Page 125 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

SIGHT HOUND S 125

SIGHT HOUNDS

Canine speed demons, the sight hounds—or gazehounds as
they are sometimes called—are hunting dogs that locate and
follow their prey primarily by using their keen eyesight.
Streamlined, lightly framed, but powerful, a sight hound in
pursuit of quarry moves fast and turns with great flexibility.
Many dogs in this group were bred to hunt specific prey. Dogs like these Irish Wolfhounds were
used for hunting in Roman times

As shown by archaeological evidence, the Borzoi, has no stop at all. Typically, the nobility and even royalty, specifically
lean, leggy dogs have been hunting in a sight hound bred to hunt and snap bred for running down and killing wolves.
alongside humans for thousands of up small prey, the head is carried low Today, sight hounds are used for
years, but the early development when the dog runs at full stretch. racing and coursing and are very often
of modern sight hounds is not entirely Another common feature of sight kept as pets. Usually nonaggressive,
clear. It is likely that many crosses hounds is a deep chest accommodating although sometimes a little aloof, sight
involving a diversity of other breeds, a larger than usual heart and allowing hounds make attractive family dogs
including terriers, went into the for good lung capacity. Short or fine but need handling with caution when
creation of classic sight hounds such silky coats tend to be the norm among outdoors and may be best exercised on
as the Greyhound and the Whippet. this group of dogs; only the Afghan a leash. Their instinct to chase small
Most sight hounds are easily Hound is very long-haired. animals can be strong enough to
recognizable as a type. Selective Graceful and aristocratic, sight override all obedience training. A sight
breeding has developed characteristics hounds during their history have been hound chasing after what it perceives
designed to promote speed: strong, the favored hunting dogs of the to be prey is almost impossible to stop.
supple backs and an athletic build wealthy and wellborn. Greyhounds,
enable the body to stretch out at full or at least coursing dogs very similar
gallop; long-striding, elastic limbs to the modern breed, were kept by
and powerful hindquarters provide the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Salukis
impulsion. Another characteristic is were, and occasionally still are, used
a long, narrow head that either lacks a by sheikhs for hunting gazelle
pronounced stop or, as in the case of in the desert. In pre-Soviet
Russia, the
spectacular
Borzoi was
the dog of
choice for

HOME LIFE ARISTOCRAT
Many former racing The long-nosed Borzoi looks
Greyhounds settle down purely decorative, but this dog
well as family companions. was once used in Russia for
Their desire to chase can hunting and could bring down
be channeled into play. a fully grown wolf.

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