What type of sighthound is right for you?

The term “sighthound” refers to a diverse group of dogs united by their hunting style — they hunt primarily by sight rather than scent. All sighthounds share a distinctive, tall, lean, and leggy physique, enabling them to sprint at remarkable speeds to catch prey. While historically valued as working dogs for hunting, their strong prey drive means owners need to be mindful around smaller animals today.

Sighthounds are beloved pets, prized for their generally calm and relaxed demeanour when not exercising. Despite bursts of impressive speed during exercise, many sighthounds enjoy long periods of rest and are often content lounging quietly indoors. This trait makes them suitable companions for homes that favour a dog with moderate energy levels rather than constant activity.

If you're considering a sighthound as a companion and feel confident managing their innate hunting instincts and prey drive, this article introduces some popular breeds. It will help you understand their unique characteristics to find the right sighthound for your lifestyle.

1. Greyhound

The greyhound is the most recognisable sighthound and is well known for racing rather than hunting today. Being one of the larger sighthound breeds, greyhounds require adequate space to move comfortably, ideally a spacious home or garden. They are relatively low-maintenance, gentle, and affectionate pets. Purchasing from a reputable greyhound breeder supports the preservation of pedigree lines, while adopting an ex-racing greyhound offers a loving home for retired racers.

2. Italian Greyhound

The Italian greyhound is a miniature relative of the greyhound, known for its fine and delicate build. They need careful handling to avoid injury and suit active families who can provide lively interaction alongside ample rest. Their lively temperament and excitable nature contrast with their love of large amounts of sleep like other sighthounds.

3. Whippet

Related closely to the greyhound, the whippet is a smaller breed with a similar build and temperate exercise needs. Whippets are friendly, affectionate, and generally gentle but can be reserved with strangers. They often alert their families with a bark when someone approaches, making them good watchdogs. Their love for relaxing indoors makes them ideal for a family environment.

4. Irish Wolfhound

The Irish wolfhound stands as the tallest and biggest of the sighthounds, requiring ample space and a secure garden to roam. Despite their size, they are mild-mannered and fairly inactive between short bursts of exercise. Their gentle disposition makes them excellent family companions, but their large size means they are better suited for homes with sufficient room.

5. Saluki

Known as the Persian greyhound, the Saluki originates from the Middle East and features a lean, muscular physique with feathered ears. Salukis are affectionate and social but sometimes display a quirky intelligence and playful silliness. Their exercise needs are moderate, and they thrive in households that balance activity with calm.

6. Afghan Hound

The Afghan hound is a striking ancient breed, characterised by its long, silky coat which requires substantial grooming to maintain. They are affectionate and loyal but rank low in canine intelligence by some measures, which means training requires patience. Due to their coat and maintenance needs, Afghan hounds suit owners committed to regular grooming routines.

7. Lurcher

The term lurcher describes a crossbreed between a sighthound and another breed. Their appearance and temperament can vary significantly depending on the mix, but they often inherit the lean, agile body of sighthounds. Lurchers are versatile pets offering adaptable temperaments, making them great companions for various lifestyles, especially where a mix breed is preferred.

Choosing the Right Sighthound for Your Lifestyle

Sighthounds generally require daily exercise focusing on short bursts of sprinting rather than endurance. They are best suited to owners who understand their unique prey drive and history as hunting dogs. Safety considerations for smaller pets and a secure, fenced area are essential. Additionally, adopting from reputable breeders or rescue organisations supports the health and welfare of these breeds.

Each breed has distinct traits regarding size, temperament, grooming needs, and activity level. Reflect on your living arrangements, time for training and exercise, and tolerance for grooming before deciding. Responsible ownership means ensuring a sighthound’s needs align well with your household, promoting a happy life for you and your pet.