Saluki

The Saluki, also sometimes known as the Persian Greyhound or the Gazelle Hound, is one of the oldest breeds in the world - and some even claim that it predates ancient Egypt (hence why its precise origins are largely unknown). In ancient Egypt, the Saluki was known as the Royal Dog and was used to hunt hare, fox and gazelle by working in small packs to pursue their prey at incredible speeds before catching and holding it down until their masters caught up with them on either horse or camelback. They would also work with birds of prey who would locate gazelle.

The Saluki is something of an acquired taste - ideal owners will have some sighthound experience, but also sufficient inner peace and tranquility to remain calm even in the midst of dog-based chaos. Salukis can be elegant yet thuggish, glamorous yet rude, idiotic yet possessing great wisdom, and they think training (especially recall) is for ‘other dogs’. They do not tolerate being manhandled, fussed over when they did not request a fussing and won’t be happy in a loud rambunctious house (unless of course it is them being loud and rambunctious!). Best suited to homes with older, respectful children or adult-only homes.

The Saluki needs between one to two hours of daily dog exercise to include free-running. A specialist sprinter, this dog needs to be able to run in safe locations where they can't come to any harm if they chase after a squirrel or rabbit - or go selectively deaf in their joy of running. Between exercise periods, the Saluki is generally laidback and relaxed in the house.

The Saluki is a quiet companion when not outside and so doesn’t need a large house - but they do need space to run safely and to get the exercise they need and so are best as rural dogs.

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember also to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food.

When it comes to dog grooming, the Saluki will need his coat to be groomed a couple of times a week, paying particular attention to any feathering (if present), which is prone to tangling.

Salukis have a cat-like attitude to training and often seem to think it is very much beneath them! Early dog socialisation is important but they need a puppy class that has other quiet self-restrained dogs to encourage them to enjoy the company of others. Training a good recall is very important in this breed - but it shouldn’t be relied upon no matter how perfect it might be without distractions! Like most sighthounds, the thrill of the chase and of running can lead to selective deafness in even the best trained dogs.

If the Saluki is to live with cats, it is best to find a breeder who has reared their puppies with them - or else make sure any introductions are very slow and patient. This is a breed that is unlikely to be reliable with unknown cats or other small fluffies.

The Saluki is a gentle dog who bonds well to their family - but they do not enjoy noise or disruption so are suited to older quiet children and quiet households.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.