Origin
Middle East
Lifespan
13–20 years
Weight
18–27 kg
Height
— cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
White · Cream · Fawn · Golden · Grizzle · Tricolor · Black and Tan
Saluki
About This Breed
The Saluki or Persian Greyhound is one of the oldest known dog breeds, with a history stretching back at least 4,000 years. They appear in ancient Egyptian artifacts and Arab poetry, held in the highest esteem. The breed was considered sacred by many Islamic cultures. Salukis are large, swift sighthounds with a graceful, aristocratic appearance and exceptional endurance. They are gentle and devoted to their families but reserved with strangers.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Saluki
Origin
| Origin | Middle East |
| Group | Hounds |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 18–27 kg |
| Lifespan | 13–20 years |
| Colors & Patterns | White · Cream · Fawn · Golden · Grizzle · Tricolor · Black and Tan |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Gentle · Aloof · Reserved · Intelligent · Loyal |
Usually active. Make time for play, exercise, and activities that keep it interested.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Usually sheds relatively little. Low shedding does not mean an animal cannot cause allergies.
Living together
A familiar routine can help it settle in.
Teach children to handle it gently and leave it alone when it rests.
Introduce other pets gradually and watch how each animal responds.
Training and activities
Practice in short sessions and reward the behavior you want.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
Dating back to 329 BCE, before the ancient pyramids, the Saluki is one of the oldest hunting dog breeds. The elegant and powerful bodies of this breed made them well-loved among royal figures, particularly in Egypt. Egyptian pharaohs adored their Salukis so much that the dogs were mummified so they, too, could enter the afterlife. Salukis are tall, skinny dogs. They’re such fast sprinters that they were once used to take down gazelle, hares, and foxes to provide food for nomadic tribes. They can stand as tall as 28 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 40–65 pounds.
Care Guide
Salukis are affectionate toward their loved ones and always want to be around them. They show little interest in strangers and tend to ignore new people at first. They do best in homes with older children or no children at all, as Salukis prefer to play on their own terms. Salukis need at least two hours of activity every day to stay healthy, and they love using their powerful legs to sprint outside. But when indoors, Salukis are calm and laid-back.