What are Sight Hounds?
Sighthounds or Gazehounds specialize in hunting their quarry by sight rather than scent. All of the Sighthound breeds are an ancient type of dog dating back to the great Egyptian, Middle Eastern, African and Southwest Asian civilizations. Sighthounds have extremely good vision. They also have a long jaw and lengthy neck that assists them in sighting their quarry. Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long powerful legs are an essential assets when following fast and agile prey. Sighthounds also have distinctive feet with elongated middle toes that make the foot appear longer, helping to provide a firm footing. Their long stride, powerful chest and lungs and agile bodies make it possible for sight hounds to chase and kill their quarry. Sighthounds are loyal, loving and mellow but their instinct to chase anything that is running requires an excellent training program and firm control.
They were prized for hunting during the Middle Ages and dogs that look very much like modern Greyhounds can be found in Renaissance artwork. While they vary greatly in size they have many similar body characteristics and are among the fastest animals on the planet. Greyhounds can reach speeds in excess of 40 miles per hour and the only animal faster is the Cheetah. Sighthounds are usually long and lean in the body, with long tails, streamlined heads and very little body fat. The smallest Sighthounds include the Italian Greyhound and Whippet, at less than 30 pounds, while the largest Sighthounds like the majestic Irish Wolfhound can top out at 120 pounds. And while most Sighthounds have very short fur, some have impressively coats like the Afghan Hound and Borzois.
Sighthounds can be found all over the world. Borzois come from Russia, Salukis from the Middle East, Deerhounds from Scotland, Italian Greyhounds from ancient Pompeii, Irish Wolfhounds from Ireland, and Greyhounds from England and Ireland. While many of these breeds are generally no longer used as hunters they are still used for sport in many countries. Although many people still see them only as racers or hunters, Sighthounds make wonderful pets and have gentle and loving dispositions. They love to run and lure coursing is great for their health and stability. Most Sighthound breeds, despite their capability for speed, enjoy spending their days soaking up the sun or lounging on beds!
They were prized for hunting during the Middle Ages and dogs that look very much like modern Greyhounds can be found in Renaissance artwork. While they vary greatly in size they have many similar body characteristics and are among the fastest animals on the planet. Greyhounds can reach speeds in excess of 40 miles per hour and the only animal faster is the Cheetah. Sighthounds are usually long and lean in the body, with long tails, streamlined heads and very little body fat. The smallest Sighthounds include the Italian Greyhound and Whippet, at less than 30 pounds, while the largest Sighthounds like the majestic Irish Wolfhound can top out at 120 pounds. And while most Sighthounds have very short fur, some have impressively coats like the Afghan Hound and Borzois.
Sighthounds can be found all over the world. Borzois come from Russia, Salukis from the Middle East, Deerhounds from Scotland, Italian Greyhounds from ancient Pompeii, Irish Wolfhounds from Ireland, and Greyhounds from England and Ireland. While many of these breeds are generally no longer used as hunters they are still used for sport in many countries. Although many people still see them only as racers or hunters, Sighthounds make wonderful pets and have gentle and loving dispositions. They love to run and lure coursing is great for their health and stability. Most Sighthound breeds, despite their capability for speed, enjoy spending their days soaking up the sun or lounging on beds!