Sighthound

Sighthounds must be able to capture fast, agile prey, such as deer and hares, so they have a very flexible back and long legs for a long stride, a deep chest to support an unusually (compared to other dogs) large heart, very efficient lungs for both anaerobic and aerobic sprints, and a lean, wiry body to keep their weight at a minimum.

[3] There is no science-based evidence to confirm the popular belief that sighthounds have a higher visual acuity than other types of dogs.

[5] The earliest complete European description of a sighthound and its work, the Celtic vertragus[6] from Roman Spain of the 2nd century C.E., comes from Arrian's Cynegeticus.

A similar type, possibly a moderately sized male sighthound, with a height of 61–63 cm, of approximately the same historic period, the Warmington Roman dog is described from a well-preserved skeleton found in England.

Some have mellow personalities, others are watchful or even hostile towards strangers, but the instinct to chase running animals remains strong.