Saluki
Modified: 30-11--0001 00:00:00
The Saluki is is a member of the sighthound family, hounds that hunt by sight rather than scent. The Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds known, and came from the Middle East, where it was used (and is still used to some extent) by the Bedouins for hunting hare and gazelle.
Temperament
Modern Salukis retain the qualities of hunting hounds. They may appear reserved and uninterested. They learn quickly but can get bored with repetition, so training sessions should be short and varied. Salukis need regular exercise, but behave quietly indoors. They do not bark much but "sing" when they feel that something is wrong or when a member of the family is away for a long period of time. They get along well with children, but must be respected when they want to be left alone and rest. Salukis have a fairly long life span, living an average of 12-13 years.
History
The Saluki, commonly known as the Royal dog of Egypt, is perhaps the oldest known breed of domesticated dog. The Saluki appears on the Egyptian tombs of 2100 B.C. and was so esteemed that his body was often mummified like the bodies of the Pharaohs themselves. The remains of numerous specimens have been found in the ancient tombs of the Upper Nile region.
The Saluki historically served as a courser, a speedy hunting dog that operated in packs. Bedouin valued their Salukis highly and wanted them to be beautiful and to possess hunting qualities. Salukis slept with their owners in their tents to be protected from the heat of the day and the cold of the night. As the desert tribes were nomadic, the habitat of the Saluki comprised the entire region from the Caspian Sea to the Sahara. Naturally the types varied somewhat in this widely scattered area-mostly in size and coat.
Salukis were first brought into England in 1840 and were known as Persian Greyhounds. There was no real interest however, until the Hon. Florence Amherst imported the first Arabian Saluki in 1895 from the kennels of Prince Abdulla in Transjordania. In Persian-speaking countries the Saluki is called the tazi, or "one who gallops."
As is the case with some other pedigree breeds in the United States, including the Basenji and Portuguese Podengo, the current population of Salukis is descended from a small number of founders introduced into the country within the last 100 years, and must be carefully mated to avoid inbreeding. However, the original dogs imported into the US came from throughout the whole Middle East, a vast geographical area, unlike most other breeds that come from very small areas, so salukis have the largest genetic base among purebreds. Recently, the AKC (American Kennel Club) has allowed the third generation of COO (Country of Origin) salukis to be registered after inspections by recognized judges so the DNA base will increase even more as more dogs are imported.
Health & Feeding
Salukis are generally a very hardy breed, often living well into their teens. Twelve to fourteen years is an average lifespan, with sixteen year olds not unheard of. The most common cause of death, especially of young dogs, is car accidents with no major congental problems.
Behaviour
The Saluki is faithful, intelligent and dignified companion as well as a hunter. They are loyal to their family and treasured by many as a quiet and clean house dog, despite their size. The smallest armchair makes a comfortable bed for a Saluki, with its legs curled up neatly or sticking out straight and his tail keeping his nose warm.
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