Saluki Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Saluki?

The Saluki was previously known as the Persian Greyhound or the gazelle hound. It's one of the most ancient breeds of dogs, a fact that has been confirmed by genetic evidence.

It's thought that this breed descends from the first dogs and that they made their way across the world in the company of nomadic owners. Depictions of dogs resembling the breed can be traced back to Egyptian tombs dated roughly 4000 years ago. There are even older carvings from the Sumerian empire that resemble this breed.

These dogs were said to work alongside Pharaohs to hunt gazelles, hares, and other game. They were often mummified after death as a sign of deep respect. Salukis were also considered to be a gift from Allah by nomadic Muslims, who typically didn't like dogs and thought of them as dirty animals. They allowed Saluki dogs to sleep alongside them in their tents, which reflects the respect they had for them.

Salukis were found across the Middle East for centuries, but it wasn't until 1840 that they arrive in the UK. In the United States, it took a while for interest in the dog to grow. They were recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1927.

Who are Saluki dogs best for?

Salukis are a great dog of choice for anyone who leads an active lifestyle. They're ideal for older children who have the same energy to burn as they do, but you should exercise caution when introducing them to younger children.

These dogs are tolerant and can be patient, but they also have a stubborn streak and enjoy their independence. They also have thin skin and knobbly bones, which can make them vulnerable to getting hurt if playing goes wrong.

How much grooming does a Saluki need?

Salukis have short, smooth, and silky coats. They can have a variety of coat types, short or long, and their dog hair can be a range of colours including white, cream, black, fawn, golden, or tan.

They might also have feathering on their legs or their thighs. Their silky ears, long legs, and pointed snout are recognisable characteristics of this breed.

Salukis are very clean dogs, and they don't typically shed much hair or produce a strong doggy odour. It's important to brush your Saluki's hair regularly, at least once a week, to remove any tangles.

Generally, you don't need to bathe Salukis that often as they keep themselves very clean, you can simply use a wet cloth to freshen it up.

Dental hygiene, as always, is important with this breed. Brush its teeth at least once a week to get rid of buildup and prevent gum disease. Also, be sure to trim its nails regularly to prevent the discomfort of accidental scratching. You can tell if a dog's nails are too long if they make a scratching sound on the floor as they walk.

Do Saluki bark much?

Generally, Salukis don't bark much. If you do notice your dog barking or whining more than usual, it might be feeling bored, alert, or scared, or it might need more exercise.

Do Saluki bite?

Many Saluki owners tend to find that these dogs tend to go through a destructive puppy stage.

It's important to start obedience training early on to train them out of the habit of biting and nipping so it doesn't persist into adulthood.

Although they're mostly friendly dogs, Salukis can act out around other animals as they have a strong prey instinct. This means it's important to keep your dog on the leash in public spaces.

What is the temperament & personality of a Saluki?

The Saluki dog breed is very independent and aloof, but these dogs are also extremely devoted and gentle when trained and socialised effectively. They usually bond with a single person in a family, which can mean they suffer from separation anxiety.

They can be quite reserved and shy if they're not socialised from a young age. They love being pampered and stroked and enjoy lounging on soft bedding where their silky hair doesn't catch. Salukis are also extremely clean and stay on top of their hygiene, much like cats.

Sensitive dogs, the Saluki temperament can change quite quickly if they sense someone in the home is stressed or upset. For this reason, they're not the best breed to have around little children.

What is the weight & size of a Saluki?

Salukis are tall, majestic dogs. Adult Saluki males can reach up to 70 centimetres but females tend to be significantly smaller. An adult dog generally weighs between 15-30 kg, meaning they weigh much less than other dogs of their size.

How much training does a Saluki need?

It's possible to train these dogs, but it might not come as naturally as to another dog like a Golden Retriever. The noble Saluki is very independent and is likely to get distracted during training sessions. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep training sessions short and use positive reinforcement techniques to keep it interested.

If you got your Saluki from a rescue group, it can be more difficult to train it. However, you should be able to seek advice about this at your local breed club. If buying a new puppy, make sure you choose a reputable breeder to avoid a dog with any known behavioural issues.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Saluki?

Salukis are one of the few dog breeds that don't suffer from too many genetic health problems. Some things to watch out for to ensure your dog's life is long and happy include anesthesia sensitivity (due to their low level of body fat), hemangiosarcoma, cardiomyopathy, and hypothyroidism.

Don't buy a Saluki, or any dog for that matter, from a pet store or a breeder who doesn't provide health clearances for the dog. Any person breeding dogs who tells you that there's no cause for concern about the dog's health is lying. They should be honest with you about the parent dogs and provide you with information about any genetic diseases the puppy might be carrying.

What is the lifespan of a Saluki?

Salukis generally live for 12-14 years. There's no reason your dog can't enjoy a long and healthy life if you make sure, as his owner, that you're feeding your dog properly and ensuring it gets enough exercise and social engagement each day.

How much should you feed a Saluki?

Salukis are large dogs, but they're also very skinny. They don't eat too much, and it's recommended to feed them 1.75 to 2.75 cups of high-quality dog food each day. This should be split into two meals to sustain them throughout the day.

What is the price of a Saluki in Australia?

Because they're purebred and quite rare, Salukis are quite an expensive dog breed. A Saluki puppy can set you back upwards of $2000.