What to Know About Salukis

Medically Reviewed by Vanesa Farmer, DVM on May 26, 2022
Written by Alyssa Anderson
7 min read

Salukis are one of the most ancient breeds of domesticated dogs. They’re dependable, loyal pets in the hound group. 

They’re adaptable creatures that are comfortable in a wide range of climates, but they prefer being cozied up inside with their families. 

Salukis aren’t for everyone, of course. They’re high-energy pets with strong prey instincts. You need to make sure that you have the time and energy to raise this pet before you bring one home.  

Saluki size. The average Saluki male is larger than the average female. Males have an average height of 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder. Females can be significantly smaller. 

A healthy weight for these dogs ranges from 40 to 65 pounds. Talk to your veterinarian if you’re concerned that your dog is overweight. 

Their moderate size makes them easier to manage than larger breeds. They’ll easily fit into your car to go on an adventure, but you will need to keep them in mind when making travel plans. They can’t be left alone for long and aren’t small enough to fit into a purse. 

Body shape. Saluki’s have symmetrical, graceful bodies. Their forelegs are well-muscled, and their hindquarters are powerful. They have deep, narrowed chests that shouldn't interfere with their movements. 

Other Saluki characteristics include long, narrow heads that are topped by silky ears. Their ears lie close to their skulls. 

Their tails are set low on their rumps and naturally curve.  

Lifespan. The average Saluki lifespan can cover a wide range. On average the dogs can live anywhere from 10 to (in rare cases) 17 years. This means that you should prepare for at least a decade with your pet if you adopt them as a puppy. 

Coat. Salukis have short coats with soft, silky textures. There are feathered and smooth varieties. 

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes 12 coat colors for Salukis. Examples include: 

  • Black
  • Black and silver
  • Chocolate
  • Cream
  • Golden
  • Red
  • Silver

Their coats can also have eight different marking patterns. Examples include: 

  • Sable
  • Parti-color
  • Irish marked grizzle

Eyes. Salukis have large, oval-shaped eyes. They shouldn’t bulge out from their heads. Their usual colors range from dark brown to hazel. 

Personality. The Saluki temperament is dignified, faithful, and gentle, but these dogs can also be very independent. 

If well-trained, they can handle many different situations. They’re incredibly affectionate with their families and moderately playful. 

Their flexible personalities make them highly adaptable creatures. They do best with patient, consistent owners. 

Grooming. Both the feathered and smooth Saluki varieties have easy grooming needs. You should brush them once a week to keep their coats looking their best. If you have a feathered variety, you should pay more attention to their tails because they can become tangled. 

This breed doesn’t develop that usual doggy smell, so you only need to give them a bath when they get into something messy. 

You should trim their nails regularly and brush their teeth on a daily basis to complete their grooming routine. 

Feeding. Saluki eating habits depend on the individual. Some are skimpy eaters, but others will gorge themselves on any available food. Pay attention to your pet. If they’re the kind that loves to eat, you may need to feed them separately from your other pets. They won’t hesitate to eat more than their fair share.

You should find high-quality food that your particular dog enjoys. Make sure it’s specific to their age since puppies have different nutritional needs than older dogs. 

You should never make your own dog food without consulting your veterinarian first. Dogs have very specific nutritional needs and it can be difficult to strike the right balance in a homemade blend. 

Also, make sure you know what human foods are safe for your dog to eat and have clean water available for them at all times. 

Exercise and Mental Stimulation. Salukis need lots of exercise on a daily basis. You can take them on long walks or let them play for hours in a fenced-in yard. Just make sure that you always keep them on a leash and have a high fence. These dogs have a tendency to take off if they’re bored or left alone for too long. 

They also need a lot of mental stimulation. Play with them often and keep your activities varied to help entertain these lively pets. They can become destructive when they’re bored, so make sure you have enough toys and other outlets for their energetic needs. 

Veterinary visits, medications, and immunizations. Your veterinarian is the best person to determine all of the vaccinations that your pet needs. In general, all dogs need a core set. 

