What makes sighthounds so unpopular??

I think all of the above comments have merit when it comes to several breeds, not just sighthounds. 

The 'sighthound' label contains some of the oldest breeeds.  We don't have a lot of the larger historic prey that these dogs were bred to hunt here in the USA.  Most guys (or gals) wouldn't be caught dead hunting rabbit or bragging about how well their dog did during a hunting expedition[X(]!  There is just something about bringing down that waterfowl or pheasant  that aces rabbit hunting! 

Sighthounds DO NOT beg for attention.  They are the loners in the dog world along with some other more independent breeds (usually the older ones). I have heard it said that they pick their owners instead of the other way around.

They look fragile.  I know that their looks are deceiving but when you pick your dog for looks , you usually pick a more solid animal.  Not many ranchers would pick the skinniest animal in the herd for their winter meat and that outlook of more being better (which at times really is) is pervasive in out culture.

If you own (or are owned by) a dog that is not a popular breed, count yourself lucky.  There will always be people who will try to jump on any fad bandwagon to make money, regardless of who gets hurt in the process. I own a less popular breed than most sighthounds, at least in my area.  I have had them called GSD mixes, Akitas, Chows, and Huskeys.  They are still elkhounds and I don't hunt with them; I just enjoy their antics, their independence (most of the time), and their doggy breath when they are giving out kisses.

Yeah for unpopular dog breeds!!!!![][][][]

I agree that it may be a good thing when a breed isn't popular with the masses. When I became a schnauzer owner I was trying to convince everyone how great the breed was, until I realized that schnauzer lovers, owners, breeders do not try to make the breed more popular. B/c that leads to many inexperienced and unknowledgable people buying them, and possibly breeding them. Case in point: schnoodles. That is why I now don't try to convince anyone how great my breed is. Sad in a way, I know.

I did a lot of research on adopting a retired greyhound when we were contemplating our first dog...but after reading various books and websites and talking to GH owners, I decided that the fit might not be exactly right for my family. And also, having never owned a dog before, the information I got overwhelmed me a bit (how many GHs have never been in a house before and you have to teach them everything from scratch, etc). But I love sighthounds and think they are very cool. I also love IGs and there are SO many in shelters and rescues around here, but they are too delicate for my family (2 kids).

I think there's a lot of missinformation regarding SH's around.  They need a lot of exercise, try telling that to my retired G/H.  They dont like affection, oh yeah try getting my borzoi off my lap when he's wanting fuss.   All my lot are excellent with kids.  Retired gh's may not of been in a house before but they pick things up pretty quick and of all the ones Ive fostered there have been very few problems and they soon discover the wonders of the sofa.  Some can certainly live with small furries, my whippetx is petrified of the cats!  Have a look at this vid, it may dispell some of the myths.
 
[linkhttp://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=402341624ef94f5d0cbe6]http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/view_shared?p=402341624ef94f5d0cbe6[/link]

would like to share this, its better with sound. This video was put together by Katey aka Sighthound Fan from Sighthounds Online