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Dog Breeds

Saluki

The Saluki, known for its elegance, speed, and deep historical roots, is one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds.

Saluki: The Graceful and Ancient Sighthound

Dog Breeds

Saluki

The Saluki, known for its elegance, speed, and deep historical roots, is one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds.

Saluki: The Graceful and Ancient Sighthound

Dog Breeds

Saluki

The Saluki, known for its elegance, speed, and deep historical roots, is one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds.

Saluki: The Graceful and Ancient Sighthound

Dog Breeds

Saluki

The Saluki, known for its elegance, speed, and deep historical roots, is one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds.

Saluki: The Graceful and Ancient Sighthound

Other Names

Persian Greyhound, Arabian Hound, Gazelle Hound, Royal Dog of Egypt

Other Names

Persian Greyhound, Arabian Hound, Gazelle Hound, Royal Dog of Egypt

Other Names

Persian Greyhound, Arabian Hound, Gazelle Hound, Royal Dog of Egypt

Recognized By

AKC, FCI, UKC, KC

Recognized By

AKC, FCI, UKC, KC

Recognized By

AKC, FCI, UKC, KC

Country of Origin

Fertile Crescent (parts of Egypt, Iraq, and Iran)

Country of Origin

Fertile Crescent (parts of Egypt, Iraq, and Iran)

Country of Origin

Fertile Crescent (parts of Egypt, Iraq, and Iran)

Popularity in the UAE

Common and popular

Popularity in the UAE

Common and popular

Popularity in the UAE

Common and popular

Primary Use

Hunting dog, companion dog, racing dog

Primary Use

Hunting dog, companion dog, racing dog

Primary Use

Hunting dog, companion dog, racing dog

Saluki

Saluki

Saluki

Breed History

The Saluki has an extensive history dating back over thousands of years, with its likeness appearing on ancient Egyptian tombs and Sumerian artifacts. Revered by nobility, these sighthounds were bred by Bedouins and Middle Eastern royalty for their exceptional speed and hunting abilities. 

This was particularly useful in chasing fast-moving prey such as gazelles and hares. They become prized companions because of their ability to thrive in harsh desert environments.

Unlike many other breeds, Salukis were often considered sacred, with some even being mummified alongside their owners in ancient Egypt. Over time, their agility and endurance made them valuable not just for hunting but also in modern canine sports.

Despite their long history, Salukis have retained their distinctive, graceful appearance and independent nature, making them a unique and cherished breed worldwide.

The Saluki has an extensive history dating back over thousands of years, with its likeness appearing on ancient Egyptian tombs and Sumerian artifacts. Revered by nobility, these sighthounds were bred by Bedouins and Middle Eastern royalty for their exceptional speed and hunting abilities. 

This was particularly useful in chasing fast-moving prey such as gazelles and hares. They become prized companions because of their ability to thrive in harsh desert environments.

Unlike many other breeds, Salukis were often considered sacred, with some even being mummified alongside their owners in ancient Egypt. Over time, their agility and endurance made them valuable not just for hunting but also in modern canine sports.

Despite their long history, Salukis have retained their distinctive, graceful appearance and independent nature, making them a unique and cherished breed worldwide.

Saluki Breed History
Saluki Breed History
Saluki Breed History

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Hemangiosarcoma

Hemangiosarcoma is aggressive and often goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. It commonly affects the spleen and heart, leading to internal bleeding. (Megquier et al., 2020)

Osteosarcoma

This type of bone cancer is common in long-limbed breeds like the Saluki. It often presents as lameness or swelling in the limbs and progresses rapidly. (Martin et al., 2022)

Health and Medical Concerns

Cancerology

Cancerology

Cancerology

Cardiology

Cardiology

Cardiology

Dermatology

Dermatology

Dermatology

Endocrinology

Endocrinology

Endocrinology

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Gastroenterology

Hematology & Immune System

Hematology & Immune System

Hematology & Immune System

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Infectious Diseases

Neurology

Neurology

Neurology

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Orthopedics

Pulmonology

Pulmonology

Pulmonology

Reproduction

Reproduction

Reproduction

Temperament and Common Traits

Saluki Personality
Saluki Personality
Saluki Personality
Saluki Personality

Personality

Salukis are reserved but deeply loyal to their families. They are highly intelligent and independent. Their quiet and sensitive nature makes them unsuitable for chaotic households, as they prefer calm, predictable environments.

Salukis are reserved but deeply loyal to their families. They are highly intelligent and independent. Their quiet and sensitive nature makes them unsuitable for chaotic households, as they prefer calm, predictable environments.

Saluki Distinct Habits
Saluki Distinct Habits
Saluki Distinct Habits
Saluki Distinct Habits

Distinct Habits

Salukis rarely bark but will quietly observe their surroundings. They have a strong prey drive, meaning they will chase small animals if not properly trained or leashed. Salukis love resting on elevated surfaces, such as sofas and beds.

Salukis rarely bark but will quietly observe their surroundings. They have a strong prey drive, meaning they will chase small animals if not properly trained or leashed. Salukis love resting on elevated surfaces, such as sofas and beds.

Saluki Suitability for Work
Saluki Suitability for Work
Saluki Suitability for Work
Saluki Suitability for Work

Suitability for Work

Their speed and stamina make them excellent for lure coursing and hunting, where they can showcase their natural agility. Their gentle demeanor allows them to work as therapy dogs.

Their speed and stamina make them excellent for lure coursing and hunting, where they can showcase their natural agility. Their gentle demeanor allows them to work as therapy dogs.

Lifespan

Salukis generally live between 12 to 14 years.

