One of the best reasons to own a pup is that there are different sizes, shapes, and breeds for all owners. The diversity of dogs available in the world means you can always find that special friend who will cuddle up on cool winter nights and wake you up with a kiss when it's time for breakfast.

With so many different dogs to choose from, you may wonder what makes one unique from another. An often cited reason for selecting a specific breed is the shape of the head, in particular, the long nose. Here is some fantastic info on why so many prefer a long-nose dog and the popular breeds with this distinctive feature.

Why Do Some Dogs Have a Longer Nose than Others?

Many puppies are bred for special features like carrying large packs, being small enough to fit in a bag, or offering support for disabilities. A long-nose dog is a little different. The elongated shape of the snout provides enhanced olfactory senses and agility. This means these dogs have way more scent receptors than other doggos you would find worldwide.

Think of those longer noses as a radar system. Every time the dog goes out for a walk or escapes into the kitchen for a snack, they use the subtle smells around them to detect prey or scents they want to further explore. So, what is the purpose of the long-nose dog? They are meant for tracking, hunting, and detecting prey or items.

11 Dog Breeds with Beautiful Long Snouts

1. Borzoi

The graceful and elegant Borzoi is known as the “let me do it for you” dog breed. It has a long, slender snout and a rich history as a Russian hunting dog due to its incredible speed and agility. However, these are also more independent dogs. They are surprisingly calm and walk around with an air of dignity while still being the cuddly, gentle giants families love.

2. Greyhound

You’ve probably seen Greyhounds before in movies and TV shows about racing. That is because this breed is known best for its speed and high breathing capacity. They are gentle, affectionate, and way less energy dependent, even though it looks like they could run for hours on end.

3. Poodle

While many Poodle owners desire the breed's curly coats and funny personalities, the long nose makes them extremely versatile hunters. Poodles were originally bred to be retrievers because of their advanced intelligence and high energy levels. As long as you train poodles well, they can be fantastic companions and agile playmates.

4. Whippet

Think of the Whippet as a smaller version of a Greyhound. They have the same athletic design and shape, using their long nose structure to both hunt and win races. Whippets love human companionship. You can find them outside happily running in circles just as often as curled up on the couch near one of their owners.

5. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman breeds get a little bit of a bad rap. They are more affectionate than people realize but have a protective instinct that makes them ideal as guard dogs and keeping a family safe. The high loyalty and scent detection means they know when something (or someone) is nearby that shouldn’t be.

6. Pharaoh Hound

A Pharaoh Hound is a little less common in the States. In part, this is because of the striking appearance and the need to explore everything around them. You don’t want a Pharaoh Hound in a small apartment. They are wonderfully affectionate and love spending time playing with humans and other pets outdoors, where they can smell the greater world around them.

7. Collie

Yes, we’re talking about the same type of dog as Lassie! A Collie has long hair and an even longer nose that looks straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting. This long-nose dog is best suited to herding and tracking, as well as for a fantastic companion for younger families who want a long-lasting pet to grow alongside children.

8. Bull Terrier

Bull Terriers became popular in the US after a few marketing campaigns from major brands. They have a much more petite build with a thick neck and skull you will see dodging in and out of holes, around agility courses, and over hillsides. They have a ton of energy, which is why you most often see them used in sporting events or with a lot of interactive toys like The Fighter Bobby from Petbobi.

9. Saluki

The Saluki is gorgeous. There is no better way to put it. It is rarer to find it due to the long history of slim and elegant dogs owned by royalty and nobles. They are highly athletic and love to go on long excursions outdoors. While they are independent, they are also loyal to their owners.

10. Dachshund

The small powerhouse known as a Dachshund is extremely popular with homes because they are sweet little dogs with a lot of attitude. You’ll find Dachshunds used as hunting dogs in some farming cases because this long-nose dog can detect rats, mice, birds, and other small animals.

11. German Shepherd

You can find German Shepherds in all kinds of working dog situations due to their longer nose and detailed scent capabilities. Everyone from police investigators to search and rescue missions rely on this highly intelligent pup to ensure no stone is unturned. They are easily trainable and consistent and make excellent guard dogs for families.

Wrapping Up

Whether choosing the “let me do it for you” dog breed of the Borzoi or giving your kiddos the gift of a Dachshund puppy, owning a long-nose dog is a wonderful way to add an interesting layer to your life. Those longer snouts ensure these breeds can detect scents far more accurately than our human noses, making them perfect for a wide range of activities and purposes.

No matter which dog you choose, be sure they are properly groomed. You wouldn’t want any excessive hair getting the way of those beautiful long noses. We recommend the 3-in-1 Pet Grooming Brush in, either orange or blue, as a wonderful accessory to keep in your car for park trips, in the house for late-night cuddle sessions, or traveling.

There are plenty of other long-nose dogs out there in the world. This list gives an excellent starting point for welcoming a new family member into your home.