# The Saluki: Royalty, Legacy and Grace on Paws - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-saluki-royalty-legacy-and-grace-on-paws/ - Published: 2024-04-19 - Author: Savanna Read - Categories: [Dog](https://33rdsquare.com/category/dog/) --- Imagine a living work of art – a masterpiece of elegance, swiftness and antiquity. This is the essence of the Saluki, a marvel of the canine world whose origins disappear into the desert sands of time. For over 9,000 years, this regal hound has captured the hearts of kings and nomads alike with their aerodynamic beauty, regal poise, and profound sensitivity. To know a Saluki is to touch a piece of history, a testament to the unbreakable bond between humans and dogs. ## A Glimpse Into an Ancient Past The Saluki‘s story is inextricably entwined with the dawn of civilization itself. Their likeness graces the tombs of the ancient Egyptians, with carvings depicting them as cherished companions to pharaohs and hunters alike. In the Fertile Crescent region, Salukis were valued by Sumerian, Babylonian and Assyrian civilizations for their prowess in hunting hares, foxes, gazelles and even larger quarry like wild pigs. As nomadic tribes traversed the harsh desert terrain, Salukis were their indispensable allies, providing sustenance and companionship. The Arabs revered the Saluki as a gift from Allah and called them "El Hor" – the noble one. In Persian art, Salukis appear in intricate miniature paintings and illuminated manuscripts, a testament to their regal status. ## Aerodynamic Perfection To behold a Saluki in motion is to witness poetry in motion. Every inch of their lithe, lean frame is crafted for speed and agility. With their long, slender legs, deep chest, and streamlined head, they are the embodiment of aerodynamic grace. When a Saluki runs, the earth falls away beneath their feet. They have been clocked sprinting at speeds up to 43 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest domesticated animals on the planet. In fact, only the cheetah can accelerate faster over short distances. Their incredible stamina allows them to maintain a steady pace over great distances – a necessity for chasing down swift prey in their native desert habitat. The Saluki‘s unique double-suspension gallop is a marvel of efficiency and elasticity – as they bound, the front and rear legs are tucked up under the body, allowing maximum extension. Their agility in twists and turns is breathtaking, an evolutionary adaptation for outmaneuvering zigzagging gazelles and hares. ## Exquisite Form and Variety The Saluki‘s appearance is a study in contrasts – regal yet delicate, substantial yet elegant. Their narrow, wedge-shaped head features large, expressive eyes that seem to hold the mysteries of the ages. Their ears are long, mobile and silky to the touch, framing their wistful expression. Two distinct varieties of Saluki exist – smooth and feathered. Smooth Salukis have a close-lying, silky coat similar to a Greyhound, while feathered Salukis sport lavish silky fringes on their ears, tail and backs of their legs, giving them an almost spaniel-like appearance. Both varieties shed very little and stay remarkably clean, with a coat that deflects dirt. Salukis come in a myriad of colors – white, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle and tan, tricolor (white, black and tan) and black and tan. In motion, their long, arched necks flow into well laid-back shoulders and a deep, moderately narrow chest, allowing for tremendous lung capacity and heart room. Their back is relatively short for their height, with a moderate arch over the loin. Males are significantly larger than females, standing anywhere from 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder compared to the females‘ 18 to 24 inches. Males typically weigh between 45 and 60 pounds, while females average 30 to 45 pounds. ## Sensitive Souls and Regal Companions As much as the Saluki is built for speed and athleticism, they are equally cherished for their gentle, reserved personalities. They are keenly sensitive dogs, attuned to the slightest change in their environment or their human‘s mood. While affectionate and humorous with their family, they can be aloof with strangers, preferring to observe rather than engage. Salukis are not typically demonstrative or outgoing dogs – they express their affection with a subtle lean against your leg, a soulful gaze, or a gentle lick. They carry themselves in a calm, dignified manner in the home, rarely barking or causing commotion. Aggression and nervousness are highly uncharacteristic. As Roger Caras, author of "The Saluki: