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 can include:
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 Symptom 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 Saluki
breed
-
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:
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.
Examples
of other Breeds within the Hound Dog Group
The Hound group of dogs includes the Saluki and all of the following breeds:
Afghans, Foxhounds, Basenjis, Bassets, Beagles, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Borzoi, Dachshunds, English Foxhounds, Greyhounds, Harriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Otterhounds, Petit Basset Griffon
Vendeens, American Fox hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds
and Whippets.
Pictures and information about all of the above Hound Dog breeds,
together with all other dog groups, may be found on this website via the following links:
Saluki
Dog Breed
