Sighthound Lovers Trivia/Fun
Facts:
- Sighthounds are known for their keen sight; they were once
used to chase down and hunt prey. But did you know
that when they run, they often see better far away than up
close?!
- The Greyhound is the fastest of the sighthound family. Greyhounds, can run at
speeds up to 40+ mph (64 km/h). They are often lovingly
referred to as "40mph couch potatoes" as they are often
found lounging around the house.
- Greyhounds are thought to
be the oldest of all the sighthound breeds; though the Afghan
Hound and Saluki are not far behind.
- The Whippet gets its name from an old expression "whip it"
meaning to move quickly. Whippets are very similar to
Greyhounds only smaller; the breed is thought to have come from
cross breeding the Greyhound, Italian greyhound and Terrier.
They were once referred to as "The Poor Mans Greyhound".
- The Italian Greyhound is the smallest of the sighthound
family. This toy breed is often found in the lap of their
owners or sleeping burrowed under the covers. They are lovingly
known as an iggy or an IG for short. IG's love to run just
as much as their Greyhound and Whippet cousins, and they are
quite fast despite their small size.
- Most sighthounds are expert sprinters, but usually do not do
well as long distance endurance runners. Lure coursing is
a popular sporting event among sighthound owners and allows the dog to
let loose their "need for speed".
- Irish Wolfhounds are the largest sighthound breed. Their
average height is about 28-35 inches (71-90 cm) tall at
the withers and they normally weigh in at about 90-150 pounds
(40-69 kg). This breed is considered one of the "giant
dog" breeds and is one of the biggest and strongest of all in
this category. But they are defiantly "gentle giants".
- Scottish Deerhounds are also considered giant; they are quite
similar to the Irish Wolfhound and both breeds are often
confused for one another. But when together the Irish
wolfhound will be noticeably larger. Irish wolfhounds
weigh 90 - 150 pounds, and the Scottish deerhound is 75-110
pounds and should be a bit shorter as well. The Irish
wolfhound is thought to be the older of the two breeds.
- The sighthound breed with the longest coat is this Afghan
Hound. Because of their long silky coat, the Afghan is a
popular show dog. But as a companion/pet the coat is not
normally kept as long, but they can still be a little high
maintenance. Afghans are thought to have come from
Afghanistan, which would be where it gets its name.
- Greyhounds, Whippets and Italian Greyhounds are great for
people with allergies. Due to their short coat and skin
type (which has more oils, thus producing less dandruff)
they do not usually affect people with common dog allergies.
Furthermore, they do not pant heavily like most dogs and do not
drool or have the typical doggie odor.
Famous Sighthound
Owners/Sighthounds In History
- Actor John Barrymore, (father
of Drew Barrymore) is said to have always kept a few
greyhounds as pets.
- Todd Trainer (drummer for the band Shellac) has an
Italian Greyhound named Uffizi; the dog is featured on the album
with the name "Excellent
Italian Greyhound"
- Jane Wiedlin (of Go-Go's fame) has had Italian
Greyhounds and retired racing Greyhounds.
- Sigourney Weaver has two Italian Greyhound's named Petals and
Bacci.
- Queen Elizabeth is said to have owned a Greyhounds.
- Bo Derek, (known for her role in the 1981 film Tarzan The
Ape Man) has owned greyhounds and is an advocate of adopting
retired racing greyhounds as pets.
- The cartoon series The Simpson's have a mischievous retired
racing Greyhound called
"Santa's
Little Helper"
- Greyhounds are the only canine mentioned in the Bible
(Proverbs 30:29-31 KJV)
- Images found in ancient Egyptian tombs have depicted what
appear to be greyhounds.
- The mythical Roman Goddess Diana is often pictured with a
sighthound at her side. *Probably a Borzoi/Russian
Wolfhound; see art
print
"Diana" by Alberto Vargas*
- In the 1930's some models of Lincoln automobiles had a
greyhound
hood ornament.
- Zeppo Marx, of The Marx Brothers, had two Afghan Hounds; these
became the beginning of Pride's Hill Kennel, located in
Massachusetts.
- Charlie Chaplin is said to have owned a Borzoi.
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*Have some fun or interesting
tidbits about your sighthound breed to share?
Know of other celebrity sighthound owners?
Let us know!
