Saluki

It is believed that the Saluki is the oldest dog in existence. Archeological excavations of ancient Egyptian tombs revealed images of Salukis depicted on the walls, and mummified remains of these dogs were also discovered. Prized by Arabian nomads as a formidable hunter of gazelles, foxes and hare, the Saluki was doted over and brought inside the nomad’s tents, an honor that was not bestowed to other dogs of the time. The first Saluki to enter the United States arrived in 1861. In 1929, the American Kennel Club recognized the Saluki as a member of the hound group.

The Saluki is a slender dog with long legs that looks similar to a Greyhound. They have long, slender muzzles and long, pendant ears. What distinguishes them from Greyhounds is that Salukis have feathering around their ears, legs and tails. They have short, silky coats. Some of them come in the smooth variety and do not have feathering. They are easy to groom. They need to be brushed once a week and require occasional bathing in case they get dirty. Their ears and teeth should be checked regularly.

Personality

The Salukis are highly intelligent, affectionate but calm dog breeds. They can be gentle, sensitive and like people. They are fairly independent and are not overly demonstrative when it comes to showing their love, but they enjoy human companionship immensely. This is a very active breed that needs to run a lot. Salukis do well with active individuals that understand their exercise needs. They are friendly toward children but are sensitive and don't enjoy rough play. They prefer to exert their energy outside and then snuggle up on the couch.

Breed Characteristics

Saluki Build Information

The lithe physique of a Saluki stands at an average height of 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 35 and 65 pounds. Salukis may be smooth or feather coated. In the case of a feathered Saluki, long hair is exhibited on the ears and the tail. Both coat variations are silky and shiny, and the colors may be white, cream, tan, fawn, red, grizzle, black and tan or tricolor. The muzzle is elongated and narrow, the earflaps hang downward and the tail hangs downward when the dog is relaxed. The Saluki is a slender dog with long legs that looks similar to a Greyhound. They have long, slender muzzles and long, pendant ears. What distinguishes them from Greyhounds is that Salukis have feathering around their ears, legs and tails. They have short, silky coats. Some of them come in the smooth variety and do not have feathering. They are easy to groom. They need to be brushed once a week and require occasional bathing in case they get dirty. Their ears and teeth should be checked regularly.

Behaviour and Personality

The Saluki is a dog with keen hunting instincts and a strong prey drive. While a Saluki may get along with housemate cats if it is raised with them from puppyhood, any other cat that crosses its path will be perceived as prey. Salukis will also pursue any wildlife that catches their eyes. These dogs should never be walked without being tethered to a secure leash, and enclosing the yard with a tall fence is imperative. In the home, Salukis are calm, independent and aloof. Most children will become bored with Salukis since the breed is not particularly playful. Salukis can be a challenge to train because they prefer to act on their own accord. As long as a Saluki receives a brisk daily walk, it can adapt easily to apartment life. The Salukis are highly intelligent, affectionate but calm dog breeds. They can be gentle, sensitive and like people. They are fairly independent and are not overly demonstrative when it comes to showing their love, but they enjoy human companionship immensely. This is a very active breed that needs to run a lot. Salukis do well with active individuals that understand their exercise needs. They are friendly toward children but are sensitive and don't enjoy rough play. They prefer to exert their energy outside and then snuggle up on the couch.

Appearance

Salukis require minimal grooming. Once a week, go over the coat with a grooming mitt to remove dead hairs and to restore the coat’s healthy luster. Brush the longer hairs on the ears and tail once or twice a week to prevent the hair from tangling. Inspect the ears once a week as well, and clean them if debris is seen in order to prevent infections. Brush a Saluki’s teeth every other day with reduce tartar accumulation and the risk for periodontal disease.

Saluki Common Health Conditions

Salukis live average lifespans of 12 to 14 years. The Saluki is generally a healthy breed, but a few health conditions to be aware of include von Willebrand disease, hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma and corneal dystrophy.

Saluki Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

For a canine companion that is not needy or boisterous, the Saluki may be the calm and independent alternative that you are looking for. The Saluki originated in Egypt. The Saluki is also called a gazelle hound, a Persian greyhound, a Persian sighthound, a tazi and an Arabian hound. The Saluki is a keen hunter with an aloof and independent nature. The Saluki stands 23 to 28 inches tall and weighs 35 to 65 pounds. The Saluki has a moderate energy level. The Saluki requires minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Saluki is 12 to 14 years.