10 Unique Sighthounds to Love!

We are called sighthounds, or gazehounds, because we hunt primarily by keeping our prey in view.  Like some of the big cats of Africa, we once chased small game over short distances but at very high speeds.  The two fastest dogs in the world, greyhounds and whippets, are both sighthounds.

Because we were bred for our speed and strength, we have become the primary racing dogs around the world.  Each of us has different characteristics, but we all want to live in good homes filled with love and attention. For information about dog adoption and owning any of my sighthound cousins, check out my article on adoption. Here is information on ten unique sighthounds, each well worth adding as your newest family member.

• AFGHAN HOUND – Known for their long, flowing hair, Afghan hounds tend to weigh about 50 to 60 pounds.  They make wonderful pets, but be prepared to perform regular grooming on that beautiful hair.

• BASENJI – Called the “barkless dog,” the Basenji is a native of Africa.  Weighing in at around 25 pounds, Basenjis canseem independent and aloof, but love to play when the opportunity arises.  Thanks to their short coats, grooming is minimal.
  

  Borzoi

• BORZOI – One of the larger sighthounds, Borzoi can reach 100 pounds or more.   The result of crossing the Arabiangreyhound with it thick-coasted Russian cousin, the Borzoi’s silky hair can be straight, wavy or even curly.

• GREYHOUND – The iconic sighthound and fastest dog breed, the greyhound is a sweet, personable companion as well as an amazing athlete.  Even though large male Greyhounds can weigh 80 pounds or more, they make wonderful house pets.  However, they require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy.

• IBIZAN HOUND – With an almost deer-like appearance, these hounds came from Spain, where they once hunted small game.  Unequalled as high and broad jumpers, they are wonderful to watch at play.  If you are considering an Ibizan, be sure your yard has a tall fence.
  

  Rhodesian Ridgeback

• IRISH WOLFHOUND – On its hind legs, an Irish wolfhound will tower over even a tall owner.  Weighing between 100 and 150 pounds, wolfhounds do best where there is a sizeable yard.  They are known to be very gentle, but like any sighthound, will quickly take up the chase.

• ITALIAN GREYHOUNDS - In appearance, Italian greyhounds are a miniature of their racetrack cousins.   Typicallyweighing between 10 and 15 pounds, Italian greyhounds are playful, intelligent and relatively easy to train.

• RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK – Also called the lion hound, the Rhodesian ridgeback was bred by Boer farmers in South Africa to hunt lions.  Its name comes from a tuft of fur that typically runs up its back.  Ridgebacks are heavily muscled and make good guard dogs.
  

  Saluki

• SALUKI – With its long hair and feathered legs, the Saluki is a beautiful, graceful dog.  Sometimes called the Persian greyhound, it is also a strong runner and eager hunter.  Roughly the same size as we whippets, Salukis make good pets and are competitive racers.

• WHIPPETS – Able to attain speeds of up to 35 miles-per-hour, we whippets are the second fastest breed of dog.   Don’t let a fragile appearance fool you.  We have strong muscles and love regular exercise.  We also enjoy spending hours snoozing on the couch.  Usually good with children, whippets make excellent house pets.