American Canine Association

Breeds

Saluki


History

One of two African Sight Hound breeds, the Saluki has a very tiny bit of information recorded about it. Most of what you will read of this breed is based off of different beliefs and will vary per source. This breed is allegedly one of the oldest dog breeds however, and does date back prior to the 13th century. DNA research has in fact shown that the Saluki is that of the Azawakh and the Sloughi bloodlines. Please note that these are not the only two bloodlines to originate the Saluki and that the others are not recorded in history. Due to this breed being a sight hound, we can say that it was used to hunt small, fast prey as this breed is most definitely excellent at this til today.

Appearance

The Saluki is a medium to large size breed with males and females measuring 23-28 inches in height and weighing 30-65 pounds in weight.. Built extremely thin, tall and rectangular in shape, the Saluki has a small, triangular shaped head that instantly forms into a scissor bite. Their two pendant shaped ears are thin, and hang along side of their face. With a slightly sad and serious expression at all times, their oval shaped eyes available in hazel or black in color are framed with black hairs appearing as an "eye liner". Their coat is short and tight to their skin, except for their tail, ears and tail where it feathers. Available in all shades of tan to red as well as brindle, black and tan and white. The Saluki has a very long tail that is thin and hangs low with a small curve curling upwards at the end.

Temperament

All sight hounds are not recommended for households with small animals, or small dogs due to their natural instinct to hunt and chase these types of animals. While outdoors the Saluki must be on lead on inside of a properly installed fence to keep the dog and other animals safe as the Saluki will chance wildlife very fast causing a number of safety concerns. This breed is very energetic, loving and fun to be around if he or she is used to your presence. The Saluki is shy and skiddish around strangers. This breed is suited for an all adult household and only for a country environment.This breed requires a long daily walk as well as other play time out doors to ensure a healthy well being both physically and mentally. Known for being difficult to train.

Grooming

This breed sheds daily. Daily brushing and bathing when needed. Professional grooming recommended at least twice a year.

Special Notes

The Saluki is a very healthy breed however some are prone to night blindness and a majority of this breed is very sensitive to Anastasia. Please fully educate yourself about this breed prior to adding one to your family to ensure a life long commitment to your new pup, both physically and financially. This breed requires a properly fenced in yard or proper fitting harness and leash while outdoors at all times. All dogs originate from wolves (Canis Lupus). Each breed of dog was originally created by mixing different breeds together in an effort to bring forth certain characteristics. Once a breeder has created acceptable “breed characteristics” within their bloodline and these “breed characteristics” have shown to be reliably reproduced in the offspring for three (3) generations, the bloodline may be upgraded from the category of “foundation stock” to “pure-bred”. The same “pure-bred” breed standards vary from different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders. Dog DNA testing companies can have accurate results for a specific bloodline of a small colony of dogs. However, there are tens of thousands of different bloodlines in the world which have not yet been tested for marker baseline results by Dog DNA testing companies as of 2017. For this reason Dog DNA testing companies do not guarantee the 100% accuracy of their breed lineage results and will also show different marker results for the same pure-bred breed in different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders.

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