Did you know that there are dogs that look like deer in the wild? Do you want an energetic, slight, lean, and active dog? If so, you might want a dog that looks like a deer. There are dozens of dog breeds that are smaller in stature, skinny, and have long legs that could be just what you are looking for.
If having a small teacup dog that sits on the couch all day long is not what you want in a pet, then you should consider finding a more active and lean dog that can go on walks, run, and explore your big property. We love finding dogs that work well with your specific needs, such as activity level, temperament, and other factors.
Instead of just choosing the first dog you see at the shop, consider going to a local adoption shelter and finding a dog that looks like a deer that will work for your unique needs. Plus, you can feel good about adopting a dog and doing something good. Let’s see the top choices for dogs that look like deer if you are interested in finding an active and sporty dog with a lean body, long legs, and a thin face.
Before scrolling down this list of dogs that look like Deers, you can check out these other guides from our team at We Love Doodles: Dog Breeds That Look Like Pandas.
Dogs with a Deer-Like Appearance
Our team at We Love Doodles researched to compile this list of dogs that look like a deer for you to check out.
1. Greyhound
The Greyhound is one of the most widely recognizable dog breeds in the entire world. With a very thin face, skinny body, and long legs, this type of dog is known for its exceptional speed and ability to continue running for hours. The Greyhound is a hunting dog that is used to catch prey.
Its lightning-quick speed means it can reach up to 45 miles per hour, making it the fastest dog breed. It is understandable why people think this dog looks like a deer. With long and skinny legs, an elongated body, and a thin face and nose reminiscent of a deer’s face, the Greyhound is similar in stature and appearance to this woodland creature.
If you are thinking of buying a Greyhound as a dog owner, there are a few things to take into consideration beforehand. Firstly, the Greyhound is a reasonably adaptable dog that works well with hot weather and is not very sensitive to loud noises or nuisances.
However, you will have to be careful leaving your dog alone for long periods or leaving them in cold weather. Secondly, the Greyhound is an amiable dog. You can leave your Greyhound with other dogs and kids and not have to worry about if they will get along. The Greyhound is affectionate with family members and is great with young kids.
Furthermore, the Greyhound is accessible regarding their health and grooming needs. You don’t have to worry about shedding or excessive weight gain. Lastly, the Greyhound is a good choice for those who want a trainable dog. The Greyhound is easy to train and is very smart, making it easy for you to teach them how to behave in your home.
2. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is a petite, skinny, brown dog breed known for resembling a deer. This kind of dog was bred to work with hunters to catch prey, making them loyal dogs to have around when hiking, walking, hunting, or roaming outside.
The Pharaoh Hound is an adaptable dog with low sensitivity to loud noises, works well for beginner owners, and can tolerate all types of hot or humid weather. As long as you don’t leave your puppy alone for long periods or in cold weather, your dog will be happy.
This hound is also very friendly, meaning you never have to worry about whether your dog will get along with the local kids, other families, or other dogs in your area. The only thing to remember regarding the pharaoh Hound is the higher grooming needs, as you will have to put up with a higher drooling amount than other puppies and clean up their hair more often.
3. Italian Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound is another dog that looks like a deer due to its skinny face, tiny legs, and skinny body. The Greyhound is a gentle, friendly, affectionate, and loving dog with people they are close to.
If you are considering getting an Italian Greyhound, remember that these puppies are easy to care for — as long as you give them enough attention and compassion.
The Italian Greyhound is a reasonably adaptable dog that works well living in small spaces, as long as you don’t leave them alone for long periods. The Italian Greyhound is friendly with kids and other dogs, making them a good choice for families or those who have other pets.
However, owners must remember that this dog breed’s health and grooming needs are more time-consuming than others, as they shed and have a high drooling potential compared to the typical Greyhound.
4. Ibizan Hound
The Ibizan Hound is another dog breed that looks like a deer due to its tiny face, brown body, and tall legs. The Ibizan Hound was first bred to catch rabbits and rodents on big plots of land, so it has since changed into an athletic and high-energy dog. This type of dog is usually used for courses, racing, and sports to keep them occupied and happy.
