Salukis are one of the oldest and most elegant dog breeds in the world. Known for their grace, speed, and loyalty, they make fascinating companions — but they’re not for everyone. Whether you’re researching before adoption or just curious, here are the top 20 most frequently asked questions about Saluki dogs, with clear, honest answers.
1. What Is a Saluki?
The Saluki is an ancient sighthound breed, believed to have originated in the Middle East thousands of years ago. Once known as the “Royal Dog of Egypt,” Salukis were bred for speed and endurance to hunt game like gazelle. They are slim, graceful, and often aloof, but deeply loyal to their families.
2. Are Salukis Good Family Dogs?
Yes — but with some caveats. Salukis can be gentle, calm, and affectionate with their family members. They’re best suited to homes with older children who understand how to respect a dog’s space. Their sensitive nature means they don’t respond well to rough handling or loud environments.
3. Do Salukis Get Along With Other Dogs or Pets?
Salukis usually get along with other dogs, especially other sighthounds. However, their strong prey drive means smaller animals like cats or rabbits may not be safe unless raised together from a young age and properly socialized. If a saluki is raised from puppy age with smaller pets like cats they are more likely to get along, but always be vigilant when leaving a saluki near small animals as they might chase if the smaller animal runs.
4. How Much Exercise Does a Saluki Need?
Salukis are elite athletes and need daily off-leash running in a secure area, plus regular walks. Mental stimulation is just as important — puzzle toys, scent work, or lure coursing are great ways to keep them happy. Similar to greyhounds, Salukis can be couch potatoes too, as long as they get to spend most of their energy with a brisk run once a day as a minimum.
5. Can You Let a Saluki Off Leash?
Only in secure areas! Salukis have intense chase instincts and poor recall when in pursuit. They will often ignore commands if they spot prey, so safe, enclosed spaces are a must for off-leash exercise. All thought it might be tempting to let your dogs run off leash, please remember that the number 1 cause of early death in Salukis is car accidents, so please be careful.
6. Are Salukis Good for First-Time Dog Owners?
Generally, no. While gentle and low-maintenance in some ways, their independence, sensitivity, and need for safe running space make them better suited to experienced dog owners. Due to their independent nature, they are not the easiest breed to train, so if you are looking for a dog that will always obey you without fail, perhaps a saluki is not the right choice for you.
7. How Much Grooming Do Salukis Need?
Salukis come in two coat types: smooth and feathered (with long hair on the ears, tail, and legs). Both are relatively low-shedding and easy to groom. A weekly brush and occasional bath will usually suffice. Read our blog about how to groom a saluki.
8. Are Salukis Hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, and Salukis are no exception. However, their low-shedding coat and minimal dander can make them more tolerable for allergy sufferers compared to many other breeds.
9. Do Salukis Bark a Lot?
Not usually. Salukis tend to be quiet and reserved. They may alert bark, but they’re not known for being vocal — which makes them good urban companions if their exercise needs are met. If a saluki lives with other dog breeds that tend to bark more, they might also become more vocal.
Although they aren’t big barkers, do note that salukis tend to howl – especially if they’re in a pack! Saluki singing is a daily occurrence in the Fleetwind household.
10. What Health Problems Do Salukis Have?
Salukis are generally healthy, but can be prone to:
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Heart conditions like cardiomyopathy
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Sensitivity to anesthesia
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Hip dysplasia (though less common)
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Eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Routine vet care and health testing in breeding lines help minimize risk.
11. How Big Do Salukis Get?
Adult Salukis are classified as large dogs and they typically range in size:
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Males:
Height: 58–71 cm
Weight: 23–29.5 kg -
Females:
Height: 53–66 cm
Weight: 16–23 kg
They appear lean due to their build but are muscular and athletic.
12. What Should I Feed a Saluki?
Salukis do best on high-quality dog food with a focus on lean proteins and moderate fat. Avoid overfeeding — they’re naturally slender, and excess weight can harm their joints and performance. At Fleetwind we feed our dogs Royal Canin Adult dog food.
13. How Intelligent Are Salukis?
Salukis are highly intelligent, but independent thinkers. A common misconception about salukis is that because they don’t like to learn tricks they are less intelligent, but this is not true – they just don’t always want to do what you ask. They’re not eager-to-please like some breeds, which can make training more challenging. Positive reinforcement and patience are key.
It is not unusual for a Saluki to learn how to open doors or drawers in the house! Be careful – if they’re bored they might get up to mischief.
14. Do Salukis Need a Lot of Space?
Yes and no. While they’re calm indoors and can live in smaller homes, Salukis thrive with access to secure open areas for running.
Apartment life can work only if their exercise needs are met with regular off-leash sprints. A saluki that doesn’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation can get destructive.
15. How Long Do Salukis Live?
Salukis are relatively long-lived for a large breed. The average lifespan is 12–14 years, with many living beyond that with good care.
16. Where Can I Adopt or Buy a Saluki?
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Adoption: Look for Saluki-specific rescue groups or sighthound organizations. If you are based in South Africa, please join the Sighthound Rescue SA group on Facebook. It is very rare that a saluki is available for adoption, but it does happen.
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Breeders: Choose an ethical, KUSA registered breeder who raises puppies in a home environment.
Always do your research! Avoid backyard breeders or online sellers with no transparency.
17. Are Salukis Rare?
Yes, in most parts of the world, Salukis are considered a rare breed. Their niche appeal and specific needs mean they’re not commonly seen in shelters or dog parks. In South Africa there are only a small handful of KUSA registered saluki breeders, including Fleetwind kennels.
18. Why Are Salukis So Fast?
Salukis are built for speed and distance running.
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Deep chests hold large lungs
- Large hearts able to pump large volumes of blood quickly
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Long legs give a powerful stride
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Flexible spine aids in acceleration and turning at speed
They’ve been clocked at up to 68 km/h (42 mph), rivaling Greyhounds in speed. Although salukis aren’t the fastest sprinters in the dog world, they are the fastest over a long distance.
19. Can Salukis Live With Cats?
It depends. Some Salukis can live peacefully with cats – especially if raised together – but others may always see them as prey. Careful introductions, supervision, and breed knowledge are critical. Never leave a saluki unsupervised with smaller animals if you can help it – any running movement can trigger a chase.
20. Are Salukis Affectionate?
Yes, but on their own terms. Salukis form deep, loyal bonds with their humans but aren’t typically clingy. Expect gentle nudges and quiet companionship rather than over-the-top cuddles. They like to be in the same room as their humans, but might not necessarily be cuddly dogs.
Final Thoughts
Salukis are stunning, soulful, and surprisingly low-maintenance in many ways — but they aren’t the right dog for everyone. Their need for freedom, patience, and understanding makes them best suited for thoughtful, experienced owners. If you’re up for the challenge, they’ll reward you with a lifetime of quiet loyalty.