He is a natural-born hunter!
Saluki Dog Breed does not fool around. This is a ruthless hunting dog that is, of course, if you are the “target” of their attention or isn’t’ considered one of his pack. Like many other sighthound breeds, you see, these guys were once basically a wolf that was domesticated thousands of years ago. In addition to making them one of the oldest dog breeds out there, it also makes them relatively easy to understand.
And by that…
We mean that if you’re a part of his “pack” (humans and other pets included), you’re going to have a dog that is going to be extremely loving and loyal to you, but if you’re not a part of the “pack” you will be viewed with skepticism.
Now does this make him dangerous?
No, not at all. The Saluki is just as loyal to his human family as any dog, except that he does make a show of it. He likes to remain by himself and is generally aloof. He’s not the sort of dog that always craves attention. He loves you but is a bit of a loner. He expects you to respect his space and let him be. It’s that whole “Lone Wolf” kind of thing.
Saluki and the Wolf
Would it surprise you to know that the first dog breed was nothing but a domesticated wolf? Yes, it’s true. The Saluki is one of the 14 domestic dog breeds still around that are considered to be genetically similar to wolves. And even when these guys were eventually domesticated, it’s not like farmers or the noble elite domesticated them. The Bedouins domesticated them.
You see…
The Saluki was a favorite of the Bedouins, a nomadic tribe that lived a rugged life in the vast desert terrain of the Middle East. Bedouins were tough people; every day was a battle for survival. Back then, the Saluki was their best friend, one they trusted utterly. The Saluki was a guard dog or watchdog and a hunting dog to them. He was both a protector and a provider – he watched out for threats and accompanied them on their hunting expeditions.
Comparisons
You may compare Saluki to other hunting dogs and gentle giants such as the Greyhound and the Great Dane. Many mixed-breed dogs have been developed from crossing the Saluki with other breeds. The Suki is a cross between Salukis and Border Collies. The Whippet Saluki Mix is a cross between the Saluki and the Whippet.
Remember…
Buy Saluki puppies only from reputable breeders who run an ethical breeding program. You must avoid making any mistakes there.
You can read the rest of this article to learn more about the Saluki Dog Breed.
Saluki Dog Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: Middle East
Original Purpose: Hunting both small and medium size game, guardian
Height: 23 to 28 inches
Weight: 35 to 65 pounds
Dog Breed Classification: Hound group
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
Origin of the Saluki Dog Breed.
Like many “ancient” dogs breed, particularly those as special as the Saluki, there are usually several competing theories about where they originated. This is why it should come as no surprise that some folks firmly believe that these dogs hail from China. This belief is mainly because there are many historical references to the Xuande Emperor and his fast, speedy hounds, much like the Salukis of today.
And while…
It is tempting to believe this theory; there does seem to be more evidence pointing towards the Middle East simply because Archaeological excavations in Egypt found many hunting hounds that were mummified after death – very much like the Greyhounds and Saluki hounds of today and because these dogs are much more common in the Middle East today than they are in China.
That said…
We’ll leave it up to you to decide which theory you believe is more credible. However, we know that the Salukis dog breed was first brought to the “West” in the late 19th century. During this time, they were part of dog shows held across England. They were brought to the United States even earlier than that but became well-known only in the 1920s.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized this breed in 1927. The Saluki Club of America was formed shortly after. This dog remains a popular breed in the United States.
Physical Characteristics
The Saluki is tall, sleek, and athletic, much like the Greyhound. He reaches 23 to 27 inches but is not too heavy: Only 35 to 65 pounds. His head is much smaller compared to the rest of his body. There is something distinctly wolf-like in his appearance.
He is…
Similar to other sighthounds except for the fact that featherings cover his legs, tail, and ears. There is a certain graceful elegance in the way a Saluki moves about. He has a longish, low-set tail that ends in a curve, a narrow muzzle, and a deep chest. This is a powerful, muscular dog, a warrior of a dog. He can run fast when he wants to and has the stamina to run for miles if needed.
Coat
The Saluki’s coat is silky, soft, and smooth. His coat comes in many colors: white, cream, gold, fawn, tan and grizzle, red, black and tam, white, black, and tan.
Grooming
This is by no means a high-maintenance dog. Yes, he does shed a little during spring; but you won’t need to spend a lot of time or money on his grooming. He prefers to be left alone anyway!
Personality and Temperament
The Saluki is a highly active dog. He is fast and athletic and requires his daily dose of exercise. This doesn’t mean just going on a long walk. He needs to run flat-out fast. This may not be possible in an urban environment. This dog is better suited to those who live in the countryside, with vast open spaces.
Saluki is calm and composed and can be a perfect therapy dog. He is not the sort to bother you too much. He is not the complaining or whining type at all. He is a great companion to take out with you when walking or running.
How is he with kids?
Now, while Saluki tolerates and likes children, he is not much of a playmate for kids. He is a sighthound; like all sighthounds, the Saluki is self-centered.
What does this mean?
While calm and composed, Saluki has bad habits like stealing food, chasing small animals, attacking cats, and trying to jump over the fence.
Also…
He is very tall and rises to about 28 inches, which means nothing is out of his reach. He is very athletic, and he can jump very high. Training and early socialization are essential with this dog.
Potential Health Problems
The Saluki is one of the healthiest breeds of dogs out there. All hounds enjoy robust health, and the Saluki is no different.
He has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. They are big and robust dogs but vulnerable to specific health issues such as…
- Anesthesia Sensitivity,
- Hemangiosarcoma,
- Cardiomyopathy,
- Hypothyroidism.
And while…
Many of these conditions may not be life-threatening, but they can become quite expensive, particularly if they become recurring issues. This is why we here at IndulgeYourPet also recommend that any new pet owner take a moment and see what it might cost for you to purchase a pet insurance policy for your new animal.
Now will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
No, probably not. But until you fully understand what these policies “will” and “won’t” cover and how much these pet insurance policies cost, how will you know if one might be right for you?
For more information on who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies out there, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Policies article.
