Sighthounds
Greyhound
Male 28-30 inches 65-70 lbs
Female 27-28 inches 60-65 lbs
Life expectancy 10-13 yrs
A very ancient tall slender smooth coated hounds built for speed and have keen eyesight.
Able to reach speed of 40 mph
There are NGA ( racing) and AKC (show) varieties
They are known to be gentle, loyal and loving. However many can have a prey drive and cannot be around small animals ( cats or small dogs). They have minimal grooming requirements due to short coat but regular nail trims and dentals are a must. Known as 45 mph “couch potatoes” they do need regular scheduled exercise. They have a sensitive personality and need a gentle approach in training.They are very affectionate with families and can sometimes be reserved with strangers.
BORZOI
Male 28 inches and more 75-105 lbs.
Female 26 inches and more 60-85 lbs.
Life expectancy 9- 14 yrs.
A slender long coat hound built for speed and have keen eyesight.
Large elegant sighthounds previous known as Russian Wolfhounds.
Since they have long coats they will shed, so regular grooming and nail trims are a must.
Daily exercise in long walks or running off leashed in enclosed area. They will chase anything that moves. Independent and very intelligent can make training a challenge. They are very gentle mannered companions. They are loyal affectionate and regally dignified.
AFGHAN
Males and females 25-17 inches 50-60 lbs
Life expectancy 12-18 yrs
They are known for their elegant beauty with their long thick silky flowing coat.
Grooming requires several hours per week of brushing to keep coats tangle and mat free. They will shed.
Afghans need long runs for exercise. Never off leash and they are excellent jumpers so a tall secure fence is required.
They are independent, dignified and aloof but when bonded to a human are extremely affectionate. No amount of training will have them break off a high speed chase.
WHIPPET
Male 19-22 inches 24-40 lbs.
Female 18-21 inches 24-40 lbs.
Life expectancy 12-15 yrs.
Whippets love to stretch and relax for hours in between bursts of intense pursuit.
They are great apartment dogs as long as they get several vigorous play sessions per week.
They must be leashed when not in a fenced area.
They have a short smooth coat requiring little maintenance but regular nail trims.
They are sprinter by nature. They are a robust low maintenance calm hound as long as they receive regular exercise.
SALUKI
Males 23-28 inches and females are much smaller
40-60 lbs.
Life expectancy 10-17 yrs.
One of the oldest hunting breeds. They are swift and agile sprinters.
They are gentle, dignified, independent but loyal pet.
There are 2 types feather and smooth – weekly brushing is need for both types.
Regular exercise such as daily leashed walks or a fenced yard to run are needed. They can be escape artists and can be destructive chewers if bored or unhappy. They can benefit greatly from crate training, obedience training and canine sports.
ITALIAN GREYHOUND
Male and females 13-15 inches 7-14 lbs
Life expectancy 14-15 yrs
They are playful, alert and sensitive dogs.
They require daily teeth brushing and yearly dentals to maintain dental health.
They have a very short smooth coats that doesn’t require much grooming.
Regular nail trims are needed.
They require regular exercise and must be on leash when not in a fenced in area. They will chase small animals if given the chance. Reward based training works best.
GALGO
Male 26 inches 60-65 lbs
Female 25 inches 50-55 lbs
Life expectancy 12-15 yrs
Ancient sighthound breed used for hunting in Spain. They are endurance runners.
They come in smooth and rough coats.
More than 90% can live with cats.
Almost all galgos are friendly towards other breeds of dogs and children. They have a very similar temperament to greyhounds. They are very gentle. They need a fenced area to run or long walks for exercise. They are fairly health and can be sensitive to anesthesia. Galgos need yearly dentals and routine name trims.
LURCHER
28-30 inches 55-70 lbs
Life expectancy 8-15 yrs
A lurcher has one parent who is a sighthound ( usually a greyhound) and the other parent can be any breed, usually breed with coonhounds, pastoral dogs or terriers.
They are swift, athletic hunting or underground racing dogs. Many have webbed feet and can swim well.
They are low maintenance, obedient, couch potatoes, playful and general healthy dog.
They make great companion or family pets.