Breed History:

The Saluki, also known as the Persian Greyhound, is one of the oldest known dog breeds, with origins dating back thousands of years to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Revered for its beauty and speed, the Saluki was traditionally used by nomadic tribes to hunt gazelle and other swift game across the deserts of the Middle East. Its exceptional endurance and vision made it an invaluable partner for hunters in harsh environments.

Often regarded as a gift from Allah, the Saluki holds cultural significance in many Arab societies and was considered noble enough to sleep inside tents with their owners. Today, the breed is cherished worldwide for its grace, quiet dignity, and deep devotion to its family, blending ancient hunting instincts with a calm and sensitive temperament.

Size – Medium

Life Expectancy: 12–14 years

Breed Appearance:

The Saluki is an elegant and refined breed, recognised for its slim frame, long legs, and feathered ears and tail. It's fine, smooth coat can be either feathered or smooth, with longer hair on the ears, tail, and legs in the feathered variety. Despite its delicate appearance, the Saluki is strong and agile, with a body built for speed and endurance.

It has a narrow, slightly domed head, large expressive eyes, and a long, graceful neck. The breed’s understated elegance is matched by its smooth, flowing gait, which reflects its heritage as a desert sighthound capable of pursuing prey over long distances.

Breed Type - Family/guard:

The Saluki is a gentle, reserved breed that bonds deeply with its family but is often aloof with strangers. It is known for its quiet nature and does not typically exhibit guarding behaviour, making it better suited as a companion than a watchdog. The breed thrives in a calm environment and is especially sensitive to harsh treatment or loud environments.

While not aggressive, Salukis may be cautious or shy in unfamiliar situations if not properly socialised. Their independent yet loyal disposition makes them ideal for experienced owners who appreciate a graceful, emotionally intuitive companion.

Training:

Training a Saluki requires a soft touch and plenty of patience. Intelligent and independent, the Saluki may not respond well to repetitive or forceful training methods. It prefers gentle, positive reinforcement techniques, including treats and praise. Early training and socialisation are vital to ensure the dog grows into a confident and well-mannered adult.

Due to its sighthound instincts, recall can be a challenge, especially when the Saluki is distracted by movement. Training sessions should be short, consistent, and low-pressure to maintain engagement without overwhelming the dog.

Health & Care:

Salukis are generally healthy and long-lived, but as with all breeds, they may be prone to certain conditions, including heart disease, hip dysplasia, and eye issues like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Because of their low body fat and lean build, Salukis are also more sensitive to anaesthesia and require careful handling during medical procedures.

A well-balanced diet, routine vet visits, and regular exercise help maintain overall health. Their thin coat and minimal body fat mean they are less tolerant of cold weather, so they may need extra warmth in colder climates.

Living Conditions:

Salukis do best in homes where they have space to stretch and run. Although they can adapt to apartment living if given sufficient daily exercise, they are happiest in homes with secure yards or access to large, open areas where they can sprint safely. As sensitive dogs, they prefer quiet, stable environments and may become anxious in loud or chaotic settings.

Indoors, the Saluki is clean and calm, often lounging peacefully for hours. Its thin coat and quiet demeanour make it well-suited for indoor life, but care must be taken to keep it warm in cold conditions.

Exercise:

Despite their calm indoor demeanour, Salukis are highly athletic and require daily exercise to stay fit and happy. Long walks, play sessions, and opportunities to run in a secure area are essential. They love sprinting and chasing, so fenced spaces are critical to prevent them from running off when they spot prey.

Mental stimulation through scent work or lure coursing is also beneficial. Their stamina is moderate—they prefer short bursts of intense activity rather than extended periods of exertion, making balanced exercise routines ideal.

Grooming:

Salukis are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Weekly brushing is usually enough to keep the coat clean and free of loose hair. Feathered varieties may require more frequent grooming to prevent tangles in the ears, tail, and legs.

Bathing should be done as needed, using mild shampoos to avoid drying out their delicate skin. Routine ear cleaning, nail trimming, and dental care are all important. Due to their sensitive nature, all grooming should be done with a gentle, reassuring approach.

Advantages:

• One of the oldest and most elegant dog breeds with rich historical roots

• Quiet and well-mannered, making it a peaceful indoor companion

• Deeply loyal and affectionate with its family, especially when socialised early

• Low-maintenance grooming and minimal odour

• Athletic and graceful, ideal for owners who enjoy active lifestyles

• Not prone to excessive barking or aggression

Disadvantages:

• Sensitive and shy around strangers if not properly socialised

• Strong prey drive makes off-leash reliability difficult

• Requires secure fencing and safe areas to run due to the chasing instinct

• Independent nature may challenge novice trainers

• Poor cold tolerance; may require extra care in colder climates

• Needs daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom or anxiety