The Saluki is a member of the Greyhound family.
Alternate Names
Arabian Hound
El Hor (the Noble)
Gazelle Hound
Persian Greyhound
Persian Sighthound
Tanji
The Noble One
Appearance:
Body: Slender, strong, hard, muscular, and graceful (Greyhound-like) with a broad back, slightly arched back, deep, narrow chest, and well set back, sloping shoulders.
Coat: Smooth, soft, and silky. Two varieties: smooth-coat is short all over and the feathered-coat has longer hair on the legs, ears, and tail.
Color: White, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle and tan, tri-colored (black, white, and tan), and variations of each.
Ears: Long, mobile, hang close to the head, and covered with long hair.
Eyes: Large, almond-shaped, deep set, dark brown to hazel color; expressively sad.
Feet: Moderately long, and strong with long, well-arched toes.
Head: Long and narrow, moderate amount of width between the ears, pronounced occiput, moderate stop, and black or liver colored nose.
Legs: Forelegs are long, lean, and straight; less developed than the greyhounds. Hindquarters are muscular, hips wide apart, stifles moderately bent, hocks low to the ground.
Neck: Long, sleek, and well-muscled.
Size:
Weight: 35 – 65 pounds
Height: 23 – 28 inches
Tail: Long and low set, carried with a natural curve.
Behavior
Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Capable of reaching 45 mph at a full run
The Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds known and was once recognized as a prized possession of Allah. This was supposedly signified by the white patch of fur at the base of his neck referred to as the “Kiss of Allah”
He was bred to hunt in the desert for gazelle, fox, hare, and other small game. He rides with his master on the backs of camels, until they reach the hunting grounds, to keep the pads of his feet from burning in the hot sand.
Michele Welton, author of Your Purebred Puppy calls him “One of the swiftest and most graceful of all breeds, the aristocratic Saluki is possessed of a quiet dignity and independence.”
He is sleek, graceful, exceptionally fast, and capable of jumping high fences. He is also a highly intelligent, independently-minded dog capable of thinking for himself. He is a quick learner and needs limited training to do his job but will benefit greatly from exercises that will stimulate his mind and keep him fit such as obedience classes, agility, tracking, and lure coursing. He is a sensitive breed who will respond best to a positive approach to training. Gentle, verbal correction of mistakes, reward-type treats, and lots of praise for a job well done.
The Saluki is a hunting dog with exceptionally keen eye sight who will quickly take chase after anything moving that he perceives as prey. For his own safety, keep him on a leash or in a very secure enclosure to prevent him from bolting out into traffic or encountering other dangers in pursuit of small animals or other prey.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Hound Group (Sight Hound)
Bred for hunting hare, gazelle, and other small game.
Care and Grooming
Exercise: Vigorous daily runs in a wide open space.
Grooming: Brush once or twice weekly.
Health
Life Expectancy: 12 – 13 Years
Possible Problems:
Heart problems
Eye disease
Sunburn
Saluki dogs tend to have a negative reaction to anesthesia, vaccinations, and other drug related treatments. Check with your veterinarian before applying flea and tick control product or other drug-related medications.
Country of Origin
Middle East – According to the Saluki Club of America “The Saluki’s origins, geographic location, time, predecessors–are all shrouded in mystery and myth. What is accepted as fact is that the Saluki has been associated with the Middle East since antiquity”