The Saluki: Desert Elegance, Pharaonic History, and Royal Speed
- dogpediaitaly
- Oct 12
- 12 min read
The Saluki , also known as the Persian Greyhound, is not simply a dog, but a living icon of ancient history. Believed by many to be the oldest domesticated dog , its origins are lost in the sands of the Middle East, dating back to the time of the Pharaohs and Mesopotamian civilizations. This sighthound is a masterpiece of grace and speed, built to pursue and bring down gazelles at incredible speeds across arid terrain.
Unlike other companion dogs, the Saluki retains an aristocratic and reserved temperament . He is intensely loyal to his family, but often aloof with strangers, maintaining a dignity that has made him the "gift of kings" for millennia. His ethereal beauty, with his slender body and plumed ears, belies an incredible athlete.
If you're looking for a calm companion indoors but explosive outdoors, capable of honoring its ancient lineage, the Saluki is the right choice. But be careful: its independent nature and hunting instinct require an experienced owner who respects its freedom while ensuring its safety.
1. In-depth History and Origins of the Breed
The history of the Saluki is inextricably linked to human history in Egypt and the Fertile Crescent. Much more than a hunting dog, the Saluki was a treasure, revered and respected like no other animal.
Archaeological Roots and Egyptian Veneration
Archaeological evidence places the Saluki (or its direct ancestors) as the oldest recognized type of dog.
4000 BC (Sumerians): Images of dogs with a Saluki appearance have been found in artifacts from the Sumerian civilization, indicating an ancient presence in Mesopotamia.
Pharaonic Egypt (3200 BC onwards): Salukis were the dogs of choice for the Pharaohs and Egyptian nobility. They were not considered mere possessions, but gifts from Allah (as the Bedouin people called them), worthy of great respect. When they died, Salukis were honorably mummified , often alongside their owners, and buried with their collars and grave goods. All Egyptian sighthounds (including the Tesem) are believed to be related to the Saluki.
The Nomadic Companion of the Bedouins
For millennia, the Saluki thrived alongside the nomadic Bedouin tribes who traversed the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, Persia (Iran), and Iraq. This period shaped its character and abilities.
Survival Hunting: Unlike Western sport hunting, the Bedouin used the Saluki for essential hunting (gazelles, hares, and foxes) as a source of food. The Saluki did not simply capture its prey; it had to kill it or hold it until the hunter arrived on horseback or camel.
Unique Role: In traditional Islamic culture, dogs were often considered impure. However, the Saluki enjoyed an exceptional status , often living within Bedouin tents rather than simply outside the camp, due to its noble lineage and genetic purity.
Selective Breeding: Breeding was not for appearance, but for function . The Bedouins kept meticulous oral records of their dogs' pedigrees, ensuring that only the fastest, hardiest, and most intelligent hunters were selected.
The Arrival in the West
The Saluki arrived in Europe in several waves, but it was not until the late 19th and 20th centuries that it was standardized:
Crusaders and Traders: Some dogs were brought to Europe as early as the Middle Ages.
Explorers of the 20th Century: The decisive introduction occurred thanks to British explorers and officials, such as Florence Amherst , who brought to England dogs from different regions of the Middle East (Persia, Iraq, Egypt, Syria).
Standardization: The Kennel Club (UK) recognized the breed in 1923. The standards were established by trying to balance regional variations (sturdier mountain dogs and leaner desert dogs) into a single ideal of elegance and speed.
The story of the Saluki is one of resilience and purity, a sighthound that has honored its pact with man through millennia of empires and desert.
Table 1.1: Essential Historical Chronology
Historical Period | Key Event | Impact on the Race |
≥4000 BC | Sumerian and Egyptian finds | Origin of the oldest "greyhound" type, veneration as a royal dog. |
1st Century AD - 20th Century | Companion of the Bedouins | Selected for function, speed, and desert endurance. "Gift from Allah" status. |
Early 20th Century | Introduction Organized in Europe | Creation of the modern gene pool and stabilization of the breed standard. |
1923 | Official UK Recognition | Beginning of the genealogical register and diffusion as a show dog. |
2. Physical Characteristics and Breed Standard
The Saluki is the epitome of grace and athleticism. Its breed standard is a tribute to its function as a runner for endurance and speed, not mass.
The Anatomy of Speed
The Saluki is built for pure speed, with a lean, streamlined, and aerodynamic physique:
Head: Long and narrow, with a strong muzzle. The head should be carried with dignity. The stop (the curve between the forehead and the muzzle) is not very pronounced.
