SALUKI Breed Standards
As with many breeds, the Saluki’s origins cannot be traced back to an irrefutable source. Visual evidence depicts their connection to Middle Eastern civilizations going back thousands of years. Carvings from the Sumerian Empire dating as far back as 7000 BC depict dogs with sleek greyhound-like bodies with feathered tails, ears and legs. Similar carvings appear on Egyptian tombs dating from 2100 BC. Some historians identify the Saluki as being a distinct breed since Alexander’s Invasion of India in 329 BC. Nomadic Bedouin tribesmen have been breeding Salukis for at least 2,000 years.
The Saluki’s origins are strongly tied to the nomadic lifestyle and consequently, their native habitat stretches from the Sahara to the Caspian Sea; this geographic diversity has also led to marked variation in the breed’s color and size. Written records depict that Salukis were always held in high esteem by their owners. They were honored by Egyptian nobles and usually mummified along with them. Many Saluki owners are Muslims and while they consider most dogs unclean and untouchable, Salukis are allowed into tents.
Salukis have been in Europe since 1840, but few paid attention to their existence until Florence Amherst brought one of Prince Abdulla’s Arabian Salukis from Transjordania to England in 1895. Colonel Horace N. Fisher is credited with having brought the first Saluki to the United States in 1861. Salukis are extremely fast and were primarily used by Arabs to bring down gazelles. In England, they were used to catch hares. In the United States today, they participate in a variety of competitions, such as lure coursing, agility, obedience trials and tracking. They are also employed as show dogs and companions.
SKILLS: The whole appearance of this breed should give an impression of grace and symmetry and of great speed and endurance coupled with strength and activity to enable it to kill gazelle or other quarry over deep sand or rocky mountains. The expression should be dignified and gentle with deep, faithful, far-seeing eyes.
SIZE: Dogs should average in height from 23 to 28 inches and bitches may be considerably smaller, this being very typical of the breed.
COAT: Coat-Smooth and of a soft silky texture, slight feather on the legs, feather at the back of the thighs and sometimes with slight woolly feather on the thigh and shoulder. Colors-White, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle and tan, tricolor (white, black and tan) and black and tan.
CARE REQUIRED: This odor-free dog's coat is easy to groom. Just occasionally brush and comb, especially on the longer-haired parts of the dog. The ears should be checked regularly to make sure they are clean. The Saluki is an average shedder
CHARACTER: The Saluki is a versatile breed of sighthound with a rich history. Gentle, affectionate, but not demonstrative. This loyal dog may become attached to one person. Good with gentle older children. They are too slim for roughhousing. The breed can't take harsh discipline or strictness. They can be trained only with love and consistency.
EXERCISE: The Saluki is a natural athlete that needs a lot of exercise. They are happiest when running, however many are lost or killed when they are allowed to get free. This very independent dog can never be off its lead except in an isolated, scouted area. These dogs hunt on sight. They will pay no attention to their handler's calls if they are chasing something. They are not great for jogging because they will run faster than humans. An excellent way to exercise them is to trot them alongside your bike.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Saluki occupies a unique position in the lives of its Eastern, often Muslim, owners. Ordinary dogs are considered "unclean" and may not be touched, but the Saluki is permitted into the tents of nomads and the courtyards of settled breeders. Prior to and during the 10th century, hunting poetry extolled not only the prowess of the breed in the chase, but its physical attributes and companionship. The Saluki retains this esteem even today and continues to be valued and used for hunting in most of the regions where it traditionally worked, side by side with its master, as a source of pleasure for its beauty and athleticism. This is a testimony of the Saluki's enduring value to those who created it.
TRAINING: The Saluki is not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with acreage. This breed should sleep indoors. Warm temperatures are most comfortable, but very hot weather can be uncomfortable.
