What do Saluki look like?
Saluki are graceful and beautiful, very slender, and muscular. They have long, elegant faces and a soft, kind expression in the eyes. Their deep chests allow them to breathe easily when they run and their narrow waists allow them to pull up their knees under them when they gallop. Their long legs allow them to run fast and their strong feet carry them safely over rocky areas. The hair between the toes protects the feet from hot sand. The Saluki uses his long and slightly curved tail as a rudder to help him turns corners tightly.
What kind of dog is a Saluki?
A Saluki is called a sighthound because its eyesight is very sharp. Hounds are different from other dogs because they have the instinct to hunt other animals, while herding dogs, for example, have the instinct to herd animals, and gundogs have the instinct to fetch game that a hunter has shot.
Where does the Saluki come from?
The Saluki is believed to be the oldest breed of dog in the world. Historians can trace its origin to at least 5,000 years ago to the earliest times in the Middle East. Arab Bedouins used Saluki for hunting hares and small gazelle. The Saluki was admired for its endurance, agility, and braveness, so the Arabs called it “El Hor”, which means, “Gift of Allah”.
How did Saluki hunt in ancient times?
The Bedouins rode out on their Arab horses and camels together with several Saluki and some falcons. The Saluki were allowed to ride on horseback with the rider until they approached a herd of animals. First, the falcons were released to circle and worry the game, then the hunting party would try to separate a weak animal from the herd. Next, they released the Saluki, which chased after the chosen animal and brought it down swiftly.
What about the Saluki’s temperament?
Saluki are basically shy of people they don’t know. This is because, in ancient times, thieves often tried to steal Saluki from the Arab Bedouins, so they were trained to be wary of strangers. However, when he gets to know you, he is very loyal and affectionate and will protect you from danger. He is independent, adaptable, and very sensitive.
Can Saluki be obedience trained?
Yes, but it is not as easy as training a German Shepherd, for example. Saluki are intelligent and willful, and they don’t always see why they should do what you tell them to do. Sometimes they don’t feel like coming when you call them and they have a nasty habit of stealing food off the counter if given half a chance! The best way to train a Saluki is to think like a Saluki and try to be one step ahead of him in his plans!
Is it difficult to groom a Saluki?
No, not at all. Salukis are very clean animals and they never smell bad like other dogs. Saluki have a smooth, short coat over their bodies with long silky feathering behind the legs, on the tail, and on the ears. There is also a smooth variety of Saluki that has no feathering. You can bath them occasionally, but all they need is a good brushing down to remove dead hair and remove tangles in the feathering. Read more about how to groom your saluki.
What kind of lifestyle does a Saluki need?
A Saluki likes exercise, so you should be prepared to let him go for runs in a safe place. For the rest of the day, he likes to sleep inside, preferably on your bed or couch. A Saluki will definitely be very unhappy if he has to live outside all the time. He does not eat as much as some kinds of dog do, but he must have a good quality, high protein food to keep him fit and healthy. You should ensure that he is free of ticks and fleas and that he is dewormed and inoculated regularly. You must have a high fence around your property and you must make sure that your Saluki never gets out of your property on its own, or else you will probably never see him again and he can get run over. Read more about what it’s like to live with a Saluki.