The Ibizan Hound is a fairly adaptable dog that works well in small spaces and hot weather but does not like being left alone for long periods or spending hours in cold weather. Regarding all-around friendliness, the Ibizan Hound is an amiable dog with everyone, including strangers, family, kids, and other dogs.
The health and grooming needs of the Ibizan Hound are average since this dog breed has a higher potential for weight gain and drool than other Greyhounds. However, the trainability of this dog is high due to its intelligence and prey drive, making it a smart choice for those with a lot of land for the dog to run around in its free time.
5. Deer Head Chihuahua
Another dog that looks like a deer that you may not immediately think of is the classic Chihuahua, the Deer Head variety. The Chihuahua is a tiny and popular dog known for its small eyes, tiny face, small body, and temperament. If you are into a dog that is great for curling up on the couch or going for an outside run, this is the dog for you.
Chihuahuas are known for their fiery personality, bark, and big attitude. We love this dog for owners who want to spend a lot of time around their pets and want their dog to be an extension of their own family. Chihuahuas are adaptable if you don’t leave them in cold weather or the house for long periods by themselves.
Deer Head Chihuahuas are fine with hot water and can work well in small apartments or tiny living quarters. Furthermore, Chihuahuas are very friendly. Although they may get a bad rap for being loud and annoying, Chihuahuas are friendly toward kids and family members. Just be careful leaving your puppy with other dogs if they do not know them first.
The Chihuahua dog breed needs more time and care regarding its health and grooming. The Chihuahua sheds more than you may think possible for a small dog; plus, the small size and general health means they may have more health issues in the future if you do not keep up to date with their vet checks.
Related: What is a Brindle Chihuahua and Why is My Chihuahua’s Tongue Sticking Out?
6. Whippet
Last but not least, the Whippet is a tiny and lean dog that looks like a deer. The small face, long legs, and slim body, similar to that of a Greyhound, make this dog look just like a deer. A Whippet is a hunting dog perfect for owners who want a companion to be with them while outside hunting, walking, bing, or roaming around in the wilderness.
A Whippet is bred to be active, high-energy, and run around outside, so they are the ideal dog breed for active users who want to exercise daily. This dog breed is known for its friendly demeanor and unique temperament, combining a high-energy dog with a friendly dog that enjoys meeting new people and other dogs.
A Whippet is a fairly adaptable dog that can live in small spaces or spend multiple hours outside in hot weather. However, you will have to be careful if you are a beginner dog owner and leave this puppy alone for long periods, as they will not be happy when you get home.
Owners will be happy to know that Whippets are extremely friendly and easygoing dogs. They are affectionate with family members and friendly to dogs and kids. If you bring your dog to a dog park, it will instantly warm with strangers and new dogs. Remember that Whippets are typically more challenging to take care of than other puppies.
You will have to monitor their potential for weight gain and control their shedding in your house, as they shed hair more so than other similar dogs. Lastly, Whippets are easy to train. This is good for new dog owners who are learning the ropes. You can train this smart dog, especially regarding outside activities or hunting.
Conclusion For “Dogs That Look Like a Deer”
If you were looking for a dog that looks like a deer, now you have a good starting point with this list. Choose one of these amiable dog breeds to find the perfect one for your needs.
If you find this guide, “Dogs That Look Like a Deer,” informative, you can check out these other dog breed lists from our team:
Aside from dogs having a deer-like appearance, you can check out more interesting dog breeds by watching “The Top 10 Look-Alike Dog Breeds” down below:
Dr. Sabrina Kong graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in England in 2016 and has been working at a small animal clinic in Northern California since then. She grew up in the Bay Area and got her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She also became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through a program at the University of Tennessee.
When she isn’t in the clinic taking care of her four-legged patients, she enjoys traveling and trying new foods with her friends and her three-legged dog, Apollo. She adopted Apollo from her clinic when he was a puppy with numerous health issues. Dr. Kong truly cares about taking care of animals.