Saluki

Introduction to the breed:

Salukis are an ancient breed that originated in the middle East where they were prized by royalty. One of the most distinctive characteristics of Salukis that differs from other sighthounds is their long feathering on their ears and tail, but you can also get short haired versions that are harder to differentiate from greyhounds and lurchers. They do tend to be smaller and thinner than greyhounds, with a more angular face and finer bone structure.

Salukis are the fastest dogs in the world and can run at up to 45mph! They were bred for hunting and like all sighthounds have a strong prey drive. They don't need huge amounts of exercise, however - they love to run but don't require hours of walking, and after a burst of exertion they will be quite happy to sleep for hours and hours. Salukis are typical of all sighthounds in many respects, but are renowned for being somewhat aloof, and unfussed about pleasing people - which can make them tricky to train. Recall is a particular challenge for these dogs, who can be half a mile away (literally!) within seconds if they take off after a rabbit or deer. They are beautiful dogs, with a gentle dignified presence, and they are at their happiest when lounging on a very comfortable surface (your bed) with their humans close by. Like most sighthounds they can be quite cautious in new situations, and they often take a while to warm up to new people and other dogs. But if you put the effort in with a saluki, you will be rewarded with a devoted and loyal companion.

Keywords:

Beautiful / fast / cautious / devoted / selective / calm / lazy / sensitive

Traits:

Very very fast at running (in short bursts)

Lazy, sleep a lot and moan if you try to walk them for too long

Feel the cold

Initially very cautious with new people and situations.

Once bonded, very devoted.

Independent thinkers with selective hearing.

Sensitive.

Exercise:

One or two medium walks per day

Opportunity to really run at least some of the time - you need lots of space for this and ideally somewhere without too many small furry things…

Health:

Not prone to many common health complaints.

Most common is minor injuries caused by zooming into things or by an accidental tooth/claw during rough play - like most sighthounds they have thin skin without much fur to protect them, so are prone to cuts and scrapes.

Why you will never have another breed again:

There is something about their calm, dignified presence that makes them very special, although I think this applies to all sighthounds. The way you really have to earn their trust makes their devotion all the more rewarding. It makes me so sad to see so many sighthounds in rescue centres as they are such amazing family pets and such gentle souls.

Comparison to other breeds:

Sighthounds generally are a different kettle of fish to any other breed of dog I've known. Many first time sighthound owners say this - we had no idea how different they were! One of the things is the way they play. They love to chase and be chased, and will make a beeline for other sighthounds that they know can match their speed. They aren't noisy dogs generally but when they play it can be a bit scary to watch at first as they are ferocious with each other! Often lots of barking, growling, snarling and snapping of teeth.

Average life expectancy: 12 - 14 years

Average weight: 18-25kg

Ups of breed:

Calm

Don't need a huge amount of exercise

Don't need much grooming

A nice big dog without the bulk/weight of many breeds!

Not prone to many health complaints

Don't shed a lot or smell too doggy

Don't drool at all

Downs of breed:

Can be difficult to train

Strong prey drive can be problematic

Ideally need a big garden

People with small dogs can be (understandably!) wary

Can be nervous and stressed in new situations - not the kind of dog that you know will be happy and sociable in any given scenario

Personal Stories

Example:

I rehomed Max when he was around 8 months old. He is not pure saluki as far as I'm aware, we were told he was half saluki, half whippet but I believe he's more saluki than anything else. So he may not be a typical example of the breed, and being a rescue is likely to have affected his character and behaviour, too.

When I first got Max, he curled up in the corner of our garden and refused to come inside. Every evening when it got dark I had to go outside, pick him up and physically carry him into the house. He was so scared of everyone and everything. Eventually however I gained his trust a little, and he started to play, chased after a rope we pulled around after us. I'll never forget the first time I saw his long waggy tail after weeks of it being tucked up under himself.

Ive had him nearly 3 years now and he's like a different dog, an amazing family pet, great with the kids and so easy in many ways. He loves being with us (well, mainly me, he's very strongly bonded to me and isn't fussed about anyone else!) but can be left at home for several hours at a time with no problems. He's extremely lazy - loves to run but just for a short while then it's straight back to (my) bed. He loves sunbathing, and being warm, and hates the cold, wind and rain.

He is really bad for chasing things…cats,squirrels,foxes,other dogs, and whilst his recall is great when there are no other distractions, if he sees anything worth chasing then it's as though he's stone deaf,the bugger.

He is very nervous and easily stressed in any new situation outside the house, much more so I'd say than a typical sighthound (although that is a common characteristic of them). I don't know his full background so can't say why he's like this, I can only imagine.

Max has changed my life for the better. I have really had to work hard to earn his trust, and I've been rewarded with a dog who absolutely adores me, is great company, so gentle (unless he's having zoomies in which case clear the decks!) and a real character. He's not "perfect" and I wish he was a little more easy going and less stressed by the outside world, but that's sometimes what you have to accept with a rescue. I can't imagine my life now without a sighthound in it - they're such a wonderful group of dogs with amazing personalities and I wish that more people would consider adopting one as there are so many out there that need homes.

Written by Beth Clare and Max

Just wanted to show off my boy for #sighthoundsweek

Odin is a 6 month old smooth Saluki. He's very well behaved and affectionate but like most sighthounds he loves a chase. He's such a pretty boy and he knows it.

Johnathan Walladge