The elegant, aristocratic Saluki, also called the Persian Greyhound, Arabian Hound, Gazelle Hound, Saluqi, Tazi, El Hor (“The Noble One”) and The Royal Dog of Egypt, is one of the world's oldest domestic breeds. Some say that it dates back to a time before ancient Egypt, which was one of the earliest of all human civilizations. Its name probably comes from “Saluq,” a long-gone Arab town. Salukis are sighthounds that were bred by nomadic tribesmen to chase down, restrain and kill rabbit, fox, deer and even the swift gazelle. Desert-bred Salukis are still used for hunting in the Middle East and in the West. The Saluki was (and still is) prized for its keen eyesight, exceptional agility and remarkable speed. Their exotic looks – lean, graceful and feathered with the silkiest of coats - also make them popular show dogs. The Saluki may appear delicate, and to some even skinny, but this should not fool you into thinking that it is fragile. This is a powerful athlete with the strength and stamina to tirelessly cover uneven and dangerous terrain over great distances in pursuit of its pray.
The ancestry and historical background of most domestic dogs usually can be traced with some degree of accuracy. Not so with the elusive Saluki, whose geographic roots and heritage are shrouded in mystery. This breed’s origin pre-dates recorded history. What is known is that Salukis have lived in the Middle East since antiquity, and that they have been treasured by nobility and prized by nomadic hunters for thousands of years. Carvings from the Sumerian empire,
Reserved, sensitive and gentle, the Saluki is an increasingly popular pet. These are extremely bright, even-tempered, loyal animals that are affectionate but not overly demonstrative and watchful but not aggressive. They are curious, clever and can be a bit mischievous. Salukis usually are fairly independent and aloof around strangers. They often become attached to one family member and show little interest in the others. Despite their relatively unpampered nomadic background, Salukis appreciate the finer things
The Saluki has the characteristic tall, elongated, Greyhound-like silhouette of most sighthounds. However, it differs from its cousins in that its ears, legs and tail are usually adorned with long, lovely feathering. On first glance, Salukis give the impression of gracefulness, slenderness and overall balance. On closer inspection, their potential for strength, stamina and speed become evident. Salukis are beautiful animals with gentle, wise and sometimes distant expressions that radiate from large, intelligent, deeply-set eyes.
The saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Check out the many different Saluki Pictures and Saluki images. Get an in depth look at the Saluki and see the many things that this breed has to offer.