Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!
Click to get home
Saluki
Bird
Cat
Dog
Horse
Reptiles
King Henry of the Felines
Saluki
Height 21-28 inches
Weight 40-60 lbs.
Life Span 12-14 yrs.
Overview Salukis, superb sight hounds, are quiet, gentle dogs that exhibit a catlike aloofness. They are not demonstrative or playful, but if they are left alone for long periods without human companionship they will become destructive.

Often reserved and timid with strangers, they are usually tolerant of children over eight years old who are gentle, but they should not be left unsupervised with younger children. Their great speed and endurance can get them into trouble if allowed off-leash in unsecured areas, as they may not be able to resist chasing cats or other small animals (unless raised with them from an early age). They do get along with other dogs.

Salukis do best in suburban or country settings. City noise and activity may make these sensitive dogs nervous.

Appearance There are two varieties of salukis: one has slight feathering on the legs, backs of the thighs, and ears; the other has no feathering. The coat on both is smooth, soft, and silky and comes in white, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle, tan, tricolor (white, black, and tan), or black and tan.
Grooming & Exercise Salukis should be brushed once a week. They require a lot of daily exercise, either running in large, secured areas or on a leash elsewhere.
Origins The saluki was used to hunt gazelles in ancient Egypt over 5,000 years ago and may be the oldest breed known to humans.
Other The saluki is not suitable for inexperienced dog owners or for city or apartment living.

Breed-related health concerns: progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism.

Information and images from the ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs, by Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, V.M.D., with Jacque Lynn Schultz. © 1999 by Chanticleer Press, Inc. Published by Chronicle Books, San Francisco.