SALUKI

The Saluki is one of the foundation hounds of the Breeds, together with the Afghan. It is claimed that he has been known in the Middle East since 5,000BC and certainly records have been kept of his breeding and hunting successes for hundreds of years. The Saluki was held in extremely high esteem, partly because of his beauty and partly because of his prowess as a hunter. He was used with the hawk to course hare and gazelle.
The Saluki did not arrive in the UK until 1840 and was not officially recognised until 1923. It has been suggested that his name derives from an ancient Arabian city, Saluk or Seleukia in ancient Syria. However, most recent research suggests that the name is a transliteration of the ancient Arabic word forhound, which explanation is, sadly, rather more prosaic.
His coat can be either smooth or feathered; in either case the body coat lies close and silky and when there is feathering it is restricted to the legs and back of thighs and between the hock and heel. In both cases the ears have long silky hair growing from the top half of the leather and the tail is well feathered on the underside, but not bushy. It is a very easy coat to keep looking good; a regular brush and polish with a chamois leather will keep the smooth body coat shining, whilst a weekly groom through will keep any feathering tangle-free. The permitted colours are shades from white to red, grizzle colourings, tricolour, black and tan or variations of these colours but never brindle.
the Saluki is not a nervous breed, but he is very sensitive and is reserved with those he does not know; boisterous children and Salukis probably do not mix very well as he would find them rather alarming. In common with all sighthounds he can take off at speed into the distance if something catches his eye and a well-fenced garden is essential. Similarly, he is not obedient and like the rest of this Breeds of hounds will consider your request and may or may not decide to do as you ask; hope for co-operation but don't expect to give him orders. Not suitable for every household but a charming, affectionate and beautiful addition to the right home.