Saluki

The Saluki (Gazelle Hound, Persian Greyhound) is one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds in the world. It shares a common ancestor with many greyhound-type sight hounds. Today's Saluki is a tall, dignified, slender dog known for its striking beauty and speed. The male stands 23 to 28 inches tall; the female may be considerably smaller. Because of its long history of travel in the Middle East over a wide expanse of territory from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean, the Saluki is seen in a variety of colors: white, cream, fawn, golden, red, tricolor, grizzle and tan, black and tan. The Saluki may carry two coat types. The more common is a short, straight coat over the body, with longer "feathers"� on legs and sometimes tail, as well as tufts on the ears. The less common coat does not feature any longer fur. Salukis' feet are built for travel on any type of rough terrain; they have fur between their toes that functions as protective padding. While they may appear fragile, Salukis possess a strong constitution, and are known for their stamina. A Saluki can easily reach 40mph and sustain it for over two miles. Although classified as a sight hound, this breed has a fair nose for hunting. The average lifespan for a Saluki is 12-14 years. The Saluki's ancestor is first represented on ceramics excavated in what is now Iran, dated about 3500 BC, and later on Egyptian tombs from 2100 BC. The dog depicted in the tombs has the tufted ears of a Saluki. Mummified remains of a canine closely resembling the modern Saluki have frequently been found in the tombs of ancient Egyptian nobility. Historians assert that the first real mention of the Saluki as a distinct breed occurs at the time of Alexander the Great's invasion of India, in 329 BC. It is likely that true Salukis were accompanying nomadic tribes of Bedouin in the Middle East thousands of years ago. From several hundred years ago, Arabs used them to chase and bring down gazelle. The modern Saluki enjoys a special position in the Middle East: Islamic culture considers dogs unclean in the spiritual sense and discourages contact; but the Saluki long called by the Arabs "el hor"� or "Noble One"� still sleeps in the tent of its owner as it did hundreds of years ago. Traditionally, a Bedouin did not sell his Saluki, but gave it only as a precious gift. While Salukis were well-known in the Middle East from antiquity, they were largely unknown in the West. A few were imported into England before 1840 and used to hunt hare. In 1895, an English noblewoman took a trip to the Nile and saw Salukis there; the Honorable Florence Amhurst subsequently imported two Saluki pups to begin her breeding program at Norfolk. For twenty-five years her devotion to the breed went largely unnoticed. But in the early 1920's English soldiers returning from middle-eastern conflicts began to bring their pet Salukis home, and the breed's popularity exploded. The UK Kennel Club accepted the breed in 1923, and the American Kennel Club followed in 1927.The Saluki makes an excellent house pet: it sheds very little, has little or no odor, and is naturally fastidious. A weekly brushing is recommended to remove loose fur and keep feathers tangle-free. A bath is needed only occasionally, and nails should be clipped as needed. Salukis are amongst the healthiest of dog breeds. They frequently see old age; it is not uncommon to see Salukis live to be 16-18. It is important for prospective owners to know that the most common cause of death in young Salukis is hit by car! On rare occasions that the Saluki acquires disease, only a few are common to the breed: hemangiosarcoma (a cancerous tumor which feeds on blood supply), cardiomyopathy, and eye disorders. Salukis can easily have their noses sunburned, and it is wise to keep sunscreen on hand when this dog is in the sun. This breed is a calm indoor pet, but must get out for exercise daily to remain healthy and content. This requires a large fenced area, whether a back yard or dog park, in which the dog can run. At least one and perhaps two long walks daily are recommended. Many Saluki owners ride a bicycle beside their trotting Saluki on a daily basis to keep the dog conditioned. New owners are cautioned that the Saluki can jump a fence up to six feet high, and if it escapes it a good possibility that the owner will not recover the dog. It is essential that the Saluki is always inside a secure fence or leashed.The Saluki is pack-oriented and is affectionate with family, often choosing one person to bond with most. This breed is extremely loyal to its humans. With strangers they are aloof, and make good watchdogs. They are naturally independent thinkers, sometimes called "cat-like"� by their owners. They are usually very gentle, and are friendly with those they know. Some say that Salukis are difficult to train, but breeders insist that they are simply sensitive and independent, and so require patience and kindness; harsh punishment will only alienate the Saluki and hamper training progress. It is recommended that owners will do best with a gentle, consistent and firm approach. Salukis are generally good with other Salukis; individual compatibility with other dog breeds varies. The young Saluki can be very energetic, and raising a puppy will be challenging. Saluki owners joke about "the 7-feet rule"�: that is, forbidden objects must be at least seven feet high, because this breed will jump for it. After the age of two years, the Saluki settles into home life and is a calm indoor dog, given consistent daily exercise. Salukis do a unique "singing"�. This is a high-pitched wavering howl that is performed to warn, in times of stress, when a family member is gone too long, or as a bonding ritual to call the pack together. The Saluki's owner is wise to engage it in physical activities that use its instincts and energy. Especially popular is lure coursing, and hunt training and agility are other past times in which the Saluki excels.

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