| Breed Description
- Saluki |
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| Kennel Club Group |
Hound |
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| General Size |
Large |
Exercise requirements |
High |
| Adult Height |
22" - 28" (56 - 71 cms) |
Suitability for Children |
Medium |
| Adult Weight |
30 - 65 lb (14 - 30 kgs) |
Compatibility other pets |
Low |
| Average Lifespan |
12 - 14 years |
Grooming Requirements |
Medium |
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| The appearance of the Saluki is one of total grace and balance. They are long, lean and agile dogs, quite square in overall shape but lightly built with long lightly boned, muscular limbs, a deep but narrow chest and a long, supple and well muscled neck. Their head is long and narrow overall but moderately wide between the ears and tapered through to the end of the muzzle. Their eyes are dark brown to hazel, bright, large and oval in shape, their ears are long and dropped, hanging close to the head and covered in long silky hair. They have a smooth coat of soft silky texture with feathering on legs and back of thighs. Colouring can be any of the dog colours bar brindle. |
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| The Saluki is the royal dog of Egypt and may be as old as human civilisation. Their mummified bodies have been found alongside the Pharaohs and their pictures appear in ancient Egyptian tombs dating from 2100 BC. They were named for an ancient Arabian city 'Saluki' which has long since been swallowed by the sands. Amongst Muslims they were considered a sacred gift from Allah, as a result these dogs were never sold - instead being offered as gifts of friendship or homage. Other names for the Saluki are the 'Gazelle Hound', 'Arabian Hound', or 'Persian Greyhound' and as their appearance suggests, they are probably quite closely related to those other ancient breeds, the Afghan Hound and Greyhound. The Saluki is a fantastic sight hunter, capable of incredible speed and agility over rough terrain. They were used to course gazelle, the fastest of the antelopes, and have also been used to hunt fox, jackal and hare. In the West, this breed is primarily a companion pet and show dog. |
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| The Saluki is an even tempered and sensitive breed. They are gentle and affectionate and good with older children but not recommended with young children, unless they are very respectful of the dog, as it will not accept teasing or manhandling. They are very loyal but may become attached to only one person in the family. Training needs to be gentle and constructive, they are sensitive and cannot take harsh discipline. They are independent of mind so don't expect Labrador like obediency or you will be disappointed, instead you need to view it as more of a partnership. They are fairly submissive to dominant people and dogs and are easily distracted and somewhat skittish (especially with other dogs). The Saluki does best with another Saluki. They are a pleasant and calm companion and make a good watchdog. Though not aggressive with people, the Saluki's natural instinct is to chase and kill non canine animals - they should never be trusted around small animals. |
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| This breed requires extensive exercising, up to 5 or 10 miles per day as a mixture of roadwork and free running. Due to their hunting instincts they are not generally safe to be allowed off lead in public areas so would best suit a rural lifestyle where the owner is able to allow free run away from other people and pets. They are exceptionally fast at up to 40 miles per hour. Grooming is straight forward just needing a daily brush to remove loose or dead hair and other debris picked up in the field. |
| Potential
Health Problems |
| Due to it's long unchanged 'pure' heritage the Saluki doesn't suffer from most ailments that affect other breeds. Eye problems have been reported, as have sensitive skin and digestion. |
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