Saluki Dog

The Saluki is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, known breeds of domesticated dog, with a history stretching back thousands of years to ancient Egypt and the Fertile Crescent. Carvings from Sumerian civilizations dating as far back as 7000-6000 B.C. depict dogs remarkably similar to the modern Saluki. They were the royal dogs of ancient Egypt, often mummified alongside pharaohs, and were highly prized by nomadic Bedouin tribes for their incredible speed, stamina, and keen eyesight, which made them exceptional hunters of gazelle, hare, and other fleet-footed desert game.

For centuries, Salukis were treasured by Arab sheiks and other nobles throughout the Middle East. They were never sold but were given as esteemed gifts, which helped to maintain their purity and spread them across the region. Their ability to hunt by sight over vast, open desert terrain was unparalleled. The Saluki was first brought to England in the late 19th century, and their exotic elegance quickly captivated Western dog fanciers. The Saluki Club of America was founded in 1927, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1929. They remain a symbol of ancient grace and sighthound prowess.

The Saluki possesses a temperament that is a unique blend of gentle dignity, independence, and quiet affection. With their families, they are typically loyal, loving, and form strong bonds, though they are not usually overly demonstrative or boisterous in their affection. They are sensitive dogs that appreciate a calm and respectful home environment. Salukis are known for their graceful, almost cat-like movements and can be quite clean.

True to their sighthound nature, they are independent thinkers and were bred to hunt and make decisions at a distance from humans. This independence can sometimes be interpreted as aloofness or stubbornness. They are generally reserved and can be very wary of strangers, though not typically aggressive. Early socialization is important to build their confidence and ensure they are comfortable in various situations. Salukis have an extremely strong prey drive and will instinctively chase small, fast-moving animals. They are generally quiet in the home but require understanding of their unique sighthound personality.

The Saluki comes in two coat varieties: feathered and smooth. Both varieties have a soft, silky texture.

• Feathered Salukis: Have long, silky feathering on their ears, tail, and sometimes on the back of their legs and thighs. The body coat is smooth and short. This variety requires regular gentle brushing, especially of the feathered areas, a few times a week to prevent tangles and keep the coat looking elegant.
• Smooth Salukis: Have a short, sleek coat all over their body with no feathering. This variety is very low-maintenance, requiring only a weekly rubdown with a hound mitt or soft cloth to remove loose hair and maintain shine.

Both varieties are considered average shedders and are known for being very clean dogs with little to no “doggy” odor. Baths are needed only occasionally. Regular nail trims are important, as are ear checks (especially for the feathered variety whose ear feathering can trap debris) and diligent dental care, as sighthounds can be prone to dental issues.

Salukis are sighthounds built for incredible speed and require regular opportunities to run freely at full gallop in a large, **very securely fenced area**. A simple leash walk, while beneficial for mental stimulation and bonding, is not sufficient to meet their physical exercise needs. They are sprinters and enjoy short, intense bursts of running.

Daily exercise should also include one or two moderate walks on a leash. It is crucial to remember their powerful prey drive; a Saluki off-leash in an unsecured area will chase squirrels, cats, or any other small moving object with breathtaking speed and may ignore recall commands, potentially running into danger. Lure coursing is an ideal activity for Salukis, allowing them to use their natural instincts in a safe environment. Despite their athletic capabilities, Salukis are often calm and relaxed indoors, content to lounge gracefully on a comfortable spot once their exercise needs have been met.

Salukis are generally a healthy and long-lived breed, particularly for their size, having been shaped by centuries of natural selection in harsh environments. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock. Potential health concerns include:

• Heart Conditions: Such as cardiomyopathy or other cardiac issues. Regular heart exams by a veterinary cardiologist are recommended for breeding stock.
• Certain Cancers: Hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma have been noted in the breed.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland.
• Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus – GDV):** A risk for deep-chested breeds, though perhaps less so than in some giant breeds.
• Anesthesia Sensitivity: Like many sighthounds, Salukis can be particularly sensitive to certain anesthetic drugs, especially barbiturates. It is crucial that veterinarians are aware of this and use sighthound-safe protocols.
• Autoimmune Issues:** Can occasionally occur.