillosis, oronasal fistula, and anesthesia sensitivity.

How much exercise do they need?

Most long-nosed dogs need 30–60+ minutes of daily exercise. But there are some like  Borzois and Afghan Hounds that are more moderate but still athletic. Exercise requirements vary by breed, but they require active owners for their better physical and behavioral health management. 

Are they good for first-time owners?

Some long-nosed dogs work well for first-time owners, but it depends on the breed. Collies and Whippets learn quickly and are easy to handle. Greyhounds are gentle and calm, but they need extra care with anesthesia and cold weather. Afghan Hounds need a lot of grooming, while Borzois and Salukis can be independent and harder to train. Choose a breed that fits your experience and daily lifestyle.