In total, there are 36 greyhound breeds worldwide. However, 10 of these breeds are still debatable as to whether they really fit the definition of these four-legged friends.
Because greyhounds are only those breeds that hunt primarily through their sight and speed. So not through stamina or their sense of smell.
Incidentally, this also explains the English name “Sighthound” (German: sight hunter). The German name, on the other hand, has nothing to do with their hunting style. The wind doesn’t matter.
In the following, you will first learn about all 26 recognized sighthounds. Finally, you will also find a list of all 10 controversial greyhound breeds.
1. Afghan Hound
The Afghan hound is one of the long floppy-eared sighthound breeds. Also characteristic is its long, silky fur. It is closely related to the Saluki.
The four-legged friend is very fast and hunts for both sight and speed. Although the Afghan is ideal as a family dog, it should be in experienced hands.
This dog is difficult to train and has a strong hunting instinct. He also needs a lot of exercises and sheds a lot. Children and other dogs are no problem.
Fun fact: The hair of these four-legged friends has such volume and such a great shine by nature that dog owners are happy to become jealous.
2. Azawakh
The Azawakh is a sighthound breed from West Africa. The four-legged friend was originally used as a hunting dog in a pack for gazelles. If there was a lack of game, he served as a guard dog.
The territorial four-legged friend barks when danger is imminent, but is still not a barker. The nature of the versatile dog is multifaceted. From wild to lap dogs, everything is included.
The four-legged friend gets along very well with other dogs or children. He develops a very close bond with his owners and is loyal and caring.
Fun fact: Apparently no agreement could be reached on the choice of names for these four-legged friends. Oska, Bareeru, Hanshee, Idi, Rawondu, Tuared Sloguhi, Wulo, and Azawakh are 8 names that are all officially recognized.
3. Borzoi
The Borzoi is a Russian sighthound breed with an athletic build and a gentle, calm demeanor. The four-legged friends are available in all possible fur colors.
In the past, the borzoi was often kept in packs as a hunting dog. Up to 100 dogs then hunted together. Later, the beautiful four-legged friend also became interesting as a family dog.
The four-legged friend needs experienced and patient training. He often shows nervousness when people get too close to him. He also shows a very strong hunting instinct.
Fun fact: In Russia, you can often admire the popular dogs on fashion catwalks. They are mostly patient and calm specimens.
4. Chart Polski
The active Chart Polski is a long-snouted Polish greyhound breed. The large greyhound sheds little, needs a moderate amount of exercise, and is considered difficult to train.
The self-confident animal was primarily used as a hunting, guard, and working dog. The breed almost died out in World War II. Even today it is very rare.
This courageous dog is not suitable for first-time owners. The Chart Polski usually does not get along with strange dogs. However, he gets along very well with children.
Fun fact: This four-legged friend has a particularly happy personality. Therefore, it regularly happens that this four-legged friend jumps around with enthusiasm.
5. Chippiparai
The Chippiparai is a sighthound breed from India. The large four-legged friend sheds little, rarely barks and is moderately trainable. He has a strong hunting instinct and needs a lot of exercises.
The independent four-legged friend is used as a hunting or police dog in his homeland. Outside of India, however, this breed of dog is rare and almost impossible to find.
The territorial animals are well suited as guard dogs. They get along well with heat, but badly with cold. The four-legged friends are also considered to be easy to care for and robust.
Fun Fact: These four-legged friends only bond with one person. As a rule, they only want to be petted by their owner and even refuse food gifts from strangers.
6. Khortai
The Chortai is a friendly sighthound breed from Russia. The four-legged friend sheds a moderate amount, barks relatively little, and has a strong hunting instinct. He is obedient.
For first-time owners, the Chortaj is easy to train. He shows no aggressiveness towards people and usually gets along very well with other dogs.
This four-legged friend has a good nose and extremely good eyesight. He sees even the smallest movements from a great distance. He is also very alert and persistent.
Fun fact: when the shortage stands on its hind legs, it can be up to two meters tall. Even the dog biscuits on the fridge are therefore not safe from him.
7. Combai
The Combai is an intelligent, loyal four-legged friend from India. The sighthound breed is one of the third slowest sighthounds in the world and is very rare.
