Saluki
“Gentle, Dignified, Independent-Minded”
The elegant, aristocratic Saluki, also called the Persian Greyhound, Arabian Hound, Gazelle Hound, Saluqi, Tazi, El Hor (“The Noble One”) and The Royal Dog of Egypt, is one of the world's oldest domestic breeds. Some say that it dates back to a time before ancient Egypt, which was one of the earliest of all human civilizations. Its name probably comes from “Saluq,” a long-gone Arab town. Salukis are sighthounds that were bred by nomadic tribesmen to chase down, restrain and kill rabbit, fox, deer and even the swift gazelle. Desert-bred Salukis are still used for hunting in the Middle East and in the West. The Saluki was (and still is) prized for its keen eyesight, exceptional agility and remarkable speed.
Height: 23-28 inches (male), considerably smaller (female)
Weight: 40-65 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10-17 years
Group: Hound Group
History
The ancestry and historical background of most domestic dogs usually can be traced with some degree of accuracy. Not so with the elusive Saluki, whose geographic roots and heritage are shrouded in mystery. This breed’s origin pre-dates recorded history. What is known is that Salukis have lived in the Middle East since antiquity, and that they have been treasured by nobility and prized by nomadic hunters for thousands of years. Carvings from the Sumerian empire, estimated to have been created between 7000 and 5000 B.C., have been found in tombs and other excavation cites in the upper Nile region, depicting dogs virtually identical to the modern-day Saluki: Greyhound-like, with softly-feathered ears, legs and tails. Representations of Saluki-like dogs have been found on sculptures, royal seals, mosaics, pottery and other objects that are millennia old. Well-preserved mummified bodies of these dogs have been found in tombs and other burial sites, reflecting the esteem in which they were held by the nobility of ancient civilizations.
Care
The Saluki should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior).
Salukis are not suited for apartment life. They need a home with a large, securely fenced yard where they can run flat out. The ideal running area for a Saluki is 300 to 400 feet in length or width. Fences should be at least five to six feet high or a Saluki will easily jump them. Underground electronic fencing will not contain a Saluki, nor will it protect him from other animals that might enter your yard.
Keep your Saluki on leash whenever he's not in an enclosed area. A Saluki was bred for hunting and has a strong prey drive. If he sees anything fast and furry, he'll pursuit it for as long as he can, disregarding any commands to come or stop.