SALUKI

Temperament: Gentle, Dignified, Independent-Minded

AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 120 of 197

Height: 23-28 inches (male), considerably smaller (female)

Weight: 40-65 pounds

Life Expectancy: 10-17 years

Group: Hound Group

ABOUT THE SALUKI

One of the oldest of dog breeds, Salukis were once considered a gift from Allah. They’re fast as the wind, skinny as a supermodel, and quietly devoted to their people.

PERSONALITY

The Saluki is an aloof dog, but one who’s devoted to his family. He’s gentle and thrives on quiet companionship. He has a tendency to bond with a single person, which can lead to separation anxiety.

With strangers, Salukis are reserved, and they can be shy if they’re not socialized at an early age. Socialization should continue throughout their life. They generally get along with other dogs, but prefer other Salukis, or at least other sighthounds.

They’re sensitive dogs and will pick up on and become stressed by tensions in the home.

Salukis love comfort and enjoy being pampered with soft bedding and access to furniture. Like cats, they’re fastidious about personal cleanliness.

NUTRITION

The Saluki should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval.

HEALTH

The Saluki is a hardy breed that does not suffer from many genetically inherited diseases. The following problems may be seen in Salukis:

• Anesthesia Sensitivity
• Hemangiosarcoma
• Cardiomyopathy
• Hypothyroidism

CARE

Salukis need regular exercise to keep fit, and daily walks (always on a leash) will help both hound and owner stay in shape, physically and mentally.

Salukis love to run and should have a well-fenced yard to keep them safely away from traffic.

Like other dogs, Salukis can be escape artists or destructive chewers when bored or unhappy at home, so good fencing and safe toys and chew-bones are a must.

GROOMING

Salukis have two types of coats—feathered and smooth—and both are easily groomed with weekly brushing, although if they have long ear or tail feathering, that may take a bit more attention.

Many Saluki owners use a snood to keep ear feathering out of the food bowl (smooth Salukis do not have that problem).

Salukis are very clean dogs and known for not having a “doggy” odor. Bathing need only be done if they get dirty or before a dog show.

Source: dogtime, akc.