Sighthound

Sight hounds are hounds that primarily hunt by sight instead of by scent. These hounds specialize in following prey by keeping it in sight. Because the prey is often quite fast and agile, such as deer, the dog must be able to keep up with it. As a result, most of these dogs have long legs for a long stride, a deep chest to support a strong cardiovascular system for long sprints, and a thin, wiry body to keep its weight at a minimum. The fastest sight hounds can reach speeds of over 40 MPH.

Sighthounds similar to the Saluki have existed for at least 5,000 years, with the earliest known sighthounds appearing in Arabia. Although today sighthounds are kept primarily as companion dogs, they have been bred for thousands of years to detect movement, chase, capture, and kill prey. They thrive on physical activity. Most have mellow personalities, but the instinct to chase running animals remains strong.

This family includes

• Afghan hound
• Azawakh hound
• Basenji hound
• Borzoi
• Ibizan hound
• Greyhound
• Irish Wolfhound
• Italian Greyhound
• Pharaoh hound
• Scottish Deerhound
• Saluki
• Sloughi
• Spanish Galgo
• Whippet