Saluki Dog Breed

The Saluki dog breed, sometimes referred to as the Gazelle Hound, is an ancient line of dogs originating in the Middle East. References to the breed have been found in Egyptian tombs dating back as far as two thousand years B.C. They were used to hunt hares, foxes and gazelles until modern times when vehicles rendered them obsolete.

Salukis roamed the full span of the Middle East with their masters and were so highly valued that they were allowed to sleep inside of the tents. This was significant as their owners were more than often Muslim, and canines were thought to be "unclean". It was not until the 1900s that the breed gained favor with the West, and it took until 1928 for Saluki to be accepted by the AKC.

Saluki Dog Breed: Temperament

The Saluki is very well behaved around children, but may not make the best playmate because they generally do not like to play rough. It should also be noted that they do not take well to training if instructed in an "angry" tone, and they should never be spanked because of their shy and submissive nature.

Salukis are usually docile indoors, and are outlandishly energetic when outdoors. This breed will tend to have what you might call selective hearing when it is giving chase around the yard, and owners have reported them sometimes not obeying commands when excited. They are also suspicious of strangers.

Saluki Dog Breed: Health

A Saluki will need to be an indoor dog because they do not tolerate cold very well. If you live in a very warm climate, then it may be acceptable for them to sleep outside.

It is optimal that they be provided with a yard to run around in for their daily exercise; however, their exercise requirements can also be met with a good jog, or an extended half hour walk around the neighborhood at a brisk pace.

It is essential that the Saluki be provided with very comfortable bedding because they have an affinity for developing callouses from sleeping on hard surfaces. People have accused Saluki owners with starving their dogs and not caring for them properly because they look overweight, but the dogs are known to be light eaters and should look naturally thin.

If you own a feather coated Saluki, then the coat should be groomed twice a week. A smooth coat will require twice a month brushing to remove dead hair.

The only common health concern with this breed is hemangiosarcoma. Cardiomyopathy is seen to a lesser extent.

A healthy Saluki may live anywhere between 12 and 14 years.