Introduction
Dating back as far as 329 BCE, long before the majestic Egyptian pyramids rose, the Saluki stands among the most ancient hunting dog breeds known to history. Revered for their graceful yet powerful physiques, these noble hounds captured the hearts of royalty across Egypt. Pharaohs cherished their Salukis so deeply that these beloved dogs were mummified alongside their owners, intended to accompany them into the afterlife.
Salukis boast tall, slender frames built for incredible speed. Once prized hunters, their lightning-fast sprints helped nomadic tribes catch swift prey such as gazelles, hares, and foxes. Standing up to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 40 and 65 pounds, they have a dignified presence with long, narrow heads, silky feathered ears, and gracefully curved, flowing tails. Their elegant form often draws comparisons to Greyhounds, though Salukis are distinguished by their luxurious longer hair.
Caring for a Saluki
Affectionate with their close family members, Salukis thrive when surrounded by those they trust. They tend to be reserved around strangers, often responding with calm indifference rather than excitement. These independent dogs prefer a peaceful household with older children or none at all, as they enjoy play on their own terms.
To maintain their well-being, Salukis require at least two hours of vigorous exercise daily. Their powerful limbs yearn to sprint freely outdoors, yet inside the home, they adopt a relaxed and composed demeanor.
Salukis come in two main coat varieties:
- Feathered Salukis: Sporting long, silky fur especially around the ears and tail, lending them a more flowing and elegant appearance.
- Smooth-coated Salukis: Featuring shorter fur that sheds less and offers easier grooming.
Saluki Health Issues
Generally a hardy and long-lived breed, Salukis can enjoy up to 17 years of life. However, they are susceptible to several health conditions:
Dental Disease
Salukis are prone to early-onset dental problems compared to many breeds. Regular tooth brushing at home is essential, alongside professional cleanings scheduled by your veterinarian, to maintain oral health and prevent disease.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
This serious heart condition causes the heart muscle to enlarge and weaken, impairing its function. Dogs with mild cases may show no warning signs, but severe DCM can present symptoms such as:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Collapse
- Weight loss
- Sudden death
Veterinarians may detect this condition during routine checkups by hearing heart murmurs or through blood tests assessing heart performance, such as the NT-proBNP assay. If abnormalities arise, further diagnostics will confirm the diagnosis.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
Deep-chested breeds like the Saluki are vulnerable to GDV—a life-threatening emergency where the stomach twists, trapping gas or fluid and cutting off blood supply to vital organs.
GDV causes intense pain and requires immediate surgical intervention. Diagnosis is made through physical examination and abdominal X-rays by a veterinarian.
Saluki Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
This rare genetic disorder leads to the buildup of harmful storage materials in the brain and eyes, causing vision loss, disorientation, and seizures. Symptoms usually appear between 1 and 2 years of age. Sadly, no cure exists; the trait is inherited only if both parents carry the mutation.
Hip Dysplasia
A hereditary orthopedic issue, hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joints fail to align properly, resulting in pain and eventual arthritis. This condition may affect one or both hips.
Common signs include:
- Limping or lameness
- Trouble rising from lying down
- A “bunny-hopping” run style
- Hesitancy to jump, run, or climb stairs
- Holding the affected leg out to the side while sitting
Cancer
Salukis have heightened risk for multiple cancers, including:
- Lymphoma/Lymphosarcoma: Cancer of lymph nodes that may spread widely. Swollen nodes often appear along the neck and hind limbs. Chemotherapy offers the best treatment prospects.
- Hemangiosarcoma (HSA): A rapidly progressing cancer arising in the spleen, skin, liver, or heart, forming blood-filled tumors prone to rupture, causing internal bleeding. Surgery may remove localized tumors, but this cancer commonly spreads to lungs and other organs.
- Osteosarcoma: A painful bone cancer that often affects limbs before metastasizing to other bones and lungs. It causes bone destruction visible on X-rays as “moth-eaten” areas. Symptoms include limping, swelling, weight loss, and lethargy. Treatment involves limb amputation and chemotherapy, but the disease is difficult to control.
