Saluki
The Saluki is considered to be the most ancient of all dog breeds. There is evidence of their existence found in art work on Egyptian tombs that are dated thousands of years B.C. Arab nomads from the ancient civilization of Seleucia (where this breed got its name from) used the Saluki dogs to hunt animals in the desert such as fox, gazelles, and rabbits.
Ironically, most dogs are considered “unclean” in the Muslim world but the Saluki was considered the exception. The people of the land at that time referred to this dog breed as “el hor”, which means noble. These dogs were a precious provider of meat and so they were allowed to sleep inside the house-tents with other people and enjoy the attention and love from its Bedouin master.
The Saluki dog breed has been kept amazingly pure. This is largely due to the fact that Salukis were not allowed to breed with dogs outside of its race. This practice was adhered to for thousands of years. Variation of the breed started to emerge when Saluki dogs were widely distributed throughout the Middle East by many nomadic owners.
Saluki dogs were noticed by the Western world sometime during the year 1900. It did not take long for the breed to catch on with popularity. In fact, the Saluki was officially recognized by the AKC in 1928.
Personality
The personality of the average Saluki dog would be described best as aloof and relaxed. They can be a bit reserved around strangers but are loyal and affectionate towards their owners. These dogs are great with children but may be too quiet and gentle for most kids to be entertained. In fact, many Saluki dogs quite shy.
Taking Care Of Your Saluki
Taking care of your Saluki dog requires daily exercise, preferably running in an open space outdoors. They love to sprint but if the outside is not safe for them to run around in, their physical requirements can be met with a nice brisk walk on the leash several times each day.
Saluki dogs can handle both hot and cold climates, and can even play outside in the snow. However, it's best to keep this dog indoors at night with access to the outside during the daytime. Saluki dogs must have a warm soft bed to sleep in. They are naturally thin and could develop calluses if forced to sleep on a hard surface.
Health Information
Many people who are not educated about the Saluki dog breed wrongly assume that they are sick or underfed because they look very skinny. Although it looks that way to someone seeing a Saluki for the first time, this assumption is false. They are naturally thin dogs that do not put on weight easily.
The average lifespan of a healthy Saluki dog is between 12 and 15 years. These animals are very healthy because of their pure blood line having been kept intact for centuries. Because of this practice, the only major health concern that tends to come up is hemangiosarcoma. The only minor issue is cardiomyopathy. Rarely seen is hypothyroidism.
History
It is difficult to track the origins of the Saluki to a definite beginning, however, archaeological excavations have discovered carvings of dogs that look very similar to the Saluki at Sumerian sites that date to about 7000-6000 B.C. These dogs are svelte greyhound types with ears, legs, and tails that feather. Carvings in Egypt dating 2100 B.C. portray dogs that look like the Saluki. Bedouin nomads have raised Saluki for around 2000 years. In the Middle East the Salukis were utilized to hunt
gazelle and in Europe to hunt hares.
During the latter 19th century, this breed became popular in England. Attention was brought to them in 1895, when Florence Amherst transported a Salukis from the Transjordania to England that she got from Prince Abdulla. The Gazelle Hound Club of England was established in 1923. They say that Colonel Horace N. Fisher shipped one to the U.S.A. In 1861. The Saluki Club of American began in 1927, the year the AKC gave then recognition.
General Looks
They are made for running with sleek bodies, deep chests, and long legs. They have thin, long faces. The skull is bit wider between the ears. They have big, oval shaped eyes. Their ears are dropped. The tail sets low and is curved.
Is This Your Breed?
They don't shed much and are clean dogs. They need brushing each week and on occasion a bath. They have to be leashed or in a fenced yard when outdoors because a Salukis will chase whatever moves. Though, these dogs can jump fences and it may have to be charged to keep them in.
Coat
The coat is smooth and silk-like. The ears, legs, and tail are feathered lightly. There is a smooth-coated type.
Color
The colors are cream, fawn,white, golden, red, grizzle, and tan. They can be tricolored or two-toned.
Locomotion
The movement looks light and without effort.
Personality
They are affectionate, smart, independent, and spirited. Some are very good with kids. It is best to see the puppy's temperament to determine if it will like children. They may be very protective concerning kids and other pets. Some of them only like other pets fairly well. They aren't fond of strangers. They usually bark only to bring something to your attention, though if neglected they may bark because they are bored. Salukis become close to their owners.
They can run at 35 mile per hour. They like running and are fantastic to jog with. The younger ones are more energetic. They tend to calm some when grown. They usually eat and drink more leanly than other dogs.
Saluki video:
Tags: breed, egyptian tombs, saluki dog, fact
suluki dog run hard surfaces, westie artwork
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