Eyes: Dark, large, oval-shaped and bright, with a calm, penetrating expression.
Neck: Long, flexible and muscular, well set on to sloping shoulders that allow for great reach.
Body: Long and agile, with a broad, muscular back. The chest is deep but not broad, providing space for the heart and lungs while maintaining aerodynamics. The abdomen is well tucked up (belly tuck).
Limbs: Strong and powerful, optimized for pushing. The feet are moderately long, with well-arched toes, but shorter and smaller than those of the Afghan.
Tail: Long, carried low and covered with feathers (long hair) on the underside. It should not be carried curved over the back.
The Coat: Feathered or Smooth
The Saluki exhibits unique coat variation that reflects its different regional origins, although both varieties are considered the same breed standard.
Feathered (Longhaired) Variety: The most common in the West. The coat is smooth and silky, with long fringes (feathers) on the ears, the back of the legs (breeches), the tail, and sometimes the shoulders. The body hair is generally shorter.
Smooth (Short-Haired) Variety: Less common, but equally pure. The coat is short and smooth all over the body, without feathering, but retains a soft fur.
Color: All colors and color combinations (white, cream, fawn, golden, red, tricolor, black and tan, etc.) are permitted, with the exception of brindle.
Breed Standard (FCI - Group 10, Section 1)
The standard seeks the perfect balance between grace and strength, essential for a hunter.
Characteristic | Standard Requirements (FCI) | Crucial Note for the Race |
Height at the withers | 58−71 cm (23−28 in) | It's not height that's the goal, but athletic balance. |
Body Weight | 18−30 kg (40−65 lb) | Extremely light and lean; it must show defined but not heavy muscles. |
Head | Long, narrow, with a slightly pronounced stop. | Aristocratic and aerodynamic appearance. |
Coat | Short on the body with silky fringes (feathered) or completely short (smooth). | The silky texture is crucial for the feathered variety. |
Gait | Lightweight, elastic, elegant and covering a lot of ground. | Gait is the test of his physical ability. |
3. Temperament and Character of the Breed
The Saluki has a temperament that reflects its historical status as a noble hunter: it is calm, dignified and deeply reserved .
Dignity and Sensitivity
The Saluki is a dog of great dignity . He is not a clown and is not inclined to exhibitionism.
Reserved and Aloof: With strangers, he will maintain a polite distance. He won't jump on anyone or seek attention. This isn't shyness, but aristocratic aloofness . Regular socialization is essential to ensure this reserve doesn't turn into fear.
Deep Sensitivity: Beneath its regal air, the Saluki is extremely sensitive. It does not respond to harsh methods or coercion. It works out of friendship and respect , not out of fear or submission.
Independence and Selective Intelligence
Like all sighthounds, the Saluki is an independent thinker.
Difficult Training: He is intelligent, but his obedience is selective . He will only do what is asked if he is motivated or if the command makes sense. He is not the ideal breed for obedience sports, but he excels in activities that exploit his nature, such as lure coursing .
"Cat Mode": Inside the home, the Saluki is surprisingly calm, almost feline. He tends to favor soft furniture, such as sofas and beds, and often perches in elevated positions to monitor his surroundings.
The Hunting Instinct (The Predatory Drive)
This is the cornerstone of its character and the greatest challenge for owners.
Sight is Speed: His hunting instinct is unstoppable . Any moving object or animal (rabbits, squirrels, cats, even a bag in the wind) he spots in the distance triggers an immediate and lightning-fast pursuit.
Zero Control: The Saluki, once let loose, lacks control over the impulse to stop and often doesn't hear its owner's call. Therefore, its safety depends entirely on a leash and high, secure fences . It is not a breed that can be let loose in open areas.
Table 3.1: Temperament Summary
Characteristic | Description | Implication for the Master |
Privacy (Aloofness) | Calm and dignified, not exuberant with strangers. | He needs early socialization and respect for his space. |
Selective Independence | High intelligence but not oriented towards blind obedience. | Training based on patience, positive reinforcement and motivation. |
High Sensitivity | Reacts badly to rough methods, loud noises or stress. | Calm home environment and emotional coherence. |
Hunting Instinct (Sighthound) | Extremely strong and immediate (sight = hunting). | Safety outside the home is the top priority (leash). |
Domestic Calm | Surprisingly calm and affectionate with family at home. | He loves comfort and soft surfaces. |
4. Main Skills and Strengths by Selection Line
The Saluki is selected for its athletic excellence, particularly in lure coursing , but its main strength is its genetic resilience and purity.
