¶Table of Contents
¶Quick Facts
- The Saluki is an independent sighthound from the Middle East, bred to hunt by sight and pursue game at speed.
- The breed standard gives 58–71 cm as an average height range and says that bitches should be proportionately smaller. It does not specify an official weight.
- There are feathered and smooth varieties. The smooth variety lacks the longer hair found on areas such as the legs, thighs and tail.
- A typical Saluki may be reserved with strangers but should not be nervous or aggressive.
- A strong chase instinct is common. Good recall is important, but it does not make every place safe for off-lead exercise.
- The breed needs plenty of exercise, mental stimulation and carefully planned opportunities to run freely without being able to pursue wildlife.
¶Appearance & Coat
The Saluki is a long-legged, athletic sighthound that should combine elegance with strength, speed and endurance. Its body is approximately as long as the dog is tall, and its movement should be light and efficient. A slender outline does not mean that the dog should look weak.
The breed standard gives an average height range of 58–71 cm and adds that bitches are proportionately smaller. It does not specify an official weight. The dog's proportions, muscle condition and body condition therefore say more than a supposed ideal figure on the scales. In the region of origin, different tribes developed types suited to local game and terrain. The breed standard describes this variation as typical and desirable.
The Saluki comes in two coat varieties. The feathered variety has a soft, smooth and silky body coat, with longer hair on the backs of the legs and thighs and on the tail. There may also be feathering on the ears and sometimes the throat. The smooth variety has the same basic type but no feathering. In Swedish registration, the varieties are designated L and SL respectively. The standard permits every colour and combination of colours, while brindle is described as undesirable.
The smooth coat needs little work and can be bathed when necessary. On the feathered variety, the ears, legs, thighs and tail in particular need regular combing; the Swedish Kennel Club recommends roughly once a week. Check the coat after walks through scrub, long grass and mud. Feathered puppies and young dogs may develop a woollier puppy coat that mats easily as it comes out.
A short or easy-care coat does not make the breed allergy-free. There are no allergy-free dog breeds, and allergen levels can differ between individuals even within the same litter. Anyone with a dog allergy should therefore base the decision on their reaction to the individual dog and seek medical advice, rather than choosing a Saluki because of its coat length.
¶Temperament & Personality
A Saluki is often dignified, intelligent and independent, with a clear but understated bond with its family. It may hold back or choose not to engage with unfamiliar people. That is typical reserve, provided the dog can be handled and shows neither fear nor aggression. A Saluki should not be expected to greet everyone, but it should be able to cope confidently with everyday life.
Young dogs can be much livelier and more inventive than the description of the adult breed suggests. Give the puppy calm, positive experiences of people, dogs, places and handling. Do not force contact with strangers; allow the dog time and reward confident behaviour.
There is not yet enough evidence to describe the breed's temperament through a reliable Swedish BPH profile. By the end of 2024, 56 Salukis had completed BPH, while the breed club's RAS document says that 200 are needed for an analysis. Meet the dam and other adult relatives. Watch how they recover after surprises, respond to unfamiliar people and move between activity and rest.
With children, the interaction matters more than the breed name. An adult should always be present with young children, who need to learn not to disturb a sleeping or eating dog, climb on it or pull its coat. A calm, well-socialised Saluki can live happily in a family with children when everyone has clear boundaries.
Interaction with other dogs varies. The chase instinct needs separate consideration where there is a cat, rabbit, bird or other small animal in the home. Accepting the family cat does not predict how a dog will react to unfamiliar cats outdoors. Plan calm introductions and secure separation when no adult is supervising.
¶Training & Exercise
The Saluki needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, but the same number of minutes will not suit every dog. An adult needs daily walks, opportunities to explore its surroundings and chances to move at a faster pace. Adjust the load to age, fitness, ground conditions, weather and recovery. Restlessness can also mean that the dog needs scent work, training or better rest.
Training works best when it is clear and worthwhile for the dog. Use rewards the individual genuinely values and build skills in small steps. Recall, lead walking, engagement, handling and the ability to break off an activity are particularly useful. Short, focused sessions are often practical, but no fixed time limit suits every Saluki.
