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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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