We humans often typecast the sighthounds breeds in the Hard to Train class. Their independence challenges our Do as We Say mindset. But maybe sighthound breeds, rather than being categorized as among the dumbest dog breeds, better distinguish between actions that benefit them (such as a successful hunt), and actions we request that don’t benefit them? These five sighthound breeds throw light on the “dumb hound” accusations …

The 5 Sighthound Dog Breeds

1. Sloughi

We’ve been hunting gazelle, fox, jackal, rabbits and wild pigs in North Africa for centuries. We’re distinguished for our efficient body builds, nobility, speed, stamina and melancholy expressions. Rather than over-focus on your definition of intelligence, let’s discuss our aptitude.

We sighthound breeds generally see “better” than other breeds, at least when evaluated by our quick reaction toward fast-moving objects at significant distances. This visual aptitude, along with our athleticism and endurance, enables us to successfully hunt game across large desert expanses. Nobles, kings and chieftains throughout history saw little value in teaching us Sit, Stay or Roll Over commands.

2. Irish Wolfhound

We’re a powerful breed, developed in Ireland to hunt wolves, stags, boars and elks. Favored with the aristocracy, we were gifted to royalty and nobles across the continents. Famous for our height, we also have extraordinary vision. As sighthound breeds do, we needed to see animals moving, even at a distance, and in faint light. Our eyes sit slightly toward the sides of our heads, offering a somewhat wider range of vision than yours. We long-muzzled sighthounds have an especially wide field of vision, allowing us to hunt prey on the horizon.

As for working obedience, we take instructions from humans generally well. In Stanley Coren’s 1994 Intelligence of Dogs report (ranking breeds by our readiness to learn and obey commands), we’re ranked #41, placing us in the average working/obedience intelligence group. We’d also likely top any instinctive intelligence ranking.

3. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Our forefathers accompanied Dutch and German farmers and ranchers traveling from Cape of Good Hope shipping centers to new homesteads. Early Rhodesian Ridgebacks worked as big-game trackers, but also protectors of property. Notable for our ridged backs, we got famous for tracking and holding lions at bay. 

Clearly, we didn’t develop this reputation from sitting around waiting for humans instructions. We’re loyal, protective and always game for adventures. We’ll often respond to your high-handedness with stubbornness, so let’s instead focus on mutually enjoyable activities. We won’t drag behind on hikes!

4. Whippet

Compared to sporting and herding dogs who work closely with people (and rely on a human cues and commands), sighthound breeds like us were bred to chase and run game down without your instruction manual. Our ancestry traces to ancient, graceful sighthounds developed for coursing. We were developed as the working man’s racehorse in 18th- and early 19th-century Britain.

Less expensive to keep than Greyhounds, we provided entertainment, brought small game to the table and offered companionship. Today, we’ll respond most readily to your commands if they’re correlated to movement sports. May we recommend agility or coursing events?

5. Basenji

Celebrated for our barklessness, we trace our origins back to Africa as courageous hunting dogs. My silence facilitated my hunting. We frequently pursued prey out of sight of hunters; we didn’t require their guidance. We’re adaptable go-getters, with take-care-of-ourselves attitudes.

Sometimes humans label us as willful or obstinate, but we prefer the designation “self-governing” or “self-determining.” In work and play, we’re clever, alert, perceptive, adaptable and ingenious. Those descriptive words aren’t the synonyms of dumb, now are they?

Read more about dog breeds on Dogster.com:

• Let’s Hear From 5 Scenthound Dog Breeds
• Meet 5 Ancient Dog Breeds
• Dogs With Blue Eyes: Meet These 6 Dog Breeds

Tell us: Do you have a sighthound? What breed or mix of breeds is she?

Why read breed profiles?

Dog breed profiles help everyone, whether you have a mixed breed or purebred dog, to better understand and improve the quality of your dog’s life. If you have a mixed breed dog, read up on all of the breed profiles that make up your dog. Not sure what breed your dog is? There are a number of easy DNA tests out there to help your find out.

Featured Image Credit: Best dog photo / Shutterstock.