Their lifespan can be as short as 10 years to as long as 17 years with good health.

Their lifespan can be as short as 10 years to as long as 17 years with good health.

Training and Care

Saluki Training and Care
Saluki Training and Care
Saluki Training and Care

Trainability

Salukis are intelligent but independent, meaning they respond best to positive reinforcement and short, engaging training sessions. However, they can grow bored of repetitive commands.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

Salukis are intelligent but independent, meaning they respond best to positive reinforcement and short, engaging training sessions. However, they can grow bored of repetitive commands.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Trainability

Salukis are intelligent but independent, meaning they respond best to positive reinforcement and short, engaging training sessions. However, they can grow bored of repetitive commands.

Exercise Requirements

Grooming Needs

Living Conditions

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Salukis can adapt to hot climates thanks to their thin coat and desert origins. However, they are still vulnerable to extreme temperatures just like any dog. 

Precautions

As a safety precaution, Salukis should be walked early in the morning or late in the evening. Constant access to fresh water, shaded areas, and paw protection equipment can help.

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Salukis can adapt to hot climates thanks to their thin coat and desert origins. However, they are still vulnerable to extreme temperatures just like any dog. 

Precautions

As a safety precaution, Salukis should be walked early in the morning or late in the evening. Constant access to fresh water, shaded areas, and paw protection equipment can help.

Breed Info in the UAE

Adaptability

Legalities

Availability

Heat Sensitivity

Salukis can adapt to hot climates thanks to their thin coat and desert origins. However, they are still vulnerable to extreme temperatures just like any dog. 

Precautions

As a safety precaution, Salukis should be walked early in the morning or late in the evening. Constant access to fresh water, shaded areas, and paw protection equipment can help.

Diet & Nutrition

Dietary Needs

Salukis require a high-protein diet to maintain their lean muscle mass and energy levels. They benefit from easily digestible, nutrient-dense food rather than excessive fillers or carbohydrates.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

Salukis require a high-protein diet to maintain their lean muscle mass and energy levels. They benefit from easily digestible, nutrient-dense food rather than excessive fillers or carbohydrates.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Dietary Needs

Salukis require a high-protein diet to maintain their lean muscle mass and energy levels. They benefit from easily digestible, nutrient-dense food rather than excessive fillers or carbohydrates.

Sensitivities

Food Types

Portion Sizes

Saluki Diet and Nutrition
Saluki Diet and Nutrition
Saluki Diet and Nutrition

Suitability as a Pet

Ideal Owners

Salukis thrive with active individuals or families who can provide daily exercise, mental stimulation, and unique training needs.

Salukis thrive with active individuals or families who can provide daily exercise, mental stimulation, and unique training needs.

Salukis are gentle with children, but they prefer calm and respectful interactions rather than rough play. They can get along with other dogs but are unsuitable for homes with small pets like rabbits or cats.

Salukis are gentle with children, but they prefer calm and respectful interactions rather than rough play. They can get along with other dogs but are unsuitable for homes with small pets like rabbits or cats.

Compatibility with Children & Pets

First-Time Owner Friendly

Salukis are not ideal for first-time dog owners. This is because they require patience, consistent training, and high maintenance.

Salukis are not ideal for first-time dog owners. This is because they require patience, consistent training, and high maintenance.

Physical Characteristics

Saluki Physical Characteristics
Saluki Physical Characteristics
Saluki Physical Characteristics

Head

The Saluki has a long, narrow head and a refined, tapering muzzle. The nose is black or liver-colored.

The Saluki has a long, narrow head and a refined, tapering muzzle. The nose is black or liver-colored.

Eyes

A Saluki has large, oval-shaped eyes that give it a distinctive, intelligent expression. Their eye color ranges from dark brown to hazel.

A Saluki has large, oval-shaped eyes that give it a distinctive, intelligent expression. Their eye color ranges from dark brown to hazel.

Ears

Salukis have long, feathered ears that hang close to the head. The silky, flowing hair on their ears adds to their graceful appearance. 

Salukis have long, feathered ears that hang close to the head. The silky, flowing hair on their ears adds to their graceful appearance. 

Body

Salukis have a slender, athletic body built for speed and endurance. They have a deep chest as well as a narrow waist and tucked-up abdomen.

Salukis have a slender, athletic body built for speed and endurance. They have a deep chest as well as a narrow waist and tucked-up abdomen.

Limbs

They have long, straight legs with elongated and well-arched feet. 

They have long, straight legs with elongated and well-arched feet. 

Tail

The tail is long, curved, and carried low with silky feathering on the underside.

The tail is long, curved, and carried low with silky feathering on the underside.

Coat

Salukis have a short, smooth coat with longer fur on the ears, tail, and legs in most varieties. Coat colors include cream, fawn, red, black & tan, grizzle, and tricolor.

Salukis have a short, smooth coat with longer fur on the ears, tail, and legs in most varieties. Coat colors include cream, fawn, red, black & tan, grizzle, and tricolor.

Size

Male Salukis are 58-71 cm (23-28 inches) tall while females are 56-68 cm (22-27 inches) tall.

Male Salukis are 58-71 cm (23-28 inches) tall while females are 56-68 cm (22-27 inches) tall.

Weight

Males weigh 20-30 kg (40-65 lb) while females weigh 16-20 kg (35-45 lb).

Males weigh 20-30 kg (40-65 lb) while females weigh 16-20 kg (35-45 lb).

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2024 Noble Veterinary Clinics

Website by ARENA

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA

Unique care for your best friends, because they’re family.

© 2025 Noble Veterinary Clinics | Website by ARENA