4 Views 0 Comments Shares

Saluki: History, Temperament and Care

By Dhiraj Sharma · Published October 27, 2026

Listen to this article Free TTS Play using your browser's built-in text-to-speech

A cream feathered Saluki running at full stretch across golden desert dunes at sunset

The Saluki is one of the oldest sighthound types, bred across the Middle East for thousands of years to course gazelle, hare and fox.

Graceful, quiet and very fast, the Saluki was prized by Bedouin tribes, who did not regard it as an ordinary dog. It was allowed to share tents and was often carried on camels to save its energy for the hunt. It is sometimes called the Persian Greyhound or Gazelle Hound.

This profile is part of Finepedia's Dog Breeds of the World guide, which covers every major dog family from ancient times to today.

Origin and History

Sighthounds resembling the Saluki appear in art from Mesopotamia and Egypt, and Saluki-type dogs were mummified alongside Egyptian rulers. Across Arabia, Persia and Central Asia the breed was valued as a hunting partner and was traditionally given as a gift rather than sold.

British officers and travellers brought Salukis home in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1923, and the AKC followed in 1927. It belongs to FCI Group 10, Sighthounds.

Appearance

The Saluki stands about 58 to 71 cm at the shoulder and weighs about 18 to 27 kg. It has a long narrow head, deep chest and long legs built for speed and stamina over rough ground.

There are two coat types: feathered, with silky fringes on the ears, tail and legs, and smooth. Colours include cream, fawn, red, gold, grizzle, tricolour and black and tan.

Temperament

Salukis are gentle, dignified and often reserved with strangers. They are affectionate with their families but not usually demonstrative, and they dislike rough handling.

Their instinct to chase is extremely strong. A Saluki that sees a cat or rabbit may be gone in seconds, so they need a securely fenced area to run. Indoors, they are calm and love soft furniture.

Care and Health

The breed's life expectancy is about 12 to 14 years. Health concerns include heart disease (cardiomyopathy), some cancers and hypothyroidism. Like other sighthounds, Salukis have little body fat and can be sensitive to anaesthetics.

The coat is easy to care for, with a weekly brush and extra attention to feathering. They need daily exercise including regular chances to sprint safely.