An Insight into Sighthounds

What Are Sighthounds? A Guide to Your Long-Dog Legends

Sighthounds are the supermodels of the dog world. Tall, elegant, noodle-horsed wonders with vision sharper than your morning latte. If we are getting a little technical for a moment, sighthounds, also known as gazehounds, are breeds that hunt using their exceptional eyesight rather than scent. They spot movement across incredible distances and react instantly.

In short, these long dogs see real good and look even better. They are also wildly handsome and very luffable.

There are many sighthound breeds including Lurchers, Deerhounds and Afghan Hounds, but today we are talking about the stars of the Hound-Tees® universe. Greyhounds and Whippets. No surprises here.

Facts About Greyhounds

Let’s Get Physical. The Unique Greyhound Build

Greyhounds are athletic marvels wrapped in sleepy, derpy energy. Their bodies are engineered for speed, agility and Olympic level roaching.

Here are some standout physical facts.

  • They can see in a huge 270 degree range, which even includes some movement behind them.
  • They see using stereoscopic vision, meaning they are elite at detecting motion.
  • If you want a greyhound to notice you, move. Wave. Flap. Flourish.
  • Greyhounds have larger hearts than most breeds. We like to think it is because of the luff. Evolution says it is for sprinting.
  • They are built for short, powerful bursts of energy rather than endurance.
  • Their lungs are large and efficient, perfect for quick zooms.
  • Their flexible backs help them run like living slinkies and roach with grace.
  • Thanks to their long quick stix, they can hit 70 km per hour in 30 metres.
  • Many experts consider them the healthiest purebred breed with no major hereditary issues.
  • During a run, they spend up to 75 percent of their stride airborne. They basically hover.
  • Their blood chemistry is unique, so always choose a vet who understands greyhounds.
  • Their blood type is universal which makes them greyt donors.
  • In 30 seconds of running, a greyhound produces enough energy to boil 600 ml of water in two minutes. Turn that into a cuppa.
  • They have more red blood cells than any other dog which helps them oxygenate efficiently.
  • Many have sensitive tummies, so quality food is essential unless you enjoy room clearing farts.

Let’s Get Personal. Greyhound Personalities

Greyhounds are gentle, loyal and quietly quirky.

  • Each greyhound has a distinct personality.
  • They love calm, quiet environments.
  • They rarely bark which makes them perfect for apartment or suburban living.

Misconceptions About Greyhounds

Greyhounds cop a lot of myths. The truth is that they are gentle giants who want to sleep all night and sleep all day too.

Myth 1. Greyhounds Are Aggressive

Their dramatic eyeliner and tall presence can be misleading but aggression is not a natural greyhound trait.

Two things to understand.

Sleep aggression
Greyhounds often sleep with their eyes open. They can startle quickly if approached quietly.

Hot tip
Never wake a greyhound suddenly. Make noise before approaching, even if their eyes look open.

Food aggression
This may appear in dogs who have lived in kennel environments where meals were unpredictable. As they settle into a loving home, they learn that food always comes.

Hot tip
Feed your greyhound before you sit down to eat. Keep meal times and locations consistent. They thrive on routine.

A 2008 study found that greyhounds are among the least aggressive dog breeds toward owners, strangers and other dogs. Myth completely busted.

Myth 2. Greyhounds Are Hyperactive

Greyhounds are lazy athletes. They sleep up to 18 hours a day. That leaves six hours for roaching, zoomies, snacks and cuddle requests. A daily 45 to 60 minute walk is plenty of exercise.

Facts About Whippets

Whippets look like mini greyhounds. Same elegance. Same mischief. Smaller package.

  • They come from breeding small greyhounds with long legged English Terriers.
  • They do not drool which is perfect for those who prefer low slobber.
  • They do not smell due to their low oil coat, although baths are still required if they get grubby.
  • Their love of sudden movement means they can pull sharply on walks. Special whippet collars are wider to reduce pressure on their throat.

Facts About Sighthounds in General

A few universal truths about your long dogs.

  • Whippets and greyhounds need lots of socialisation or they may become timid.
  • Their thin coats and lean bodies mean they feel the cold easily. Warm clothing is essential, not optional.
  • If your hound’s ears feel cold, they need a sweatshirt.
  • Their skin is thin and sensitive. Soft outerwear and soft bedding protect them from scrapes and pressure sores. Think of those bony bodies on hard surfaces.
  • A Hound Tee, blankets and plush bedding all help keep them warm and comfy.

Ready to level up your long dog’s wardrobe?
Explore Hound-Tees® for Whippets, Greyhounds and Italian Greyhounds. Your hound will thank aroo for it.