Description

The dogs of the Pharaohs, the Saluki is a slim, high-stepping, elegant dog which was used in Arabia for hunting of gazelles and other game with falcons. Saluki is also known as the Gazelle Hound, Arabian Hound, Eastern Greyhound and the Persian Greyhound. Saluki can have running bursts of up to 40 mph with exceptional endurance. An aloof, cautious dog, they are strongly committed to their family.

Size of Male: Height: 23-28 inches Weight: 35-65 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 23-28 inches Weight: 35-65 pounds

Temperament

The Saluki are even-tempered, sensitive, gentle, affectionate, but not demonstrative. Saluki may become attached to one person. Saluki are good with gentle older children. They are too slim for roughhousing. The breed can’t take harsh discipline or strictness. They can be trained only with love and consistency. This breed will never be perfectly obedient so do not set your expectations too high. Sensitive and friendly, but somewhat aloof, even with his family. They are fairly submissive to dominant people and dogs and are easily distracted and somewhat skittish especially with other dogs. The Saluki do best with another Saluki. They are a pleasant and calm companions and make a good watchdog. Though not aggressive with people, the Saluki’s natural instinct is to chase and kill non-canine animals. This is a proper function and this trait should not be discouraged within the breed. They may need obedience training to keep their deep-rooted hunting instincts under control, however with few exceptions it has proven impossible to train these dogs not to hunt at all. As a result, many pets such as birds, guinea pigs and rabbits are not recommended for Saluki owners. They can be good with cats if the cat is left to its own instinctive abilities.

Living Conditions

The Saluki is not recommended for apartment life. Saluki is relatively inactive indoors and will do best with acreage. Saluki should sleep indoors. Warm temperatures are most comfortable, but very hot weather can be uncomfortable. Do ensure you bring them out for daily walks and exert them physically every day to keep them healthy

Upkeep

Daily exercise is essential to Saluki, preferably in the form of free running in a safe, enclosed area. The needs of Saluki can also be met with long leash walks or jogging. Saluki should sleep inside in all but the warmest climates; they do best as indoor dogs with access to a yard. They can play in snow and cold weather but should not be expected to spend extended time in the cold. The Saluki must have a soft bed, or it could develop callouses. A Saluki in proper weight is naturally thin; however, this breed tends to be a picky eater, which can result in a very thin-looking dog. Many people not familiar with the Saluki wrongly assume that the dog is not being fed properly! The smooth coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair, but the feathered coat needs combing once or twice a week to prevent matting.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: none

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years