Saluki

The Saluki is one of the oldest and most distinctive sighthounds in the world, a slender, graceful hound built for speed and endurance across open country. Recognised by The Kennel Club in the Hound group, its origins lie in the Middle East. Everything about its build, from the deep chest to the long legs and arched loin, speaks to its purpose as a coursing hound.

The Saluki is a tall, lean sighthound, typically standing around 58 to 71 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 16 to 29 kg. It has a fine, smooth coat that may carry silky feathering on the ears, legs and tail. Its natural leanness is correct for the breed and should not be mistaken for being underweight.

At home the Saluki is typically quiet, gentle and dignified, often described as cat-like in its cleanliness and self-possession, and content to lounge for much of the day. It forms deep bonds with its family while remaining reserved or aloof with strangers. It is sensitive and not naturally eager to please, preferring calm, consistent handling.

Only in large, securely fenced areas. The Saluki has an enormous prey drive and will instinctively chase anything that runs, and once in pursuit it is largely deaf to commands. Most owners and breed authorities advise lead or long-line walking elsewhere, as even a well-trained Saluki may ignore recall when prey is sighted.

Training a Saluki calls for realistic expectations and patience. The breed is intelligent but independent, bred to make its own decisions in the field rather than take constant direction, so it does not show the ready obedience of a gundog or collie. Reward-based methods, gentle consistency and short, positive sessions work far better than pressure or repetition.

No, the Saluki is low-maintenance to groom. Its short, smooth body coat needs only occasional brushing, while any feathering on the ears, legs and tail benefits from regular gentle combing to prevent tangles. The breed is clean with little doggy odour; routine care covers ears, nails and teeth, plus soft bedding for its lean frame.

The Saluki is generally a healthy, long-lived sighthound with a typical lifespan of around 12 to 14 years, and many remain active into older age. Choosing a breeder who uses relevant health testing, plus routine preventive care and sensible exercise, supports a long and healthy life.

Importantly, sighthounds including the Saluki can be unusually sensitive to certain anaesthetics and have body chemistry that differs from many other breeds, so it is wise to use a vet familiar with sighthounds. Cardiac and certain other inherited conditions have also been noted, and their fine coat and lean build mean they feel the cold and benefit from a coat in winter.

Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Salukis tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.

As a healthy adult, a typical Saluki needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.

Low shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.

Better with some experience. Salukis are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.

Very quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.

Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.

Needs plenty of space. A Saluki really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.