Sighthounds (a.k.a gazehounds) are hunting dog breeds that hunt by sight, and speed! As this group of dogs hunt by sight; they need the stamina, speed and agility to keep up with their prey.
As seen in the below image; Sightounds are slim built dogs (lean), with deep chests, long legs, and flexible backs – all traits which aid the dog in keeping up with their prey.
Sighthound breeds include:
- Afghan Hound
Height: 60-75 cm, Weight: 25-35 kg, Lifespan: 12-14 years - Azawakh
Height: 60-75 cm, Weight: 15-25 kg, Lifespan: 10-12 years - Basenji
Height: 38-43 cm, Weight: 9-12 kg, Lifespan: 12-16 years - Borzoi
Height: 66-76 cm, Weight: 25-47 kg, Lifespan: 7-10 years - Greyhound
Height: 68-76 cm, Weight: 26-40 kg, Lifespan: 10-12 years - Ibizan Hound
Height: 56-74 cm, Weight: 20-30 kg, Lifespan: 10-12 years - Irish Wolfhound
Height: 76-90 cm, Weight: 47-64 kg, Lifespan: 6-10 years - Italian Greyhound
Height: 33-38 cm, Weight: 3-5 kg, Lifespan: 12-15 years - Pharaoh Hound
Height: 53-64 cm, Weight: 18-27 kg, Lifespan: 11-14 years - Saluki
Height: 58-71 cm, Weight: 18-27 kg, Lifespan: 12-14 years - Scottish Deerhound
Height: 70-80 cm, Weight: 35-50 kg, Lifespan: 8-11 years - Sloughi
Height: 61-72 cm, Weight: 18-28 kg, Lifespan: 12-16 years - Whippet
Height: 45-56 cm, Weight: 6-14 kg, Lifespan: 12-15 years
A Lurcher is a type of Sighthound but is not a purebreed, but a mix (this may be a mix of Sighthound breeds, or of a Sighthound and any other breed(s)). Lurchers will exhibit traits of the breeds that are in them, as with any other crossbreed, but will have the general appearance of a Sighthound.
I recommend checking out (via this link) The Morrison Sighthound Gang page on Facebook for more stunning photographs, as well as videos, and information. I want to thank The Morrison Sighthound Gang for the use of the images (all individually credited).
All other images are open source, Google images, or my own – or photos donated for use by the pet owners.
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