Saluki
One of the most ancient breeds, bred by desert nomads to course gazelle across vast distances, the Saluki is a graceful, gentle and aloof sighthound. Quiet and clean at home, but built to run. It suits owners with secure space who'll accept an enormous prey drive and unreliable off-lead recall, and who appreciate a sensitive, dignified companion.
Saluki scorecard
Overview
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 within the Hound group, it typically stands around 58–71 cm at the shoulder and weighs roughly 16–29 kg, with a fine, smooth coat that may carry silky feathering on the ears, legs and tail. Everything about the Saluki’s build — the deep chest, long legs and arched loin — speaks to its purpose as a coursing hound bred to chase fast game over long distances.
Despite this athleticism, the Saluki is famously calm, quiet and dignified at home, often content to lounge for much of the day. The flip side of its heritage is an enormous prey drive and a strong independent streak: a Saluki that spots a running animal can be almost impossible to recall, and the breed is known for being aloof and sensitive rather than eager to please. It suits owners who appreciate a gentle, elegant companion and can provide secure space and patient, understanding handling.
Good to know — a Saluki needs plenty of space and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Saluki is an ancient breed associated with the Middle East and the Fertile Crescent, where sighthounds of this type were used for centuries by nomadic peoples to course gazelle, hare and other game across desert and open terrain. Greatly valued by the cultures that bred them, such hounds were prized possessions and travelled widely along trade and migration routes, which helped spread the type across a vast region from North Africa to Asia. The breed’s history is genuinely old, though precise origins are difficult to document with certainty.
Salukis were brought to Britain by travellers and military personnel, and the breed became established in the UK in the early twentieth century, with The Kennel Club recognising it and a breed club forming to promote it. Throughout its long history the Saluki has retained its function as a coursing sighthound, and modern dogs still show the speed, stamina and keen sight that defined their ancestors.
Temperament & family fit
At home the Saluki is typically quiet, gentle and undemanding, often described as cat-like in its cleanliness and self-possession. It tends to form deep bonds with its own family while remaining reserved or aloof with strangers, and it is not naturally a demonstrative or eager-to-please breed. Salukis are sensitive dogs that respond badly to harsh treatment and noisy, chaotic environments, preferring calm, consistent handling and a settled routine.
The defining feature of the breed’s temperament is its powerful prey drive. Bred to spot and pursue fast-moving game, a Saluki will instinctively chase anything that runs, and once in pursuit it is largely deaf to commands. This makes reliable off-lead recall extremely difficult and means small pets and free-running situations need careful management. With children the breed can be gentle but is best with considerate, calmer children who respect a dog that values its own space; early socialisation helps it become a confident, well-adjusted adult.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Training a Saluki calls for realistic expectations and a good deal of patience. The breed is intelligent but independent, having been bred to make its own decisions in the field rather than to take constant direction, so it does not show the ready obedience of a working gundog or collie. Reward-based methods, gentle consistency and short, positive sessions work far better than pressure or repetition, and building a trusting relationship is key.
The single greatest training challenge is recall. Because of the breed’s prey drive and turn of speed, most owners and breed authorities advise that Salukis should be exercised on a lead or only allowed to run free in securely fenced areas, as even a well-trained dog may ignore commands when prey is sighted. Early, careful socialisation and teaching of lead manners pay off, but owners should accept the breed’s independent nature rather than expecting precision obedience, and follow the positive, force-free approach recommended by UK welfare bodies.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Saluki typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
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 and tends to have little doggy odour. Routine care includes checking and cleaning the ears, keeping nails trimmed and brushing the teeth regularly. Their thin skin and lean frame mean owners should handle them gently and provide soft, padded bedding to keep them comfortable.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Saluki
Feed a complete, good-quality food suited to the dog’s age, size and activity level, following the feeding guide and adjusting to maintain healthy condition. By nature Salukis are lean, deep-chested dogs and a slim, athletic shape is normal and correct for the breed — owners should not mistake their natural leanness for being underweight. Fresh water should always be available, and any dietary change should be introduced gradually. As deep-chested hounds, it is sensible to avoid vigorous exercise immediately before or after eating, and your vet can advise on the most suitable diet.
A large breed
An adult Saluki typically weighs 16–29 kg, so a healthy Saluki eats a fair amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A large breed is usually done growing at 15–18 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 12–14 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Salukis sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through an hour and a half of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
Joint support is worth looking for
Their size and frame put more load through the joints than a smaller dog carries, so a food with joint support on the label is worth reading for — and keeping them lean does more for their joints than any supplement.
Weight matters more than usual here
A long back or a heavy frame makes every extra kilo count twice. Weigh portions rather than eyeballing a scoop, and reduce the food rather than the walks if the waist starts to disappear.
How much should a Saluki weigh?
