A Saluki Dog Makes An Unique Pet

By Carmella Watts


A Saluki dog is a canine that is classified as a hound. Within the hound group, this type of dog belongs to a division called the gazehound or sighthound division. Rather than using scent, they use their eyesight to find and capture prey. The first dog of this type was brought to America in 1861, where he was owned by a family in Boston. In 1929, the American Kennel Club acknowledged the dog as its own breed within the hound group.

There is a long and interesting history associated with such dogs. In ancient Egypt, etchings of these animals were discovered, and later it was proved through DNA testing that they came from one of the 14 ancient breeds resulting from the first cross-breedings with wolves. In 1895, they were first being bred in Europe, and acknowledged by the Kennel Club of England in 1923.

Like all gazehounds, the Saluki is a highly independent dog because of its bloodline. Their natural instinct motivates them to chase moving creatures. They can be challenging to train because of their independent nature and they often have characteristics that are quite similar to felines. With patience, however, they can be properly trained, similar to any other canine breed.

Dogs of this type are usually tall. They generally measure up to 28 inches in height; however, they feature a lean build. Males are typically taller than females, and their combined average weight is usually anywhere between thirteen and twenty-nine kilograms.

According to animal experts, the eyes of such dogs should be brown or hazel. The nose of this dog breed is almost always light brown or black. Their tails often have a drooping appearance because they are low to ground, although they are not very long. Their coats are somewhat feathery, and a thinning of the fur is usually noticed around the underside of the tail and legs.

Saluki coat colors vary considerably from one dog to the next. The coat may be tan, black and white, or a solid color such as gold, fawn, cream, white, brown, or black. Salukis usually have interesting markings that are quite different from one to another, depending on the dog's lineage. Such markings include white collars, spots, swirls, and feet that feature a different color than the rest of the coat.

The lifespan of a well-bred, healthy Saluki is approximately 15 years. Common health problems among such dogs include autoimmune disorders, and heart conditions. Dogs of this type are also sometimes prone to cancer in their later years. In addition, because they have lower body fat than most dogs, they may respond negatively to anesthesia. This is something that should be discussed with one's veterinarian if his or her Saluki requires surgery.

Anyone who wishes to purchase a Saluki dog should do so only from a legitimate breeder. Researching the reputation of any breeder one is considering is a wise course of action. It is also in the purchaser's best interest to visit the property where the dog was bred to ensure that it is not a puppy mill. Regardless of a person's reason for wanting to obtain this kind of dog, he or she will almost certainly discover that such canines are interesting and fun to own.




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