Close your eyes for a second and picture it. Wide open plains. The wind pushing through tall grass. A flash of brown darting across the field…. a hare!!
Not a rabbit hiding in brush piles but a fast and long-legged hare sprinting at top speed, and behind it, a dog…. lean, powerful, built for long distances. Muscles coil, paws dig into the ground and suddenly the chase is on.
For centuries, certain dog breeds were bred to hunt rabbits and hares, not by scent like Basset Hounds, but by pure sight and speed. These hound breeds are called sighthounds and they thrive in open country where their hunting style is in full bloom.
Unlike pointing breeds or flushing dogs used for upland birds, sighthounds rely less on excellent noses and more on raw speed, agility and a strong prey drive.
These are the dog breeds that chase fast hares on open plains. They don’t need to hunt for survival now, but their instincts remain sharp. As hunting dogs, family pets or simply admired for their athleticism, these dogs carry a history that is impossible to ignore.
Dog Breeds That Chase Fast Hares On Open Plains
1. Pharaoh Hound
The “Blushing Dog” of Malta, as per the American Kennel Club (AKC). Classic rabbit dog.
Pharaoh Hounds were originally bred thousands of years ago to hunt rabbits and other fast-moving game in the rocky landscapes of Malta.
These dogs are lean, athletic and made for speed. Their hunting style relies on sharp eyesight, keen intelligence and long legs that can carry them over open plains with ease.
Deep hunting instincts are their hallmark!!
What makes this breed so fascinating is their personality. At home, they are affectionate family dogs with a goofy streak (yes, they actually blush when excited, their ears and nose turn pink). But the moment, a hare darts across the field trials, all that play vanishes. It is all business now.
2. Greyhound
The Greyhound is probably the most famous of all sighthounds.
These dogs are the fastest of all dog breeds, capable of hitting speeds up to 40-45mph. That’s faster than most cars can legally drive in a neighborhood.
Greyhounds were born to hunt rabbits, hares and even foxes across open plains. Their streamlined bodies, long legs and deep chests make them natural sprinters. Some Greyhounds are known for racing, their roots are firmly in hunting circles.
Despite their speed, Greyhounds are surprisingly lazy at home.
Once they have had their daily exercise, they are content to curl up on the couch. They are affectionate family dogs and gentle with kids. And that’s why they are one of the few breeds that can balance hunting instincts with quiet home life.
3. Sloughi
Sometimes called the “Arabian Greyhound”. The Sloughi is a North African breed prized for centuries as a hunting companion in harsh conditions. In Morocco and other countries, they were bred to hunt rabbits, hares, foxes and even gazelles.
Their hunting style is much like the Greyhounds: sight, speed and endurance.
Unlike Greyhounds, Sloughis are known for their loyalty and reserved temperament and long ears. They are not overly affectionate with strangers but form deep bonds with the family.
On the open plains, a Sloughi can chase a hare for long distances without tiring. At home, they are quiet, almost cat-like in their independence.
For dog owners who respect dignity, the Sloughi is a perfect choice.
4. Afghan Hound
Few breeds are as elegant as the Afghan Hound. They almost look too glamorous to hunt in their long and silky coat flowing in the air.
But you would be surprised to know that these dogs were bred to hunt rabbits and other animals in the harsh mountains and open deserts of Afghanistan. PetMD says they have a sharp eye and quick feet.
Afghans use a hunting style that’s part speed, part agility. They can twist and turn on rough ground while keeping their eyes locked on a hare. This strong prey drive makes them restless chasers. But… their independent streak can make obedience training too tricky.
Agile, fast, and determined in the chase!!
At home, Afghan Hounds can be aloof. But these medium-sized dogs are loving with family once they bond. Just don’t expect them to obey like a German Shepherd. But they do need positive reinforcement training to be on their best behavior.
5. Whippet
“Smaller dog versions of Greyhound”, as per PDSA.
They are medium-sized dogs, incredibly fast, and bred to hunt rabbits in the open fields. Their speed may not match a Greyhound’s top-end, but their agility and quick bursts make them classic rabbit dogs. or catch dogs. Whippets are popular in field trials where they showcase their ability to chase and catch rabbits or lure courses.
This hunting style is pure sighthound: see it, chase it, catch it.
They are also affectionate family dogs. Gentle, sensitive, and love curling up with their people. For families who want a hunting dog breed that also makes a wonderful companion, Whippets are hard to beat. Plus, they are highly intelligent, have high energy outdoors, and are couch potatoes indoors.
6. Weimaraner
Unlike the other hounds we have covered so far, the Weimaraner is technically a pointing dog, but it earns its spot here because of its strong hunting instincts and versatility.
Originally bred in Germany as big-game hunting dogs, Weimaraners were later used to hunt rabbits and upland birds as well. So, we can say they are one of the bird dog breeds.
Their hunting style is a mix of pointing and chasing. They will lock onto the prey with laser focus and then spring into action.
They are not as well-versed in chasing hares as Greyhounds or Sloughis, but they do have the stamina and speed to handle long distances on open plains.
Britannica noted they are also known as “Gray Ghosts” because of that sleek coat. With good early training, they balance being hunting companions with being great family pets.
7. Ibizan Hound
Last but not the least, the Ibizan Hound.
These elegant and deer-like hounds come from Spain’s Balearic Islands, where they were used to chase hares across rocky and open plains. With their long legs and large erect ears, and incredible agility, they are specialists in chasing fast hares.
Ibizan Hounds use both sight and sound when hunting.
Their hunting style involves leaping high into the air to spot prey over the bush. They can hunt rabbits and other small animals with an intensity few other dogs can match. At home, they are fun, goofy, and gentle. But the moment they are in the field, their instincts take over.
To see an Ibizan in full sprint is to see history in motion.
Conclusion
There are few breeds more thrilling to watch in action than the dog breeds that chase fast hares on open plains. The sighthounds and the hunting dogs. Pointing breeds like German Shorthaired Pointer excel at upland bird hunting, the hounds we have discussed remain the specialists for the furred game like rabbits and hares.
If you are in the hunting circles or just an admirer of these incredible dogs, one thing is clear: these dogs are history, instinct, and loyalty wrapped in fur.
