I was actually inspired by the faces of the Borzoi hound, whose faces can have those same very long proportions. Plus as you say, I did figure that animals wouldn't be identical from planet to planet. Internally riding hounds are a bit more different than they look. Not only do they have the bioelectric sense, but they're therapsids, not mammals. Similar to a mammal, but not quite one.
BTW, did you happen to see the finished drawing at the bottom of the thread? (I ask since that's one of the WIPs in the quote.