Along tail helps the cheetah keep balance while running at top speeds. It also helps for sharp turns. Long claws help cheetahs as they grip the ground as they run. The claws of a cheetah works like a track shoe. They dig into the ground as the cheetah pushes off and help to build up speed faster.
Cheetahs are the only big cats that can always keep their claws extended.
A cheetah's paws are more likely to look like a dogs paws because they are always extended. A long time ago people thought cheetahs were part of the dog family. Later they were classifed as cats. Compared to other cats the cheetah is actually very small. The male lion has a bigger build then the cheetah.