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SALUKI — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION
Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Training / Additional Information
Breed Description
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| Breed Registries: |
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Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees. |
| Origin: |
Middle East |
Height: |
23 to 28 inches (58-71 cm) |
| Weight: |
50 to 65 lbs |
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While the Saluki's (also known as the Gazelle Hound and Persian Greyhound) origins are mysterious, this is a versatile breed of Sighthound said to have a rich history. What is known is that the Saluki has been associated with the Middle East since antiquity and has always been used for hunting. It is known that the breed was held in great esteem, called "el hor" (the Noble) by the Arabs and was bred as carefully as the famous Arabian horses, with speed and endurance in mind. The breed is also said to have been a valued and honoured companion to Egyptian nobility and was known to be mummified like the Pharaohs.
The Saluki also held a very unique position within the lives of his Eastern and Nomad owners who were often Muslim: The Saluki was allowed to enter the tents of nomads and the courtyards of settled breeders whereas other dog breeds are considered "unclean" and cannot be touched. Even today, the Saluki continues to be valued and used for hunting in most regions of the Middle East where he originally worked.
The Saluki is an elegant, streamlined aristocrat. He is a reserved and very independent hunting hound, excellent long distance runner, intuitive and intelligent. Today, the Saluki is a graceful companion seen competing in the show ring as well as in lure and open field coursing. He also enjoys participating in agility, obedience, and tracking. With his generally calm, and dignified temperament, he is extremely devoted to his family and also makes an excellent watchdog.
The Saluki's coat is smooth with a soft silky texture. There may be slight feathering on the legs, at the back of the thighs and he may also have slight woolly feathering on the thigh and shoulder. The Saluki comes in many colours — white, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle and tan, tricolour (white, black and tan), and black and tan.
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Health Concerns:
- Anesthetics — Like all members of the Sighthound family, the Saluki is sensitive to a number of anesthetics. It is very important to discuss this with your Veterinarian in advance of any required surgery. For additional information, see: Anesthesia in Sighthounds from the Saluki Club of America, as well as A Safe Method of Sighthound Anesthesia by Rodger I. Barr, DVM.
- Bloat — As with many large breeds and any deep-chested dog, the occurrence of Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a real possibility in the Saluki. If you are not familiar with this condition, it is absolutely necessary to learn about it and know the symptoms — This is a real emergency and a life threatening condition that requires immediate Veterinary attention. See Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) — Bloat in the Health and Nutrition section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for more information and First Aid for Bloat for an article describing some of the things you can do if you are faced with this situation.
If you are considering the adoption of a Saluki puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Additional Health Resources:
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Breed Standards:
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AKC SALUKI VIDEO
20 Min. Video Edition, Published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
— Available from Dogwise.com |
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Training Resources:
- Training — For information on training your Saluki, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
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Additional Information:
- Lure Coursing Information
- Clubs, Sports & Activities — Information on the various sports and activities you can get involved in with your Saluki as well as a listing of non-breed specific clubs. (For Breed Clubs in Canada and around the World, Click here or select from the links at the top or bottom of this page.)
- Working Dogs — A section dedicated to the working dog. See information about some of the jobs your Saluki can do, including information on Therapy Dogs, Guide Dogs, Search and Resuce, Police K9s and much more.
- Whippets and Other Sighthounds — A very informative website dedicated to Sighthounds explaining why a Sighthound thinks and acts differently from other breeds of dogs.
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