Saluki
Compiled and researched by Izelle de Klerk (BSc) - Dodgy Dogs & Crazy Cats
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Pic - Saluki Rescue. If considering one of these awesome dogs, please do consider rescue first and foremost. Breed rescue do a wonderful job of pairing the right dog with the right owner and are passionate about their breed. Link below and if not close to you, please do search for a rescue that is. https://www.facebook.com/SalukiRehomings/
The elegant, aristocratic Saluki; also called the Persian Greyhound, Arabian Hound, Gazelle Hound, Saluqi, Tazi, El Hor (“The Noble One”) and The Royal Dog of Egypt; is one of the world's oldest domestic breeds. The ancestry and historical background of most domestic dogs usually can be traced with some degree of accuracy. Not so with the elusive Saluki, their origin pre-dates recorded history and some say that it dates back to a time before ancient Egypt, which was one of the earliest of all human civilizations. What is known is that Salukis have lived in the Middle East since antiquity, and that they have been treasured by nobility and prized by nomadic hunters for thousands of years. The name ‘Saluki’ probably comes from “Saluq,” a long-gone Arab town.
They have a very exotic look about them - long, narrow heads with large eyes and drop ears, their tails are long and curved and they have the typical deep-chested, long legged body of the sighthounds. There are two coat types - smooth and feathered. The feathered variety has light feathering on the back of the legs and thighs. The fur on both types are silky to the touch and comes in a variety of colors, including white, cream, fawn, red, grizzle and tan, black and tan, and tricolor (white, black and tan). The overall appearance of the Saluki is one of grace and symmetry.
These dogs may appear delicate, and to some even skinny, but this should not fool you into thinking that it is fragile. This is a powerful athlete with the strength and stamina to tirelessly cover uneven and dangerous terrain over great distances in pursuit of its pray.
They are sighthounds (which means they hunt by sight) that were bred by nomadic tribesmen to chase down, restrain and kill rabbit, fox, deer and even the swift gazelle. The Saluki was (and still is) prized for its keen eyesight, exceptional agility and remarkable speed.
Personality
Reserved, sensitive and gentle, the Saluki is an increasingly popular pet. These are extremely bright, even-tempered, loyal animals that are affectionate but not overly demonstrative and watchful but not aggressive. They are curious, clever and can be a bit mischievous. Salukis usually are fairly independent and aloof around strangers and often become attached to one family member and show little interest in the others. They are an athletic, and spirited breed with a keen hunting instinct and despite their relatively un-pampered nomadic background, they appreciate the finer things
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
This breed loves spending time outdoors but they need to sleep indoors, they prefer warm temperature over cold. Salukis need lots of room to run, so apartment living is not ideal for them. They need a yard but be aware that they can jump over a 5' fence, and they are also skilled diggers who can dig under a fence. The #1 cause of death for a Saluki is being hit by a vehicle.
The ideal human companions would be active singles or families, families with older children, hunters and sportsmen. They are not well suited for the elderly - they need an active lifestyle.
These dogs were bred to hunt down pray in the dessert, they have the stamina to tirelessly cover uneven and dangerous terrain over great distances. For this reason they need a lot of exercise and a daily leash walk is not enough. They love to run more than anything else in the world, a wide-open, controlled, fenced off area is the ideal sprinting ground for them to romp around enjoying vigorous exercise. Keep in mind that these dogs can reach speeds of 55km/h, so you will not catch a Saluki if he gets away, and if they are in chase mode they are notoriously bad at recall. Thus it is very important to keep them on lead if you are not in a save secure area. They can be quite sensitive and typically don’t enjoy rough games or typical dog games such as chasing sticks.
An excellent way to exercise them if you cannot get to open areas where they can run off lead is to let them jog/run alongside your bike. Other ways to exercise them both physically as well as mentally is to participate in activities such as lure coursing, agility, flyball, jumping, racing, and tracking.
These dogs form a special bond with their owners, and they love their families dearly, but they are not likely to go bonkers when you walk through the door. They do however make good watchdogs but are by no means guard dogs. If they are lonely or stressed, they may howl and bay, but in general, the breed does not bark unnecessarily.
Socialization and training from a young age is recommended to prevent timidity and shyness in later life. They should also be kept busy as they can get bored easily, especially if they are left at home unattended for long periods. They can be mischievous and will become destructive if lonely.
In a nutshell, a Saluki is for you if you:
Where do I get my pup from?
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA) . They have a list of breeders who have puppies available.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
If looking for an older dog, please do consider breed rescue.
