Sight Hounds

Saluki Saluki

Sight hounds, such as the Greyhound, are built for speed and hunt by sight. Historically they used to kill their prey. Sight hounds are among the earliest known dog breeds known to man and were named after the prey which they were historically bred to hunt for example the Deerhound hunted deer and the Wolfhound hunted wolves. Consequently, the now extinct Kangaroo Dog of Australia is included in this section as is Australia's 's wild dog, the Dingo. Although these two are not recognised as pure breeds, they deserve to be included among the Sight Hounds on this Australian website.

Greyhound

The Greyhound, one of the oldest pure breeds, was mentioned in the Bible (Prov 30:31) almost a Century before Christ[2]. So his breed type has remained recognizable for three millennia. Since early Egyptian times, in Northern Africa he played an important role in running hare and gazelle down for food, and coursing for the thrill of the chase. Also referred ... »» Read more...

Deerhound and Irish Wolfhound

So many stories of fact and fable surround the history of these two related Gazehounds or Sight Hounds, the accuracy of their exact background has become lost in the mists of time. For these breeds are as old as the first civilizations of Scotland and Ireland respectively. It is fair to say the British Isles would not have become established ... »» Read more...

Whippet

The Whippet is a modern, versatile, muscular and athletic breed. But they are also sweet natured, playful and responsive with people. They love to live indoors, their handy size and short coat making them an ideal pet for modern society. However, it is important to remember that being a Sight Hound, they must be well exercised and will take every ... »» Read more...

Other recognised breeds of Sight Hounds

Engravings made over three thousand years before the birth of Christ depict recognisable sight hounds of the type we see in today's modern Saluki which originated in the Middle East. Today, the various breeds of sight hounds are among the most stunningly beautiful and elegant of all our dog breeds. »» Read more...

Kangaroo Dog (now extinct)

The Kangaroo Dog was vital to the survival of our earliest settlers which played an integral part of early Australia. Today it is but a distant memory. This article traces its history which certainly had all the essentials of becoming an iconic Australia pure breed. But its demise is a sad story of political correctness combined with the Great Australian ... »» Read more...

Dingo

Dingos are not a just another breed of dog. DNA testing had proved that Australia's wild dog, the Australian Dingo is a unique species all of its own. Technically called "Canis Dingo", it is Australia's top predator. Although it may it vary a little according to whether it lives among the mountains, on desert plains or among forest areas of ... »» Read more...