Let's talk about... Salukis: what are they?
- The Saluki, also known as the Royal Dog of Egypt, is an elegant and ancient dog breed with a rich history.
- Believed to have originated in the Middle East, they are known for their grace, speed, and beauty.
- Salukis were historically used by nomadic tribes for hunting, particularly for chasing down gazelles.
- Today, they are cherished as loyal and gentle companions.
- Male Salukis tend to stand between 58 to 71 cm in height, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 56 to 68 cm.
- They have a slender and athletic build.
- Salukis typically weigh between 16 to 29 kg.
- They have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
What is the temperament of Salukis like?
- Salukis are known for their calm and gentle temperament.
- They are often described as dignified and reserved.
- While they form strong bonds with their families, they may initially be reserved or aloof with strangers.
- Proper socialisation from a young age can help them become more comfortable and accepting of new people and experiences.
- As sight hounds, Salukis have a strong prey drive and may instinctively chase small animals. It's important to keep them in a secure, fenced area or on a leash when outside.
- If well-socialised with them from a young age, they tend to get on well with other dogs, but tend to prefer the company of other sighthounds
How much exercise do Salukis need?
- Salukis are a highly active breed that requires a significant amount of exercise to thrive.
- They have a natural instinct for running, and it's recommended to provide them with ample opportunities to stretch their long legs, while still in a safe-controlled space.
- Most Salukis require at least 2 hours of exercise per day. This can include vigorous walks, jogging, free-running in a safely enclosed area, or participating in activities such as lure coursing or agility.
- Mental stimulation is equally important, so consider incorporating puzzle toys or scent games into their routine.
- Although there is no scientific basis to the 5 minutes of exercise per month of age “rule”, it can be a guide to make sure you don’t over-exercise your puppy. Saluki pups could get 5 minutes of exercise per month of age once or twice a day.
- As well as walks though, fun, mental stimulating games can entertain and tire an active pup.
- They should gradually increase the amount of exercise they get up to around 18 months when they should be able to manage the exercise levels of an adult dog.
Do Salukis need a lot of grooming?
- Salukis have a short, silky, and low-maintenance coat.
- They are considered a low-shedding breed, but regular grooming is still necessary to keep their coat in good condition and prevent mats or tangles.
- Weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or grooming mitt is usually sufficient to remove loose hairs and keep their coat looking sleek.
- Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that much, just do it as often as you can.
Are Salukis easy to train?
- They have a gentle and sensitive nature, so positive reinforcement training methods work best with them. They respond well to patient and consistent training that includes rewards and praise.
- Salukis are intelligent dogs with an independent streak. While they can be trained successfully, they may not possess the same innate desire to please their owners as some other breeds, so are often not recommended as a dog for inexperienced dog owners.
- Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key when training a Saluki.
- Begin training from an early age and focus on positive reward-based methods. Use treats, praise, and toys as motivators to encourage desired behaviours.
- Keep training sessions short and engaging to hold their attention.
- Use variety in activities and exercises to keep them mentally stimulated.
- Socialisation is also crucial, exposing them to various people, animals, and environments to ensure they grow into well-rounded adults.
What do Salukis eat?
- Feeding your Saluki a balanced and nutritious diet is important for their overall health and well-being. Choose a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian or breeder for specific dietary recommendations.
- Divide their daily food into two meals as adults.
- Saluki puppies should be fed a good quality puppy food three to four times a day, until they are 6 months old when it should go down to twice a day. When they are 12-18 months old, depending on the brand and advice from your food supplier and your vet, they should be moved on to an adult puppy food.
- Avoid overfeeding or excessive treats, as Salukis can easily gain weight. Treats should be given sparingly.
Are Salukis healthy?
Salukis are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. It's essential to be aware of potential issues and provide them with proper care and regular veterinary check-ups.
Some health concerns associated with Salukis include:
Bones and Joints
- Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint
Cancer
- Haemaongiosarcoma - a cancer of the blood vessel walls
Eyes
- Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye, breaks down, leading to blindness
Heart
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) - a disease of the heart muscle causing the heart ventricles to get larger
Hormonal
- Hypothyroidism - a condition where your dog does not produce enough thyroid hormone
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Saluki is right for you, consult with your vet.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