Functional Selection Line (Performance/Hunting)
Although rarely used for hunting, its performance line is focused on reproducing the perfect hunter.
Combined Speed and Endurance: Unlike the Greyhound, which is the ultimate sprinter, the Saluki excels at long-distance endurance at high speeds. It is built to maintain a fast run over long distances (kilometers), necessary for bringing down prey such as gazelles.
Dry Terrain Agility: It can run and change direction at high speed over sand, gravel, and rocks. This ability makes it an undefeated champion of Lure Coursing , where it chases artificial prey along an uneven path.
Sighthound Drive: His vision is extraordinary, allowing him to spot prey at exceptional distances and ignore minor distractions.
Aesthetic Selection Line (Show)
The exhibition line seeks to preserve the ethereal beauty and elegance that made him famous.
Regal Bearing: The Saluki in the show ring is a visual experience. Its dignified bearing and springy gait, combined with the beauty of its feathers, make it a favorite for awards.
Genetic Purity: Its long, uncrossbred history makes it one of the purest genetically engineered breeds. Its conformation is the result of millennia of natural and functional selection.
Morphological Versatility: The acceptance of both feathered and smooth varieties in the standard allows judges to reward different expressions of the breed, as long as they maintain the basic athletic structure.
Table 4.1: Summary of Key Skills
Ability | Detailed Description | Sports Application |
Endurance/Speed | Ability to run very fast over long distances. | Excellence in Lure Coursing . |
Sensoriality | Extraordinary eyesight and an ever-active hunting instinct. | Rapid location of prey or lure (artificial rabbit). |
Domestic Calm | Extremely quiet and clean in the house. | An excellent indoor companion dog (if exercised). |
Dignity/Carriage | Unparalleled elegance and aristocratic presence. | High level success in the Shows . |
5. Weaknesses and Potential Challenges of the Breed
The Saluki is a wonderful dog, but its owner must be prepared to face unique challenges, mainly related to its sighthound nature and temperament.
Challenge 1: Safety Management
This is the number one risk for a Saluki owner.
Fleeing: If it sees something moving, its predatory instinct will take over. It will run at impressive speeds and completely ignore its owner . It's easy for a Saluki to get lost, injured, or run over by a car.
Fences: Fences must be not only high (at least 6 feet), but also dig-proof and must not have climbing handles (Salukis have been known to jump or climb).
Challenge 2: Obedience and Training
His independence can be interpreted as "stubbornness" or "stupidity", but it is actually an autonomous will .
Basic Training: Basic obedience is possible, but requires infinite patience and short, motivating sessions. This is not the breed for those looking for a dog that can perfectly execute "sit" or "down" commands in any situation.
Advanced Obedience Difficulties: Despite his intelligence, his lack of desire to please makes him unsuitable for obedience sports or service work, where perfect and consistent execution is required.
Challenge 3: Family Integration
Although he is affectionate with his family, his sensitive and reserved nature can be misunderstood.
Children: He may be tolerant, but he's not the type of dog that enjoys rough play. It's essential that children are taught to respect the dog's space and dignity.
Small Pets: Living with small animals (cats, rabbits, guinea pigs) is not recommended , or if attempted, requires extreme caution and early socialization. Many Salukis will view these animals as prey, and hunting can occur quickly.
Table 5.1: Master Challenges and Requirements
Weaknesses/Challenges | Problem Description | Master Requirement |
Risk of Flight/Pursuit | Unstoppable predatory instinct; the dog runs by instinct. | Absolute commitment to leash and greyhound-proof fences. |
Independence of Will | Does not respond to submission; training is strenuous. | Patient, consistent owner, capable of establishing leadership based on respect. |
Drug Sensitivity | Risk of adverse reactions to anesthesia. | Inform your veterinarian of the greyhound protocol (low body fat percentage). |
Hair Care (Feathered) | The fringes require meticulous weekly brushing. | Taking the time to groom to avoid painful knots. |
6. Care, Health and Nutrition: A Personalized Approach
The Saluki's health and diet management is customized to his lean physique and athletic nature.
Coat Care
Feathered Variety: The fringes (feathers) on the ears, legs, and tail are the areas most at risk of matting. They require meticulous brushing at least two to three times a week using a soft brush and a wide-toothed comb.
