Saluki
Saluki is one of the fastest and most graceful hunting dog breeds that start with S. When they run at full speed, they have an extraordinary gait because all four legs are off the ground simultaneously. They have a slender and symmetrical greyhound-type body with a graceful neck.
Saluki has a long, narrow, wedge-shaped head with feathered ears that hang close to its face. There are two types of coats: a short coat with feathering on the ears, tail, and legs, and a smooth coat without feathering.
They are part of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Hound Group.
History of the Saluki
Saluki is the earliest breed that emerged in the Middle East. The breed’s name is derived from the Arabian city of Saluk, which has disappeared from history. They are also known as Gazelle Hounds, Arabian Hounds, or Persian Greyhounds.
They were developed by nomadic desert tribes and spread from the Caspian Sea to the Arabian Desert. The breeds were often bred in isolation, which could help explain the wide variety of coat colors and the two types of coats.
Saluki type dogs were illustrated on Persian pottery dating back to 4000 BC. Pharaohs hunted with them, and their remains were often found buried with the Pharaohs in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 2000 BC. In the Middle Ages, They were considered sacred dogs, allowing Muslims to use them to hunt game such as deer, hare, fox, and rabbit.
By 1923, breed standards were established, and the breed was registered in Britain. The AKC registered the breed in 1927. While occasionally used for racing, this breed is primarily a companion and show dog in Europe and America. In 2005, They were ranked 119th among registered breeds by the AKC, with 154 breeds registered.
Breed Statistics
- Group: Hound Group
- Height: Males: 23 to 28 inches; Females: 21 to 26 inches
- Weight: Males: 40 to 65 pounds; Females: 30 to 50 pounds
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Physical Characteristics: Slender, graceful build; short coat; long legs; various coat colors
- Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
- Colors: Various, including red, cream, fawn, golden, red grizzle, black and tan, or tricolor
- Shedding: Moderate to low
- Temperament: Low; tends to be quiet and reserved
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Is a Saluki a Good Family Dog?
Salukis are calm at home, extremely gentle with children, and good with other dogs. They make suitable watch dogs but poor guard dogs. They need daily opportunities to run and exercise rigorously. Given this chance, they are moderately obedient, as long as what they want aligns with what you want.
2. Which Dog is Faster: Saluki or Greyhound?
While it is established that Greyhounds generally surpass them in raw speed, various factors can affect the racing performance of individual dogs: Fitness, muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness greatly influence a dog’s running capability.
3. Do Saluki Dogs Smell?
Salukis are very clean dogs and are known for not having a ‘doggy’ odor. Bathing is only necessary when they get dirty or before a dog show.
4. Can Salukis Eat Raw Meat?
The goal of a raw food diet is to mimic what dogs are naturally adapted to eat in the wild. Thus, meat, bone, offal, and small amounts of plant material are all crucial components of a their diet, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals at every mealtime.
5. How Long Can a Saluki Run?
Salukis are the marathon runners of the dog world. When in peak physical condition, they can run at speeds of 50-60 miles per hour (citation needed) and maintain this for about five miles. They are “sight” hunters, meaning they spot prey, chase it down, capture, and retrieve it.
Conclusion
Salukis make wonderful family pets due to their quiet behavior at home, gentle nature with children, and empathy with other dogs. While they may not shine as guard dogs, their need for daily exercise ensures they stay fit and happy. Despite Greyhounds being faster in raw speed, the Saluki’s acceptance and clean, odor-free nature make them an appealing choice for many dog lovers.