Saluki Breed description: Character & Co

What is the origin of the Saluki?

Cynologists assume that the Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They decorate numerous antique sculptures, paintings and sculptures. Among other pieces of art, the Saluki can be seen on the Alexander Sarcophagus, which dates back to 235 BC. Even older are cave drawings in the Nile valley in today's Egypt, which prove that ancestors of the Salukis were born about 3.600 years ago. Since the Salukis probably accompanied societies on caravan trains, they were widespread in the Orient. They traveled from Central Africa to Egypt, Iran and Iraq up to distant Asian countries. They were especially worshiped by Arab Bedouins, as they ensured their survival by hunting gazelles, hares and other wild animals. The animals, which Arabs accepted as a gift from Allah, were even allowed to sleep in their tents. Since they were considered family members and were never sold, it took a long time before they came to Europe. In England they were first mentioned in 1840 under the name "Persian Greyhounds". The Baroness Florence Amherst of Hackney got to know the elegant sighthounds on a trip to the Nile and took a male and a female from Transjordan with her. The animals came from the breeding of Prince Abdullah and made it possible to breed on European soil from 1895. In the 1920s, the English General Frederick Lance supported their efforts, his wife Gladys and he is to thank for the registration of the first Saluki in 1922. Four years later the recognition in the Kennel Club followed.

What are the breed characteristics of Salukis?

The Saluki has the typical physique of a sighthound: Their very slender body is positioned on thin, long legs. When they move with their space-grasping steps, it almost seems as if they are floating. Just as it should be with a sight hunter, the eyes sit in the front of the head. They give you an attentive look with their dark eyes. In relation to its decent size it is a real lightweight.