Saluki
History and origin: The Saluki is one of the most ancient breed of dogs and may very well be the oldest domesticated breed. The Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Persians all have records of Saluki-type dogs used by the nobility as coursing hounds in hunting rabbits and small gazelles. He was bred for speed and agility and has exceptional vision.
Description: The Saluki stands 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 40 and 60 pounds. He has a lean, supple body, and a short, silky, shedding coat that is feathered on the legs, thighs, tail, and ears. The coat needs to be brushed daily with a soft brush and a hound glove. The color may be white, cream, tricolor (black, white, and tan), fawn, beige or red.
About the breed: The Saluki (Gazelle Hound) is a natural hunting dog, a great guarddog, an outstanding showdog, and a faithful house pet. This breed is a sight hound, both behaviorally and physically. He is fast, agile, and has excellent vision. He is aloof and reserved with strangers and prefers not to interact with those outside his family. Strangers should be advised not to pet a Saluki without giving the dog time to get accustomed to them. Training can be difficult because this breed is somewhat stubborn and does not process information quickly. The training technique must therefore be slow and precise, with no overbearing methods. If you push too hard or too fast a Saluki will stop thinking and become passive-resistant or may become snappy.
The Saluki is naturally healthy, clean, and odor-free; a quiet dog that prefers a predictable, environment with a space to call his own. Too much hectic activity may stress him out. This breed is reliable with children as long as no teasing or roughhousing is allowed. Though affectionate with his owners, do not expect a Saluki to be as loving and desirous of touch as a Lab or a Golden. If you prefer a clean, quiet dog that is not always at your feet begging for attention, then the Saluki might be the dog for you.
Feeding: Recommended feeding for the Saluki is 1 – 1 ½ cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product with biscuit added in equal part or 3 cupfuls of a complete, dry dog food.
Ideal home: The Saluki will adapt to an apartment living as long as he is exercised regularly. A daily run is recommended. The owner of a Saluki should be an easygoing leader who is not looking for an extremely active, social dog, and who instead prefers a dog that is content to curl up on the sofa. Overbearing, impatient persons should avoid this breed, as should pampering types and those with young children. The elderly and the disabled will need to be able to exercise a Saluki if they are to own one. The owner of a Saluki must find time to train and socialize the dog as often as possible early on in order to modify his aloof, suspicious nature.
