The saluki is an ancient breed.
The saluki breed belongs to the hound group. In the hound group, the breed is part of the sighthound or gazehound division. Salukis, like other sighthounds, hunt using sight instead of scent to find and run down prey. According to the Saluki Club of America (SCOA), the first saluki in America arrived in Boston in 1861. The American Kennel Club (AKC) accepted the saluki as an official breed in the hound group in 1929.
History
Until DNA research development, many dog fanciers claimed their dog breed, such as the basenji, saluki, Pharaoh hound and Ibizan hound, were featured in ancient carvings. DNA tests proved the case for the basenji and saluki as being part of the 14 ancient breeds created by the earliest 4 splits from wolves. Saluki and Afghans were in the fourth split. Saluki breeding in Europe began in England in 1895. The Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club of England began in 1923 and obtained recognition by the Kennel Club of England, according to SCOA.
Characteristics
Like other sight hounds, salukis have independent personalities and their hunting instincts result in chasing things that move. According to the AKC, they are cat-like and require patience when training. A saluki needs exercise to avoid boredom. Lure coursing is a favorite sport with many sighthound owners. Events and training can be located through the SCOA website and regional lure coursing clubs.
Features
Salukis are tall, 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder, but are not heavily built. Average weight is 30 to 65 pounds for dogs with bitches typically smaller and shorter. According to the AKC breed club standard, the nose should be black or liver colored and eyes dark to hazel. The saluki tail is low. The feather coat variety has silky feathering hairs on the bottom side of the tail, legs and back of thighs. The smooth coat variety does not have feathers.
Colors
Saluki coat colors are white, black and white, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle and tan, tri-color (black, white and tan). Grizzle is a banding pattern with black or red and white hairs. Salukis have various markings including white collars, feet, splotches and spots.
Health
Healthy well-bred salukis live an average of 13 to 15 years with many living longer. Common health issues include heart problems, autoimmune disorders and, in older dogs, cancer. Saluki and other sighthounds may respond to some drugs and anesthesia differently than other dogs, due to lower body fat and liver metabolism, says Casey Gonda, D.V.M., of Keswick, Virginia. Dr. Casey says owners should discuss the issue with their veterinarians.
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