Bathing: The silky coat doesn't require the same level of care as the Afghan Hound, but it does require regular bathing with high-quality products to maintain its silkiness and prevent breakage. Drying should be thorough.
Smooth Variety: Requires only weekly brushing to remove dead hair and maintain shine.
Health
The Saluki is a very robust breed, with an average lifespan of 12-14 years , which is excellent for a large breed dog. The main health problems are:
Cardiac Sensitivities: Like many greyhounds, they have a strong cardiac muscle and a large heart (necessary for running), which can lead to misinterpretations on veterinary tests (electrocardiograms or ultrasounds). However, they are predisposed to conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy in old age.
Cancer: As in many purebreds, there is a predisposition to certain types of cancer, but at an older age.
Anesthetic Sensitivity (see 5): The use of specific anesthetic protocols for greyhounds is essential, given their very low percentage of body fat.
Diet
A Saluki's diet should be aimed at maintaining its lean, athletic physique.
High Protein: Essential for maintaining your lean, powerful muscles.
Careful Portioning: Salukis tend to be picky eaters . It's best not to leave food out all day.
Coat Supplementation: As with other dogs with long, silky coats, the addition of Omega-3 and 6 oils (salmon oil, coconut oil) can significantly improve coat quality and shine and skin health.
Being Thin is Normal: Owners should be accustomed to seeing the last two ribs and the prominence of the pelvis. A Saluki that appears "chubby" is overweight and at risk for joint problems.
7. Breed Behavior in the Family: Suitable for Whom?
The Saluki is not a universal dog. Its independent nature and security needs make it suitable only for specific and knowledgeable owners.
The Ideal Master
Experience with Greyhounds (or Independent Dogs): The ideal owner should understand the sighthound 's mentality, which is not a retriever and does not live to please. They should appreciate the dog's independence and dignity.
Leash Habits and Safety: Owners must be extremely responsible regarding safety, accepting that the dog can never be let loose in unfenced areas. The Saluki's freedom should be satisfied in lure coursing areas or designated sighthound parks.
Loves Comfort: The ideal owner should be willing to share the couch, as the Saluki loves soft surfaces and warm places to rest.
Domestic Life
At Home: They are exceptional couch potatoes . They are clean, not excessively noisy (they rarely bark except for alarm or play), and once their running needs are satisfied, they are calm and relaxed.
Cats and Small Animals: Cohabitation is a challenge and depends entirely on early socialization. If the cat isn't used to it, the Saluki may try to prey on it.
Companionship: The Saluki forms a deep bond with its family, but it is an affection expressed calmly and with dignity . Expect quiet petting, not excessive jumping and licking.
Table 7.1: Adaptability and Compatibility
I wait | Level of Adaptability | Key Notes |
Apartment Life | Medium-High | Possible, as long as running (not walking) needs are met daily. |
Master Neophyte | Bass | Managing independence and sighthound drives requires experience. |
Small Children | Medium | It goes better with older, respectful children who don't treat it like a toy. |
Basic Training | Challenge | It requires extreme patience and great motivation from the dog. |
Social Interaction (with strangers) | Reserved/Detached | He's not the "dog park" dog who plays with everyone. |
8. Famous Examples: Royal, Cinematic and Historical Icons
The Saluki, given its noble history, has left its mark on the real world and on culture.
Historical and Royal Icons
Egyptian Nobility: The presence of mummified Salukis alongside the Pharaohs is the most enduring proof of their status. They were considered the quintessential royal dogs .
Queen Mumtaz Mahal: The wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, for whom the Taj Mahal was built, was known to own an exceptionally beloved Saluki.
Queen Victoria: The breed received a significant boost in popularity in Great Britain when Queen Victoria and members of the royal family became admirers and owners of Salukis. This confirmed their status as an aristocratic dog in Europe.
Pop and Film Culture
Icon of Luxury and Exoticism: Like the Afghan Hound, the Saluki is often chosen in the media to represent exotic beauty, antiquity, or luxury.
Art and Painting: The Saluki has been a recurring subject in many works of art depicting hunting scenes and court life in the Middle East, where it is often depicted with its masters on horseback.
Canine Literature: Its thousand-year history has been the subject of numerous studies and books that celebrate its purity and connection to human civilization.
The Saluki, throughout the millennia, has remained a symbol of unaltered elegance . Every time he moves, or even just rests with dignity on the couch, he carries with him the legacy of kings and the vast sandy expanses, a true living gift of history .
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