What Is a Sighthound?

Ever wondered what makes a sighthound… a sighthound? At Pointy Faces, we’re all about celebrating what makes these graceful, pointy-nosed dogs so special. Think Whippets, Lurchers, Greyhounds - their whole design is lean, fast, and supremely elegant.

But what exactly is a sighthound? A sighthound is a type of dog that relies on sight and speed to catch its prey, rather than scent. These dogs are finely tuned to detect movement from a distance and chase it down with astonishing speed.

Born to Chase 

Unlike most dogs, sighthounds don’t hunt with their noses, they hunt with their eyes. These sleek athletes scan the horizon, spot the slightest movement, and give chase at lightning speed. No sniffing required. No scent trail needed.

Racing Machine

What makes sighthounds so distinctive? Their athletic build is unmistakable:

• Slender, long legs built for maximum stride

• Deep chest and powerful, efficient lungs

• Flexible spine for that stunning double suspension gallop

• Lean and muscular, they are true athletes

It’s not just how they look, it's how they move. And boy, do they have fun when they do! Whether it's Whippets, Greyhounds or Salukis - speed isn’t just in their makeup; it’s in their soul.

Meet the Family

The sighthound family is vast and fascinating. You’ve got:

• Greyhounds: the fastest dogs on Earth, built for top speed over short distances

• Whippets: their petite, graceful cousins, still impressively speedy

• Italian Greyhounds: those dainty, loyal companions who love the zoomies

• Galgos, Ibizan Hounds and Podencos: full of personality, agile, with higher endurance, often brilliant leapers

• Salukis, Afghans, Borzois, Irish Wolfhounds: ancient breeds carrying a rich heritage of athleticism.

What about Lurchers? Lurchers aren’t a specific breed, but rather a sighthound crossed with a working breed. Common mixes include Greyhound x Collie, or Whippet x Bedlington Terrier. They often combine the best traits of both worlds: speed and intelligence.

What is a Long Dog? Long dogs are crosses between two sighthounds, for example, a Whippet x Greyhound. Known for their elegance and power, they retain the classic sighthound traits but with subtle differences in build and/or temperament.

Sighthounds at Home

Despite their high-speed heritage, sighthounds are often calm and content indoors. Think sprinter, not marathon runner. After a quick burst of activity, they’re usually found lounging, snoozing, or stealing your comfiest chair.

They’re sensitive, affectionate, loyal, relatively clean and low-odour, and hilariously quirky in personality.

For all their elegance, they do come with unique needs: thoughtful sizing for coats, jumpers, collars and harnesses, warmth (they feel the cold more easily), and extra safety on walks thanks to their prey-driven instincts. 

Why This Matters to You

Understanding sighthounds, how they think, move, and feel helps us source and create better products for them. Every coat, collar, or travelling accessory we offer is designed with their unique needs, sleek shape and athletic body in mind. That’s the Pointy Faces difference.