Saluki (Gazelle Hound) : Puppies, Information, Feeding & Grooming
Good points
- Excellent guard
- Good companion
- Healthy
- Intelligent
- Odourless
- Reliable with children
Take heed
- Strong hunting instinct
- Not recommended for city dwellers
The Saluki and the horse are prized Arab possessions. The Saluki is capable of great speed and is able to keep pace with the fleet-footed Arab stallions. It is still used in the Middle East for hunting the gazelle, but In the West it is kept mainly as an elegant companion, pet and show dog. It is intelligent and somewhat aloof but is a faithful, gentle companion, trustworthy with children. Care must be taken, particularly in country areas, that the Saluki is kept under control; despite its domestic role, it retains very strong hunting instincts.
Size
Height of dog should average 23-28in (58.5-71cm), bitch slightly smaller.
Exercise
Salukis need plenty of exercise, and ownership should not be contemplated by those without a large garden or other exercise area.
Grooming
Brush regularly with a soft brush, and use a hound glove. Combing of ear and tail fringes may be necessary
Feeding
Recommended would be 13-200z (369-587g) of a branded, meaty product with biscuit added in equal part by volume, or 13/4-3 cupfuls of a dry food, complete diet, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup of feed to 1/2 cup of hot or cold water.
Origin and history
The Saluki is one of the most ancient breeds of dog. Like the Afghan and Greyhound the Saluki is a sight hound that derives from the Middle East. The Saluki is said to take its name from Saluk In the Yemen, but its likeness is portrayed on the tombs of the Egyptian Pharaohs.
The breed did not gain recognition by the American Kennel Club until 1927. In the United Kingdom It was known long before, for a litter bred in London Zoo in 1836 was shown as the 'Persian Greyhound'. It was another 60 years before the Amherstia Foundation Kennels were started from two imported hounds. The breed was recognized in the United Kingdom by the Kennel Club in 1922.
SHOW STANDARD
General appearance. The whole appearance of this breed should give an impression of grace and symmetry. Its great speed and endurance, coupled with strength and activity, enable it to kill gazelle or other quarry over deep sand or rocky mountain. The expression should be dignified and gentle with deep, faithful, far-seeing eyes.
Colour. White, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle and tan, tricolour (white, black and tan), and black and tan, or variations of these.
Head and skull. Head long and narrow; skull moderately wide between ears, not domed, the stop not pronounced, the whole showing great quality. nose should be black or liver Eye colour is dark to hazel. The eyes, while large and oval, are not prominent.
Tail. Long, set on low and carried naturally in a curve; well feathered on the underside with long silky hair, not bushy.
Feet. Of moderate length, toes long and well arched, not splayed out, but at the same time not cat-footed; the whole strong and supple, well feathered between the toes.