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While the Greyhound may embody raw speed and the Borzoi may suggest power and stamina, the Saluki embodies grace. Their lines, elegant but not overdone, refined build and warm expression makes the appreciation and regard that the Saluki has enjoyed in its native lands for thousands of years, understandable. As a personality, the Saluki is complex. Rarely bold, the Saluki is not without courage and easily very intelligent but so independent that the Saluki is not always trainable. Falling in love at first sight with a Saluki is common, but to do so without learning about the complex personality within is a serious mistake inclined to lead to disappointment for the family and hardship for the Saluki.
Overall Appearance: Graceful, long lines suggesting the speed and endurance of the breed coupled with a certain refinement but not excessively light.
Personaility - Behavior - Training
Energy Level: moderate
General Nature:
Tends to be quite active outside but prefers quiet when inside. Generally ignores strangers. Devoted to family.
with Children: Tends to dislike excessive noise and excitement but if raised with well behaved, supervised children, they do very well.
with other pets: Variable, they were bred to hunt after all.
with dogs: Generally good but some variability.
Socialization requirements: moderate to high, the natural aloofness of the Saluki inclines them to be shy or aggressive to strangers if not thoroughly socialized to people and new situations.
Ideal home characteristics: One that appreciates the elegance, independence and quiet this breed prefers. Attentive to the needs to be warm and aware that the Saluki is generally not reliable offlead.
Temperament Notes: Very dignified, intelligent, independent, devoted to family.
Training requirement: moderate: socialization and basic manners.
Trainer notes: The Saluki is not the simplest dog to motivate. They are just too independent and often not as food driven or play driven (except to chase something) as some breeds. Those that have lived with Salukis knows that their intelligence often borders on genius, but it is utilized for their own motives and interests. As such, it is only the trainer that clearly understands their Saluki that will be able to motivate their Saluki to a consistent performance.
Background Information
Year range of first recognition: Documented history of 5000 + years
Country of Origin: Middle East
Original Function: sight hound
History: Treasured and revered by the Egyptians as well as other Muslim/Arabic societies of the Middle East. Carefully reared, bred and even mummified to be buried with their royal and wealthy owners since long before the time of Christ.
Adoption Information
Deviations from Standard:
Health Notes: bloat, hypothyroidism, heart problems, anesthesia sensitivity, hip dysplasia, eye problems
Health Testing: CERF, OFA, Thyroid panel, Heart Evaluation