The four-legged friends are rarely kept as family dogs. It is said that they are often aggressive towards strangers and dogs. So be careful with small children.
The four-legged friends often do not get along with other pets. They have a strong hunting instinct and a very strong bite. Bones are easily chewed by them.
Fun fact: 40 degrees in the blazing sun? No problem. High humidity? No problem. Cold wind? And the combat immediately pulls in its tail.
8. Deerhound
The Deerhound is a large sighthound that was formerly used as a hunting dog for deer. The greyhound breed originated in Scotland and is a slower specimen.
The large four-legged friend is closely related to the Irish wolfhound. Therefore, this animal also weighs up to 50 kg. You should be patient when training – he learns quite slowly.
It is more suitable for rural life with wide meadows. Outside of fenced areas, the four-legged friend should always be on a leash, as his hunting instinct is very strong.
Fun Fact: The Scottish Deerhound only really gained global recognition as a breed after a video of a four-legged friend wearing colorful Crocs went viral. #dogstagram
9. Galgo Espanol
The Galgo Español is a calm, sociable four-legged friend. Also known as the “Spanish Greyhound”. Despite the size, this greyhound breed can live up to 15 years.
The four-legged friends are couch potatoes. They sleep a lot and are naturally cat-friendly. They are tolerant of strange dogs. They love children.
Their gentle behavior makes them ideal family dogs. In Spain, they are still kept by hunters and unfortunately often abused when they are not performing.
Fun fact: The Galgo Español is not only cat-friendly, but also has a cat-like personality. He sleeps a lot, licks his paws, and moves like a cat, elegantly, and gracefully.
10. Greyhound
The Greyhound is a large sighthound breed from England. The short-haired four-legged friend sheds little, rarely barks, and is easy to train. He has a strong hunting instinct.
Since the four-legged friend has very thin fur, it needs a coat in winter to avoid freezing. This dog breed is particularly well-known in various dog races.
Greyhounds can reach speeds of up to 72 km/h and are able to reach this maximum speed after only 30 meters. Your race is like a hover.
Fun Fact: The Greyhound loves to exercise and needs to “run it out” regularly, yet he is a cozy couch potato who sleeps around 18 hours a day.
11. Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a loyal, considerate four-legged friend. In the past, this sighthound breed was often used as a hunting and guard dog, although they were far too friendly.
Irish Wolfhounds are often introverted and reserved. They are suitable for rural areas with wide meadows. They are not made for apartments or city life.
The greyhounds grow very large and heavy. Their life expectancy is around 6 to 8 years. The four-legged friends have a strong hunting instinct and can be trained moderately.
Fun Fact: An Irish Wolfhound named “Keon” holds the world record for the world’s longest tail at a whopping 30 inches.
12. Italian Greyhound
The Italian greyhound is an intelligent, alert four-legged friend. The Italian greyhound breed sheds little, barks a moderate amount, and has a strong hunting instinct.
It is the smallest sighthound breed in the world. She weighs less than 5 kg fully grown. At around 40 km/h, the greyhound is also the slowest greyhound in the world.
The little four-legged friend is very sensitive. He is sensitive to narcotics and is quite difficult to house-train as he can generally only stay for a short time.
Fun Fact: You should have a lot of patience when training your greyhound puppy. Be prepared to go out every half hour.
13. Kaikadi
The Kaikadi is a hunting dog from India. It got its name from the nomads of the same name “Kaikadi”. It is one of the thinnest sighthound breeds in the world.
It is relatively common in its homeland. Internationally, however, it is considered rare. So rare, in fact, that the breed is one of the few exceptions not to have a picture on Wikipedia.
Compared to other breeds, these four-legged friends are considered to be easily trainable, playful and very attentive. They are also suitable for first-time owners and have a strong hunting instinct.
Fun fact: these dogs make some women jealous. Because her waist is so slim that you can easily hold her with two hands.
14. Kanni
The Kanni is a large sighthound from India. His name means “pure” and stands for his strong loyalty and pure heart. It is a rare sighthound breed.
The four-legged friend is protective, robust, and territorial by nature. The fast dog was primarily used as a hunting dog. The four-legged friend is also suitable as a guard dog.