Adult 16–29 kgfully grown at 15–18 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 1.8–3.3 kg | 11% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 3–5.4 kg | 19% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 5.9–10.8 kg | 37% |
| 12 months | Adolescent | 11.9–21.5 kg | 74% |
| 15–18 months | Fully grown | 16–29 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a large breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Saluki
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Saluki's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Autarky Complete Grain Free Adult Turkey
Grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, with turkey and a marine-algae joint care package
£12.79
Autarky Grain Free Tasty White Fish & Potato Complete
Grain-free dry dog food built around white fish meal rather than poultry
£12.99
Lily's Kitchen Lily S Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Burns Adult Large/Giant Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
Complete large-breed dry dog food with 23% chicken and brown rice
£59.99
Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Chicken
Complete adult dry food formulated for the specific build of greyhounds and lurchers
£35.35
Naturo Senior Rice Poultry Variety 6pk
Six 400g trays across three recipes for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£10.29
Naturo Senior Dog Turkey with Rice and Vegetables 7pk
Turkey at 65% in a senior wet tray, with brown rice, vegetables and added joint support
£11.99
Vitalin Adult Dog Pork with Apple
Complete dry food for adult dogs of any age, led by pork, with citrus extract for dental support
From£11.99
Saluki health & costs
Before bringing a Saluki home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Saluki is generally a healthy, long-lived sighthound with a typical lifespan of around 12–14 years, and many remain active into older age. As with all breeds there are some conditions worth being aware of, and choosing a breeder who uses relevant health testing reduces the risk. The Kennel Club and the breed clubs provide guidance on recommended screening.
A point of particular importance is that 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 been noted in the breed. Routine preventive care — vaccination, parasite control, dental care and weight monitoring — together with sensible exercise supports a long and healthy life.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Anaesthetic sensitivity — like other sighthounds, Salukis can react differently to some anaesthetic agents; a vet experienced with sighthounds is advisable.
- Cardiac conditions — heart problems, including cardiomyopathy, have been reported in the breed; heart screening may be recommended.
- Hypothyroidism — an underactive thyroid can occur and is manageable once diagnosed.
- Hemangiosarcoma and other cancers — as with many breeds, certain cancers occur and owners should watch for lumps or changes.
- Heat and cold sensitivity — the fine coat and lean build mean Salukis feel the cold and need protection in harsh weather.
- Susceptibility to injury and lean-build issues — thin skin and minimal body fat mean care is needed to prevent knocks, sores and pressure injuries.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Saluki; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Saluki puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Saluki
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Graceful, gentle and quiet at home
- Clean and dignified
Things to consider
- Enormous prey drive and unreliable off-lead recall
- Sensitive, aloof and needs secure space to run
Compare the Saluki
See how the Saluki measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Similar temperament
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Sloughi
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Similar size, different type
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Frequently asked questions
What is a 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.
How big is a Saluki?
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.
What is a Saluki's temperament like?
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.
Can Salukis be let off the lead?
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.
Are Salukis hard to train?
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.
Do Salukis need a lot of grooming?
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.
How long do Salukis live?
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.
Are there any special health considerations for Salukis?
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.
Are Salukis good with children?
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.
How much exercise does a Saluki need?
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.
Do Salukis shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is easy-care — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Salukis easy to train and good for first-time owners?
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.
Do Salukis bark a lot?
Very quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Salukis good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Salukis suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Saluki really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Saluki breed information: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/hound/saluki/
- The Kennel Club — Breed health and health testing schemes: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/
- RSPCA — Dog welfare and choosing a dog: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs
- PDSA — Dog care and weight advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-dogs
- Blue Cross — Dog training and behaviour advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/training-and-behaviour
Recommended for your Saluki
Matched to a Saluki's size and their typical need for enrichment & mental stimulation, no-pull walking kit, a cosy bed.
Plaid Fleece-Lined Dog Harness & Lead Set
A cosy fleece-lined checked dog harness with a matching lead and a little treat pouch.
£9.99
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls: 100g bag, with declared composition and analysis
£3.49
Reflective Two-Tone Dog Harness and Lead Set
A bright two-tone step-in dog harness with a matching lead. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles give a snug fit, while reflective trim keeps your dog visible on darker walks.
£7.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.
£13.99
Plush Bee Cat Harness and Lead Set
A soft plush cat harness with a 3D bee charm and a matching lead, adjustable at neck and chest, made for kittens, cats and very small dogs on gentle outings.
£7.99
Knitted Strawberry Neck Warmer Scarf Collar
A soft knitted neck-warmer with a ruffled trim, gingham bow and a sweet strawberry motif. Slips comfortably around a small dog's or cat's neck to keep them cosy and looking charming on cooler days.
£7.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.