Thursday, May 30, 2013

Interesting Dog Breed - Saluki

The Saluki is one of the oldest breeds of dogs.
Photo via Cayenne2006
While browsing my blog reader the other day, I came across a post on Giggly Cats that featured an interesting dog breed - the Saluki. While I have heard of the Saluki before, I have never seen one in person nor do I know very much about them. This intrigued me to do some research on them and find out more!

These dogs look like a mixture of Afghan Hounds and Greyhounds - to me anyways. They have stunning sleek bodies. It's no wonder that they are considered Royal Dogs of Egypt. They are also known as Persian Greyhounds. Salukis are actually one of the oldest breeds of dogs around. Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs show images of dogs that look similar to a Saluki.

They are sight hounds, like greyhounds, and can run at very high speeds. Greyhounds are said to be the fastest breed of dog, but some believe that Saluki's are able to run faster than a greyhound over longer distances. They have incredible endurance and stamina. Plus, lots of extra padding on their feet which helps.

Apparently, the Saluki can have one of two different types of coats - smooth and feathered. The feathered coat type has long silky fur on the tail and hind leg haunches of the dog. As far as temperament goes, I've heard that they can sometimes be a bit shy and reserved but with proper socialization at a young age, they should be fine.

Photo via thomaspetermueller

So what do you think of this interesting dog breed? Have you ever heard of or seen a Saluki before?

27 comments:

  1. Beautiful breed. Like an extra furry greyhound!

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  2. very beautiful and they do have that Royal look about them,xx Rachel

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  3. They are just a beautiful looking dog. So graceful. Have a terrific Thursday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  4. Beautiful looking pup!No, I never heard of this breed before either so thanks for teaching this dog dog something new :)

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  5. Lovely looking dogs, I've read about them in dog magazines but never seen one in person.

    Sheba.

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  6. I've always been intrigued by Saluki's. I've seen a few at some of the Greyhound/Sighthound gatherings we've gone to and they are beautiful. They look so "fancy" with those silky ears & tails.

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    1. I think fancy is a good word for them. Nice to hear from someone who has been around them before.

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    2. I have two, and have had salukis as pets for years. They are beautiful and elegant and walk with an almost prancing gait. They run like the wind. They are lazy as sin as well, and lie in silly poses around the house. I once read an article that described them as 'the siamese cats of the dog world', and they are. They are affectionate to people they know, but very aloof with everyone else. They are my favourite dogs.

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  7. Never heard of them :) they are pretty xx00xx

    Mollie and Alfie

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  8. They are wonderful - I like their moves, they look magic :o)

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  9. Our owner loves sighthounds and had heard of the Saluki. They are beautiful aren't they!

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  10. I don't think I've ever seen or heard of one. That first photo is very Fabio.

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    1. Ha yea Fabio... I was thinking the dog was a girl, but I have no idea. I guess he could be a boy. Maybe if you ever get one you can name him Fabio lol.

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  11. Never heard of them but very cute!

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  12. They're very elegant dogs.

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  13. I've ever had the chance to befriend a Saluki but I've seen them at shows and they are beautiful, graceful dogs...I do think they are particularly feminine looking and wonder if that's something that owners of males have to often correct

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    1. Hmmm yea... I do have that problem with Shiner hehe. The smooth coat ones look more boyish than these feathered ones.

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  14. I hadn't heard of them either but they sure are quite striking!

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  15. I like his ears. He looks very energetic. Very beautiful dog ;)

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  16. I actually saw a surprising number of these guys on holiday! Though I did seem to be in dog central ;) so many gorgeous dogs!

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  17. My doggy cousin Dizzy is a Saluki, she's nuts BOL

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  18. Am living in the Middle East and came across a female smooth coated Saluki with some young Bedouin boys. The invited me to join them with simply saying "no problem, no problem." This was a beautiful dog. Shy, and a bit remote, but loving. And so noble, so beautiful. I fell in love with her.

    The dog was pregnant. I hope to go back to the market and find her again.

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  19. I have had 5 Salukis over the past several years, my newest is now 17 months and a delightful young guy. All of my dogs have been of the feathered variety, one female and 4 males. They are not a dog for everyone. Their personalities can be rather cat like -- aloof but loyal to their family. They, like all sighthounds, are considered difficult to train. This is true but they are certainly trainable if you use a positive approach. One of my boys was a very accomplished competitive obedience dog who showed me what they are capable of! Early socialization is 100% necessary as they are sometimes shy by nature though this can be overcome with gentle exposure to new things, dogs, people, noises, experiences every day when they are puppies.

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