Why does my dog have such a deep chest? Find Out Here

Does Your Dog Have a Deep Chest?

Deep-chested dogs have narrow, tall rib cages that fall lower on their body – usually below the elbows of the dogs front legs. Their chest is typically egg- or oval-shaped, and taller than it is wide.

Many of these breeds were bred for hunting or working, so their long chests give them extra lung capacity for running and endurance activities.

Common dog breeds with deep chests include:

  • Basset Hounds
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • Great Danes
  • Greyhounds
  • Irish Setters
  • Old English Sheepdogs
  • Saint Bernards
  • Standard Poodles
  • Weimaraners
  • What is a Deep Chest in Dogs?

    First, it is important to understand what exactly is meant and what is not meant by deep-chestedness in your dog. The chest is the area between your dogs neck and abdomen, also referred to as the thoracic cavity. Dogs can have wide, round chests, known as a barrel-chested confirmation, and is NOT the same as deep-chested. Deep-chestedness refers to the length of the chest from the back to the sternum, or bottom of the chest, and is usually associated with a proportionately narrower chest. A deep-chested dog usually has a chest that extends to or below their elbows, making them proportionately deeper and narrower than normal or barrel-chested dogs. Deep-chestedness is proportionate, and although many large breeds are represented, small and medium dog breeds can be deep-chested also. Examples of breeds known for having a deep chest are:

    ■ Dobermans ■ Dachshunds ■ Rottweilers ■ German Shepherds ■ Irish Wolfhounds and other sighthounds ■ Great Danes ■ Boxers ■ Akitas ■ St. Bernards ■ Weimaraners ■ Bloodhounds ■ Standard Poodles ■ Newfoundlands

    Airedale Terrier

    Airedale Terriers stand around 23 inches tall and weigh between 60 and 70 pounds. They have curly coats that are tan and brown.

    They are friendly, smart, and very loyal to their owners. They were originally bred to hunt ducks and rats.

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