Saluki
Also known as Lévrier persan (Persian Greyhound)
- Height at the withers
- 58 to 71 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 27 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 17 years
- Daily activity
- 90 minutes
- Origin
- Middle East (Fertile Crescent)
- FCI group
- 10 · Sighthounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
An ancient, elegant sighthound from the Middle East with a graceful outline and feathered ears and tail, known for its extraordinary speed and stamina and its dignified nature. Bred to hunt gazelles in desert terrain.
History and origins
One of the oldest breeds of domestic dog, cherished for thousands of years by the princes and Bedouin tribes of the Middle East for hunting gazelles. The Bedouin considered it a gift from God and set it apart from other dogs.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 17 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Sensitivity to anesthetics (common in sighthounds)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, smooth coat. Low shedding, low coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- High, 4 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Avoid, 1 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very high, 5 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very quiet, 1 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
Saluki FAQ
How big does the Saluki get?
The Saluki stands 58 to 71 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 27 kg. It is a large dog.
Does the Saluki shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs little care.
Can the Saluki live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus.
How much exercise does the Saluki need each day?
Allow about 90 minutes of activity a day: its energy is high. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Saluki good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Saluki live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 17 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are dilated cardiomyopathy and hemangiosarcoma.
