Saluki Dog - One of the oldest dog breeds in the world

Saluki - a hunting dog breed originating from the Middle East, stands out for its elegant appearance, outstanding speed, calm temperament, loyalty and independence.

The Saluki Dog - an ancient hunting dog breed from the Middle East, stands out with its tall, slender and graceful figure. Thanks to its smooth coat, deep, intelligent eyes and calm, independent and loyal temperament, this breed has now become a pet that many people love and care about.

Let's explore the characteristics of the origin, appearance, habits and behavior of the Saluki to understand why this dog breed is so popular!

Origin of Saluki Dog

Learn about the origin of the Saluki dog.

The Saluki, also known as the Arabian Greyhound, the Royal Egyptian Dog, the Persian Greyhound, is an ancient Middle Eastern hunting dog breed. They are believed to have appeared at least 5,000 years ago when images of the Saluki were found on ancient Egyptian reliefs and pottery (around 1,350 BC).

In Arabian culture, the Saluki is considered the “noble dog of the desert”, bred to hunt gazelles, rabbits and birds. They are also considered clean and noble by traditional Muslims and are allowed to live together in houses – unlike many other dog breeds.

The development process of the Saluki dog is as follows:

• In the 19th and 20th centuries, Salukis were brought to Europe from the Middle East by British colonial explorers.
• In 1923, the Saluki was recognized by the Kennel Club of England.
• In 1927, the Saluki was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
• Today, thanks to their beautiful appearance, friendly and loyal temperament, the Saluki has become a popular pet in Europe and North America.

What does a Saluki look like?

The slender appearance of the Saluki dog.

The Saluki is considered one of the most beautiful and elegant hunting dogs in the world thanks to its tall, muscular body and smooth, beautiful coat. Let's find out more about the outstanding physical characteristics of this breed!

Overall figure :

• Conformation: Balanced, slender, muscular, graceful - typical of a speed hound.
• Height: 58 - 71 cm
• Weight: 18 - 22.5 kg
• Body Proportions: Tall, muscular, long torso

Body:

• Head: Long, narrow, long muzzle, flat skull
• Eyes: Moderately large, almond shaped, usually brown or dark chestnut in color, very intelligent looking.
• Ears: Long, thin, hanging down on both sides, covered with a thick, silky layer of hair.
• Nose: Usually black or depending on coat color
• Neck: Long, graceful
• Chest: Deep, narrow
• Back: Flat back, slightly curved waist
• Belly: Slim, tucked in like a racing dog

Legs & Tail :

• Legs: Long, straight, firm, with very good elasticity
• Hind leg joint development
• Feet: Long, narrow, with thick pads
• Tail: Long, slightly curved, with long, smooth fringes.

Fur and fur color :

• Feathered Saluki: Very common, smooth, close-fitting coat, very long and silky fur on ears, legs, and tail.
• Smooth Saluki: Short, smooth coat, no long fringes on tail, ears, legs
• Coat color: White, fawn, dark brown, bicolor like black - white, black - white - brown, brindle, spotted,...

Saluki dog temperament and behavior

Saluki dogs run very fast.

The Saluki is considered a calm, intelligent and independent dog breed, with a strong hunting instinct and absolute loyalty to the family. However, this dog is also quite stubborn and needs to be trained from a young age. Below are details about the Saluki's characteristics and behaviors, let's learn more!

Smart & Independent

Saluki is a very intelligent and independent breed of dog, they do not like to "flatter" and be too obedient like Border Collie or Golden Retriever.

Besides, they are also quite calm and quiet, rarely showing excessive affection to their owners but only choosing a gentle way.

Strong hunting instinct

Salukis are originally hunting dogs so they always have strong hunting instincts, especially with long-distance movements. When they see prey moving, they will immediately chase it - that's why it is necessary to control them well when walking or letting them loose.

Like quiet, not noisy

Salukis rarely bark, they only speak when necessary and instead will lie down to observe and rest in quiet places. This breed of dog especially hates loud noises, not suitable for environments that are too noisy, bustling, especially with many noisy children.

Dynamic and very fast

Although a calm, laid-back dog, the Saluki is very active and needs daily exercise to release energy. If kept confined or not exercised for a long time, they will become bored, stressed and destructive.

The Saluki is a very fast dog breed with speeds of up to 69 km/h, second only to the Greyhound with a top speed of 73 km/h.

