Sighthounds are hunting dogs who were bred for speed, eagle-eyed perception, and unwavering loyalty. There are tons of sighthound breeds, and today we’re looking at our ten favorite members of this dignified class. Let’s check out the coolest characteristics of our favorite sighthounds!
Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a massive, lanky dog with a shaggy coat and a big personality. They’re known as gentle giants who make wonderful family pets. Among their best traits is their agility and stamina, making them perfect companions for athletic owners.
Scottish Deerhound
The stout, wiry-furred Scottish Deerhound is an untiring master of the hunt. This breed was selected for its talents in hunting deer in Scotland. That’s pretty rough terrain for any dog, so it speaks to the Deerhound’s strength and pathfinding ability that it excelled in this role.
Afghan Hound
The ancient Afghan Hound breed is prized for its elegant coat, independent personality, and dignified air. They’ve been described as having catlike personalities, requiring more patience and diligence of their owners than the average dog. However, if you can befriend an Afghan Hound, you’ll have a friend for life.
Greyhounds
The instantly recognizable silhouette of a Greyhound tells you everything you need to know about sighthounds. They’re lanky dogs with unparalleled swiftness and big personalities. The Greyhound actually nearly went extinct in the Middle Ages before being taken in as a prized breed of noble houses.
Whippet
The Whippet has been described as a “miniature Greyhound” before, but that’s not directly accurate. While the two breeds have a lot in common, Whippets are more than “toy Greyhounds” as some people believe. They’re energetic and playful dogs who love spending time running outdoors, making them great pets for active families.
Saluki
The Saluki is a close cousin of the Afghan Hound—as evidenced by its similar long coat and sleek profile. They emerged from antiquity as prized dogs of Egyptian royalty and might predate almost every other dog breed. Like many sighthounds, they’re fiercely independent and notoriously difficult to train.
Silken Windhound
The gorgeous Silken Windhound is a hybrid breed that brings the best of sighthound elegance together with the soft, flowing coat of a Silky Terrier. They’re tremendously powerful athletes, bred for lure coursing and hunting. They make perfect companions for an athlete with a similar work ethic of their own!
Borzoi
The Borzoi is another ancient sighthound breed. These regal pups hail from Russia initially, where they were raised to hunt wild rabbits and even wolves! They retain the telltale agility of the sighthound subgroup, as well as they vigilant personality you’d expect from a hunting dog.
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Taigan
This elegant and ancient breed originates from the mountains of Central Asia. The Taigan is a consummate guard dog, featuring a watchful personality and a cold exterior. It takes some time to get this breed to warm up to you, but, if you do, you’ll find yourself a steady friend who will never let you down.
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Chortai
The Chortai, also known as the Eastern Greyhound, is originally from Central Asia. It’s renowned for its speed, which rivals even the fastest of sighthounds. They’re also accomplished hunters, having historically joined the Huns on their horseback hunts. Chortais make wonderful pets as long as you’re able to get them enough exercise!
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