Saluki
Overview
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.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Saluki is fine with sensible, older children and generally fine with other dogs. They tend to be a very quiet, and as a guide they are better with some experience. As with any dog, early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Saluki typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, short training games and puzzle or scatter feeding go a long way towards a calm, settled dog. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coat upkeep is easy-care and shedding is low. A quick brush now and then, plus the occasional bath when needed, is usually plenty. Whatever the coat, check ears, nails and teeth as part of a regular routine.
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Saluki should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food appropriate for its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a large breed will eat a fair amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats — including fruit and veg — should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
Pros & cons
Pros
- +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
Is a Saluki right for you?
On space, a Saluki is needs plenty of space — they really need plenty of room and a lot of daily activity. For experience level, they are better with some experience. First-time owners can absolutely succeed, but should be ready for consistent training, exercise and (ideally) some support.
Kit that suits a Saluki
Size-appropriate everyday essentials:
Helpful tools
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
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.