We all know that our canine companions have an amazing sense of smell. They can smell 10,000 to 100,000 times better than humans!
They can smell food, track down people and animals from miles away, and even detect human emotions.
However, when it comes to their sense of smell, not all breeds are created equal. Long nosed dogs usually have a better sense of smell simply because there is more space for scent-detecting cells.
With their keen sense of smell and graceful looks, these dogs are loved by millions worldwide. In this article, I will share some of the most popular dog breeds with long noses. Let’s begin!
1. Dachshund
First on our list of canines with long noses are the iconic wiener dogs or sausage dogs.
Dachshunds have elongated bodies and muzzles that allow them to be great at digging underground. Dachshund means “badger dog,” as they were developed to dig their way into a badger’s den.
According to American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards, a Dachshund’s head slopes gradually to the tip of its nose. They have slightly arched muzzles and large noses, giving them a Roman-nosed appearance.
Their long noses, combined with their almond-shaped eyes, give Dachshunds a pleasant and intelligent expression that’s loved by many.
Dachshunds are clever, friendly, and loving companions, making them one of the most popular breeds in the United States.
Look out for your gardens, though. Dachshunds are scent hounds, so they use their sense of smell for hunting. These dogs will always use their noses to sniff and dig anywhere!
2. Borzoi
Next on our list is the Borzoi, a breed easily identifiable with its long snouts and large black noses. Borzois have an uncommonly long and narrow head.
Their breed standards state that their heads have “scarcely any perceptible stop,” and they are “inclined to be Roman-nosed.”
With their strong and graceful looks, it’s no wonder Borzois were well-loved and bred by the Russian aristocracy. They were used for hunting foxes, rabbits, and wolves.
Although they have elongated snouts, Borzois are sighthounds, meaning they rely on sight instead of scent for hunting.
Even if most Borzois do not hunt anymore, they will enjoy activities to practice their instincts. They can excel in tracking, lure coursing, agility, and obedience trials.
Borzoi owners have to be extra careful. Outside the house, these dogs might instinctively want to run and chase. But indoors, Borzois are calm, dignified, and princely companions.
3. Basset Hound
Basset Hounds are famous for their long faces with droopy ears. They have heavy and deep muzzles, with large and wide-open nostrils that give them a powerful sense of smell.
These scenthounds were originally bred in France and Belgium to track rabbits and deer. They were so accurate and persistent in the tracking game that they became popular among French aristocrats who loved hunting.
However, it’s not just their noses that do all the work! A Basset’s ears help stir smells up the nose, and the droopy skin on their faces helps hold the smell up close.
Because of this, Bassets are considered among the best when it comes to tracking and scent work.
But these canines aren’t just prized for being hunting dogs. Basset Hounds are affectionate, devoted, and friendly. They are very social with humans and other pets, making them great family dogs.
4. Saluki
One of the oldest dog breeds in the world, Salukis are sighthounds with slim, agile bodies and long, narrow heads.
The shape of their heads is moderately wide between the ears, tapering gradually to their slender muzzles.
Salukis have a sleek and symmetrical build, making them swift and agile hunters. As such, they were prized by ancient royals for their beauty and hunting abilities.
Salukis are referred to as “the royal dog of Egypt” and “El Hor,” meaning “the noble one.”
Given their aristocratic origins, the Saluki breed is a reserved, independent, and intelligent family pet. But note that despite their quiet temperament, these dogs need plenty of exercises.
Salukis have the instinct to run and chase, so they should be given chances to run freely in a fenced area. In fact, they are even trained for races in some parts of the world.
Watch a Saluki training for a race in this video:
This Arabian Dog is Fast Enough to Catch a Gazelle 🤩 Amazing Dogs | Smithsonian Channel<a href="https://youtu.be/rWurYGuzBeA" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FrWurYGuzBeA%2F0.jpg" alt="This Arabian Dog is Fast Enough to Catch a Gazelle 🤩 Amazing Dogs | Smithsonian Channel" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
5. German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherd Dogs (GSD) are among the most popular working dogs in the world. These canines are the perfect combination of intelligence and strong and confident looks.
A GSD would have a finely chiseled head that slopes into a long, wedge-shaped muzzle. And the ways they use their long muzzles are a testament to their versatility.
As members of the herding group, they like nudging and directing people and animals with their long noses.
They’re also top tier when it comes to scenting abilities. A German Shepherd dog does great in search and rescue, police and detection work, and tracking.
Other than herding and scenting, their long noses are also used for a lot of chewing. German Shepherds are known to be a mouthy breed as they tend to use their mouths like a hand.
They don’t just excel in work, though! GSDs are known to be devoted and affectionate. Given proper training and activity, they make great family dogs.
