SALUKI DOG AND PUPPIES

Information, Facts & Origins of the Saluki - Sighthound
The Saluki originates from Middle East and is a dog of considerable size with a lean body built for speed and endurance. It is believed to also share a common ancestor with the Pharaoh hound. The Saluki Hound is also known by the other names of the Gazelle Hound and the Persian Greyhound. The Saluki was bred originally to hunt hawks, hare, foxes, wolves and gazelle. It's origins can be dated back for at least 5000 years to antiquity. It is classified as one of the Hound Dogs Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page.

Saluki Dog Names

The Saluki - A Sighthound
The Saluki Hound belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Sighthounds or Gazehounds, which specialise in hunting its quarry by sight rather than scent. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Sighthounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. Sighthounds have extremely good vision. They also have a long jaw and lengthy neck which assists them in sighting their quarry. Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long powerful legs essential assets when following any fast and agile prey. Sighthounds also have distinctive feet with elongated middle toes that make the foot appear longer and helps with their firm footing. Their long stride, powerful chest and lungs and agile bodies make it possible for sight hounds to chase and kill their quarry. As a pet, although they were bred to hunt wolves and gazelle, the Saluki is loyal, sensitive and gentle. It is good around children and will adapt well to family life but special consideration must be given to the practicalities of keeping such a large dog - it is also renown for its jumping ability.

Information, Facts and History of the Saluki Hound Dog
The Saluki Hound is a very old sight hound dog breed originating in the Middle East. It's names originates from Saluq, an ancient city in Arabia. The Saluki was originally used to hunt large game, in particular, hare, foxes, wolves and gazelle. The Saluki was extensively used in falconry and specifically when Hawking. This dog is also known by the names of the Gazelle Hound, Tazi and the Persian Greyhound. The Saluki is one of the oldest breed of dogs and is depicted in carvings of early civilizations such as that of "Sumerian Empire" of Mesopotamia dating back to 7000 BC. This dog was declared "sacred " by the Muslim religion whilst all other dogs were "unclean". Salukis were not allowed to breed with non-Salukis, which explains their purity throughout the centuries. The nomadic existence of the Bedouin owners of the Saluki's ensured the spread of the breed throughout North Africa, the Middle East and Egypt. The terrain of the Saluki varies from the desert of the Sahara to colder, mountainous areas. The Egyptian pharaohs were known to keep the ancestors of this dog. References to the Saluki's's ancestors appear as hieroglyphics and are also found engraved in cuneiform ( written in wedge-shaped characters) on ancient pillars and tablets. The Saluki was recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1928.

Description of the Saluki Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours info
The Saluki's coat can be White, Fawn, Cream, Red, Grizzle, Tri-colour, Black/Tan & Milti-coloured. The coat is smooth and short with no feathering.

Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Salukis
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Saluki, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Saluki may be checked via the Dog Symptoms Sorter, but can include:

Cardiomyopathy

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems
Please click the following link for additional information which we have provided via our:

Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems

This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Illness Symptoms Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.

Description of the Saluki Dog and Puppies - Comparative Sizing Pictures
The pictures above allow for a useful sizing perspective between an average man (Five feet ten inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six inches) in comparison to the average sized Saluki dog which we have detailed above. These pictures are extremely important as they provide an immediate and accurate visual representation of the height of an average Saluki compared to the height of a male or female - essential information, especially in relation to this massive dog, but nevertheless info which is unique to this site. Use the pictures to help to estimate the size of the Saluki dog to each the various growing stages of children. Use the pictures to provide a guideline to the adult size of Saluki Puppies. The pictures will also prove to be invaluable when comparing the sizes and heights of other dog breeds. The dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy. Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering puppies.

Information about Grooming and Care of the Saluki Dog Breed
The Saluki's coat needs to be brushed once or twice weekly to prevent matting. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older dogs.

Information about the Temperament and Character of the Saluki Dog Breed
The Saluki is a very aloof, aristocratic, breed of dog who are reserved with strangers. They are extremely sensitive, shy, trustworthy, tolerant and quiet indoors but outdoors they tend to run around in circles at high speeds. It is good with children and will adapt well to family life but due to its sensitive nature does not respond well to rough handling. It needs ample room to stretch out on a soft surface and should not be required to live in cramped quarters. It will chase any small moving animals and can refuse to return when called. The Saluki makes an excellent watch dog.

Living conditions and Exercise Requirements of the Saluki Dog Breed
The Saluki dogs and puppies require a substantial amount of daily exercise. It is comfortable either indoors or outdoors. As a hunting dog it is inclined to chase any small animals - it is also renown for its jumping abilities.

The Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Saluki - essential information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan " A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will suit the life and living conditions of the family.

Information about Saluki Puppies
The following considerations should be taken into account when choosing puppies:

Budget - Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding costs of the breed
Convenience and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
Personal situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or back pain
Exercising requirements for the Salukibreed
Living Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
Family - child suitability

Age comparison between the Saluki Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.

Life Expectancy of the Saluki Dog Breed
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 12 - 16 years.

Hound Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name the Hound has been bred to chase a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance.
Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:

Hunting and running down small quarry
Flushing out and Driving game
Vermin Hunting
Guard duties
Tracking

In this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Saluki dog breeding program successful.
The Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and others by sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information should be considering puppies. The pictures above allow for a useful size comparison providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Saluki dog - essential information but unique to this site.

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