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Saluki

General
Other Names		gaze hound, gazelle hound, slugi, shami, tazi
Dog Group Kennel Club		Hound
Breed Classification		Originally they were accomplished hunters, able to bring down anything from hare to gazelle (hence gazzelle hound), now they are used to show and many are still used to course because of their great speed and endurance. Some have even excelled in obedience and agility, not an easy task for a dog bred for it's independant spirit!
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		£7.50-10 per week
Feeding Requirements		Salukis can be choosey eaters but do not gorge them selves and eat only what they require. only the best is good enough, be warned! They prefer to eat their food off the ground.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		A well fenced garden! They are escape artistes, if there is a will, there's a way, including over! At least a five to six foot secure fence is required.
Average Puppy Price		£500-800
Lifespan		9 - 15 years Salukis can live until they are 14 years old.
Average Litter Size		8 The average number of puppies per litter is 8 but this can vary greatly.
General Physical Description		Elegance personified! Grace and symmetry. With a dignified head and bright far seeing eyes, and feathering on the ears and tail, all goes to make this dog look like nobility. They move effortlessly and almost seem to float across the ground.
Height Min Max Bitch 56 cm (22") 69cm (27") Dog 58cm (23") 71cm (28") Weight Min Max Bitch 0kg (0lbs) 0kg (0lbs) Dog 0kg (0lbs) 0kg (0lbs)
Size Category		Large
Weight Height Range		Dogs should measure around 58 -71cm (23 - 28"), bitches being proportionately smaller.
Ailments		Salukis are relatively free from most hereditary problems partially due to centuries of the selective breeding in their native country. Psychosomatic illnesses can develop which normally affect the skin and/or digestive system therefore companionship is a 'must' for this breed. Calluses can also be a problem so ensure soft bedding is always available. Sensitivity to anaesthetics has also been heard of.
Common Ailments
Susceptibility To Illness		Low
Other
History		Probably the most ancient of sight hounds, one of the earliest recordings of the saluki was a stamp seal found at Tepe Gawra dated 2000 - 3000 BC. The true origins of this wonderful breed are lost in the mists of time, it is thought that they are decended from the ara desert wolf, a sleek wolf renound for it's endurance and speed. They have been depicted through out many countries including Syria, kurdistan,persia, northern africa and egypt. Held in high esteem by all those who where owned by them, the Bedouin Arabs called them a gift from Allah, they were never sold, being given as gifts to mark friendship or respect. Then they were accomplished hunters, able to bring down anything from hare to gazelle (hence gazelle hound). Although introduced to Britain in the late 1800's, the breed did not get recognised until 1923.
Intelligence		Whilst highly intelligent, unfortunatly they are also highly independant, so this intelligence can often work against you. Remember they were bred to be independant hunters. They are also sight hounds therefore if they see a rabbit they will do their level best to get it, often succeeding, and there is nothing you can do about it! They also seem to take great pleasure in winding you up, they know very well that if they don't want to be caught, you can't catch them!
Show Characteristics		A long, narrow head , the skull being moderately wide between the ears, with an unpronounced stop. The nose should be either black or liver. The eyes should be bright, large and oval but not prominent and dark to hazel in colour. The ears are long and mobile not too-low set and covered in long silky hair. The silky hair can either grow from the top half of the ear or further down, either is correct. The teeth and jaws should be strong with a complete scissor bite. The neck should be long, supple and well-muscled going into sloping shoulders. The chest should be deep and moderately narrow when viewed from the front. The forelegs should be straight and long from the elbow to the wrist. The back should be fairly broad with a long and deep brisket and sufficient length of loin. The strong hip bones should be set well apart and the stifle moderately bent with a well-developed first and second thigh and the hocks should be low to the ground. The feet should be strong and supple with the toes being slightly webbed, long and well-arched, the two inner toes being considerably longer than the two outer ones. The tail is set on low from a long and gently sloping pelvis and carried naturally in a curve and well-feathered on the underside but not bushy. In adults the tail should only be carried above the line of the back in play.
Country Of Origin		Arabia
Famous Examples		Ivy from Cats and Dogs (the movie) was a Saluki (deer grizzle colour).
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		High
Overall Exercise		> 2 hours per day. Salukis up to 10-12 months should have their exercise restricted to ward against joint injuries. Over 12 months exercise should be increased to 5 - 8 miles a day, a mixture of road walking (for strong muscle development) and free runs. There is nothing quite like watching the grace of a saluki at full stretch but do remember they will go for the chase so be careful where you let them off their leads. After exercise they will find the most comfortable spot in the house (usually your sofa or bed), curl up and sleep.
Distress Caused if Left Alone		High
Personal Protection		Low
Suitability As Guard Dog		Low
Risk of Sheep Worrying		High
Tendency to Bark		Low
Ease of Transportation		High
Level of Aggression		Low
Compatibility With Other Animals		Medium
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		Tends to be aloof with strangers and often chooses one 'owner' in a household, therefore not a good breed for those with low self-esteem. Independant and intelligent, with speed and stamina. They are the perfect house guests, quiet, reserved and, having only one coat to help cope with the desert heat, they lack the oily undercoat which creates the usual 'doggy odour'. They shed very little and make a beautiful addition to a family. Like having a little bit of royalty in your home!
Grooming
Coat Length		Short/Smooth
Grooming Requirement		Every Day
Trimming		None
Requires Professional Groomer		True
Grooming		This breed deserves to look their best, so a quick groom once a day with a soft bristle brush and a comb through the feathering is usually sufficient.
Colour		All colours and combination of colours apart from brindle.
Shedding		Little
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

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