6. Whippet
Adding to the sighthounds on our list, the Whippet is another dog breed with a relatively narrow skull and a long snout.
Their heads are fairly wide between the ears, tapering to a long and powerful muzzle that indicates the strength of their bite.
These sighthounds were originally developed in England for racing and hunting, so they have a slim but sturdy build similar to Greyhounds.
As an outlet for their natural instincts, various kennel clubs still hold Whippet racing events.
One of the best things about Whippets is that they’re not only great athletes but also ideal family dogs.
These dogs are known to be very affectionate to their owners. Whippets will love hanging out with you at home, probably just as much as running and chasing!
7. Afghan Hound
Next is the legendary Afghan Hound. These long-faced dogs have existed since the dawn of civilization. With their hunting prowess, they had been status symbols and hunting companions of aristocrats in Asia for centuries.
Afghan Hounds have very specific breed standards, especially with their heads. Their skulls should be extended but not too narrow.
There should be a slight prominence on their nasal bone structure, giving them a slightly Roman appearance.
Their jaws are described as “long and punishing,” with an ideal level mouth. This means that the upper and lower teeth should match evenly.
As an ancient breed, Afghan Hounds are the stuff of legend. A lot of stories and myths surround these beautiful canines.
A fun story about the long noses of Afghan Hounds? Legend has it that Afghan Hounds represented canines on Noah’s Ark.
When the ark began to have leaks, Noah asked them to plug the holes with their long faces, explaining why dogs have wet noses.
8. Greyhound
Predating written history, the Greyhound has been a fast and agile hunting companion to humans since ancient times. They are known to come from the sighthound family, so they are desired by many pet owners.
After thousands of years, the Greyhound is now considered the fastest dog breed in the world and one with long noses. And it’s no wonder, as their bodies are built for speed!
Their heads are pretty broad between the ears, narrowing to a strong muzzle. This head shape is said to be aerodynamic, allowing them to run at lightning speed.
Greyhounds also have lean “inverted S” bodies and shock-absorbing paw pads that enable them to run very fast. Greyhounds are often compared to the fastest land animal, the cheetah.
For prospective Greyhound owners, note that it’s essential that they are given opportunities to run freely.
Once they’ve spent their energy running, they would love lazing around at home with their families. Greyhounds are also known as the “45 mph couch potatoes!”
9. Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers aren’t called the “King of Terriers” for nothing. Aside from being the largest terrier breed, these dogs are famous for their versatility.
They are distinguished as athletes, hunters, and companions. Their fluffy regal looks make them quite popular too!
Airedales have a long and flat face, usually with a sporty beard and mustache. Unlike other long nose dogs, their muzzles are not narrow but appear wide and flat. Their black noses should be prominent at the end of their muzzle.
Their faces and small dark eyes give the impression of an alert, intelligent, and willing canine. True enough, Airedale Terriers can excel in just about anything from herding, hunting, K-9 work to babysitting.
If you’re planning to get the King of Terrier as a pet, prepare for an intelligent dog with boundless energy. When trained right from puppyhood, Airedales can make great family pets.
10. Beagle
Did you know that Snoopy is an AKC-registered Beagle? The iconic cartoon character with a huge nose is perhaps the most famous Beagle in the world.
In real life, a Beagle’s nose is probably not as big as Snoopy’s, but they make our list of adorable long nose dogs!
The AKC breed standards describe a Beagle’s head as being “fairly long.” It’s domed at the top, with a medium-length, square-cut muzzle.
Their nostrils are large and open, giving them incredible scenting abilities along with their long noses.
Beagles are scenthounds initially bred for hunting rabbits and hares. Now, many people keep them as pets, but they’re also put to work in different scent detection jobs.
In fact, a team of dogs called “Beagle Brigade” is employed in airports. These Beagles were “hired” by the US Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security to detect illegal plant, food, and animal products.
11. Pharaoh Hound
Next up is another ancient breed, the Pharaoh Hound. As the name suggests, these dogs originated in ancient Egypt and are one of the oldest domesticated dogs in recorded history.
Grace, speed, and power are all apparent in the looks of a Pharaoh Hound. They have lean and chiseled heads with a long and pointed muzzle. These hounds also have a flesh-colored nose that seems to blend with the coat.
Pharaoh Hounds are excellent hunters and have been prized hunting companions for a long time in Malta. They are sighthounds that excel in hunting rabbits, herding goats and sheep, and retrieving birds.
Pharaoh Hounds are not all about work, though. They are known to be amiable and playful companions.
These dogs even have the unique ability to blush. When they’re happy or excited, their noses and the insides of their ears turn a rosy pink color!
12. Bull Terrier
Bull Terriers are considered clowns in the canine world. It’s partly because of their fun and mischievous temperament and partly because of their unique appearance.
