Saluki

35-45 lbs
23-24"
Middle East
Gazelle Hound, Arabrian Hound, Persian Greyhound, Tanji, Persian Sighthound, Arabrian Saluki

The Salukis are reserved dogs and can be shy if they are not used to mixing with people. They are one dog that needs plenty of contacts and handling with people to get them used to strangers. They are intelligent dogs and incredibly fast – they can run as fast as 30 to 35 miles per hour. The instinct to hunt is very strong, and they will pursue anything furry thing that moves regardless of what you say, which is why a leash is a must for these dogs when out walking. They don’t mix well with other pets like cats or rabbits, as to your Salukis they are prey, but they do mix well with other quieter dogs. The Salukis thinks for themselves, yet can be effectively trained, just don’t expect perfect obedience as you might have with other dogs as they are not designed that way. They can get bored; if this happens, they will get distracted and do other things disregarding all your orders. Beautiful dogs, with impeccable grooming habits, they make excellent companions for the strong owner. They are good with older children, as a young Salukis can be too active for a young toddler, but they are good natured dogs at heart.

purpose Purpose
coursing hare and gazelles
history Date of Origin
2100 BC
ancestry Ancestry
sighthound, greyhound-like dog

Saluki Health

Sketch of Saluki
Average Size
Male Saluki size stats
Height: 23-28 inches Weight: 45-65 lbs
Female Saluki size stats
Height: 23-24 inches Weight: 35-45 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Heart Problems
  • Cancer
Minor Concerns
  • Allergies
  • Anesthesia Sensitivity/Allergy
Occasional Tests
  • Cardiac
  • Blood Test
  • Physical Examination

Saluki Breed History

These dogs were considered a prize animal and graced many royal households including the ancient Pharaohs of Egypt. The Saluki suits its royal history, with it’s elegant, graceful and dignified looks. It is a dog that has been prized not only for its good looks but also for its hunting ability. The name came from the Arabian town of Seleucia, an ancient city that no longer exists today. The Saluki was bred and worked in the desert, living alongside the nomadic tribes. Their mummified remains were found in the tombs of the Pharaohs, and today the Bedouin people who consider them clean animals because of the dog’s tendency to groom itself thoroughly is one of the few highly regarded animals allowed to share their tents and homes. In the 12th century, it was introduced into Europe, and in 1840 they found their way to England. Their popularity took hold in the early 1920s with officers returning from the war in the Middle East/ Arab revolt and brought their pet Salukis home with them.

Saluki Breed Appearance

Extremely graceful and athletic, these hounds have glossy coats and fine silky feathering on their ears and tail. Their heads are long and narrow, and they have well defined stops and broad skulls which are slightly domed. With large expressive eyes that are nicely set and dark in color, their face also sports noses that are black and large and very pointed. The keen shape of their heads gives them an alert expression, and they have feathered ears that lie close to their cheeks.  The breed has a surprising strong jaw with a perfect scissor bite where the upper teeth overlap the lower ones. The Saluki has a long muscular neck which arches gracefully, and their sloping shoulders are broad, with long straight front legs. The chest is deep and wide, and the hindquarters are broad and muscled. With long, broad backs and well-rounded ribs, these dogs are thin and elegant and built for speed. The feet are compact and large with well knuckled toes, and it carries its long tail low when at rest but higher when on the move.
Appearance of Saluki
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Saluki eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Saluki nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
white Saluki coat
White
fawn Saluki coat
Fawn
cream Saluki coat
Cream
red Saluki coat
Red
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Saluki straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Saluki Breed Maintenance

 The smooth and silky coat of the Saluki is easy to groom; just a simple brushing to ensure their longer hair doesn’t mat is enough. Grooming is a good time to remove any debris clinging to the coat. The Saluki is a very fastidious animal, and it pays a lot of attention to grooming itself. A bath when necessary is advised, but they do keep themselves very clean. It is a good idea to have a Saluki professionally groomed a few times each year which maintains its elegant coat. It is important to routinely check the dog’s ears for wax buildup or foreign objects such as grass seeds that can embed in the ear. The Saluki is an athletic dog and as such, needs a lot of room to run around. They love to run (and chase small fluffy animals) so beware when neighborhood cats visit. They should only be allowed to run free in a secured area because of their high prey drive, which could see them disappearing down the road without you. In fact, more of these fine animals are killed by cars than they are by disease. They have no road sense once they sight prey and are extremely fast. Saluki puppies should not be over-exercised because of their developing joints and bones, which includes limiting climbing stairs or jumping from heights. 