This sighthound copes well with heat, but poorly with cold. The big dog is unsuitable for city life. He prefers large meadows for running.
Fun Fact: In India, this dog breed is considered very expensive. A puppy there costs around €65 to €120. By German standards, this is of course an absolute bargain.
15. Levriero Sardo
The Levriero Sardo is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world and has its origins in Sardinia. Few local breeders are dedicated to this Italian breed.
Translated, the name means “little hunting dog”. And that despite the fact that with a shoulder height of up to 70 cm, they are about the average of all greyhound breeds.
These four-legged friends are very fast and very persistent. Not only do they make great hunting dogs, they are also trusting and affectionate with the family.
Fun Fact: This breed is so rare that the description on Wikipedia is just 3 sentences long.
16. Magyar Agar
The Magyar Agár is a sighthound breed from Hungary. The well-trained four-legged friend is also known as the “Hungarian Greyhound”. The four-legged friend barks a little and is alert.
The dog is primarily kept as a hunting and family dog. The persistent dog is up to 14 years old. He usually gets along well with children or strange dogs.
On the other hand, it is less suitable for keeping smaller pets because it has a strong hunting instinct. The four-legged friend needs a lot of exercises and sleeps about 12-14 hours a day.
Fun Fact: This four-legged friend is very submissive. Even when he grows up with extremely small dogs, he always gives them a priority.
17. Central Asian Tazi
The Central Asian taxi is quadruped with a long snout. He is one of the sighthound breeds from Kazakhstan. It was primarily used as a hunting dog.
It is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and very rare. There are fewer than 300 purebred specimens worldwide. Therefore, the Kazakh government is trying to protect them.
The enduring four-legged friends can easily cover even long distances at a speed of 12 to 15 km/h. Despite their size, the dogs live up to 14 years.
Fun fact: In his homeland, a thoroughbred Tazi costs about the same as 47 horses. So keeping this breed is also a status symbol.
18. Mudhol Hound
The Mudhol Hound is a loyal, elegant four-legged friend from India. He belongs to the group of sighthound breeds and was named after the city of the same name from which he comes.
It was once used as a hunting dog. In the military, he was also used as a guard dog and as a guard dog at borders. He is known to be very robust.
The eyes of the four-legged friend are very good. He is able to see at an angle of 270 degrees. In addition, he can already perceive movements from more than a kilometer.
Fun fact: You rarely succeed in sneaking up on your four-legged friend from behind. Because the dogs have an almost all-round view with their 270-degree field of vision.
19. Patagonian Greyhound
The Patagonian Greyhound is a very brave, reserved four-legged friend from South America. To this day, the sighthound breed is often used as a hunting dog for foxes.
It used to be used to protect against predators such as pumas or similar. The rare breed is very unknown and there is almost no information about the four-legged friend on the internet.
This four-legged friend is relatively heavy for a greyhound. When fully grown, it weighs up to 50 kg. The four-legged friend is also known as the “Russian Greyhound” – why remains unclear.
Fun fact: the natives of South America considered these four-legged friends so valuable that they would rather lose their wives than one of these dogs.
20. Rajapalayam
The Rajapalayam is a quadruped from India. The great white dog is one of the sighthound breeds and was once used as a hunting dog for wild boar.
By nature, this dog is brave, trusting, and loyal. However, it is difficult to train. This large dog is not suitable for apartments. He weighs about 45 kg.
Royalty used to use the “Indian spirit dog” as a watchdog. Today, this breed is so rare that it is threatened with extinction. Puppies are usually born deaf.
Fun Fact: These dogs always have a pink nose. Depending on age and temperature, the intensity of the color can vary.
21. Rampur Hound
The Rampur Hound is an intelligent, outgoing sighthound breed from India. The curious four-legged friend is still kept primarily as a hunting dog.
This breed is still rare as a family dog, although it has the ideal character for it. Rampur Hounds are loyal and friendly. They also cope well with loneliness.
The four-legged friends sleep a lot and prefer warm weather. They are easy to care for, like children, and are easy to keep with seniors. But they have a strong hunting instinct.
Fun Fact: When running, these dogs are completely suspended in the air more than half the time.
22. Saluki
The Saluki is a light-shedding, highly trainable sighthound breed from the Middle East. The four-legged friend can live up to 17 years and is very well-suited as a hunting dog.
