Sighthounds


The name "sighthound" is given to a group of dogs that has the ability to hunt by sight rather than by scent as most dogs do. Dogs who come under this name have several characteristics in common: Long legs, a long narrow head and a deep chest.

Members of the Greyhound or Sighthound family that are recognized by the American Kennel Club are: Afghan Hounds, Borzois, Greyhounds, Ibizan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Pharaoh Hounds, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, and Whippets. Also included are: Basenjis and Rhodesian Ridgebacks, which hunt by sight but do not share a physical resemblance. Also Italian Greyhounds are called sighthounds - they do share a physical resemblance but they do not hunt at all.

Afghan Hounds

Visit Afghans of Sirae to learn more about these beautiful hounds. Read about their history on this page.

Borzois

Visit the Borzoi homepage to learn more about these dogs, also called Russian Wolfhounds.

Ibizan Hounds

This Ibizan Hound site will teach you about this member of the sighthound group. The Ibizan has wonderful, upright ears; he is playful, elegant, sensitive, and affectionate. He is a moderately sized dog bred to hunt small game.

Irish Wolfhounds

Visit this Irish Wolfhound site to learn more about these magnificent sweet-tempered hounds.

Pharaoh Hounds

Read all about Pharaoh Hounds

Salukis

Visit with the Helder Familyand learn more about the elegant saluki.

Scottish Deerhounds

By visiting the Scottish Deerhound Club of America you can learn about this breed. The Deerhound is quiet and dignified, keen and alert.

Whippets

The American Whippet Club has lots of information and links to other Whippet sites. The Whippet is a medium-sized member of the sighthound family, and is very similar in appearance to the Greyhound, only smaller.

Basenjiis

Please visit the Stilwell Family and their Basenjiis The Basenji is also called the African barkless dog.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks

The Rhodesian Ridgeback homepage has information, pictures, and links to help you learn about these members of the sighthound family. This hound is also called the African Lion Hound and is a native of South Africa. Ridgebacks are very smart, responsive, and trainable. The FAQ part of the above site is very informative.

Italian Greyhounds

Please read Walt Frampus, Jr.'s story entitled "The Graceful Italian Greyhound" in A Breed Apart to learn about these little Greyhounds.

The copyright of the article Sighthounds in Greyhounds is owned by Judy A Tomlinson. Permission to republish Sighthounds in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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