About Sighthounds
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Sighthound Breeds
Afghan Hound
Basenji
Borzoi
Deerhound
Galgo
Greyhound
Ibizan Hound
Irish Wolfhound
Italian Greyhound
Pharaoh Hound
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Saluki
Sloughi
Whippet
Sighthound Types
Longdog
Lurcher
Sighthounds are long boned, muscular dogs evolved to run and chase at speed. Their eyesight is keen and their predominant sense used in hunting their prey, unlike other types of dogs who mostly use their nose to scent quarry. They are elegant and streamlined, with powerful muscles. They are deep-chested to allow well developed lungs to cope with the energetic demands put on their bodies. They are sometimes referred to as ‘gazehounds’ because they often stand and gaze at the horizon for movement. They are dog athletes. Some like the greyhound, bred for short intense high speed, or others like the Saluki, bred for stamina and endurance.
FAQ's
Why does your dog wear a muzzle?
Many sighthounds, particularly ex-racing greyhounds have never seen or been socialised with other breeds of dogs so for safety until they grow accustomed to being companions and learning that other dogs are fun to be with, wearing a muzzle is responsible. They are used to wearing them so it is no hardship and does not imply that a muzzled dog is dangerous. Sometimes dogs are muzzled because they pick up and eat things that make them ill.
How fast can he/she run?
All sighthounds have the capacity to be fast runners, particularly greyhounds who can run at 40 mph when young and fit. It is essential to train recall and find enclosed areas if you let your sighthounds off lead.
Does he/she bite people?
This is a common misconception and the answer is simple, no. Most sighthounds love human company and affection. They are used to being handled. Sometimes if a sighthound has been under-socialised, or abused by humans, they can be wary of hands or lead shy. With care and patience, this can be overcome in most cases.
Why are they so thin?
Sighthounds are shaped that way to help them move quickly. It is a streamlined, elegant shape with no surplus fat. As a dog athlete, they have been bred and evolved to run, so extra body weight is unnecessary and unwelcome.
Do they need a lot of exercise?
No more than any other kind of dog and a lot less than some! Two or three half hour walks every day are sufficient for a greyhound. Some of the sighthounds may require more, depending on the breed or cross. They all love to have a run if you can find safe places to let them. Once exercised, most sighthounds happily laze away their days curled up tight or flat on their backs with their feet in the air!
Do they live outside?
Sighthounds are not suited to living outside. They have no surplus fat to protect them from the cold and their bones and joints require softer, more cushioned surfaces to lay on because they can quickly get sore on hard ground.
Do they need lots of food?
No they don’t need lots of food. A good diet, enough to keep them healthy without gaining unnecessary weight is sufficient. In common with most dogs, they are opportunists and because they are often tall, they can help themselves to food on shelves, tables and worktops if you leave it unguarded! It means just remembering to put food away or keep your sighthound away from the kitchen at meal preparation times.
Can they live with smaller animals?
It depends on the individual dog. Some happily coexist with smaller furry animals, some can be desensitised if their prey drive is not too strong, others may never be able to safely live with small pets. Greyhounds and working lurchers have been bred and trained to chase small furry creatures like rabbits, so it is unfair to blame them for doing so in the home. Many happily live with other pets, but care must always be taken. Lots of dogs will chase a cat, but sighthounds are quicker and more likely to catch them. Youtube Video: Greyhounds and Small Furries.
Are sighthounds dogs that help blind people?
No, sighthounds are a group of dogs bred to hunt by sight. They can often make good PAT dogs as they have excellent temperaments and can be trained to help people in lots of ways but they are not called sighthounds because of their role for people.
Why are greyhounds not grey?
“The name "greyhound" is generally believed to come from the Old English grighund. "Hund" is traced to the modern "hound", but the meaning of "grig" is undetermined, other than in reference to dogs in Old English and Norse. Its origin does not appear to have any common root with the modern word "grey" for colour, and indeed the greyhound is seen with a wide variety of coats.”