Saluki

The Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, a slender, elegant and extraordinarily fast sighthound developed over many thousands of years across the Middle East - from the Arabian Peninsula through Persia, Egypt and Central Asia - to hunt gazelle, hare and other swift prey across open desert and steppe terrain. Archaeological evidence suggests dogs of the Saluki type were present in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, with images resembling the modern breed found in Egyptian tomb paintings dating to around 2100 BC and Sumerian artefacts from even earlier periods. The breed is sometimes described as the Royal Dog of Egypt, though its origins span a much wider geographical area than Egypt alone. The Saluki is registered by the Kennel Club in the Hound Group.

The Saluki is a medium-sized, lightly built and extremely graceful dog of remarkable visual elegance. Two coat varieties exist within the breed: the smooth variety, in which the coat is short and fine throughout, and the feathered variety, in which the ears, tail and backs of the legs carry longer, silky, slightly wavy hair. Both varieties occur in a wide range of colours including white, cream, fawn, red, grizzle, black and tan, and various combinations. The build is unmistakably that of a sighthound - deep-chested, long-legged, narrow-waisted and built for explosive speed. Adults typically stand 58 to 71 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 13 to 30 kilograms.

The character is gentle, aloof and deeply loyal to its own household while remaining reserved with strangers and unfamiliar people. This aloofness is a consistent breed characteristic - the Saluki was bred to hunt independently over large distances and was not required to be demonstratively sociable in the way of many more recently developed companion breeds. It is sensitive, perceptive and can form very close bonds with its own people while appearing indifferent to others. The combination of gentleness in the home and explosive capability outside it is one of the breed's most distinctive qualities.

The prey drive is strong and reliable containment is a non-negotiable requirement of Saluki ownership. The breed should not be exercised off-lead in any area that is not securely fenced. In full flight, a Saluki is capable of speeds approaching 70 kilometres per hour and can disappear across open ground in seconds. Recall is unreliable in the presence of prey animals.

Health is generally good. Heart conditions and hypothyroidism have been documented.

Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £700 to £1,500. Monthly running costs average £70 to £120. The Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club is the primary resource for breed information, health guidance, responsible breeders and rescue contact.

Gentle, aloof and deeply devoted to its own inner circle. Reserved with strangers - not unfriendly but not demonstratively sociable. Sensitive and calm in the home. Can have a strong prey drive toward small animals. Affectionate with those it trusts. A dog of quiet dignity and considerable personal charm.

Intelligent but deeply independent - the Saluki hunted independently of close human direction for thousands of years. Recall is unreliable in open spaces given the prey drive and speed. Positive reinforcement works but repetitive obedience training bores the breed. Early socialisation is important given the aloof character.

Needs daily exercise including opportunities to run at full speed in a safely enclosed area. The breed is a sprint rather than endurance athlete - short bursts of high speed are natural. On-lead walking is acceptable but must be combined with off-lead running in secure areas. An under-exercised Saluki becomes restless and destructive.

The Saluki is generally a healthy breed with relatively few hereditary conditions given the long history of natural selection. Heart conditions including dilated cardiomyopathy have been documented. Hypothyroidism has been reported. The Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club maintains health information and guidance for prospective owners.

Feed a high-quality complete food for an active medium breed. The Saluki is naturally lean - a degree of visible ribbing is normal for the breed and does not indicate underfeeding. Do not overfeed. Two meals daily. Monitor weight - both obesity and excessive leanness are harmful.

The smooth variety requires minimal grooming - a weekly wipe-down. The feathered variety has longer, silky hair on the ears, tail and back of the legs requiring brushing twice weekly. Both varieties are low shedding. The coat is fine and silky and should not be bathed too frequently.

Purchase price from a KC-registered, health-tested breeder: £700 to £1,500. Monthly running costs: £70 to £120.

Suits patient, experienced owners who appreciate an aloof, independent companion of great elegance. Secure fenced space for off-lead exercise is essential - the Saluki cannot be trusted off lead in open spaces given the prey drive and speed. Good with gentle children but not boisterous families. Not suitable for first-time owners.