The Saluki is a tall, elegant sighthound from the Middle East — one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, bred to hunt gazelle across the desert. The Saluki is gentle, loyal and calm, a loving family dog that loves its people deeply — on its own terms.
Quick Facts
- Origin: Middle East (Fertile Crescent).
- Group: Hound.
- Lifespan: 12–14 years.
- Weight: 18–30 kg.
- Height: 58–71 cm at the shoulder.
- Temperament: Gentle, loyal, independent, calm.
- Good with kids: Yes — best with older children, with supervision.
- Good with other pets: Yes, with early socialisation.
- Exercise needs: High — about 1.5 hours a day.
- Grooming: Low to moderate — smooth or feathered coat, easy care.
Temperament & Personality
Salukis are gentle, loyal and deeply loyal to their family. They bond closely with their people and are famously aloof with strangers — a Saluki will not fawn over someone it does not know. They are calm indoors and love a routine. They are sighthounds through and through: they love to run, chase and explore, and they need a job to do. They can be stubborn and easily distracted, so training needs patience and consistency. They love company but are not needy — a Saluki is happy to rest nearby and watch over the family.
Health
Salukis are generally healthy and long-lived for a dog of their size. Known issues include heart disease, eye problems, hip dysplasia, gastric torsion (bloat — a serious emergency in deep-chested dogs), and cancer. Buy from a breeder who health-tests the parents, feed smaller meals, and see the vet regularly.
Training
Salukis are intelligent but independent, and training needs patience, consistency and high-value rewards. Short, fun, reward-based sessions work best, and early socialisation helps them stay confident with strangers, children and other dogs. Teach a reliable recall from puppyhood: a Saluki on a chase will not come back. Harsh methods damage trust — and a Saluki remembers.
Food & Nutrition
A Saluki needs a good-quality complete food in measured meals — two meals a day suit most adults. Treats should be counted as part of the daily intake. Salukis are lean, active dogs and should stay lean — you should be able to feel the ribs easily. Because Salukis can bloat, feed smaller meals and avoid exercise right after eating. A vet can advise the right amount for your dog’s age and weight, and fresh water should always be available.
Grooming
The Saluki’s coat is very easy to care for: a weekly brush is enough, and baths only when dirty. The feathered ears and tail need keeping clean. The ears should be checked weekly, nails trimmed regularly, and teeth brushed. Salukis shed lightly to moderately.
Exercise
A Saluki needs about 1.5 hours of activity a day: walks, running and training games, plus mental work such as scent games and puzzle feeders. They are big dogs with plenty of energy — a Saluki needs to run and think every day. Without it, expect chewing, barking and restlessness. They need a secure garden: a Saluki can clear a fence with ease.
Is the Saluki Right for You?
The Saluki suits owners with space who want a gentle, loyal companion and can give it exercise, training and plenty of company every day. It does well in houses with a large garden. It is less suited to flats, first-time owners, or anyone wanting an obedient, eager-to-please dog.
FAQs
Are Salukis good for first-time owners?
They can be a handful. Salukis are gentle and trainable, but their independence, size and prey drive make them a challenging first dog.
Do Salukis shed a lot?
Lightly to moderately. Their coat sheds all year but is easy to manage with a weekly brush.
How much exercise does a Saluki need every day?
About 1.5 hours of walks, running and play, plus training to keep the mind busy.
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