If you are considering adding a puppy to your family it is important to find out as much as possible before living with a Saluki.
Why choose a Saluki?
Salukis are exotic, beautiful, and spirited. They are never clumsy and do not cause damage with their uncontrollably waggy tails. Salukis are intelligent and intuitive, and can usually read your mood very successfully. They try hard to communicate with you by grunting and groaning softly at your kind touch, or by whining under their breath when they want to tell you something. Just add a few human syllables, and you’ll have a whole conversation! They use their paws to communicate too – to attract your attention, to ask for something, or to plead for more scratching. Salukis draw lots of attention when taken out on walks, so you’d better know your stuff because people will ask questions about this unusual breed. Salukis can be quite vocal and often gleefully erupt into “song” at a given cue. They should be raised as important members of the family. When they grow out of their difficult adolescence, they develop into elegant, loyal, independent and affectionate house companions, always willing to protect the family from intrusive harm. Salukis make delightful companions, and they blossom when they live in the home with the family.
Saluki Temperament
Are Salukis good with children and other cats and dogs?
Yes, if they grow up with them. Remember though, that children should be taught to treat all animals with kindness and respect. You should not leave your young child unsupervised with any pet.
Are Salukis affectionate?
Does a Saluki need a lot of my attention? Being independent, he is not likely to follow you from room to room, but likes to know where you are and will settle down to sleep nearby. They do not demand constant attention like some breeds who feel the need to play with their humans all day, but your company is an important part of your Saluki’s life. He will not thrive if he has to live in isolation during your working day, and again during weekends when you go visiting.
Saluki Health and Care
How long does a Saluki live?
Fifteen or sixteen years is not unusual life span for a Saluki, but most live till about twelve or thirteen.
How much exercise does my Saluki need?
A walk on a lead allows him to explore his neighbourhood and socialise with other dogs and people in a controlled way. From time to time your Saluki will need to burn off energy in a fast, free run in a safe, open place such as an isolated stretch of beach (if dogs are allowed), an open plot, or the local sports field – far away from cars and other dangers. A Saluki moves very far, very fast – if a field adjoins a busy road, say goodbye to your Saluki. Very important to remember: a Saluki’s ears stop working when they’re in full running mode. Always make sure, if you choose a park, that it is properly enclosed, that the gates aren’t open, that there are no holes in fences, and that other dogs in the park are friendly and well socialised.
Are Salukis safe with strange dogs and cats when out on a run?
Generally, no. Because of their innate hunting instinct, a running fluff-ball is interpreted as a rabbit, and the Saluki usually gives chase. Beware of running several Salukis on the beach or in an open dog park. They tend to pack with each other and may bounce another dog in fun, who may panic (quite understandably). Suddenly, the hunting instinct takes over and the Salukis will be unstoppable in their mission to kill and destroy. To be on the safe side, put your Saluki on a lead if there are other dogs around – a prerequisite, in any case, in most dog parks and beaches.
Are Salukis prone to any genetic disease or illnesses?
Unlike most large breed dogs, hip dysplasia and other genetic diseases are very rare. Beware of stomach torsion, where the stomach twists on itself if the dog exercises after a heavy meal. In old age, Salukis can succumb to typical canine diseases such as cancer, kidney failure, or heart disease.
Sighthounds do not react favourably to regular veterinary anaesthetic, so they must follow a specific anaesthesia protocol for Sighthounds. This usually involves a combination of sedatives, anaesthetic, and gas (Domitor, Diprivan, and Halothane), followed by a reversal agent (Antesedan). Hypothermia during anaesthesia is a huge issue with Sighthounds and because they do not have the same fat layers as other dogs, they cannot absorb anaesthetic safely. Please be bold and ask your vet if he/she is familiar with Sighthound anaesthesia protocols, and don’t simply accept a bland or affronted “yes” without open discussion. If the vet is unwilling to be open with you on this matter, you may want to look for another vet.
Do Salukis shed and are they hypoallergenic?
They do not shed heavily, they are clean, however not hypoallergenic. They do not drool like some slobbering breeds. The Saluki’s coat is smooth, silky and never have that awful “doggy” smell, even when wet. Salukis require very little grooming, and seldom need a bath since they never smell doggy. Day-to-day grooming merely involves keeping the coat smooth by brushing out dead hairs from time to time with a rubber curry comb and keeping the knots out of the feathering.
Living Requirements
Do I have to have a large property?
This is a large breed dog, so a reasonable amount of space is required. An apartment with a balcony is too small, but you don’t need to buy a small farm. He’ll spend most of his days asleep in a comfortable area, so only needs the property to stretch his legs and relieve himself. The property must be adequately fenced or walled (a laser border is not good enough because the Saluki will escape through it before the electricity has time to shock him!) and you need to have strict rules about gate access for visitors or strangers.
Are Salukis very destructive?
All canine youngsters are destructive – some more than others. A bored youngster left to his own devices will find something to amuse himself, and the chosen item may be reference book, a cell phone, or Grandma’s tapestry. Prevention is always better than cure. Fortunately, they soon grow out of their “devil-streaks” and become completely civilized.
For more information contact us.