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Top 20 Elegant Dog Breeds (With Pictures)

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

cavalier king charles spaniel dog standing on grass

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. There are cute ones, drooly ones, and ones with a wolf-like presence. Then, some dogs are simply elegant. You know the ones we are referring to; these dogs have an air to them.

To highlight those dogs, we have put together a list of 20 elegant dog breeds. Let’s dive in!

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The Top 20 Elegant Dog Breeds

1. Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound
Image Credit: nik174, Shutterstock
Group: Hound
Height: 25–27 inches
Weight: 50–60 pounds

To many people, the Afghan Hound is the epitome of elegance in dogs. With their distinctive face, long luscious coat, and soulful eyes, the Afghan Hound is, indeed, elegant. This breed has been admired for their distinguished gait and sweet temperament.


2. Borzoi

Borzoi
Image Credit: Anastasiia Cherniavskaia, Shutterstock
Group: Hound
Height: 26–28+ inches
Weight: 60–105 pounds

The Borzoi is a bit lesser known than the Afghan Hound; however, it is no less refined. The Borzoi possess a physique similar to the Greyhound, but they are covered with a long coat. A male Borzoi can be almost twice the weight of an Afghan, with a bit more of a stubborn streak.


3. Saluki

Saluki
Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock
Group: Hound
Height: 23–28 inches
Weight: 40–65 pounds

Salukis are an old breed, dating back thousands of years. They served as dignified hunting companions. With their long faces, floppy ears, and slender physique, they are a beautiful dog. Their popularity has continued over the centuries because of their sweet nature, intelligence, and adaptability.


4. Azawakh

Azawakh Dog
Image Credit: Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock
Group: Hound
Height: 23.5–29 inches
Weight: 33–55 pounds

The Azawakh is a rare dog breed in the United States. Originating from West Africa, this long-limbed, short-coated canine was used as a dedicated hunter. Despite their gazelle-like physique, they are durable and can withstand intense heat. While they can be independent, they are also very loyal.


5. English Greyhound

Beautiful brindle English Greyhound
Image Credit: Natallia Yaumenenka, Shutterstock
Group: Hound
Height: 27–30 inches
Weight: 60–70 pounds

The English Greyhound is renowned for their speed. But their agility is all thanks to their elegance. This lean, stealthy canine with their deep chest can move like lightning—faster than any other canine. Their physique has been artists’ inspiration for centuries.


6. Italian Greyhound

Italian Greyhounds
Image Credit: Overlook Photography, Shutterstock
Group: Toy
Height: 13–15 inches
Weight: 7–14 pounds

Most people are familiar with the English Greyhound. However, the smaller Italian Greyhound should not be looked over. Their playful and graceful natures make them amazing companions. But they can also dash with agility if they want! The Italian Greyhound is definitely a true greyhound in miniature.


7. Irish Setter

Irish Setter
Image Credit: Edgar G Biehle, Shutterstock
Group: Sporting
Height: 25–27 inches
Weight: 60–70 pounds

The Irish Setter is renowned for their coat, a shimmering red color. But their elegance does not stop there. Their graceful and swift movements have made them loyal partners on hunting expeditions. The Irish Setter also makes wonderful companions for families because they are sweet-natured and friendly.


8. Pharaoh Hound

Pharaoh Hound
Image Credit: Hanna Dymytrova-kaihila, Shutterstock
Group: Hound
Height: 21–25 inches
Weight: 45–55 pounds

The Pharaoh Hound is another ancient breed not as well-known in the United States. Hopefully, this elegant dog can get recognition because they possess distinctive facial features. Admirers of the Pharaoh Hound said they can smile when happy and blush when excited. Their sleek chestnut to reddish tan color seems to make them glow.


9. Whippet

Whippet Dog Breed
Image Credit: Francine parent, Shutterstock
Group: Hound
Height: 18–22 inches
Weight: 25–40 pounds

Often called “The Poor Man’s Racehorse”, the Whippet should not regarded as any less elegant than the Greyhound. Their slender legs, deep chest, and slim waist add to their petite appearance. Plus, Whippets can come in a variety of colors. Another feature that adds to their elegance is they rarely bark. They are both playful and quiet.


10. Weimaraner

Weimaraner Dog Breed
Image Credit: Sushitsky Sergey, Shutterstock
Group: Sporting
Height: 23–27 inches
Weight: 55–90 pounds

Being one of the few solid gray- or silver-colored dog breeds, the Weimaraner is definitely beautiful to behold. Known in Germany as the ‘Gray Ghost,’ this breed is both sleet and swift. Their gleaming coat and amber or blue-gray eyes add to the Weimaraner’s overall uniqueness.