Hound of the Bedouin" writes, "He is not a gregarious glad-handing dog, but once he accepts you, you have a friend for life – on his terms. He is highly intelligent, and there is no way you are going to fool him, so don‘t try. If you want a dog to entertain your friends with clever tricks, buy a Poodle." ## Health and Longevity While generally a robust breed, Salukis are not without health concerns. According to a health survey conducted by the Saluki Club of America, the most commonly reported issues in the breed include: - Heart Conditions: Salukis can be prone to heart diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation. Regular cardiac exams are recommended. - Cancer: Osteosarcoma, or bone cancer, hemangiosarcoma, and mammary cancers are reported at higher than average rates in Salukis compared to other breeds. - Blood Disorders: Salukis can carry genes for a bleeding disorder called hemophilia B, as well as a platelet disorder called thrombopathia. DNA tests are available. - Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism is a concern in the breed, with 5.5% of Salukis testing positive for thyroid dysfunction in a breed health survey. - Autoimmune Disorders: Some Salukis may develop immune-mediated diseases that cause the body to attack its own cells, such as Addison‘s disease. With proper care and screening from responsible breeders, Salukis typically enjoy a lifespan of 12-14 years. The oldest recorded Saluki lived to be an incredible 20 years, a testament to their enduring vitality. ## Living with a Saluki Welcoming a Saluki into one‘s life is not for the faint of heart. They are highly specialized hounds with very specific needs. As much as they crave human companionship, they are not the type to shadow your every step or constantly demand attention. They appreciate a soft bed and a sunny spot to lounge just as much as a good sprint. Salukis require ample daily exercise in a safely fenced area. A Saluki in a full-out run is a sight to behold – they seem to float over the ground, lost in the sheer ecstasy of speed. A tired Saluki is a good Saluki – without proper outlets for their energy, they may resort to destructive behavior like chewing or digging. Training a Saluki requires patience, consistency and gentleness. They are sensitive souls who wither under harsh treatment. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise is the way to a Saluki‘s heart. They can excel in obedience, lure coursing, and agility with a dedicated owner. Grooming a Saluki is a relatively easy affair. Their coat requires brushing once or twice a week to maintain its satiny texture. They shed very little. Feathered Salukis may require a bit more brushing to prevent mats. Their ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and their teeth should be brushed often for optimal health. ## A Timeless Legacy In a world where trends change as quickly as the tides, the Saluki remains a steadfast icon of elegance and history. Their likeness has been immortalized in countless works of art and literature, from the poetry of the ancient Arabs to the paintings of the medieval Europeans. To gaze into the fathomless eyes of a Saluki is to catch a glimpse of eternity, to marvel at the vastness of the desert sky and the immutability of the bond between hound and human. They are a bridge to our most ancient partnerships, a reminder of the joy and purpose our canine companions have brought us for millennia. As the great poet Kahlil Gibran wrote, "Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart." And so it is with the Saluki – their true beauty lies not just in their breathtaking countenance, but in the ineffable light they bring to the lives of those fortunate enough to know them. To preserve and protect this ancient breed is to safeguard a piece of our collective history, to honor the legacy of the countless souls who have been touched by their grace and wisdom. The Saluki is more than just a dog – they are a testament to the enduring power of the human-canine bond, a living symbol of all that is noble and timeless in the world. In the words of esteemed Saluki breeder and judge Mary Pascoe, "The Saluki is a hound of the ages, a living antiquity. To watch him galloping over the desert sands or resting sphinx-like at one‘s feet is to step back in time and catch a glimpse of the very essence of dogdom. He is not just a dog, but a noble work of art, a sculpture in flesh and bone and sinew, crafted by the winds and sands of time immemorial." --- Source: [The Saluki: Royalty, Legacy and Grace on Paws](https://33rdsquare.com/the-saluki-royalty-legacy-and-grace-on-paws/)