This includes vaccinations for:

It’s safe for your dog to begin these vaccinations when they’re six weeks old. There are also other, non-core vaccinations that you should discuss with your veterinarian. 

Dosages for flea and tick medications are based on your dog's weight. Use them as needed. Oral and skin-based applications are available from your veterinarian and other distributors.

Many of these medications can be effective against a variety of pests and parasites, so talk to your veterinarian to figure out the best one for you. Heartworm medication is also recommended year-round in all parts of the U.S.

As a breed, Salukis have fairly stable genetics, but there are still health problems that could develop in your pet. 

Common Saluki health issues include: 

  • Heart disease. Heart murmurs can be an early sign of heart disease in your pet. With early detection and the proper medications, your dog can live for years with heart disease. You should have your veterinarian check them regularly to catch the condition early on.
  • Eye problems. These include conditions that lead to blindness like glaucoma, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). With PRA, you may start to notice your dog struggling to see at first, particularly at dusk and dawn. At present, there isn’t a treatment for this condition. Your vet should perform annual eye exams to look for any signs of deterioration. 
  • Hip dysplasia. This occurs when the ball and socket of your dog's hip do not fit together well and don’t develop properly as they grow. Instead of sliding smoothly, the bones grind against each other. This wears down the joint and eventually makes it difficult for your dog to move. Your veterinarian can evaluate your dog's joints and see how likely they are to cause problems throughout your dog's life.
  • Thyroid problems. A common problem is hypothyroidism, a condition where your dog’s body can’t make enough thyroid hormone. Signs can include dry skin, hair loss, and behavioral problems. Your veterinarian should screen for this condition on an annual basis. Treatment usually involves a pill administered to replace the hormones.
  • Blood disorders. These include the autoimmune conditions hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Signs can include tiredness, weakness, and abnormal bleeding. Transfusions, medications, and sometimes surgery are required for treatment. 
  • Pattern baldness. This is a heritable condition called Follicular Dysplasia. The hair loss tends to start on the dog’s neck and the backs of their legs. Currently there is no treatment. 
  • Neurological problems. There are many different neurological disorders that can affect this breed. Keep your eyes out for common signs like seizures, tremors, and problems balancing. Talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible after noticing any of these signs. The treatment will depend on the exact diagnosis. 

These dogs can also have more problems with anesthesia than other breeds. Make sure your veterinarian is familiar with this breed before your dog undergoes any kind of procedure that requires anesthesia.

Salukis require patient training. You should start them as young as possible for the best results. They don’t respond well to harsh or forceful methods, so try techniques like positive reinforcement. 

They have strong prey instincts and will even attack small dogs and young children if they don’t know better. This also means that they’re better off in households with older children who can handle their spirited personalities. 

They’re only moderately good with other dogs and can be skittish around strangers. Early socialization can help them overcome these issues, but there are no guarantees. 

In terms of physical characteristics, they rarely shed and almost never drool. They bark an intermediate amount compared to other breeds. 

Salukis are one of the most ancient breeds of dog. Throughout their history, they’ve gone by a number of different names, including: 

  • Slouguis
  • Arabian Greyhounds
  • Arabischer Windhunds
  • Sloughi Moghrebis
  • Arabian Sighthounds
  • Levrier Marocains

Archeological evidence indicates that this breed was already domesticated millennia ago. Petroglyphs and rock art from central Iran depict dogs that look very similar to Salukis hunting alongside humans. These petroglyphs date anywhere from 8,000 to 10,000 B.C. 

There are newer pictures of them on pottery and in some of the first pyramids. They also traveled up and down the silk road with trading caravans. 

Kings have valued their companionship. They’ve been owned by Egyptian Pharaohs and Alexander the Great. 

They were originally bred to track prey by sight, and they’re so fast that they were used to hunt gazelle, the fastest of all the antelope. 

People first started breeding them in the West in 1895 when Florence Amherst imported a breeding pair from Egypt. They were added to the AKC in 1927. The breed's popularity diminished greatly during World War II but has regained some popularity in the following decades.