Sight Hounds

Sight hounds are hounds that primarily hunt by sight instead of by scent. These dogs specialize in following prey by keeping it in sight.

The dog must be able to quickly detect motion, so these hounds usually have extremely good vision and smaller ear flaps so as not to obstruct possible sounds. 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 (60 km/h).

Sight hounds similar to the Saluki have existed for at least 5,000 years, with the earliest known sight hounds appearing in Arabia. Although today sight hounds are kept primarily as pets, 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.

So much so that, apart from pure hunting, various dog sports are practiced with sight hounds. Apart from Greyhound racing (and Whippet racing) there are lure coursing, oval track racing, straight racing, open-field coursing, and many other events.

Sight Hounds include:

Afghan hound
Azawakh hound
Basenji hound
Borzoi
Galgo Espaņol (Spanish Greyhound)
Greyhound
Ibizan hound
Irish Wolfhound
Lurcher
Mudhol Hound
Pharaoh Hound (Kelb tal fenek)
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Scottish Deerhound
Saluki
Sloughi
Whippet

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from  Wikipedia and from Wag-Dog.com

 


 

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