They have a very exotic look about them - long, narrow heads with large eyes and drop ears, their tails are long and curved and they have the typical deep-chested, long legged body of the sighthounds. There are two coat types - smooth and feathered. The feathered variety has light feathering on the back of the legs and thighs. The fur on both types are silky to the touch and comes in a variety of colors, including white, cream, fawn, red, grizzle and tan, black and tan, and tricolor (white, black and tan). The overall appearance of the Saluki is one of grace and symmetry.
These dogs may appear delicate, and to some even skinny, but this should not fool you into thinking that it is fragile. This is a powerful athlete with the strength and stamina to tirelessly cover uneven and dangerous terrain over great distances in pursuit of its pray.
They are sighthounds (which means they hunt by sight) that were bred by nomadic tribesmen to chase down, restrain and kill rabbit, fox, deer and even the swift gazelle. The Saluki was (and still is) prized for its keen eyesight, exceptional agility and remarkable speed.
Personality
Reserved, sensitive and gentle, the Saluki is an increasingly popular pet. These are extremely bright, even-tempered, loyal animals that are affectionate but not overly demonstrative and watchful but not aggressive. They are curious, clever and can be a bit mischievous. Salukis usually are fairly independent and aloof around strangers and often become attached to one family member and show little interest in the others. They are an athletic, and spirited breed with a keen hunting instinct and despite their relatively un-pampered nomadic background, they appreciate the finer things
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
This breed loves spending time outdoors but they need to sleep indoors, they prefer warm temperature over cold. Salukis need lots of room to run, so apartment living is not ideal for them. They need a yard but be aware that they can jump over a 5' fence, and they are also skilled diggers who can dig under a fence. The #1 cause of death for a Saluki is being hit by a vehicle.
The ideal human companions would be active singles or families, families with older children, hunters and sportsmen. They are not well suited for the elderly - they need an active lifestyle.
These dogs were bred to hunt down pray in the dessert, they have the stamina to tirelessly cover uneven and dangerous terrain over great distances. For this reason they need a lot of exercise and a daily leash walk is not enough. They love to run more than anything else in the world, a wide-open, controlled, fenced off area is the ideal sprinting ground for them to romp around enjoying vigorous exercise. Keep in mind that these dogs can reach speeds of 55km/h, so you will not catch a Saluki if he gets away, and if they are in chase mode they are notoriously bad at recall. Thus it is very important to keep them on lead if you are not in a save secure area. They can be quite sensitive and typically don’t enjoy rough games or typical dog games such as chasing sticks.
An excellent way to exercise them if you cannot get to open areas where they can run off lead is to let them jog/run alongside your bike. Other ways to exercise them both physically as well as mentally is to participate in activities such as lure coursing, agility, flyball, jumping, racing, and tracking.
These dogs form a special bond with their owners, and they love their families dearly, but they are not likely to go bonkers when you walk through the door. They do however make good watchdogs but are by no means guard dogs. If they are lonely or stressed, they may howl and bay, but in general, the breed does not bark unnecessarily.
Socialization and training from a young age is recommended to prevent timidity and shyness in later life. They should also be kept busy as they can get bored easily, especially if they are left at home unattended for long periods. They can be mischievous and will become destructive if lonely.
In a nutshell, a Saluki is for you if you:
- Have an active lifestyle and will be able to give them the exercise they need
- Are not looking for a guard dog
- You don’t want a dog that is overly affectionate
- Are willing to spend time and money socialising and training them from a young age
- Live in a house with a yard
Where do I get my pup from?
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA) . They have a list of breeders who have puppies available.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
If looking for an older dog, please do consider breed rescue.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Saluki?
These dogs will pretty much get along with most other dogs as long as they have been socialized properly from a young age.
Breeds such as Pitbulls and Staffies won’t be good choices as they can be a bit dominating and, with the Salukis sensitive nature, can cause problems.
Good companions for them will be naturally another Saluki, Greyhound, Whippet, Setters, Pointers, etc. Active dogs will make great companions.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble – (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. That is very unlikely to happen with dogs of the opposite sex.
These dogs will pretty much get along with most other dogs as long as they have been socialized properly from a young age.
Breeds such as Pitbulls and Staffies won’t be good choices as they can be a bit dominating and, with the Salukis sensitive nature, can cause problems.
Good companions for them will be naturally another Saluki, Greyhound, Whippet, Setters, Pointers, etc. Active dogs will make great companions.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
- Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Mature later
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble – (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. That is very unlikely to happen with dogs of the opposite sex.
Do they get on well with other animals?
Salukis are good-natured and usually enjoy the company of other dogs. They can also do well with cats - especially if they grow up with them, but they may chase strange cats.
However, given their hunting instincts, they are prone to chase and kill non-canine animals so you need to take great caution around pets such as birds, guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits.
Keep in mind that, like with all dogs, the level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly on how well they were socialized as pups
Are they good with children?
