These wonderful, also known as Gazehounds as their gaze focuses on the
horizon seeking game, specialize in hunting their quarry by sight rather
than scent. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be
classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds,
etc.
Information about Sight Hounds characteristics
Sighthounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which
are perfect for their purpose. Sighthounds have extremely good vision.
They also have a long jaw and lengthy neck which assists them in
sighting their quarry. Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long
powerful legs essential assets when following any fast and agile prey.
Sighthounds are elegant dogs - long, lean and almost regal in their
general looks, many were owned by Pharaohs, Emperors and Royalty
Sighthounds have distinctive feet with elongated middle toes that make
the foot appear longer and helps with their firm footing. Their long
stride, powerful chest and lungs and agile bodies make it possible for
sight hounds to chase and kill their quarry.
As implied by its name the Sighthound has been bred to chase a quarry
predominantly by sight but it can also use its sense of smell, or even
its hearing. Sighthounds, also referred to as Gazehounds have
exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to
catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound
and the Whippet.
Characteristics and features of Sighthounds have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time Sighthound dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various Sighthound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as: Hunting and running down large and small quarry, Flushing out and Driving game.
In this day and age only a few Sighthounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbor the skills and characteristics that made the original Sighthound breeding programs successful.
Many of the Sighthounds were kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Sighthound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. The fastest of the Sighthounds can reach speeds of over 40 mph (60 km/h).
Scent Hounds, which specialize in following the scent or the smell of its quarry. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their type and purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. It is not necessary for Scent Hounds to be as fast and agile as Sighthounds - they do not need to keep their quarry in sight. Scent hounds are built for endurance. They can follow a scent for long distances and even across running water.
Scent Hounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. They have large noses which have deep, open nostrils and their lips are loose and moist, designed to pick up scent particles and follow the trail of an animal. Their ears are long which concentrates the scent on the nose. Their bodies are designed for endurance, an essential asset when following any scent trail.
Hunting takes different forms and as man opted for hunting their
quarry either on foot or on horseback so the scent hounds were
selectively bred to suit either form of hunting. Cross breeding was
designed to produce either small legs, to enable a man to easily follow
on foot, or longer legs suited to keep up with a man on horseback. Most
scent hounds were used in packs - making a loud, deep baying noise
alerting hunters to their location.
Merck Veterinary Manual
Georgia Veterinary
Specialists
Hearing Test -- Brain Auditory Evoked Response
What
is BAER testing?
OFA's BAER Testing Protocol
BAER Testing Sites
Please visit the parent club websites for complete breed health
issues. Links here