The Saluki Dog Breed - Oldest Purebred Dog

SALUKI HISTORY

The Saluki is the "Persian Greyhound" and widely regarded as the oldest purebred dog in all of history. This dog breed is closely related to the Afghan Hound and Arabian Greyhound. The Saluki has long been coveted by Arabs for its ability in hunting, especially gazelles, and its ability in following horses. It is thought that the Celts have introduced this breed into Europe.

While Salukis were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1929, they have been around since the days of ancient dynastic Egypt and perhaps even farther back in time. Depictions of the Saluki, and their mummified bodies, have been found in Egyptian tombs. And, carvings depicting what seem likely to be Salukis have been found in the ruins of the ancient Sumerian civilization from nearly 6000 years ago.

APPEARANCE

The Saluki resembles the Greyhound–slim and sleek, with a powerful hind-part. The average Saluki will be 23-29 inches in length and 30 to 66 pounds in weight.

In color they range from black to tri-color, and may also be tan, reddish, brownish, tan, or even white. They don't shed overly much and don't have that "dog" smell. These dogs have "feathers" of silky fur on their ears, legs, and tail. Their tail also curls.

TEMPERAMENT AND CHARACTER

While the Saluki is related to the Afghan Hound, it is more graceful and symmetrical. It's explosively powerful rear and hocks are low to the ground, giving it great leaping and turning ability. The Saluki can get to speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Its carriage is regal and graceful.

Salukis are considered to be gentled with children, especially with well-behaved children. However, because they are extremely responsive to sudden movements, and since children are prone to making rash movements, it is advised that if you own a Saluki you should not leave him alone with young children.

Salukis are obedient, but also independent. If you try to call your Saluki to you it will come…unless it gets distracted by some kind of movement, in which case its hunter instincts kick in and it goes all-out for the pursuit.

Salukis are very loyal and protective, but many say that they are also not overly affectionate. They can be easily trained into certain "dog tricks", but their high intelligence causes them to become bored with them after a short play time. They can be very well trained in dog behavior and don't need to be overly scolded. But they can be stubborn when first being trained to sit, stay, lie down, etc, so patience is required at first.

GROOMING AND HEALTH

The Saluki should be regularly brushed. The dog's fur is not overly fluffy so this is not too difficult, and Salukis enjoy being brushed anyway. This is also a way of emotionally bonding with, and keeping tabs on, the dog.

The toenails should be clipped; and remember, the back toenails grow more quickly than those on the front paws.

Check and clean the dog's ears once per week. However, do not use water or fluids to clean them out. Pick out hairballs, wax, etc from the ears. You should also brush your Saluki's teeth with a special canine toothpaste twice per week.

Salukis are prone to a few congenital diseases: easily sunburned noses; eye degeneration; and cancer. Get your Saluki the usual types of shots and fairly frequent vet check-ups if it is less than one year old. Between age one and six, an annual vet check-up is just fine; after that, semi-annual vet check-ups should be the practice. You can expect your Saluki to live to be 12 to 14 years old with proper care.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Energy level - 2 (out of 5)
Affection level - 3
Friendliness towards other pets - 3
Friendliness towards strangers - 1
Cold tolerance - 2
Heat tolerance - 3