Sighthound Breeds

The sighthound breeds are a unique group of canines created to rundown various types of game. These athletes have features such as slender bodies, light bones, deep chests, and long heads which help them to perform their specific purpose as efficiently as possible. The following are some of the top sighthound dog breeds and what you’ll want to know about them!

Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound’s most distinguishing feature is its long, silky, and glamorous coat which helps to give the breed its undoubtedly dignified appearance. Its coat is for more than just looks, as it helps to protect the breed from the harsh cold in its mountainous homeland of Afghanistan.

This is a long-legged and longhaired sighthound that is built for both speed and endurance over rough mountainous terrain. It’s an ancient breed that was developed to hunt small game such as fox and hare up to larger animals such as deer and gazelle. In addition, Afghan Hounds also herded livestock and functioned as guardians.

They are independent dogs that can be aloof with strangers. Yet in the home, Afghans are often described by their owners as lovable goofballs.

Greyhound

While the Greyhound as we know it was developed in Britain in the middle ages, its ancestors are believed to date back to ancient Egypt. The Greyhound is the fastest dog breed on the planet and the second fastest land mammal (the cheetah is first). And as such, it is considered the best sighthound breed for racing, a job that it has been used for, for centuries.

These speed machines can reach a top speed of up to 45 mph and cruise at an impressive 30 mph for about a mile. However, while they are hardcore sprinters Greyhounds don’t require a lot of exercise and this friendly breed is usually quiet and relaxed at home.

However, this is a dog that requires a large fenced-in yard where it can stretch its legs and run. It should never be allowed off-leash in an unsecured location as it will give chase to small animals.

Borzoi

The Borzoi is a Russian sighthound breed that was formerly known as the Russian Wolfhound. These are large dogs with medium-length coats. And they were a favorite of Russian nobles. Not only were they the preferred hunting dogs of the elites but Borzois were also given as gifts to the aristocracy of other countries as well.

The Borzoi was used to hunt everything from hares to foxes, wolves, and stags. When hunting small game a single Borzoi was normally used. Larger game animals were typically hunted using pairs or trios. The dogs were followed by hunters on horseback and the dogs would hold the prey down until the hunters arrived and could dispatch it.

While quiet and gentle in the home, they are fierce hunters with a strong prey drive. And once they have sited an animal that they consider prey they will give chase. Once they have become engaged the breed is not known for being easy to call off, unless the prey has already been dispatched or the dog is physically stopped from pursuing it.    

Italian Greyhound

This is not only the smallest sighthound breed but one of the most popular sighthounds of all. The Italian Greyhound is descended from small greyhound-like dogs that have been around since Ancient Egypt. It is believed they were brought to Italy by Roman soldiers around the 5^th century and then further refined during the Renaissance period into the dog we know today.

The Italian Greyhound is actually a toy breed only reaching up to ten pounds in weight. And as you could probably guess they are one of the most active of all the toy breeds. These dogs were favored by the Italian nobles and the wealthy, for their graceful curves and overall refined appearance. Despite being gentle little lapdogs, Italian Greyhounds are quite demanding when it comes to attention from those that they care about.

Polish Greyhound

Despite its name and appearance, this breed is not a direct relative of the Greyhound. This is a larger and stronger breed (and also a more stubborn one) that is believed to be the ancestor of Asiatic sighthounds.

The Polish Greyhound has been in existence in Poland since the 12^th century. However, it was almost wiped out after World War Two as hunting with the breed in Poland was declared illegal. This Polish sighthound is not often seen outside of its home country. And different from many other sighthound dog breeds this one has strong protective instincts making it a natural watchdog and guard dog.

Saluki

Also known as the Persian Hound and Gazelle Hound, the Saluki is considered to be one of the oldest breeds on the planet. It has been recorded that these ancient desert hounds have been used for hunting in the Middle East for thousands of years and they still are today. The Saluki was carefully bred for not just speed but also endurance.

And while the Greyhound is considered the fastest sprinter in the dog world, the Saluki is considered to be the fastest dog over long distances. It is used to hunt fox, hare, and gazelle, with the human hunters following on horseback and sometimes with the help of trained falcons as well.

There are actually two different types of Saluki that differ physically and in size: the mountain type and the desert type. Each is specialized for hunting in that type of terrain. These are elegant canines with a gentle temperament and are known for being particularly clean.