A defining trait of the Bull Terrier is its long, egg-shaped head. When viewed from the front, their heads appear oval in outline, ideally without any hollows or dents.
Their heads are flat in between the ears and gently curve down to the tip of the nose. They also have small slanted eyes and pointed ears.
Combine all those, and you get the sweet and intelligent looks of a Bull Terrier accentuated by their long noses.
Despite having unpleasant origins in dogfighting, Bull Terriers are considered very friendly dogs. Any Bull Terrier parent would know that they are affectionate and love spending time with their humans.
As a member of the terrier group, these dogs also have boundless energy and an instinct to hunt. Bull Terriers would enjoy obedience and agility trials, barn hunts, and even K-9 work.
13. Ibizan Hound
Ibizan Hounds, fondly called Beezers, are the perfect example of “form follows function.”
These dogs with long noses are ancient and were said to be often depicted in Egyptian art. It’s easy to see why! Aside from their hunting prowess, their looks combine deer-like elegance and strength.
The head of an Ibizan Hound is chiseled and narrow, almost like a cone. Their muzzles are delicate and slender, with their noses extending beyond the lower jaw. They have wide-open nostrils and noses that are always a rosy flesh color.
The sleek lines of Ibizan Hounds extend to their bodies. They are tall and leggy, allowing them to hunt for a game at incredible speed.
Though they were known as relentless hunters for thousands of years, Beezers are great as family pets too.
These dogs are family-oriented and calm inside the house, as long as they’re given plenty of time to run and exercise outside.
14. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher breed has long chiseled heads that resemble a blunt wedge. The top of their heads is a bit wide at the base of the ears, gradually narrowing to their muzzles.
Their cheeks are flat and muscular, giving the impression of planes and angles on their faces.
A tax collector named Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann originally wanted to develop guard dogs.
The exact breeds to create his dog are unknown, but it’s said that GSDs, Rottweilers, German Pinschers, and Weimaraners were involved in creating the Doberman Pinscher.
After his death, it is said that crosses were made to Manchester Terriers and Greyhounds to streamline their appearance.
With the right combinations of these breeds, the Doberman Pinschers we know today are simply the epitome of a great working dog.
15. Bloodhound
No list of dogs with long noses would be complete without the Bloodhound breed. These dogs are famous for their unmatched scenting abilities and their long, droopy faces.
According to AKC breed standards, a Bloodhound’s head is “narrow in proportion to its face” and “long in proportion to its body.”
Looking at a Bloodhound from the front, their muzzles appear wide and flat. These champion sniffers also have large and open nostrils, giving them the ability to pick up more scents.
Their long ears and wrinkly faces also contribute to their scenting ability. Their ears sweep up particles of the scents, some of which get trapped by their face wrinkles. This is why Bloodhounds are perfect for working in search and rescue operations.
As pets, the Bloodhound can be stubborn and curious about all the scents they pick up. They need a lot of patience to train as their hunting instincts may kick in!
But if you’re successful, Bloodhounds are known to be loving and easygoing companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Dog Has the Longest Nose?
Though there are no official records, a female Borzoi named Eris is thought to have the longest nose in the world.
Originally from Virginia, Eris became an internet sensation because of her nose that grew to 12.2 inches long! Her long adorable face has gained her over 200,000 followers on Instagram.
Borzois are large sighthounds that were originally used for hunting. These dogs originated in Russia and were prized companions of the Russian aristocracy.
What Is a Dolichocephalic Dog?
Dolichocephalic dogs are canines with a narrow skull base and elongated muzzle, like the breeds mentioned above. Dogs are categorized as dolichocephalic based on the cephalic index, a ratio between the skull width and length.
Dogs with a cephalic index lower than 75 are considered dolichocephalic. They are anatomically built for speed and running.
Greyhounds, Salukis, Borzois, and Whippets are among the fastest dog breeds in the world and they are dogs with long noses.
What Dogs Have Narrow Snouts?
On the other end of the spectrum is the brachycephalic head type. These dogs are characterized by a broad skull and a narrow or shortened snout.
Popular brachycephalic breeds are English and French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Boxers. These breeds would have a higher score on the cephalic index.
Final Thoughts
Dogs with long noses have existed since ancient times. Most of them were bred and developed for hunting, as dogs with long muzzles have a better sense of smell than other breeds.
Other parts of their heads, such as their ears and wrinkles, also help them detect scents better.
Their long faces are not only perfect for sniffing but also for speed. With aerodynamic heads and bodies, many long-faced dog breeds are built to run fast over various terrains.
Many of them were also bred for racing, a canine activity which is continued up until today.
Although long-nosed dogs are used for various kinds of work, they can also make fantastic family companions. As long as they are given opportunities to run and put their noses to work, these dogs will be happy and content.
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