Description

Salukis are slender, with a long narrow head, framed by dropped ears, and large eyes. They have the typical deep chest and long legs of sight hounds, and a curved tail. There are a few variants of the Saluki: the desert Saluki has a more primitive appearance, with a more compact build, and a wider head. The Western-bred Saluki is larger and perhaps more refined. All varieties of Saluki have a graceful appearance, mixing a slender build with speed and agility.

Origin: Middle East (Fertile Crescent)

Look

The Saluki’s fur can be smooth or feathered. Feathered Salukis have light fluffy fur on the back of their legs, thighs, ears, and sometimes on the throat. Both smooth and feathered Salukis have a beautiful silky coat, and shed minimally.
Salukis come in several different colours. Typical colours include white, cream, fawn, red, tan, black & tan, and tri-coloured (white, black and tan).

Health

While generally a healthy and long-lived breed, the Saluki can suffer from one or more of the following health issues:
• Cardiac issues
• Hip dysplasia
• Skin issues
At Newdoggy.com, we recommend that you buy your dog from reputable breeders, who use genetic testing and good breeding practices to remove genetic conditions from their breeding lines.

Learning

These dogs are intelligent and tend to think for themselves, so train your Saluki using techniques such as positive reinforcement training. Be sure to socialise them from an early age, otherwise they may become timid or shy. They tend to become bored very easily, and it can be challenging to keep training interesting enough for the Saluki to enjoy. Even the best trained Saluki is not to be trusted off leash, as they frequently dash off to chase any moving object that they can see.

Temperament

Adult Salukis tend to be calm and dignified. The Saluki can be aloof and is not a particularly cuddly dog. Salukis can easily become timid and shy, so socialisation from an early age is a must in order to build up their confidence.

Living with

These dogs are very active, with a strong instinct to hunt. They will happily chase both small animals and cars: keep your Saluki on a leash to avoid accidents. Additionally they should have access to a large yard where they can run about, surrounded by a high fence to prevent them from jumping out. Daily walks are a must. Once your Saluki has had his daily exercise, he will happily sit on your sofa or on a plush cushion to relax – Salukis are bony dogs, so are much comfier on cushions or similar soft surfaces. Some Salukis cope well with apartment life, but it may depend on the individual dog.
Although they are docile, they are not the best pets for small children, as they are very active dogs, and small children may accidentally hurt the slender dogs’ thin skin. Older children and adults will find that the Saluki is an ideal companion animal. The Saluki normally gets on well with other dogs.