- Mammary Cancer: Aggressive tumors form firm, irregular lumps in mammary glands, spreading quickly. Surgery (mastectomy) and chemotherapy are typical treatments. Spaying females before their first heat cycle greatly reduces risk.
What to Feed a Saluki
A Saluki's diet should center on high-quality, medium-breed dog food formulated to meet their nutritional needs. Their daily intake ideally comprises about 90% nutritious dog food and 10% healthy treats.
How To Feed a Saluki
Offer meals twice daily—in the morning and evening. Appetite can vary widely; some Salukis eagerly eat at mealtime, while others nibble when they feel like it. Feeding them separately from other dogs helps prevent food guarding or overeating.
Tailor their diet according to their life stage: puppy, adult, or senior.
How Much Should You Feed a Saluki?
Always check feeding guidelines on the dog food label and work with your veterinarian to determine the right portion to maintain a healthy weight. Salukis are prone to weight gain, so precise portion control and limited treats are crucial.
Nutritional Tips for Salukis
As highly athletic dogs, Salukis benefit from joint supplements starting in early adulthood to support joint health and reduce inflammation. Always consult your vet before introducing supplements.
Saluki Personality and Temperament
Energetic and swift, Salukis demand daily exercise to stay physically and mentally balanced. Mental stimulation through activities like dog sports, running alongside their humans, or romping in a securely fenced yard keeps them content.
Known for bonding deeply with family, Salukis typically ignore strangers. However, their strong attachment can lead to separation anxiety if left alone for long stretches.
With at least two hours of daily exercise, Salukis revel in explosive sprints that showcase their incredible athleticism.
Saluki Behavior
While wonderful companions for adults, Salukis may not be ideal around young children due to their preference for calm environments. They can coexist with other dogs if socialized early but may instinctively chase smaller pets like cats and rodents because of their hunting background.
Their sharp minds require engagement to prevent boredom-induced mischief. Crate training from a young age provides a safe retreat and curbs destructive tendencies.
Saluki Training
Training a Saluki can be a test of patience, as their independent nature often favors freedom over obedience. Experts recommend starting obedience classes early and focusing on gentle, positive reinforcement techniques to inspire cooperation.
Fun Activities for Salukis
- Leisurely or brisk long walks
- Lure coursing to satisfy their chase instincts
- Flyball competitions
- Agility courses
- Hunting simulations
Saluki Grooming Guide
Whether short- or long-coated, Salukis are low maintenance groomers with minimal shedding.
Skin Care
They rarely need special skin treatments and only require baths when visibly dirty or smelling.
Coat Care
Brushing once or twice a week prevents tangles, especially for feathered Salukis who can develop mats on ears, legs, and tails.
During mealtime, use a snood or ear wrap to keep the silky long ear fur away from food, preventing entangled messes.
Eye Care
Clear or brown eye discharge is normal as their eyes flush out debris. Gently wipe with a warm, damp cloth as needed.
Tear staining can occur without regular cleaning, but the short fur around their eyes doesn't require trimming.
Ear Care
While less prone to frequent ear infections than some breeds, Salukis can occasionally develop them, especially if exposed to allergens or water during baths.
Routine ear cleanings with a drying solution help prevent infections—best done after water exposure. If your dog has allergies, consult your vet about the cleaning frequency.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Though fiercely loyal and affectionate, Salukis may challenge first-time dog owners. Their independent spirit and stubbornness require an experienced hand for effective training.
The ideal Saluki home features a spacious, securely fenced yard for daily running. Because of their strong prey drive, they do poorly with small pets and young children. Additionally, they suffer from separation anxiety, so long hours alone are discouraged.
While Salukis need vigorous exercise daily, they demand only modest grooming effort.
Is a Saluki a good family dog?
Salukis prefer tranquil homes and do best with adults or older children, making them less suited for busy family environments with young kids.
How fast are Saluki dogs?
Salukis can reach impressive top speeds of up to 43 miles per hour, ranking them among the fastest dogs globally.
What's the difference between a Saluki vs. a Greyhound?
While both are slender hunting hounds, Salukis are generally shorter and thinner than Greyhounds and possess longer, feathered coats.
How much does a Saluki cost?
Saluki prices vary widely, typically ranging from $400 to $5,000 depending on breeder, lineage, and location.
