Long and of a smooth,
silky texture with light feathering on the body and with more obvious feathering
on the ears and tail. The smooth-haired variety has no feathering. White,
cream, fawn, golden, red, grey/grizzle, black and tan, tricolour and fringed
variations of these colours.
Dogs between 58-71 cm (23-28 in)
Long and narrow, with
comparatively wide skull. The eyes are expressive, oval and dark to hazel
in colour. The mobile ears are faily long and hairy.
Long, deep brisket, broad back slightly arched.
Long, supple and muscular
Long and well muscled. The feet are strong and supple with slightly webbed
toes.
Set low and carried naturally in a curve.
One of the very earliest pure breeds of dog, the Saluki tody probably looks much as it did 9000 years ago. Its origins lie in the Middle East and for centuries it was the prized sight hound of Bedonin tribes, pampered and treated with affection ty people who considered their sheepdogs 'unclean'. Even today a few of these dogs are kept in the modern Arab world to hunt with falcons and to course the increasingly rare gazelle, fox and hare. In the West, the Saluki was officially recognized as a breed in the early 20th century and the dog is better known as a show dog and pet.
Though friendly and loyal, the Saluki has a rather sensitive nature and demands gentle but consistent training and handling to keep its natural hunting instincts under control. It adapts well to most environments and is easy to keep as long as it can exercise safely and freely and has plenty of companionship.
One of the most beautiful of the hounds, the graceful, elegant lines of this hunting dog.