Saluki

OVERVIEW OF SALUKI

The slim yet strong Saluki are among the oldest dog breeds and have served as the royal hunting hound for a long time. The Saluki is a fast and nimble runner who enjoys a good chase. They are good-natured, elegant, and self-reliant, but also very devoted pets. The stunning appearance of Salukis has captivated people for centuries. They have the physique of an elite athlete or dancer, tall and slender but incredibly powerful and well-balanced.

Males can have a shoulder height between 23 and 28 inches, while females can be relatively shorter. They are available in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Their large, oval eyes are welcoming and perceptive.

They are beautiful animals, but having one comes with many special challenges.

HISTORY

Numerous breeds boast an ancient lineage, but the Saluki is supported by DNA proof. He is one of fourteen breeds with the smallest genetic variations from wolves. Saluki was used by the Pharaohs in their pursuit of gazelles and hares, and the dog frequently teamed up with falcons in these expeditions. After death, dogs were frequently mummified as a mark of respect.

The name of Salukis may have been taken from the ancient cities of Saluk in Yemen or Seleucia in Syria. Another possible origin for the name is the Arabic word meaning hound, which would make it a translation of that term.

Salukis were prevalent throughout the Middle East, Persia (modern-day Iran), Syria, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Palestine, Anatolia, and Arabia. The first instance of Salukis being brought to Britain can be traced back to1840. Still, they did not become well-established until numerous British troops returned from the Middle East and brought a couple of Salukis with them following World War I.

SALUKI TRAITS

Appearance

Despite their blazing speed and constant activity, Salukis look both sleek and sophisticated. They normally weigh 35 to 65 pounds and stand 23 to 28 inches tall (females are usually a little shorter than males). They are agile and, when they are puppies, can appear thin and immature. Think of this as the age of a human child or young adolescent.

The feathered version of Saluki has longer, drooping hair on the ears and legs than the smooth variety does. The coat is low maintenance, requiring only a weekly brushing and occasional baths to be clean and shed-free. All Saluki coat types benefit from “hare-feet,” or hair between and on the paws, which aids the dogs’ ability to sprint and get a grip in the sand.

The most frequent Saluki coat colors are cream, fawn, and tan, but Salukis can also have grizzle (a pattern that seems gray from a distance), red, black, golden, and even tricolor coats (black, white, and tan).

Temperament

Saluki has unrivaled vision, allowing it to track and locate fast-moving prey from great distances. A Saluki is not the type of dog who will sit back and watch while the neighborhood squirrels and cats sneak into your yard. Take your time, be patient, and use great care while introducing a Saluki to your other pets because of their strong prey drive.

It’s common to compare a Saluki’s demeanor to that of a cat. They appreciate settling into a cozy seat on the couch, soaking up some rays, and taking some time for themselves. Though Salukis are extremely devoted to their masters and have a mellow disposition, you shouldn’t expect them to tag along on every adventure or respond immediately to your calls. Due to their high energy levels and preference for autonomy, Salukis may not be suitable companions for off-leash adventures or wide spaces.

Free running with a Saluki requires extra caution because the dog is so enthusiastic that it may run into traffic. It would be ideal to have a sizable protected area or fence.

Training

Since Saluki is a dog with a strong sense of independence, it requires constant positive reinforcement training. Essential life skills, including walking on a leash and arriving when called, should be taught to Salukis beginning as soon as possible in their formative years and continuing into adulthood. A Saluki puppy needs extensive early exposure to new environments, people, and experiences to ensure it develops into a well-rounded adult.

CARING FOR SALUKI

Dog ownership is a huge responsibility. They require a minimum of food and shelter, but they deserve much more. When you bring a dog into your life, you must recognize the commitment that comes with it.

Food and nutrition

The Saluki should grow on quality dog food, either store-bought or homemade, with your vet’s blessing. Their diet should be age-appropriate (puppy, adult, or senior). Find out which common human meals can be fed to a dog and which should be avoided. It is imperative that clean water be readily available at all times. Your Saluki might turn out not to be a prolific eater. Saluki’s appetite may fall anywhere on the spectrum from extremely modest to excessive. Dogs with the latter tend to consume not only their own food but also that of other dogs. Thus, it may be necessary to keep them apart at mealtimes to prevent them from gaining weight.

They tend to choose a diet high in protein and high-quality components to maintain the comfort of her occasionally sensitive stomach. Consult a vet or respected Saluki breeder who is knowledgeable about the unique requirements of sighthound breeds for assistance in determining the appropriate food for your dog.

Exercise

Since these are athletic dogs, they’ll thrive in a family that’s always on the go, even when the weather’s bad. A Saluki is not the type of dog who would do well spending her days confined in a kennel; instead, it would do best in a calm, home setting where it could lie around and stay close to you when it isn’t out exploring. Although these dogs like a good snuggle and a night in front of the TV, they may be startled by the noise and movement of young children. While Salukis can be a bit standoffish at times, their friendly nature makes them excellent pets for homes with older kids or solitary people.

