Saluki

As fast as the wind, as loyal as it gets, and well-known for its love of action. That is the Saluki – the world’s most ancient domesticated dog.

Country of Origin

Egypt
Breed Group

Wind Dogs
Height

Male 23-28 In
Female 21-24 In
Weight

Male 44-60 Ib
Female 35-44 Ib
Life Span

10-17 years

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In a Nutshell

Their noble appearance and gentle nature, along with their hunting abilities, have made them a favorite for kings and nobles. Some claim that the ancient pharaohs, and even Alexander the Great, used to breed Saluki dogs. As befits a wind dog, the Saluki is more like a canine version of Forrest Gump, meaning they like to run, Saluki, run. It’s therefore a good idea to raise them in a house with a yard and a high fence – one that they cannot jump over. The Saluki is a loyal and friendly dog, but not too interested in strangers. They’re very interested, however, in small animals and will use any opportunity to chase after them. This is a smart dog who’s easy to train and can be taught different tricks.

Life With a Saluki

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Looks & Personality

As part of the wind dog, also known as a sighthound, family, the Saluki has a narrow, lean, and muscular body – one that resembles the body of athletes and dancers. They have a regal and symmetrical appearance that includes eyes located on the sides of the head, long and drooping ears, and soft silk fur in white, reddish brown, cream, golden, black, or a combination of several colors. By the way, there are Saluki dogs with short, shiny fur, and there are some with longer fur.

The Saluki is a very loyal loving dog who’s smart and easy to train. Because they run fast, their owners can’t always keep up, which requires the Saluki to continue on their own and develop an independent character. They also get along great with children. Just try not to leave children alone with them, because they might disturb the gentle Saluki, who likes their peace. If you’re into physical activity – the Saluki can definitely be your partner. They love to be outside and need a lot of exercise. When you go out into nature together, it’s recommended to keep them on a leash, because one of their hobbies is chasing small animals. Don’t be angry with your Saluki – it’s in their nature. It’s important to go out with them for regular physical activity that will also allow them to run, and not settle for only a short walk in the street.

If you’re away from home for many hours, remember that this is an intelligent dog who needs stimulation, so being alone for a long time might harm them. They may start barking more than often and even develop separation anxiety. Try to provide them with suitable games that will challenge them during the hours you’re away.

Common Health Problems

The Saluki breed is considered a healthy and strong breed in general, although they have an increased tendency to get cancerous tumors. There is also a severe but rare recessive genetic disease in the breed, called Saluki encephalopathy, which may lead to irreversible damage to the nervous system. So it’s always important to rule out carriers in both parents before mating. It’s also worth knowing that many individuals of the breed have thyroid hormone levels that are lower than the standard reference range for dogs, but this is usually not accompanied by a medical problem.

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A tip from a vet

Because this is a deep-chested and extremely energetic dog, running or playing right after eating could put it in real danger of developing a life-threatening condition called Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). To reduce the risk, it’s recommended to feed them at least two portions a day, while avoiding activity half an hour before and after eating. Prophylactic gastropexy can also prevent the condition.

A tip from a trainer

The Saluki is a smart dog that, in addition to vigorous physical activity, also needs mental stimulation. This means that they’ll definitely love to play or learn new tricks. They’re relatively easy to train and if you start with them at a young age, you can even train them to hold still while you’re brushing their teeth.

Did You Know

In 1996, a Saluki who ran at a speed of 42 miles per hour was selected as the fastest dog in the world in the Guinness Book of Records.

The Saluki is considered a hunting dog who relies more on speed and sight (being a sighthound) and less on the sense of smell to locate its prey.

The Arab tribes who traditionally raised them made the Salukis their deer hunters and used to apply nut oil on their feet to maintain their running ability.

In The News

In the Disney film The Fox and the Hound 2, there’s a Saluki dog character named Dixie, who’s voiced by country singer Reba McEntire.

The History Behind the Breed

The Saluki is quite an ancient breed. But how ancient exactly? Genetic studies show that it’s one of the first breeds to split from wolves. Clear evidence of its existence appeared as early as 329 B.C. in the area of Ancient Egypt and the Middle East, and some claim that it’s even older based on wall paintings on ancient Egyptian tombs. It’s said that the ancient pharaohs loved their Salukis so much that they mummified them after their deaths. It’s also interesting to note that despite thousands of years passing since, the Saluki still looks quite the same, as there have not been many changes in their appearance. The Salukis were used as hunting dogs and stood out in their ability to bring the prey to their owners almost intact – much thanks to their relatively soft jaw. They are able to carry their prey across a distance of several miles and can also hunt relatively large animals such as deer and foxes.

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