Sloughi

The Sloughi is the hunting dog of the nomadic Berber people that live in Morroco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya. This North African sighthound is revered for its combination of speed, agility, and endurance. It is a medium size canine that is very slim and bony in appearance.

The reason that this breed is so lean is that by not carrying any fat on its body, it allows the Sloughi to cool down faster in the blazing desert heat and helps to prevent heatstroke. These are high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise, and that fact coupled with their typical hound-like stubbornness means that they are a breed that is best for experienced owners.

Whippet

The Whippet was developed into the dog we know today in Great Britain during the 18^th century using small-sized Greyhounds along with several different terrier breeds. Originally a small game hunter this quick canine can reach speeds of up to an impressive 35 mph. And because of its speed, it has also been used on the race course.

Whippets are adaptable and friendly dogs even with strangers. However, cats, small dogs, or any small furry critters may be looked at as prey. These small sighthounds do can do just fine in an apartment and are typically not barkers. That being said this is not a breed that is suited for being kept outdoors. The Whippet cannot handle the cold and loves to be around its family at all times.

Irish Wolfhound

As you could probably guess the Irish Wolfhound originated in Ireland (where they are the national dog) and were bred to hunt wolves. It is both world’s tallest breed and the largest sighthound breed. These dogs are true giants and it’s not uncommon for them to be compared to looking like a small horses.

Despite their enormous size and intimidating looks these huge canines are surprisingly gentle and are especially great with children. The Irish Wolfhound is not a dog for the average owner, however.

And potential owners not only need to consider if they can handle the cost and responsibility of owning a dog of this size, but also the fact that these Celtic sighthounds have an extremely short lifespan. They typically only live six to eight years on average.

Scottish Deerhound

This breed is large, powerful, and fast enough to catch and takedown red stags. In the past, this was done using a single Deerhound or sometimes a pair. It has a harsh shaggy looking coat that protects the breed from the rainy, snowy, and windy Scottish weather and from the rough terrain of the Scottish Highlands.

At one time only Scottish noblemen were allowed to own these courageous dogs. So it’s no wonder it is also known as the “Royal Dog of Scotland.” This easy-going giant comes in three attractive coat colors: grey brindle or fawn.

Azawakh

The Azawakh is a sighthound used by the nomadic tribes in Western Africa, specifically in the Sehal region. The breed is named for the Azawagh Valley. These exceptionally lean and leggy dogs can reach speeds of up to 40 mph and have unbelievable endurance. They also have a unique way of hunting.

Azawakhs hunt in packs and chase down their prey until it is exhausted. And when it is, unlike other types of sighthounds the Azawakhs use their hindquarters to knock their prey to the ground. However, the breed’s main function is as a guardian. They protect the livestock, the camps, and the people in them, from predators and thieves.

And just like when hunting when they attack a potential threat they do so in packs. Because of its naturally strong protective instincts, it’s no surprise that the breed forms an intense bond with its master and is reserved with strangers.

Tazy

A very rare sighthound breed, the Tazy is not commonly seen even in its home country of Khazakstan where it has been in existence for thousands of years. In fact, this is considered to be one of the rarest breeds in the world and is at risk of becoming extinct.

In the past, during nomadic times these long-distance runners were highly prized for their ability to take down wolves and also provide food for their owners. This earned them the right to share the family’s yurt (the portable dwellings used by the nomads) and they were the only animal allowed to do so as they were considered family members.

They aren’t even referred to as “dogs”  but simply by their name “Tazy” which translates to “pure.” Considered “ the nomad’s best friend,” the Tazy is a graceful canine with long muscular legs. It looks similar to a Saluki as both breeds have longer hair on their tails and ears than on the rest of their coat.

Taigan

The Taigan pronounced “tie-gun,” shares close ancestral ties with both the Afghan Hound and the Tazy. This breed has been relied on by the nomadic Kyrgyz people for thousands of years. It’s also known as the Kyrgyz Sighthound, Mountain Sighthound, or Kyrgyz Taigan. The Taigan has a thin saber-shaped tail that forms a ring at its tip, which is a distinguishing feature of the breed.

Its medium to long, silky, yet thick coat double coat, allows it to hunt in the mountainous region that forms the border between its home of Krygstan and neighboring China. The Taigan is known for its stamina even at high altitudes.

Different from most other sighthound breeds this one also can follow a scent trail to track down game and retrieve downed game as well. The Taigan often hunts with the aid of a bird of prey such as the golden eagle, one of the most highly regarded species in falconry because of its hunting skills.

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