They are excellent with children, especially if raised around them and if the children do not try and roughhouse them. However , like with most dogs, it is recommended not to leave toddlers or young children unattended with these dogs.
They are usually aloof with strangers, but in general they are peaceful with everyone.
Training requirements and grooming
Training
These dogs are very intelligent but can be quite independent as well, so they are definitely trainable but it takes a bit more effort.
They don’t take kindly to harsh discipline and must be trained with calm, gentle, but firm, consistency - never using force or harsh methods. They are fairly submissive by nature to people but are easily distracted.
The Saluki can be taught obedience but it will require patience and consistency. Even a well-trained Saluki is not terribly obedient. Still, they excel at lure coursing, agility, flyball, jumping, racing, and tracking. They also make great therapy dogs and greatly enjoy having a job to do.
Grooming
Despite having a medium-length coat they are fairly easy to groom. They only require an occasional brushing, but because they sheds you may find yourself brushing them once or twice a week to remove loose hair.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Health concerns
In general this breed does not have a lot of health issues and tend to live long healthy lives. Some of the common health issues they can have include hip dysplasia, eye problems, cancer, hypothyroidism and cardiac problems. They are also prone to sunburn especially on the nose.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life expectancy
About 10-14 years.
Interesting Facts
Salukis are good-natured and usually enjoy the company of other dogs. They can also do well with cats - especially if they grow up with them, but they may chase strange cats.
However, given their hunting instincts, they are prone to chase and kill non-canine animals so you need to take great caution around pets such as birds, guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits.
Keep in mind that, like with all dogs, the level at which these dogs get along with other animals depends greatly on how well they were socialized as pups
Are they good with children?
They are excellent with children, especially if raised around them and if the children do not try and roughhouse them. However , like with most dogs, it is recommended not to leave toddlers or young children unattended with these dogs.
They are usually aloof with strangers, but in general they are peaceful with everyone.
Training requirements and grooming
Training
These dogs are very intelligent but can be quite independent as well, so they are definitely trainable but it takes a bit more effort.
They don’t take kindly to harsh discipline and must be trained with calm, gentle, but firm, consistency - never using force or harsh methods. They are fairly submissive by nature to people but are easily distracted.
The Saluki can be taught obedience but it will require patience and consistency. Even a well-trained Saluki is not terribly obedient. Still, they excel at lure coursing, agility, flyball, jumping, racing, and tracking. They also make great therapy dogs and greatly enjoy having a job to do.
Grooming
Despite having a medium-length coat they are fairly easy to groom. They only require an occasional brushing, but because they sheds you may find yourself brushing them once or twice a week to remove loose hair.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Health concerns
In general this breed does not have a lot of health issues and tend to live long healthy lives. Some of the common health issues they can have include hip dysplasia, eye problems, cancer, hypothyroidism and cardiac problems. They are also prone to sunburn especially on the nose.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life expectancy
About 10-14 years.
Interesting Facts
- Historically, Salukis were used by nomadic tribes for hunting. Typical quarry included gazelles, hares, foxes and jackals. In one Bedouin method of hunting hares, the hunter rides close to the quarry on a camel while holding the Saluki, which he throws towards the prey while at speed, giving the dog a running start. Another method, primarily used in hunting gazelles, involved the use of a hawk to gouge out the eyes of the prey, so that a Saluki can then bring down the blinded animal.
- While the Greyhound is credited as being the fastest dog breed up to distances of around 800 meters, both the Saluki and Whippet breeds are thought to be faster over longer distances. The 1996 edition of the Guinness Book of Records lists a Saluki as being the fastest dog, reaching a speed of 68.8 kilometers per hour.
- When a Saluki runs in full gait, all four legs are off the ground simultaneously
- They were held in great esteem and their bodies were often mummified like the bodies of the Pharaohs themselves
Do`s and Don`ts of this breed
Do’s
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za/saluki.htm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/saluki.htm
http://www.justdogbreeds.com/saluki.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saluki
http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Saluki
http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Dog-Breed-Center/Hound-Group/Saluki.aspx
Do’s
- Give them lots of daily exercise
- Socialize and train them from a young age
- Ensure the yard is secured properly and fenced off so they can’t get out
- Stimulate them mentally, they must always have something to do
- Ensure they get puppy socialization
- Leave them alone for long periods of time, they can develop behavioural problems
- Leave them unsupervised with smaller pets like birds, rabbits, etc
- Let them off lead in an open area that is not fenced off
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za/saluki.htm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/saluki.htm
http://www.justdogbreeds.com/saluki.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saluki
http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Saluki
http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Dog-Breed-Center/Hound-Group/Saluki.aspx