Different terrain and climate. I thought of British coursing dogs first but maybe a line of salukis or saluki bred that are already doing it in the States might be better.Something like the hounds that dirtwinger runs http://www.thehuntinglife.com/forums/topic/311998-hunting-hares-from-horseback-with-falcon-and-sighthounds/
The ones there look to have collie in them ,so a lurcher really,so maybe a coursing dog of British or American roots would do. ,raised from a pup they wouldn't know any different,I think even the Arabs will a Bob or 2 for British bred coursing dogs and their climate is qui