11. Standard Poodle

Black Standard Poodle
Image Credit: chrisukphoto, Shutterstock
Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 15+ inches
Weight: 40–70 pounds

While there are three Poodle sizes, the Standard Poodle is the more elegant of their smaller counterparts. Usually, when the Poodle is shown in competitions, they have the famous “Continental Clip” cut, which has become synonymous with Poodles for decades. They are regal and athletic—a wonderful combination!


12. Doberman Pinscher

Doberman Pinscher Dog
Image Credit: Daria Shvetcova, Shutterstock
Group: Working
Height: 24–28 inches
Weight: 60–100 pounds

The Doberman Pinscher is often thought to be a fearless guard dog. However, this unfair reputation overshadows the fact that they are very regal. Their glossy coat, commonly coming in black and rust, and wedge-shaped head give them a royal appearance. Even if they are not being used as guard dogs, many people cannot help and admire their elegance.


13. Ibizan Hound

Ibizan Hound
Image Credit: Celine Bissat, Shutterstock
Group: Hound
Height: 22.5–27.5 inches
Weight: 45–50 pounds

The Ibizan Hound looks like it was carved from marble—and they probably were! This dog was the subject of paintings and sculptures thousands of years ago. The Ibizan Hound has so many features that make it a truly elegant breed: red and white coloring, slender legs, and elongated head. It is no wonder that they were regarded fondly in ancient Egypt.


14. Dalmatian

Dalmatian Dog
Image Credit: Anna Averianova_Shutterstock
Group: Non-Sporting
Height: 25–27 inches
Weight: 50–60 pounds

When people think about Dalmatians, a fire station often comes to mind. While they do have a history of working side-by-side with firefighters, they have been useful in other fields of work. The Dalmatian is easily recognized by their black spots, but their graceful gait and muscular hindquarters add to their regal appearance.


15. Airedale Terrier

airedale terrier at the park
Image Credit: korolenok, Shutterstock
Group: Terrier
Height: 23 inches
Weight: 50–70 pounds

The Airedale Terrier is not called “The King of Terriers” for no reason. Their strength, athletic ability, and muscular physique are all valid reasons for making this breed stand out amongst the rest. The Airedale’s wiry coat is often shaped into a stately beard, adding to their regal appearance.


16. Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerry Blue Terrier
Image Credit: studio37th_Shutterstock
Group: Terrier
Height: 17.5–19.5 inches
Weight: 33–40 pounds

While we have given the Airedale Terrier top-ranking marks for elegance, we need to acknowledge the Kerry Blue Terrier. Although this breed’s coloring varies from the Airedale’s commonly black and tan coat, they do seem like a miniature version of their larger Terrier cousins. Kerry Blue Terriers possess a long, elegant face, noble gait, and trimmed beard that continues to enhance this handsome breed.


17. Great Dane

Great Dane
Image Credit: Angyalosi Beata, Shutterstock
Group: Working
Height: 28–32 inches
Weight: 110–140 pounds

One of the most well-known dog breeds, the Great Dane truly is an elegant breed. Their towering statue can be intimidating, but few people can deny how handsome the Great Dane is; their square-shaped head, sleek coat, and noble stride are just a few striking features. They are, indeed, the Apollo of dogs.


18. Scottish Terrier

black Scottish terrier dog walking on the grass
Image Credit: Plotitsyna NiNa, Shutterstock
Group: Terrier
Height: 10 inches
Weight: 18–22 pounds

We would be amiss to leave out a smaller Terrier on this list of elegant dog breeds. Despite their small stature, the Scottish Terrier deserves recognition. Many people see the Scottish Terrier as a dapper young gentleman. When trimmed for a competition, you can’t help but smile at their elegance.


19. English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniel
Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock
Group: Sporting
Height: 15–17 inches
Weight: 26–34 pounds

The English Cocker Spaniel is the perfect combination of beauty and elegance. With their dark, meaningful eyes and floppy ears, the English Cocker Spaniel always looks dignified and refined. But don’t let their looks fool you; this silky-coated breed is playful and energetic.


20. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Image Credit: Ihar Halavach, Shutterstock
Group: Toy
Height: 12–13 inches
Weight: 13–18 pounds

Last, we have the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Often referred to as noble dogs of the canine world, this petite breed can win your heart with their expression-filled doe eyes. Medium-length silky fur covers this breed in a variety of colors. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not only elegant but playful and devoted, too.

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Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed reading through this list of elegant dog breeds. The dogs on this list have a refined and dignified air about them. And while all dogs are beautiful in their own way, these breeds have “elegance” embedded in their DNA.

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