Page 127 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

SIGHT HOUNDS

SIGHT

HOUNDS

Canine speed merchants, 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 rapidly and turns with great
flexibility. Many dogs in this group were bred to hunt specific prey.

As shown by archeological evidence, a pronounced stop or, as in the case and occasionally still are, used
lean, leggy dogs have been hunting of the Borzoi (see p.132), has no stop by sheikhs for hunting gazelle in
alongside humans for thousands of at all. Typically in a sight hound bred the desert. In pre-Soviet Russia the
years, but the early development to hunt and snap up small prey, the spectacular Borzoi was the dog of
of modern sight hounds is not entirely head is carried low when the dog choice for the nobility and even
clear. It is likely that many crosses runs at full stretch. Another common royalty, specifically bred for running
involving a diversity of other breeds, feature of sight hounds is a deep chest down and killing wolves.
including terriers, went into the accommodating a larger than usual Today sight hounds are used for
creation of classic sight hounds such heart and allowing for good lung racing and coursing and are very
as the Greyhound (see p.126) and the capacity. Short or fine, silky coats often kept as pets. Usually non-
Whippet (see p.128). tend to be the norm among this aggressive, although sometimes
Most sight hounds are easily group of dogs; only the Afghan a little aloof, sight hounds make
recognizable as a type. Selective Hound (see p.136) is very long-haired. attractive family dogs but need to
breeding has developed characteristics Graceful and aristocratic, sight be handled with caution when
designed to promote speed: strong, hounds during their history have outdoors and may be best exercised
supple backs and an athletic build been the favored hunting dogs of the on a leash. Their instinct to pursue
enable the body to stretch out at full wealthy and well born. Greyhounds, small animals can be strong enough
gallop; long-striding, elastic limbs, or at least coursing dogs very similar to override all obedience training.
and powerful hindquarters to provide to the modern breed, were kept by A sight hound chasing after what
impulsion. Another characteristic is the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. For it perceives to be prey is almost
a long, narrow head that either lacks centuries Salukis (see p.131) were, impossible to stop.

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