They adore the chance to run and chase, and if they’re not on a leash when a rabbit or deer appears, your Saluki will immediately take off.

You will need to buy long-line lashes, a body harness, and a wide variety of enriching and interactive toys in addition to installing a 6-foot fence around your yard if you want to give your dog adequate exercise.

Safe and ample space

Their ability to run as fast as an Olympic sprinter makes them unsuited for apartments or houses without secure yards. Keeping this breed safe requires a fence that is at least 6 feet tall and is located far from the city and any traffic. With speeds of 30 to 35 miles per hour, a Saluki can outrun you before you can say, “Uh oh.” Activities like lure coursing (where they truly shine), exhibition jumping, agility, flyball, and tracking are all great ways to get the feel of their athleticism in a controlled environment.

These dogs love the outdoors and will enjoy playing with you, but they also need time to relax and recharge away from the craziness of daily life. A Saluki’s height and weight necessitate the soft support of an elevated dog bed or couch to protect the dog’s bonier regions from developing sores and calluses.

Hygiene

The interior and exterior of your dog’s living space must be maintained clean. Salukis do not have greasy coats or strong dog scents, so occasional bathing is typically sufficient.

Socialization and training

You must provide your Saluki with learning opportunities utilizing positive training techniques. Teaching your Saluki to appreciate grooming sessions, visits to the veterinarian, and the recognition of important cues are all essential learning activities that contribute to the well-being of your dog.

Salukis need intense, lifetime socialization training to overcome their innate resistance to interacting with new people. Taking these puppies to the dog park once a month or to a training session once a year is not enough. Make sure your Saluki puppy (and adult dog) has attended training programs and socialization groups to learn fundamental life skills and decent canine manners. You’ll need to put in a lot of time to ensure they have good experiences, which will go a long way towards warding off any behavioral issues.

Children and other home pets

Salukis are great companions for older kids, but they shouldn’t live in a house with small kids. Although they’re tolerant, young Salukis can be too energetic for kids under the age of eight, and they’re more prone to getting injured if kids aren’t careful due to their knobby bones and thin skin. They’ll not hunt small cats or dogs in their own home, but birds, rabbits, mice, or hamsters may be too tempting.

SALUKI HEALTH CONCERNS

There aren’t many hereditary disorders that affect Salukis because they’re such a tough breed, but Salukis may experience the following problems:

Anesthesia sensitivity

Due to their low body fat content, sighthounds like the Saluki are renowned for their sensitivity to anesthetic and other medications. But modern medications have features that significantly reduce the likelihood of sighthound drug responses. Plus, most veterinarians are aware of the special anesthesia and medication needs of Salukis, but you must always double-check before bringing your sighthound to a new specialist.

Hemangiosarcoma

Salukis are prone to this deadly cancer that can develop in the spleen and blood vessel lining.

Cardiomyopathy

There are two kinds of this cardiac muscle disease: dilated and hypertrophic. Dilated cardiomyopathy is marked by abnormal enlargement of the ventricles, the heart’s primary pumping chambers. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is defined by the hardening of the heart muscle. Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most frequent kind of cardiomyopathy, affecting young to middle-aged males in bigger breeds.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is characterized by an unusually low level of the thyroid gland hormone. While infertility may be a mild indication of the condition, more apparent signs include mental dullness, low energy levels, obesity, eyelid drooping, and irregular heat cycles.

The fur on the dog becomes harsh and brittle and starts to fall out, whereas the skin gets thick and dark. Hypothyroidism is treatable with daily medicine that must be taken for the duration of the dog’s life. A dog that receives daily thyroid medication can enjoy a long and healthy life.

If you want to bring home a healthy Saluki puppy, find a credible breeder who is willing to show you the health certificates or clearance of the dog’s parents. A dog’s health certification attests to the fact that they have been examined by a veterinarian and found to be in good health. You can expect health clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) concerning cardiac (heart) and thyroid issues.

Since many health issues do not manifest until a dog achieves full maturity, dogs younger than two years old don’t receive health clearances. Find a breeder who waits until their dogs are two to four years old before breeding them. Consistent veterinary care, including exams, vaccinations, and preventative medicine, is crucial for the health of any breed.

GROOMING INSIGHT FOR SALUKIS

Saluki owners won’t spend a lot of time on their pets’ hygiene because of how low maintenance they are. Maintaining a healthy coat and lustrous fur with weekly brushing and bi-weekly nail trims will keep your pet comfortable on all fours. Although Salukis are excellent at adapting to high-temperature conditions, they aren’t great in the cold due to their coat and size. In colder climates, these dogs will need a warm coat and a wardrobe of sweaters.

Knowing all you do about the Saluki, you might decide that it’s the perfect dog for you and your family. Please contact the breed club or your state’s organization responsible for purebred dogs before making any final decisions. They can tell you where to find puppies for sale and recommend dog shows where you may meet breeders and learn more about the breed. Having this information at your disposal will help you determine if the Saluki is the right breed for you and your family.