Salukis come in a variety of coat colours.
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| Origin | Fertile Crescent,[1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Saluki, also known as Persian Greyhound or Tazi, is a dog originally bred in the Fertile Crescent.[1] The Saluki is classed as a sighthound and is typically deep-chested and long-legged.[2] Salukis are "sight" hounds—hunting by sight—and run their quarry down to kill or retrieve it. Historically, Salukis were used for hunting by nomadic tribes of Persia. Typical quarry included the gazelle, hare, fox and jackal.[2]
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[hide]Name[edit]
The two ancient Sumerian words "Salu-ki" translate into "plunge-earth."[3] However, there is no evidence the breed was referred to by the Sumerians with this name nor what "plunge to earth" might have meant in reference to the Saluki. The name of the breed first appeared in writing in pre-Islamic Arabic poetry and may have derived from "Saluqiyyah," the Arabic form of Seleucia. However, this is disputed.[4]:56 British diplomat Sir Terence Clark wrote that the Arabic word "Saluqi" describes a person or thing from a place named Saluq.
Arab tradition states that Saluq was an ancient town in Yemen not far from modern Ta'izz, and the Arabs associate this town with the origin of the breed. However, the word "saluqi" might have been derived from reference to several other places: Saluq in Armenia, and three towns called Saluqiyah. One has become modern Silifke (Turkey), another is near Antioch (modern Antakya, Turkey), and third is located near Baghdad (Iraq). Baghdad eclipsed Ctesiphon, the capital of the Persian Empire, which was located some 30 km (19 mi) to the southeast. Ctesiphon itself had replaced and absorbed Seleucia, the first capital of the Seleucid Empire (312 BC - 65 AD) and the adjective saluqi may have been derived by the Arabs of the Arabian Peninsula from the similar-sounding word for Seleucid used in the Aramaic and Syriac languages spoken there by the various peoples of that part of Mesopotamia, but there is no irrefutable evidence.[5]
Description[edit]
Salukis are "sight" hounds—hunting by sight—and run their quarry down to kill or retrieve it. The normal size range for the breed is 23–28 inches (58–71 cm) high at the withers and 40–60 pounds (18–27 kg) in weight. Female Salukis are slightly smaller than males.[6] The head is long and narrow with large eyes and drop ears.[6] The tail of the breed is long and curved.[6] It has the typical deep-chested, long-legged body of sighthounds.[2] The coat comes in a variety of colors including white, cream, fawn, red, grizzle/tan, black/tan, and tri-color (white, black and tan).[7]
The overall appearance of the Saluki is one of grace and symmetry. Two coat types—smooth and feathered—are evident in the breed's gene pool. The latter variety has light feathering on the back of the legs and thighs.[2] The fur on both types is silky[8]and is low-shedding when compared to other breeds.[9]
Swiftness and physical capacity[edit]
While the Greyhound is credited as being the fastest dog breed up to distances of around 800 metres (2,600 ft), both the Saluki and Whippet breeds are thought to be faster over longer distances. In 1996, The Guinness Book of Records listed a Saluki as being the fastest dog, capable of reaching a speed of 68.8 km/h (42.8 mph).[10] Due to its heavily padded feet being able to absorb the impact on its body, the Saluki has remarkable stamina when running.[8]
Historically, Salukis were used for hunting by nomadic tribes. Typical quarry included the gazelle, hare, fox and jackal.[2] While hunting hares, Bedouin hunters would sometimes ride close to their quarry on a camel holding a Saluki, which would be thrown towards the prey while at speed to give the dog a running start.[11] Gazelle hunters also used hawks to gouge out the eyes of the prey so that a Saluki could then bring down the blinded animal.[12]
Temperament[edit]
The modern Saluki has retained qualities of hunting hounds and may seem reserved to strangers. The often independent and aloof breed may be difficult to train. Training methods should always be gentle and patient.[13] Salukis may bore easily and are not an ideal breed to leave unattended for long periods.[14] The Saluki does not typically enjoy rough games or activities such as retrieving balls, but does enjoy soft toys. Early socialization will help prevent timidity and shyness in later life.[13] Given its hunting instincts, the dog is prone to chasing moving objects.[9]
Health[edit]
Hip dysplasia is uncommon in Salukis, with the breed ranking joint lowest in a survey by the British Veterinary Association in 2003. The breed scored an average of 5 points, with a score of 0 being low, while 106 is high.[15] In a 2006 breed specific survey conducted by The Kennel Club and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association Scientific Committee, responses highlighted several health issues. The primary cause of death identified was that of cancer, being responsible for 35.6% of deaths, with the most common forms being that of liver cancer or lymphoma. The secondary cause of death was cardiac related, with forms such as heart failure, or unspecified heart defects. Old age is listed as the third most frequent cause of death.[16]
Cardiomyopathy, heart murmur and other cardiac issues were present in 17.2% of responses while dermatolic conditions such as dermatitis or alopecia were reported by 10.8% of responses.[16] Salukis have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years,[13] which is similar to other breeds of their size.[17]
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