A running style where all four paws leave the ground twice in one stride. First suspension~The body stretches long. Front legs reach forward. Back legs extend behind.
The dog is fully airborne.
Second suspension~Collected phase
All four paws lift again —but now the legs are tucked under the body.
Another moment in the air. This stride allows longer steps and incredible acceleration.
That’s why sighthounds can reach extreme speeds so quickly, but it is also the most energy-demanding stride.
Sighthounds have an extremely flexible spine.
It bends and extends like a spring, making their stride longer and more powerful.
This is what makes sighthounds some of the fastest dogs in the world.
P.S All sighthounds can achieve double suspension gallop.
Most dogs can't run with a double-suspension gallop.
They have shorter legs, less flexible spines, and more compact bodies.
These traits make it harder to fully extend and collect the body in one stride. Typical running gait for many breeds is single-suspension gallop/canter. There is one moment where all paws leave the ground, but only once per stride.