This breed barks very little and has a gentle nature. It is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Animal carvings from 7000 BC have been found.
The persistent dogs are more suitable for children from the age of 6, as they rarely tolerate awkward behavior. Dogs are unsuitable for keeping in the apartment.
Fun Fact: These dogs are so picky that even a pebble in their bed is enough to make them avoid it. So better make sure her cup is as snuggly as possible.
23. Silken Windhound
The Silken Windhound is a trusting, trusting sighthound breed from the USA. They got their name because of their “silky fur”. The four-legged friends are ideal family dogs.
They form a particularly close bond with their owners and get along well with children. They also get along well with other pets, despite their strong hunting instinct.
The breed is still relatively young. It wasn’t until 1998 that it got its name. The four-legged friends can be kept well in the apartment. They dislike solitude and are generally sensitive.
Fun fact: These four-legged friends make many a woman jealous. Her hair is naturally as soft as silk.
24. Sloughi
The Sloughi comes from North Africa and is one of the most disliked dogs in the world. The greyhound breed is also known as the “Arabian greyhound”. He is reserved and noble.
In the past, it was primarily used as a hunting dog for fast wild animals. The Sloughi develops a very close bond with its owner. He also gets along well with children.
The four-legged friend should be used to people early on, otherwise, he can be very shy. This dog is not really suitable for apartment keeping. He needs a lot of exercise.
Fun Fact: Because the Sloughi is used to hunting in the deserts of Africa, this animal is very sensitive to cold. In southern Germany, one would speak of “frozen”.
25. Taigan
The Taigan is a quiet, independent four-legged friend from Kyrgyzstan. The versatile sighthound breed is still used today as a hunting dog because it has a good nose.
The four-legged friend can also be kept as a guard dog. He gets along well with children or other dogs but does not tolerate other pets.
This sighthound is particularly known for its long hair. Nevertheless, the four-legged friend sheds little. He can be trained very well, but he barks a lot.
Fun fact: Taigans get along very well with trained birds of prey for reasons that are not yet clear. They are therefore often used in combination when hunting – the dog tracks down the game and the bird snaps.
26. Whippet
The trusting Whippet is a sighthound breed from England. The beautiful four-legged friend sheds little, barks little, and can be trained. He has a strong hunting instinct and needs a lot of exercises.
The four-legged friend is up to 56 km/h fast and reaches its top speed within 3-4 seconds. This dog is an ideal family dog - active outside and calm inside.
If there is a fenced garden and you offer your four-legged friend a lot of exercises, then the playful four-legged friend can also be kept well in the apartment.
Fun Fact: Did you know that dogs can be skittish? If you catch a Whippet from behind and startle it, it will usually leap forward in fear.
Disputed greyhound breeds:
27. Basenji
The Basenji is a confident sighthound breed from Central Africa. The small greyhound has a strong hunting instinct and needs a lot of exercises. He’s difficult to train.
It is disputed whether the four-legged friend hides a greyhound at all since it not only hunts by sight but also uses its nose. It is still fast at around 56 km/h.
The four-legged friends are up to 16 years old. They rarely get along with other pets and tend to bond with just one person. A fence in the garden is mandatory here!
Fun Fact: Did you know that there are dogs that cannot bark by nature? The Basenji can only yodel.
28. Cirneco dell’Etna
The Cirneco dell’Etna comes – as the name suggests – from Sicily and bears the name of the volcano “Etna” in its name. The four-legged friend was held by the “poor”.
The dog sheds little, has a strong hunting instinct, and needs a moderate amount of exercise. At 43 km/h, it is one of the second slowest greyhound breeds in the world.
Its fur is mostly brown. It is also one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Outside of Italy, however, the hunting and guard dog is little known.
Fun Fact: A small piece of white fur on the chest of this four-legged friend can lead to a price increase of 500%. In their homeland, these specimens are considered particularly valuable.
29. Peruvian Hairless Dog
The Peruvian Hairless Dog is a lively, alert dog. In Peru, the greyhound breed is even considered the national dog. The four-legged friend appears in three sizes.
There are specimens that weigh 6, 10, or 19 kg. This hairless dog is also known as the “Peruvian Walking Dead Dog” because of its curious shape. His skin is sensitive.
