Why were sighthounds especially valued in desert regions?

The story behind the answer

Sighthounds were prized in deserts because open, arid terrain makes scent unreliable—heat and dry winds disperse odors—and there’s little cover. These dogs rely on keen long-distance vision to spot prey and blistering speed to overtake it across flat sands. Their lean, long-legged, deep-chested build supports rapid acceleration and efficient, straight-line chases rather than nose-led tracking or pack tactics.

Historically, Bedouins and Saharan hunters used Salukis, Sloughis, and Azawakhs (often alongside falcons) to course gazelles and hares in the heat. To remember: deserts reward “eyes first, feet fast”—see it, sprint it, seize it—unlike scenthounds that follow odors or pack hounds that depend on coordination and vocalization.