Saluki
Breed Profile
The Saluki is a standardised breed of dog, developed from sighthounds – dogs that are known to hunt primarily by sight rather than scent and used by nomadic tribes to chase game animals. The dog was originally bred in the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East. The breed is very closely related to the Afghan hound, a basal breed that was created before the emergence of modern breeds in the 19th Century.
Temperament
The modern Saluki has retained qualities of hunting hounds and may seem standoffish to strangers. The often independent and aloof breed may not be amenable for training, and they generally cannot be trusted to return to their owner when off-leash. Trainer should be warned that patience is the key to success.
Color & Coat
Coat: The breed dons a coat, which is smooth and silky; the feathered variety has long hair on its ears, tail, between its toes and sometimes on the backs of its legs; the smooth variety has no long feathering.
Color: The coat exhibits a number of hues, including white, cream, fawn, red, grizzled/tan, black/tan, and tri-color (white, black and tan).
Health
The Saluki is prone to some genetic eye diseases and cancer. The main cause of death identified was that of cancer, to which 35.6% of deaths can be attributed. The most prevalent types of cancer, including liver cancer or lymphoma. The secondary cause of death is heart failure or unspecified heart defects. Old age is considered the third most frequent cause of death.