There are many canine breeds all over the world with diverse morphologies, temperaments, characteristics, and with different qualities and peculiarities that diversify each breed from each other. If the quality we want to learn about is speed, without a doubt we should refer to the different breeds of sighthounds or greyhounds.
The fact that greyhounds are dolichocephalic (narrow and elongated heads), instead of being like other dog breeds, which are brachycephalic (short and wide heads), has been a primary reason for sighthounds have geared towards speed. This cranial characteristic gives them stereoscopic vision (high resolution vision) that other dog breeds do not have.
Wolves also have this extraordinary degree of vision. We could conclude that if you have to run a lot after a prey, it will be necessary to see very well where you are going to step in the following strides to quickly reach your objective.
So, if you want to meet the fastest dogs in the world, on our site you will find answers to your curiosity.
Loundhound
The English Greyhound is considered the fastest dog in the world in sprinting. The English greyhound comes from the Hispanic greyhound, and through crosses it has evolved to become a magnificent and athletic animal. It can reach up to 63 Km/h
Initially, Greyhounds (like all other breeds of sighthounds) were used for hunting by roy alty. Over time, these animals have been incorporated into the detestable world of greyhound racing, which moves huge amounts of money.
Fortunately, it is more and more common to see sensitive people who adopt greyhounds as pets. Greyhounds are loyal, affectionate, gentle and obedient companions. They are magnificent pets without a doubt.
Spanish Greyhound
El Spanish Greyhound is a pure breed native to the Iberian Peninsula. It is an ancient breed, which experts say comes from the hunting dogs of the pharaonic courts of ancient Egypt.
It is an exceptionally athletic dog, Capable of running at 60 Km/h It is probably the most widespread dog throughout the Spanish geography, since it is used in various hunting and sports modalities. Unfortunately, in Spanish rural populations, these poor dogs are mistreated intolerably.
Fortunately, there are associations that protect animal rights, and it is increasingly common to see that there are families who adopt dogs that have been exploited into their homes.
Saluki, the ancient hound
The saluki is a dog with a great history. This breed were the dogs that the Egyptian pharaohs used in their hunting days. It is known that Since 2000 years before C., there are inscriptions in Pharaonic tombs that speak of this ancient breed of sighthound.
Experts say that the Saluki descended from the desert wolves of Ara. Today the Bedouins use the Saluki as a dog to hunt gazelles and also as pets which they greatly appreciate. It is an ancestor of the Spanish greyhound.
The Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is the dog capable of running the fastest between the rocks, crevices and obstacles of the rugged Afghan mountains. Apart from its extraordinary eyesight that allows it to have a clear view of its surroundings, the Afghan Hound has a physical feature that distinguishes it from other dogs: its kneecaps.
The structure of the Afghan Hound's kneecaps allows the lower part of its strong legs to rotate asymmetrically and individually. In this way, the Afghan greyhound places each of its four legs in the best position on the ground during the race. For this reason, this powerful dog can unhesitatingly chase the elusive mountain goats in the imposing Afghan mountain ranges. It is a large hunting dog, whose tenure is highly valued in the radical climate and terrain of Afghanistan.
In other parts of the world the Afghan Hound is considered a "gentleman" dog, when in reality his extraordinary beauty and distinguished manners mask the relentless hunter that he really is.