Family friendly. reserved with strangers

Salukis tend to bond with family and familiar people. They get along well with children (older) but do not like to be handled too much or played with too roughly. Small animals such as rabbits, cats, etc. need to be introduced from a young age to be able to live in harmony.

With strangers, Salukis always keep a safe distance but are absolutely not aggressive. They do not have strong protective instincts but can still bark softly to alert.

Instructions for raising and caring for Saluki dogs properly

How to take care of Saluki dogs properly.

Saluki is a relatively difficult breed to raise because they require many prerequisites such as not being suitable for noisy environments, needing daily exercise and not being suitable for every family. Here is the most detailed guide to raising and caring for a Saluki, let's learn more to see if you meet the conditions to raise this special hunting dog!

Suitable living environment

Saluki is a rather "difficult" and "picky" dog breed about its living environment. Please note the following:

• Need to live in a spacious environment with a large enough yard or be able to run outside regularly.
• Quiet environment, avoid noisy places or crowded houses because they do not like noise and bustle
• Avoid locking or chaining for long periods of time because it can easily cause stress, anxiety, behavioral disorders,...

Balanced diet, adequate nutrition

Because Salukis are quite active, they need a reasonable diet with adequate nutrition, specifically as follows:

• Protein-rich foods like lean meat, eggs, fish, liver - for muscle growth and increased endurance
• Good fats like Omega3, fish oil to maintain shiny coat
• Add more vegetables and starches such as sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin,...
• Don't eat too much cereal, spicy food,...

Note that you should divide the food portions and types of food suitable for each age to help Saluki develop best.

Exercise & workout every day

To help your Saluki release energy and develop at its best, you need to focus on daily exercise and play for this dog. It needs to meet at least the following basic requirements:

• Go out and exercise every day for 60-90 minutes, through some actions such as walking, jogging, playing catch, throwing a frisbee,...
• You can play more intellectual games like mazes and find objects to stimulate intelligence.

Note: Should not be left free-range or in unfenced areas. Salukis have strong hunting instincts and love to chase small moving animals.

Basic training & early socialization

To help your Saluki become more friendly, approachable and obedient, you need to train and socialize it from an early age.

• The best time to start training is before 6 months of age.

• Early socialization by introducing them to strangers, other dogs, cats, and pets

• When training, you must use positive methods, not punishment or negative measures because this breed of dog is quite sensitive.

Health care

The Saluki is a fairly healthy breed and is rarely affected by serious genetic diseases in dogs, but you still need to keep in mind the following basics:

• Fully vaccinated with basic shots such as rabies, distemper, parvo,...
• Deworming, tick, lice, flea control periodically
• General health check-up every 6 - 12 months
• Take care of your Saluki's joints, eyesight, and heart-related health as they age.

Are Saluki dogs expensive?

Currently in Vietnam, Saluki is classified as a rare and valuable dog, especially for purebred breeds imported directly from Europe and the Middle East. You can refer to some of the following prices for more detailed information.

• Imported Saluki from Thailand (very popular) : 40 - 60 million VND
• Imported Saluki from Europe : 80 - 150 million VND for purebred breed, with FCI, full papers.

Questions and answers about Saluki dogs?

How long do Saluki dogs live?

The average lifespan of a Saluki is 11 - 16 years, if cared for in optimal conditions.

Is it easy to train a Saluki?

No, because Salukis are independent and intelligent, training them is relatively difficult and requires experience and patience.

Are Saluki dogs friendly?

Salukis are friendly only with family and relatives, but are very wary of strangers.

Beautiful Saluki Dog Pictures

Let's admire the series of beautiful, graceful Saluki dogs with a graceful figure, smooth fur and deep eyes through the series of photos below to feel the nobility and elegance of this ancient hunting dog breed!

The Saluki dog has a beautiful black and white coat.

Close-up of the elegant, classy face of a Saluki dog.

The Saluki is playing with many other dogs.

Image of Saluki dog with luxurious appearance.

Image of Saluki dog running on the grass.

Saluki dogs are very friendly with their owners.

Two Saluki dogs prepare to start the race.

The Saluki is truly a perfect combination of graceful beauty, elegance and speed. Although not noisy or ostentatious, the Saluki has conquered dog lovers with its calmness, loyalty and its own temperament. Hopefully, through the article that dogbreed.wiki shares above, it will help you better understand this hunting dog breed from the Middle East.

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