The Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. They originally hail from the Middle East. Typical of their sighthound heritage, the Saluki can be rather high strung and skittish and is quite aloof with those they do not know.

Bringing out the best in a Saluki can take some time and dedication. They need an experienced owner who will be a patient and assured pack leader for them. Early socialization and obedience training are important, as it will help build their confidence and produce a more stable well-behaved dog. Training needs to be reward focused, with lots of praise and patience. Yelling, jerking or brutality in any form will not work with this dog breed, it will only make him more skittish and fearful.

With their family, they are affectionate and loyal. With strangers, they are suspicious and reserved. They are possessed of keen hearing and make a fine watchdog. They are prone to becoming bored easily and can become quite the mischief-makers. It is important that their exercise needs be regularly met.

CHILDREN: The Saluki is unfortunately too high strung and skittish to be completely trustworthy with small energetic children. They are best for homes with older or no children.

OTHER ANIMALS: The Saluki is usually good with other dogs but due to their sight hound heritage can be dangerous around small animals, including cats.

EXERCISE: The Saluki was once a hunter of Gazelle. Today, they are usually only seen as pets, though some are used in dog racing and participate in lure coursing trials. Like all sight hounds, they do not take as much exercise as one would think. An hour or so daily with some time for running suits his needs very well. Care needs to be taken when allowing them off lead as they are sight hounds and it is instinct to chase and kill game. They do make a great bicycling or jogging companion. Saluki owners might enjoy entering their dogs in conformation shows, obedience or agility trials, lure coursing, scent hurdles or flyball.

HEALTH: The Saluki is healthy breed not prone to many health issues. They are susceptible to eye disease and cancer but their most serious problem is emotionally sensitivity. They do not respond well to stress and will get stomach upsets and skin allergies from it. They are best for a calm stable home. Like all sighthounds they are sensitive to drugs and should not be given them unnecessarily.

APPEARANCE/COAT CARE: The Saluki is a tall slender dog. They are 23-28 inches at their withers and weigh between 40-60 pounds. Their short soft coat comes in white, cream, fawn, red or black and tan. There are two varieties of Saluki, the smooth and the feathered. The feathered has long silky hair on their legs, ears and tail.