Saluki Characteristics: The majestic and faithful Saluki is a breed of large dog classified as a member of the Hound Dog Group (AKC:1929), a Sighthound. The Saluki, is characterized by its graceful, stately, symmetrical appearance with long legs and a well muscled and slightly arched body. The Saluki has a dignified expression. Other characteristics include large, bright dark to hazel, medium sized, oval shaped eyes; long, narrow, silky drop ears; a long, low set, well feathered tail and a strong, agile gait. The temperament of the Saluki can be described as Loyal, Aloof, Intelligent. The coat type of the Saluki is described as smooth coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Saluki demonstrated the desired traits of a Hunting Dog and is known by its nick name the "Sacred Sumerian Dog". The origin of the Saluki dog breed was in Middle East where it was developed in the Ancient Times. Fast Facts about the Saluki: The following facts provide fast information about the Saluki breed. Size: Large *** Breed Group: Hound Dog Group (AKC:1929), a Sighthound *** Nick name: "Sacred Sumerian Dog" *** Origin: Middle East *** Male Height: 23 - 28 inches (58 - 71cm) *** Female Height: 23 - 28 inches (58 - 71cm) *** Male Weight: 29 - 66 pounds (13 - 30 kg) *** Female Weight: 29 - 66 pounds (13 - 30 kg) *** Coat Type: smooth coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 4-8 puppies *** Health Problems: Cardiomyopathy *** Lifespan: 12-14 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Saluki Breed Group and Dog Type - Hound Dog Group (AKC:1929), a Sighthound: The Saluki is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Hound Dog Group (AKC:1929), a Sighthound. Other names for the Saluki: The Saluki is known by the nickname of the "Sacred Sumerian Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Gazelle Hound, Arabian Hound, Persian Greyhound and the Tanji. Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Saluki" derives from its place of origin in an ancient city called Saluq in Yemen, an Arab country in Western Asia. Saluki - Sighthound: The Saluki is a Sighthound, one of the hunting dog breeds, built for speed and agility with excellent eyesight to track small and large game, including hawks, wolves, jackals, foxes, hare, deer and the gazelle, the fastest of all antelopes. Saluki History and Origin: The country of origin of the Saluki breed was in Middle East during the Ancient Times and is closely related to the Afghan Hound and widely used by nomadic Bedouin tribes. The hunting style of the Saluki is to sight and run the game down, catch and retrieve it over hostile terrains such as deserts. Drawings and images of dogs that closely resemble the Saluki have been found in the countries that were part of ancient Mesopotamia that covered the eastern Mediterranean, corresponding to modern day Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey. These early hunting dogs also found their way to China and Ancient Egypt where they feature on tomb paintings. The Saluki was introduced from the Middle East to Europe by Crusaders in the 12th century. The Muslims considered the Saluki as a sacred dog. A Saluki with a patch of white in the middle of its forehead were believed by Bedouin tribes to have "the kiss of Allah". The Saluki was never sold, but some were presented to important people as a mark of respect and honor. A great leader of the Crusades, King Richard the Lionheart (1157 - 1199) was given one of these revered dogs. The Saluki possessed great stamina and endurance and could reach great speeds which, over long distances, could match the speed of a Greyhound. The Saluki was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1929. Saluki Height: The Saluki breed is classified as a large sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 23 - 28 inches (58 - 71cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 23 - 28 inches (58 - 71cm). Saluki Weight: Not surprisingly for a large sized dog, the weight of a male dog is 29 - 66 pounds (13 - 30 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 29 - 66 pounds (13 - 30 kg). Saluki Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type is described as a smooth or feathered. Saluki Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Fawn, Cream, Tan, Gold, White and Red. N.B. The term "Red" refers to reddish shades of orange, brown, and tan colors. Saluki Grooming - MODERATE Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Saluki is not extensive and therefore categorized as Moderate in order to maintain a healthy coat, reducing the risk of skin infections. The Saluki is an extremely clean dog with little to no odor. The modest grooming needs of the Saluki is considered to be mid-maintenance requiring weekly brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the teeth, eyes, nails and ears. Saluki Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 4-8 puppies. Saluki puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Saluki puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Saluki Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Majestic, Loyal, Aloof, Intelligent and Faithful. Saluki Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Saluki requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has a strong, agile, firm gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Saluki Diet: A fully grown Saluki should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Saluki Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Saluki breed include Cardiomyopathy . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Saluki dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Saluki Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Saluki breed is 12-14 years. Saluki Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Saluki breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Saluki names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Rayst *** Kasun *** Solomon *** Amir *** Mateo *** Jax *** Laser *** Max *** Ripley *** Scout *** Star. Saluki Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Saluki names are Subha *** Roshni *** Geri *** Krisha *** Lara *** Janna *** Hattie *** Ellie *** Dazzle *** Kiva. Fast Facts about the Saluki: The following facts provide fast information about the Saluki breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Hound Dog Group (AKC:1929), a Sighthound *** Size: Large *** Country of Origin: Middle East *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Saluki Height: 23 - 28 inches (58 - 71cm) *** Male Saluki Weight: 29 - 66 pounds (13 - 30 kg) *** Coat Type: smooth coat *** Litter Size: 4-8 puppies *** Saluki Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Saluki Lifespan: 12-14 years *** | 