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Pronunciation

Description

The Saluki is a slim, greyhound-like dog. The head is long and narrow, moderately wide between the ears, tapering gradually toward the nose with a slight stop. The nose is black or liver in color. The teeth meet in a level bite. The large oval eyes are dark to hazel in color. The long, mobile ears are hanging down close to the head. The neck is long and the chest is deep and narrow. The front legs are straight. The feet are thickly haired between the toes for protection from rough terrain.  The long tail is carried low, well feathered with hair. The coat is short with long silky feathering on the ears and tail. A rarer, coarser, smooth variety with no feathering also occurs. Coat colors include white, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle and tan, black and tan tricolor of white, black and tan. They have an unusual gait when they are at top speed: all four of their legs are in the air at the same time.

Temperament

The Saluki are gentle, friendly, even-tempered and extremely devoted. Can be somewhat aloof, even with their family. This loyal dog may become attached to one person. Good with children who do not try and roughhouse with them. Sensitive, this breed does not take kindly to harsh discipline. They must be trained with calm, gentle, but firm, consistency. They are fairly submissive by nature to people and dogs and are easily distracted. Be sure you remain the dog's pack leader so the dog feels secure with his surroundings. Dogs want nothing more than to know what is expected of them and the Saluki is no exception. The Saluki do well with other Salukis. 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 may need obedience training to keep their deep-rooted hunting instincts under control, but you can never train the instinct out of the dog.  Take great caution around pets such as birds, guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits. They can get along with family cats if the cat is allowed to assert its dominance over the dog, but may chase strange cats.

Height, Weight

Height:  23-28 inches (58-71cm.)
Weight: 29-66 pounds (13-30kg.)

Health Problems

Living Conditions

Exercise

Life Expectancy

Grooming

Origin

The Saluki, also called the Gazelle Hound, Arabian Hound, or Persian Greyhound, is native to the area from eastern Turkestan to Turkey. They are believed to be closely related to the Afghan Hound, which is another ancient breed. The Saluki is the royal dog of Egypt, and perhaps one of the oldest domesticated dogs known to man. They were named after the Arabian city "Saluki" in the Middle East, which no longer exists today. Their bodies were often found mummified along side the bodies of the Pharaohs themselves, and their pictures appear in ancient Egyptian tombs dating from 2100 BC. The Muslims considered them a sacred gift of Allah, and they were never sold but only offered as gifts of friendship or honor. Salukis with a patch of white in the middle of the forehead are thought by Bedouin tribes to have "the kiss of Allah" and are regarded as special. Incredibly fast even over rough terrain, this desert sight hunter was used by the Arabs to hunt gazelle, the fastest of the antelopes, along with fox, jackal, and hare. They have also been successful as racing dogs. The Saluki was recognized by the AKC in 1929.

Group

Recognition

CKC = Continental Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.

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