About Salukis

The Saluki is one of the world’s oldest known dog breeds, revered for thousands of years across the Mesopotamia region and surrounding areas. The Saluki developed as companions and hunting partners of nomadic Bedouin peoples. Originally bred to hunt game such as gazelle and other game across vast, open landscapes, Salukis developed a unique combination of speed, stamina, and agility. Their shape and build allowed them to run effortlessly over sand and rock. The instinct to chase and the natural athleticism remains ingrained in this breed, sometimes making them a challenge if they do not get proper outlets.

Salukis are gentle, sensitive, and very loyal to their families. They form strong, quiet bonds and prefer to be close to their people, though not typically in an overly needy way. Many are naturally reserved with strangers, but they should never be neither aggressive nor overly timid when properly socialized.

Salukis do not generally aim to please their owners, but usually have more of a “what is in it for me” attitude, sometimes making training slightly more interesting than your average dog. Salukis respond best to gentle training, consistency, and respect. Harsh methods or loud environments can overwhelm them. Patient guidance and short, focused training sessions tend to bring the most success for this breed.

Although Salukis enjoy lounging on the couch, they are athletes at heart. Younger dogs especially do better having frequent opportunities for full out running in a safe area. Daily walks paired with occasional high-speed exercise (in safe, fenced in areas) keep them healthy and content and couch potatoes when not engaged in athletic activities.

Salukis prefer the comfort of your furniture and bed rather than the floor, and they absolutely must live indoors as part of the family, not in an outdoor setup or kennel. They do shed lightly year round, and many are capable jumpers, so a secure fence of at least 5–6 feet is strongly recommended. When out in public you will get stopped a lot by people curious about what kind of dog you have! Especially young, active Salukis, will often look very skinny, so it helps to be prepared to handle questions about their weight.

Salukis are generally a healthy, long-lived breed with relatively few inherited health concerns compared to many other purebred dogs. As with all living animals, anomalies can occur. Hemangiosarcoma (and other cancers) tend to be what many Salukis (as well as many other breeds) succumb to. Routine health screening, such as echocardiograms and thyroid evaluations, as well as pairing pedigrees based on known health issues, helps breeders monitor and reduce risk for issues seen within the breed. Salukis are now part of the OFA CHIC Program. 

The Saluki Club of America and Society for the Perpetuation of Desert Bred Salukis webpages are a great source for more information.