Not all specimens of this breed are hairless. Some have a white stripe of fur on their foreheads or a full coat of hair. However, this is very rare.
Fun Fact: This dog breed goes by many names. One of them is “Perro Flora”, translated this means “flower dog”. Beautiful or?
30. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is an active, friendly greyhound breed that was used as a hunting dog. The brown dog breed has the nickname “hare dog”.
The four-legged friend sheds little, needs a moderate amount of exercise, and is easy to train. However, she has a strong hunting instinct and barks a lot.
This playful four-legged friend is skinny by nature. When hunting, he does not rely on his sight, as is typical for greyhounds, but mainly uses his nose.
Fun Fact: A pharaoh hound that doesn’t even come from Egypt? Yes. This “cheat pack” originally comes from Malta.
31. Podenco Andaluz
The Podenco Andaluz is a sighthound breed from southern Spain. The former hunting dog was sometimes used to protect the house and yard.
The four-legged friend has very good senses and thus kept the place of residence free of rodents. The active dog is rather unsuitable for the apartment. He needs a lot of exercise.
He gets along well with first-time owners but is often less open to strangers. He gets along moderately well with strange dogs or pets.
Fun Fact: These dogs’ coat color is officially described as “golden.”
32. Podenco Canario
As the name suggests, the Podenco Canario comes from the Canary Islands. The sighthound breed is one of 9 different Podenco species. He often serves as a hunting dog.
However, this Podenco falls short of the definition of a greyhound, as it does not only use sight and speed for hunting. This dog is unsuitable for keeping in an apartment.
Beginners or first-time owners get along well with the dog. He is moderately easy to train. Dogs or children are not a problem. He feels most comfortable in the garden.
Fun fact: all greyhounds are quiet sleepyheads? think. The jittery Podenco Canario does well with a few hours of sleep a day.
33. Podenco Ibicenco
The Podenco Ibicenco from Ibiza is another controversial sighthound breed. The four-legged friend is available with both short and long fur. He sheds a moderate amount and barks little.
The four-legged friend appears in three different sizes. He then weighs between 8 and 25 kg. In the past, it was mainly kept by farmers to protect them from rabbits.
This dog is suitable for apartments, it should not run free because of its strong hunting instinct. There should be a high fence in the garden because Podencos can jump very high.
Fun Fact: What do a Podenco Ibicenco and a broken car radiator have in common? Both overheat very quickly during activity and therefore need regular breaks.
34. Podengo Portuguese
This Podenco is a small sighthound breed from Portugal. There are specimens in three different sizes, which can weigh 5, 18, or 25 kg.
The Podenco species was primarily used as a hunting dog. His good nose and speed of 50 km/h make him an ideal hunter for rabbits, deer, and Co.
The four-legged friends have a life expectancy of 15 to 17 years, making them one of the longest-lived breeds in the world. By nature, they are active, friendly, and resilient.
Fun fact: The hair of these little four-legged friends is naturally all over the place. The “Struwwelpeter look” is completely normal for these dogs.
35. Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a South African sighthound breed. The brown dog is trusting, cheeky and assertive. He sheds a lot and barks little.
Due to its large, muscular build, this four-legged friend is not suitable for beginners. He is less easy to train and quite stubborn. But he gets along with children.
Training with this animal should start very early. The Ridgeback often reacts aggressively towards other dogs – especially those of the same sex.
Fun Fact: Have you ever wondered where the “Ridgeback” got its name from? The quadruped has a raised strip (“ridge”) of longer fur on the spine (“back”), which grows in the opposite direction to the rest of the fur.
36. Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback is a quadruped from (surprise!) Thailand. The sighthound breed impresses with a loyal, family, but also independent nature.
Just like the Rhodesian Ridgeback, this four-legged friend also has a characteristic fur ridge on its back. The four-legged friend is suitable as a loving family dog.
He is protective, with a strong hunting instinct, and should be socialized early, otherwise, he tends to be shy and aggressive. In addition, he can be trained moderately well.
Fun Fact: The Thai Ridgeback is so skilled that he is an absolute master at escaping. So you have to come up with something neat so that the master can’t climb your fence.