Saluki
Complete Breed Guide
"Your couch, my couch... What's the difference?"
Quick Facts About Salukis
Hound
40–65 lbs
23–28"
No
Overview
Salukis are an ancient breed of hunting dog who love to chase anything that moves. They are proud and elegant but not overly affectionate or outgoing. Salukis do love their families, though, and are a great choice for someone looking for an independent dog.
Salukis are genetically very similar to a wolf and are one of the world’s oldest dog breeds. Bred to hunt and chase wild game, their strong prey drive remains today in these proud, elegant canines. Although they love their owners, Salukis are not the most affectionate or obedient breed. They prefer to think for themselves while lounging on the softest spot in your house. They are, however, very clean, independent, and (mostly) well-behaved.
Temperament and Behavior
Salukis are always ready to give chase to any small animal they see. They are independent and not likely to listen to every word, or most of the words, you say. They will not follow you around the house or shower you with affection, instead opting to hang out somewhere soft, even if they’re not allowed. Although it may not always be obvious, Salukis do crave the attention of their owners. They are much more shy and reserved around strangers and will not seek out attention from someone they don’t know intimately.
Coat & Grooming
Salukis have two different styles of coats: smooth and feathered. Smooth coats are easy to take care of and only require a weekly brushing, while the feathered coat requires that you run a brush through the feathered areas around the ears, tail, legs, and feet a few times a week to keep prevent tangles and get rid of anything caught up in their longer fur.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Salukis can live in all types of housing situations, as long as they are allowed to live indoors with their family, but they are not suited to life as an outdoor dog. Children and Salukis get along alright, but these dogs are not overly playful and won’t make a great companion or friend for children who want a typical dog experience. Salukis can learn to get along with other small animals that they were raised with, but their urge to chase will take over when they are outside together. Neighborhood cats who stroll through a Saluki's backyard will learn quickly to avoid that part of town.
Exercise & Activity
Salukis love to run, which translates into them being excellent competitors in the doggie sport of lure coursing. They enjoy going out for a walk with you, but ultimately, when a Saluki is ready to play, they want to run. The best thing you can do with a Saluki is to take them to a safe place where you can let them off-leash, and allow them to run around until they tire themselves out. Salukis are not really high-energy dogs and will probably want to sit on your couch and snooze the day away after any type of activity.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Saluki FAQs
Common questions about the Saluki breed, answered by our editorial team.
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