The chase instinct is the main safety issue. The Swedish Kennel Club notes that most Salukis have a strong desire to chase and that off-lead locations must be chosen carefully even when basic obedience is good. Assess the whole environment: fencing and gates, proximity to roads, visible wildlife, other animals and the risk that the dog will gather speed before you can react. An enclosed area must be secure for that particular dog; an arbitrary fence height cannot replace that assessment.
Lure coursing can provide a controlled outlet for the urge to pursue, but the sport is optional. The dog chases a simulated quarry around a course, and competition requires a licence through the Swedish Sighthound Club. Other individuals may enjoy tracking, obedience or scent work. Choose according to the dog's motivation and physical condition.
A growing puppy should not be restricted by a mechanical five-minute rule. Let it move in varied ways at its own pace, build up new distances and surfaces gradually, and stop if its movement changes or recovery deteriorates. Delay planned, repetitive high-impact exercise until the dog is physically ready. Ask a vet or canine physiotherapist for individual guidance before longer runs or organised training; the breed name alone cannot determine an exact starting date.
¶Health
For the Saluki, NCL, heart assessment and correct interpretation of thyroid tests are particularly relevant. Focus on documented diagnoses and verifiable results rather than long, non-specific lists of diseases.
NCL, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, is a progressive neurological disease that also affects the retina. The variant detected by the DNA test for Salukis is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. A carrier does not become ill, but two carriers must not be mated and a dog with two copies of the disease-associated variant must not be used for breeding. The Swedish Kennel Club has registered results centrally since 2021. Registering a result is voluntary, but that should not be confused with the mating rules. Ask for verifiable results for both parents and an explanation of the proposed combination.
Heart disease occurs in the breed, but the 2025 RAS describes only a small number of documented cases of dilated cardiomyopathy, DCM, and says that congenital defects are uncommon. The breed club recommends a cardiac ultrasound for breeding dogs before mating, with the examination no more than twelve months old. Normal Saluki heart measurements can differ somewhat from those of an average dog, so the vet needs to use relevant reference values.
Healthy Salukis can have lower thyroid hormone values than general laboratory reference ranges. Hypothyroidism should therefore not be diagnosed from a low thyroxine result alone; the vet needs to consider symptoms alongside the relevant tests.
The current Swedish registration table sets no special requirement for hip, eye or heart results in the Saluki; its breed-specific entry concerns coat variety. That does not mean examinations have no value. Breed-club advice, voluntarily registered results and mandatory requirements are different things. Check the latest rules and ask to see the evidence.
Before buying, sensible questions include:
- the parents' NCL status and why the combination is genetically safe,
- a current cardiac ultrasound for each breeding dog, in line with the breed club's recommendation,
- illnesses and causes of death in parents, siblings and older close relatives,
- how any thyroid results have been interpreted alongside symptoms,
- which results can be verified in the Swedish Kennel Club's systems.
¶History & Origins
The Saluki originated in the Middle East and was used as a hunting hound across a large region. It hunted by sight and needed to combine speed, endurance and strength with the ability to make its own decisions. That background is apparent in both its build and temperament.
The FCI history emphasises variation rather than a single original model. Different tribes kept dogs suited to local game and landscapes. The dogs that reached Europe therefore represented different terrains and types. In the tradition of the region, Salukis could be presented as marks of honour.
The first official European breed standard was written in Britain in 1923 to encompass the original types. This is firmer history than the exact dates, pharaoh associations and royal titles that are often repeated. The breed's long history does not make every popular origin story true.
¶Living with the Breed
A Saluki can live in a flat or a house if daily life provides enough activity, recovery and safety. You need to be able to exercise the dog without risky off-lead access, reach suitable activity areas and manage wildlife, traffic and small animals. A garden does not replace walks, training or shared time.
The dog needs to be able to rest undisturbed and become accustomed to the sounds and routines of the home. Choose rain or cold-weather protection according to coat variety, body condition, age, activity and weather, rather than assuming that every Saluki has the same tolerance. Check the feathering after walks over difficult ground.
Time alone is a training matter, not a guaranteed breed trait. A young puppy cannot yet be left alone, and training should begin only when it feels secure in the home. Start with very short periods and follow the dog's actual response. A properly trained adult can normally be left for a few hours, but a full working day without a walk or social contact is not a reasonable routine arrangement.
