Sighthounds

by KYW's Nan Talleno --

Sighthounds, also known as gazehounds, are a specialized group of dogs, belonging to the hound group. Having a highly developed sense of sight, they were bred primarily to hunt their prey by their keen eyesight and swift speed.

Sighthounds have a wider range of vision than most other dogs. What they may lack in endurance, they certainly make up for in speed and agility.

The sighthound family includes both long and short-haired breeds including the Greyhound, Whippet, Borzoi, Saluki, Scottish Deerhound, Irish Wolfhound, Afghan Hound, Ibizan Hound, Pharoah Hound and the Basenji among others. The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the group.

Sighthounds utilize the double suspension gallop, the swiftest of all canine gaits, when all four paws are off the ground. Greyhounds, the fastest of all sighthounds, can reach speeds over 40 mph and Whippets, up to 35 mph.

The common traits include long slender faces, a tall, lean build and a muscular, athletic form. They are all extremely flexible and graceful. They are loyal, intelligent, affectionate and very eager to please.