Origin and History

The Saluki, also known as the Arabian hound or Persian hound, has its origins in the Fertile Crescent of the Middle East. This breed was developed from sighthounds, dogs that primarily hunt by sight. The Saluki has been bred since at least the 19th century, with purebred lines existing both in the Middle East and the West, particularly in Britain and Germany, since the 1840s. The breed standards were established in the West and the Middle East around the 1920s–1930s.

Historically, the Saluki was used by nomadic tribes to hunt gazelle across desert terrain. The breed is closely related to the Afghan Hound, a basal breed that predates the emergence of modern breeds in the 19th century. The Saluki has been purebred by royalty in the Middle East and has also been present in the West since the 1840s.

The name Saluki is believed to have originated from the ancient Sumerian word "salu-ki," translating to "plunge-earth," suggesting a connection to digging for burrowing prey. The breed's name could also be derived from the Arabic word "saluqi," indicating a person or thing from a place named Saluq, which is associated with the ancient town in Yemen not far from modern Ta'izz.

By the early 20th century, the Saluki became popular in Europe and the United States, primarily due to the influence of British and American breeders. In the early 1900s, the Saluki Club of America was established, further promoting the breed in the United States.

Physical Description

The Saluki is an elegant sighthound with a deep-chested, long-legged body. Males typically weigh between 18 and 29 kilograms, while females weigh between 16 and 25 kilograms. The height at the withers ranges from 58 to 71 centimeters. The breed has a long and narrow head, large eyes, and drop ears. The tail is long and curved, adding to the Saluki's graceful appearance.

The coat of the Saluki comes in various colors, including white, cream, fawn, red, grizzle/tan, black/tan, and tri-color. There are two coat types within the breed: smooth and feathered. The feathered variety has light fluffing on the back of the legs, thighs, ears, and sometimes the throat. The fur on both types is silky and low-shedding, making them suitable for those with allergies.

The desert Saluki, also known as the Sinai Saluki or Hijazi Saluki, descends from bloodlines brought directly from the original region of the breed. It is found in the entire Middle Eastern region but tends to have a more primitive appearance, with a broader skull, shorter muzzle, shorter and more compact body, broader chest, less angulations, and a shorter tail than the western equivalent.

Temperament and Behavior

The Saluki is known for its gentle, independent, intelligent, and devoted nature. They are calm and reserved, often requiring gentle and patient training methods. The breed is not typically friendly with strangers and may be difficult to train due to their aloof nature. They generally cannot be trusted to return to their owner when off-leash.

Salukis may bore easily and are not an ideal breed to leave unattended for long periods. However, they are well-suited to life in apartments as they are generally quiet and calm as adults. The breed is prone to chasing moving objects, such as cats, birds, squirrels, and bugs, due to their hunting instincts.

Despite their aloof nature, Salukis form strong bonds with their families and can be very affectionate with their owners. They are often referred to as "velvet dogs" due to their soft and gentle temperament.

Health and Genetic Traits

A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.3 years for the Saluki, compared to an average of 12.7 years for purebreeds and 12 years for crossbreeds. The primary cause of death identified in a 2006 breed-specific survey was cancer, responsible for 35.6% of deaths, with liver cancer and lymphoma being the most common forms. The second most common cause of death was related to cardiac conditions, including heart failure and unspecified heart defects, present in 17.2% of responses.

Old age is listed as the third most frequent cause of death. Hip dysplasia is uncommon in Salukis, with the breed ranking joint lowest in a survey by the British Veterinary Association in 2003. The breed scored an average of 5 points, with a score of 0 being low and 106 being high. Dermatological conditions such as dermatitis or alopecia were reported by 10.8% of responses.

A 2024 DNA study indicated that the Saluki has 29 copies of the AMY2B gene, which is associated with the digestion of dietary starch and glycogen. This expansion of the gene suggests that the Saluki was historically bred in the Fertile Crescent, where agriculture originated, to exploit a starch-rich diet.

Other health concerns for the Saluki include cruciate ligament rupture, which can occur due to their long and slender limbs, and patellar luxation, which can affect the kneecap and lead to lameness.

Training and Exercise Needs

The Saluki is an intelligent breed, making them highly trainable. However, their independent nature can make training challenging. Consistency and patience are key in training a Saluki, as they may resist commands due to their strong-willed nature.

A daily walk and playtime are sufficient to meet their exercise needs. Due to their hunting instincts, Salukis may become fixated on chasing small animals or moving objects, so exercise should be supervised.

Living with a Saluki

Salukis are generally quiet and calm as adults, making them suitable for families with older children. They do not typically enjoy rough games or activities, but do enjoy soft toys and gentle play.

Due to their hunting instincts, Salukis may not be the best choice for families with small pets or other dogs. They are prone to chasing moving objects and may become fixated on them.

Breed-Specific Standards

The Saluki has specific breed standards that are used to evaluate dogs for conformation shows and breeding purposes. These standards include criteria for the dog's physical appearance, temperament, and movement. For example, the ideal Saluki should have a smooth or feathered coat, a long and narrow head, drop ears, and a long, curved tail.

The breed standards have evolved over time, with the Western and Middle Eastern standards reflecting slight differences in appearance. The Western Saluki tends to have a more refined look, while the Middle Eastern Saluki may exhibit more primitive characteristics, such as a broader skull and shorter tail.

Care and Grooming

The feathered variety may require more frequent grooming due to the additional fluffing on certain areas of the body.

Despite their low-shedding coat, Salukis can be prone to skin allergies and should be monitored for signs of dermatitis or alopecia.

Buying a Saluki

This ensures that the puppy comes from a healthy lineage and has a reduced risk of hereditary health issues.

Salukis may require professional grooming due to their silky coat, which can be prone to matting.

Ensure that your home and lifestyle are suitable for a Saluki. This breed requires space for exercise and mental stimulation, as well as a dedicated owner who can provide the necessary training and care.