The breed suits an owner who values a dog that will co-operate without constantly seeking instructions. Set consistent boundaries and accept that safety sometimes outweighs the wish to let the dog off lead. Where there are children or small animals, everyone in the household must follow the same rules for doors, gates, rest and supervision.
Ask the breeder to show how the adult dogs behave outside the show ring: at home, on walks, when settling after activity and with unfamiliar people. Ask where their dogs can run safely, how they teach everyday skills and how they follow up health and temperament. Those answers say more about the match than a general label such as ‘calm’, ‘sensitive’ or ‘family dog’.
¶Characteristics
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Aggressiveness | 3/5 |
| Child Friendly | 5/5 |
| Energy | 5/5 |
| Hair Shedding | 1/5 |
| Health | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 3/5 |
| Grooming Needs | 2/5 |
| Learning Ability | 2/5 |
| Barking Level | 1/5 |
| Height | 55 – 71 cm |
| Weight | 18 – 27 kg |
| Life Expectancy | 12 – 14 years |
¶Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical temperament of a Saluki around family and strangers?
They are usually gentle, sensitive, and affectionate with their own family but reserved or aloof with strangers. Many are very attached to one or two people and prefer quiet, calm households. They are not typically aggressive, but their independent nature means they do not behave like an eager-to-please companion.
How much exercise does a Saluki really need, and can it live in an apartment?
They need daily opportunities for long, brisk walks and several chances per week to run freely in a large, securely fenced area. Short strolls are not enough for this athletic sight hound. Apartment living can work if the dog’s exercise and mental stimulation needs are met very consistently and it is not left alone for long days.
Are Salukis good off leash, or will they run away?
They have a strong prey drive and extremely fast sprinting ability, so most are not reliable off leash in open, unfenced areas. When they see movement, instinct often overrides training. Off leash time is safest in securely fenced fields or enclosed dog parks with good visibility.
How are Salukis with cats and small pets?
They were bred to hunt by sight and many will instinctively chase small, fast-moving animals. Some individuals can live peacefully with cats if raised with them from puppyhood and carefully supervised, but this is never guaranteed. Small pets like rabbits, ferrets, or rodents should always be kept completely separate.
What health problems are most common in Salukis?
The breed is generally robust but can be prone to heart issues such as cardiomyopathy, certain eye conditions, and some autoimmune disorders. Bloat, although more common in heavier-chested breeds, is still a concern due to their deep chest. Responsible breeders screen for heart and eye problems and are careful about anesthesia sensitivity related to the breed’s low body fat.
How much grooming does a Saluki need, and what is the difference between feathered and smooth coats?
Grooming needs are moderate. Feathered dogs have longer silky hair on the ears, tail, and legs that requires regular brushing to prevent tangles, while smooth-coated dogs need only quick weekly brushing. Both varieties shed lightly and usually have very little doggy odor.
Are Salukis difficult to train given their independent nature?
They are intelligent but not biddable in the same way as many working or herding breeds. Training needs to be calm, patient, and reward based, with short, varied sessions to keep their interest. Harsh methods or a lot of repetition often lead to shutdown or disconnection rather than better obedience.
Is a Saluki suitable for first-time dog owners?
They can be challenging for a novice because of their sensitivity, independence, and high exercise requirements. A first-time owner with a quiet lifestyle, access to safe running areas, and willingness to learn about sight hounds can succeed, especially with support from a good breeder or trainer. Those wanting an easygoing, highly obedient companion may find this breed frustrating.
Do Salukis get along well with children?
They are usually gentle and tolerant but do not enjoy rough handling or chaotic environments. They tend to be better suited to homes with older, respectful children who understand how to give a sensitive dog space. As with any breed, interactions between dogs and children should always be supervised.
What kind of home environment and fencing is best for a Saluki?
A calm home with consistent routines and a securely fenced yard is ideal. Fencing should be high and solid enough to discourage jumping and prevent sight-based chasing of animals outside the property. They do best where they can rest indoors with their family and then stretch out and run safely a few times a week.¶Comparisons with other breeds
Compare Saluki with other breeds and see the differences in temperament, activity level, and care to make a confident choice. Show all comparisons
