Let's get to know the Saluki, the magnificent Persian Greyhound. We explore its history and lineage, describe its physical appearance, and take a closer look at its unique character traits.
Origins and History of the Persian Greyhound
The Saluki is almost certainly the oldest dog breed known to the world, probably selectively bred around 7,000 years ago during the protohistoric era in the Fertile Crescent — a historic region of the Middle East — and used even then for hunting in swift packs. Some delicate pieces of pottery discovered at Susa, dating back to 4000 BC, depict dogs very similar to the Saluki; others appear frequently in Egyptian artefacts from the Middle Kingdom period, and from the beginning of the New Kingdom the Saluki became the predominant sighthound in Egypt.
In the Middle East, there was a general tendency to regard dogs as impure, but the Saluki was an exception among the Bedouin people, thanks to the Kiss of Allah — a white mark on the dog's coat that made it especially prized. The Bedouin used the Saluki to hunt in tandem with falcons; it must have been a breathtaking sight to watch the falcons dive during the ambush while the greyhound raced at full speed to reach the prey. The Saluki arrived in England in 1840, without attracting much attention. In 1895, however, Florence Amherst presented a specimen of the Arabian Saluki to Prince Abdullah of Transjordan, and from that point the breed's popularity spread widely.
Saluki Breed Standard
The Saluki is a medium-sized dog with an incredibly elegant, supple physique. Like all sighthounds, it combines power and agility, fluidity and dynamism. An adult male stands at an average height of 71 cm at the withers, weighing just 25 kg. The body is slender and well-defined, with notably wide-set hip bones. The croup slopes downward, the abdomen is well tucked up, and the chest is deep and narrow. Overall, the build conveys harmony while being clearly supported by strong bones and taut muscles. The neck is very long and slender, elegantly set into the chest and highly mobile.
Characteristics of the Persian Greyhound
The head is long and narrow, with a relatively broad skull between the ears. The stop is gradual, the muzzle long and strong, tapering slightly toward the nose, which is large and black. The eyes are large and oval, neither prominent nor sunken, and are hazel or dark brown in colour. The ears are set high and are very long, rounded at the tips and narrow at the base. They are carried soft and low, but are highly mobile and covered in long, silky hair.
The limbs are very long and toned, with perfect ground contact; the feet are medium-sized and well arched. The tail is set very low and follows a natural curve, being particularly long and covered with feathering on the underside. The coat is smooth and silky, glossy and close-lying. The long-haired variety features light feathering on the limbs that the smooth-coated variety does not. The colours accepted by the breed standard are white, black, cream, gold, grey, and tan. All of these colours are accepted in all their variations, and tricolour is also permitted.
Caring for the Saluki: Nutrition
The health of the Saluki, like that of all sighthounds, is generally very good, and when well bred it has a life expectancy of around 13 years. Due to its extremely low body-fat levels, special care must be taken regarding the dog's sensitivity to anaesthesia. Its diet should be simple but of excellent quality. The coat is easy to keep clean and should be brushed at least twice a week.
The Saluki's Character
The Saluki often displays an attitude that can seem aloof; in reality, this is a reserved and calm dog, but also a very affectionate one. It is not particularly forthcoming with strangers, but is never aggressive. It gets along well with children and treats them gently. Those who own one report that, during a prolonged absence of its owner, the Saluki emits a sound reminiscent of a mournful song.
It is easy to train, as it is intelligent and biddable, but it does not enjoy being given rigid commands and particularly dislikes repetitive exercises. The best way to hold its attention is to offer short, varied sessions. It adapts well to indoor living, moving gracefully despite its height, but it still loves open spaces and needs a good deal of physical activity.
Breeders and Price
The Saluki is fairly well established in Italy; the ENCI recognises at least ten specialist breeders. The Saluki is a dog that can be welcomed into any home, provided you have enough space, and it can be raised even without the help of an expert. During its early puppyhood, it is important to introduce commands through play, so that it learns to respond reliably from the very start.
A Saluki has an approximate price of €1,200, though this can vary considerably. When buying a dog, it is important to choose a recognised breeder and to be wary of low-cost online sales. In any case, always check the puppy's pedigree and veterinary records before bringing it home.
