There is evidence of sighthounds going back about 10,000 years, making them arguably among the oldest-known dogs. Like the scenthounds, sighthounds are associated with hunting game, but they are built for speed because they had to keep their quarry in sight during the chase.
These breeds were developed with acute eyesight and a graceful body ideal for speed. A lean physique and a small head with a long muzzle give the dog agility and superior stereoscopic vision to detect motion and follow prey.
Sighthounds hold the speed record for all dogs—and perhaps for all land mammals. Officially the cheetah is faster, but some sighthounds are anecdotally reported to be even faster. After all, they were bred to pursue and bring down all types of game, including deer and antelopes.
Sighthounds as Pets
Sighthounds have an ancient legacy of being working dogs who hunted alone, locating, chasing, and bringing down their prey.
They have a tradition of working independently of humans and may be difficult to recall at a dog park. On the other hand, they are typically extremely affectionate “shadows.”
For the most part, these dogs attach themselves to one person, to whom they remain close. Sometimes called “cat-like,” sighthounds, although engineered for speed, are peaceful and sedentary.
They will take every opportunity to chase just about any moving object, but the rest of the time they will be curled up at their owner’s feet—or on the couch.
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