Named for the ancient Arabian city of Saluk, the Saluki is known as one of the fastest dogs on Earth, able to reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. This Royal Dog of Egypt was often called upon to hunt gazelle. This dog was so beloved by the ancient Egyptians that pharaohs often hunted with a hawk on their wrist and a Saluki by their side.

History

The Saluki has historically served as a courser, a speedy hunting dog that operated in packs. They often hunted in tandem with falcons which locate the prey and for the dogs to run down. Salukis appear on Egyptian tombs from 2100 B.C. The dogs were so esteemed that they were often mummified like the bodies of the Pharaohs themselves. Numerous Saluki remains have been found in the ancient tombs of the Upper Nile region. In Muslim cultures, dogs are often seen as unclean. A Saluki, however, is given a different status by the Arab culture. The breed is treasured by the Bedouin for the white spot on the dog's chest. The Bedouin value them, breeding them for both beauty and hunting qualities. A Saluki, instead of being viewed as unclean, often sleeps in tents with their owners, to be protected from the heat of the day and the cold of the night. Salukis were first brought into England in 1840. There was no real interest however, until the Hon. Florence Amherst imported the first Saluki in 1895 from the kennels of Prince Abdulla in Transjordan. King Abdullah's hounds were probably originally from Kurdish areas of Syria. As is the case with some other pedigree breeds in the United States, including the Basenji and Portuguese Podengo, the current domestic 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 Middle East, a vast geographical area, unlike most other breeds that come from very small areas, so, worldwide, 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 recognised judges so the DNA base will broaden.

Appearance and Size

Their natural wariness, while valuable in a herding dog that may need to alert their shepherd of strange animals or people, combined with their herding bossiness, can lead to shyness or aggression in even the most friendly puppy if not properly managed. Frequent socialization from a very young age can help counter this trait.

Personality

The Saluki tends to be aloof and doesn't readily take to strangers. In order to develop a bond with humans, puppies need lots of socialization. Once bonded, they dogs are loving and loyal family members. The Saluki's ancestors were the favorite of pharaohs and sheikhs so they expect to be pampered. Soft beds positioned away from drafts are a necessity. This breed is quite independent and is nearly as fastidious about personal hygiene and cleanliness as a cat.

Wikipedia and GNU

The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "Saluki" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.