Brushes for Saluki
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Saluki requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Saluki Temperament

The Saluki is a very sensitive dog; they are highly strung by nature like many other hound breeds. Their extreme sensitivity means they need to be handled and trained by someone who is aware of their needs. They do not take kindly to harsh discipline but respond well to calm, gentle but firm handling.  They can be a bit aloof even with family, and can often attach to one person. The Saluki is good with children who do not try to play rough with it. They make a wonderful companion and good watchdogs. Although not aggressive with people, the Saluki’s nature is to hunt, and they will chase and kill non-canine animals. While you can train them to a certain extent, you will never train the hunting instinct out of them. It is best to take great caution with other pets such as birds, guinea pigs and rabbits. If you have a dominant cat, they will get along well, especially if brought up together, but they will still chase strange cats. This breed is one dog that needs a good run, and many owners take them on a leash alongside their bikes so the dog can burn some energy off. The Saluki needs a soft bed for their slim fine structure and is best indoors for warmth and companionship at night.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
9 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Saluki Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Saluki Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Saluki at six months
Male Saluki size stats at six months
Height: 18.5 inches Weight: 27.5 lbs
Female Saluki size stats at six months
Height: 18.0 inches Weight: 24.0 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Saluki at 12 months
Male Saluki size stats at 12 months
Height: 23.5 inches Weight: 42.5 lbs
Female Saluki size stats at 12 months
Height: 21.0 inches Weight: 35.0 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Saluki at 18 months
Male Saluki size stats at 18 months
Height: 25.5 inches Weight: 55.0 lbs
Female Saluki size stats at 18 months
Height: 23.5 inches Weight: 40.0 lbs

Top Saluki Breeders

Check out who made our list for the most reputable Saluki breeders of 2023.
Top Saluki breeder Shahanshah Salukis
Shahanshah Salukis
Hinckley, Illinois
Top Saluki breeder Haalah Salukis
Haalah Salukis
Johnson City, Tennessee
Top Saluki breeder dadaelis
dadaelis
Seattle, Washington
Top Saluki breeder Sterling Salukis
Sterling Salukis
Elwood, Illinois
Top Saluki breeder Windrush Salukis
Windrush Salukis
Blacklick, Ohio
Top Saluki breeder Saluki Puppies
Saluki Puppies
Ledyard, Connecticut
Top Saluki breeder Baha Salukis
Baha Salukis
Lake City, Florida
Top Saluki breeder Moshire Salukis
Moshire Salukis
Tehachapi, California
Top Saluki breeder Khiva Salukis
Khiva Salukis
Lewisburg, Tennessee

Saluki Owner Experiences

Jack
13 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing in the snow
He is so nice and friendly and fast
2 months, 1 week ago
Jack
13 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing in the snow
He is so nice and friendly and fast
2 months, 1 week ago
1 Year
People
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Jogging
Sniffing
Walking
The saluki I walked was very sweet, smart, and attentive. He had great manners and was quick to follow commands, although was a little skittish when it came to loud sounds or sudden movements on our walk.
5 years, 11 months ago
The Snocker
7 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The Snocker can run at 41 mph. He is a bit woogly with some other dogs, particularly unknown entire males, although he has a few friends who are entire. He is sweet with puppies, and tolerant of teenage dogs. He had his own cat in his first home, but will chase squirrels etc. His recall is 80% and cheese is his reward of choice.
4 years, 3 months ago
Elsie
5 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She’s very good with young children and the elderly. She’s very energetic and will run all day if she could
2 years, 10 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd