Welcome to our latest barktastic blog post all about\u2026 you guessed it, sighthounds! For those who might be wondering, \u201cWhat makes a dog a sighthound?\u201d and \u201cIs my Arnie a sighthound? He really loves that laser pointer!\u201d \u2013 sit, stay, and read on! We\u2019re about to go on a tail-wagging adventure that will take us back thousands of years and into the open desert.<\/p>\n
From the iconic Greyhound to the regal Saluki, sighthounds have long delighted humans with their grace, swiftness, and not to mention, their extraordinary sight. These breeds are so rebarkable, they flip the script on traditional dog hunting techniques. Moving boldly beyond sniffing around, sighthounds are all about seeing their prey and chasing them down! Sight and speed? Now, that\u2019s a package deal!<\/p>\n
In our journey today, we\u2019ll explore the background of these fascinating dogs, learn about training tips specific to sighthounds (ever heard of \u2018lure coursing\u2019?), and discover what makes sighthounds one of the most pawsome groups within the canine kingdom. So, leash up and pop on those dog-walking sneakers \u2013 we\u2019re about to embark on a heckin\u2019 good adventure in the world of these sightseeing hounds!<\/p>\n
Sighthounds, get their unique name from their extraordinary hunting strategy. While many other dogs, like the mighty scent hounds (like coonhounds), rely on their sniffer to track down and catch prey, sighthounds have their own superpower\u2014using their keen sight and jaw-dropping speed to spot and chase prey down.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They have been selectively bred for generations to focus on the orient part of the predatory motor pattern, and focus that attention to their eyes, which is why most sighthounds have proportionately larger eyes, and long and narrow heads (I.e. a dolichocephalic skull) which increase their vision to a whopping 270\u00b0 (20\u00b0 more than the average dog).<\/p>\n
Their body is also uniquely shaped to be light long legged and lithe. That streamlined body shape is designed to keep them on a long stride and help this group of super speedy dogs outpacing small prey, (and hopefully not small pets!)\u00a0and some sighthounds breeds also have developed differently shaped paws \u2013 known as \u201cHare feet\u201d because of their longer, skinnier paw that helps them run even faster.<\/p>\n
These marvelous, quick-footed dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from the petite Italian Greyhound to the sleek and speedy Greyhound. But what all these dogs have in common is their loving dedication to doing what they do best: being sight-driven marvels of nature.<\/p>\n
Sighthounds, affectionately known as gazehounds, are believed to be some of the oldest types of dogs, with a history tracing back at least 5,000 years to the middle east and ancient egypt. Fascinatingly, the earliest presumed remnants of a sighthound were found in an archaeological site called Tell Brak. The estimated shoulder height of the dog was around 54 cm, which draws a parallel with today\u2019s Saluki, thus hinting that these dogs might have been companions to humans for thousands of years, using their keen eyesight and great speed to hunt all manner of large game and even predators.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Over the years, a wonderful variety of sighthound breeds have graced our homes and hearts. Some of the more well-known sighthound all-stars are the Greyhound, Saluki, Whippet, Borzoi, Irish Wolfhound, and Scottish Deerhound. These dogs carry an intriguing trait \u2013 while most dogs use their sense of smell when hunting, sighthounds primarily rely on their sight (hence the name). Spotting movement from afar, they are expected to chase down their prey, using their remarkable speed and agility.<\/p>\n
Sighthounds have historically found their homes in wide-open lands and desert regions, like Africa and possibly Arabia. Their roles within human communities consisted of hunting prey across the wide expanses of land, chasing down deer or hare with their lightning-fast speed.<\/p>\n
Fast forward to modern times, the family of sighthounds has branched out into an assortment of breeds, including the dashingly low-slung Dachshund and the super-speedy Greyhound. What unites this diverse group of dogs is their enduring dedication to the tasks they were bred for, carrying a long history of faithful service into the present day.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Isn\u2019t it just rebarkable how these noble hounds have stood the test of time?!<\/p>\n
not all of these are recognised by the American kennel club, but here\u2019s a number of the awesome sight hounds from the gentle giants to the long leggs Italian greyhound!<\/p>\n
Luckily, they\u2019re not that high maintenance because of their short coats \u2013 however, sighthound dogs don\u2019t thrive in the cold and may flat out refuse. Regular claw maintenance, brushing (appropriate to fur type), regular bathind and teeth brushing will mean your sighthound is well cared for!\u00a0<\/p>\n
Opt for private training if you can, because your sighthound is a sensitive, gentle soul. Your dog will likely not be a big fan of group classes.\u00a0<\/p>\n
These regal runners are phenomenal couch dwellers. Quiet calm, unobtrusive, stoic, sensitive, not good at rough play, flight risk, keep prey drive, \u201cStubborn\u201d\/independent.<\/p>\n
Socialise gently, he won\u2019t necessarily love being bundled by a local labrador pup, and he won\u2019t enjoy being roughly handled by kids. Take it slow! Show him patience, and he\u2019ll give it back.<\/p>\n
Do focus on teaching your sighthound calm behavior around small fluffies as smaller animals (particularly rabbits\u2026) will be hard for sighthound owners to teach good manners around due to their strong prey drive that is colossal due to selective breeding them for this for thousands of years. Small animals will be your dog\u2019s hardest chore.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re struggling with that? You\u2019re going to absolutely need to have tonnes of time with things like flirt poles and stuffed toys.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s two main choices here;<\/p>\n
1. Adopt<\/strong><\/p>\n Adopting from a rescue can be a heartwarming and life-changing experience. Picture yourself discovering sighthound-specific rescues, where Greyhounds, Salukis, and Whippets yearn for new homes and adventures. Doesn\u2019t it feel fantastic to imagine giving a furry friend another chance at love? Then, cozy up and scroll through profile after profile of four-legged stunners, each with their own unique canine quirks. Don\u2019t forget to apply once you find your pooch-match, and get ready for that highly-anticipated meet-and-greet. Indeed, the moment you first lock eyes with your rescue sighthound will be a memory to treasure forever. Finally, celebrate your \u2018Gotcha Day\u2019 when the stars (and paws) align, and welcome your new furever friend with open arms.<\/p>\n 2. Purchase from a Breeder<\/strong><\/p>\n Now, if you\u2019re more into puppy breath and have your heart set on a little furball to watch grow, connecting with a responsible and ethical breeder is your go-to. It\u2019s like attending a doggy gala! This route might require some waiting (p_awsh! Those adorable sighthound babies are totally worth it), but it\u2019s an incredible journey. Reach out to breeders you\u2019ve researched, expressing your interest in their furry families. After the interview and possible home visit, you\u2019ll have the treasured opportunity to choose your new puppy from a litter of toe beans and wagging tails. Then, after a few weeks of biding your time (and stocking up on toys and treats), the magical day will arrive when you can bring your bouncy little buddy home.<\/p>\n Typically, a sturdy, no-fuss lead around 6 feet long is the Goldilocks of choices \u2013 not too short to be restrictive, not too long to be unwieldy! This will give your Sighthound enough room to sniff and explore to their heart\u2019s delight, while still keeping them close and under control.<\/p>\n Now onto arguably the most important bit \u2013 the harness or collar. The sheer speed of a Sighthound can turn a leisurely trot into a mad sprint in the blink of an eye. Isn\u2019t that just tail-waggingly exciting? But it also brings in an added layer of responsibility for us humans.<\/p>\n Generally, a wide collar (commonly known as a Sighthound collar) is preferred for these fur-dynamic heroes. These collars are designed to prevent your dog from slipping out of it while not choking or harming them. Plus, they distribute pressure evenly across the neck, which is especially important, considering the slinky necks of our Sighthound buddies.<\/p>\n But hey, what if your Sighthound loves a good squirrel chase and you\u2019re worried about sudden jolts? In such a scenario, a well-fitted harness could be a safer bet. Harnesses let the pressure distribute across the torso rather than just the neck, keeping your buddy safe from any potential injuries.<\/p>\n A: Sighthounds, fondly known as gazehounds, are a group of dogs with a keen eye for hunting prey by sight and high-speed chases rather than scent. Notable for their amazing speed, agility, and incredible eyesight, they include fan-favorites like the Greyhound, Saluki, and Whippet. It\u2019s like they have built-in binoculars!<\/p>\n A: Ever wondered why these fabulous hounds look so svelte? It\u2019s not a fashion statement! Their unique body structure \u2013 characterized by a lithe body and deep chest \u2013 is actually perfect for speed and efficient running. Despite looking runway-ready, their slim physique is a sign of health and strength.<\/p>\n A: You bet your doggy biscuits they do! While they\u2019re famous for being quick on their paws, they\u2019re also calm and gentle companions. They fit into families like a treat, and with proper socialization, they usually get along with other pooches quite swimmingly. So, go ahead and put a sighthound on your wishlist \u2013 you won\u2019t regret it!<\/p>\n And there we have it, fellow Sighthound enthusiasts \u2013 our journey through the who\u2019s, why\u2019s, and what\u2019s of adopting and caring for these majestic creatures! Now, you\u2019re equipped with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions \u2013 whether you\u2019re choosing the perfect adoption agency, picking out a reputable breeder, or selecting the comfiest collar for your long-necked buddy.<\/p>\n Remember, you\u2019re not just bringing home a pet; you\u2019re welcoming a new family member who will share your joys, sorrows, and, occasionally, your meals \u2013 if they manage to snag that sandwich off the counter! As you embark on this tail-wagging adventure, always keep in mind that every Sighthound is unique, so be patient, show love, and you will undoubtedly earn a furry friend for life.<\/p>\n And, whatever you do, never underestimate the power of a good belly rub!<\/p>\n Till our next canine caper, keep those tails wagging and the doggy love flowing \u2013 because life is always better with a Sighthound (or two)! Happy \u2018hound hunting, dear dog lovers!<\/p>\n Welcome to our latest barktastic blog post all about\u2026 you guessed it, sighthounds! For those who might be wondering, \u201cWhat makes a dog a sighthound?\u201d and \u201cIs my Arnie a sighthound? He really loves that laser pointer!\u201d \u2013 sit, stay, and read on! We\u2019re about to go on a tail-wagging adventure that will take us […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":360,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[21],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/688"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=688"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/688\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":689,"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/688\/revisions\/689"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=688"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=688"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/flipsideviber.net\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=688"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}What Equipment should I use for a sighthound?<\/h2>\n
Sighthound FAQ<\/h2>\n
Q: What are Sighthounds?<\/h3>\n
Q: Why are Sighthounds so skinny?<\/h3>\n
Q: Do Sighthounds make good pets?<\/h3>\n
Sighthounds for sore eyes!<\/h2>\n
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