THE SALUKI may well be the oldest breed of dog domesticated by early man, the hunter.
In size and appearance the Saluki is unchanged from the earliest records found in caves, which pre-date by some 4,000 years the popularity this breed enjoyed under the Pharaohs. Camel trains from Egypt carried Salukis to all parts of the ancient world along the Silk Road. In different lands the Saluki became the forerunner of all the greyhound-type breeds bred to hunt by sighting and pursuing game.The Saluki is still unsurpassed for his combination of speed and endurance and is still used as a food provider by nomadic tribes from Morocco to Asia Miner.
THE ORIGIN of the modern name "SALUKI" is unclear, but one suggestion comes from an early Arabic poem, "Kings from Saluki", once a town in Southern Arabia.
THE MODERN DESCRIPTION was first registered by The Saluki or Gazelle Hound Club in England in 1923. Although those words have now been expanded, the description is of the same ancient breed handed down by those most skilful of breeders, the Arabs - to whom the Saluki was never a dog (unclean), but a precious and noble gift bestowed by Allah.
A MEDIUM SIZED, MODERATE DOG, built for extreme speed and endurance. There are smooth-coated and feathered varieties, the latter with silky fringes mainly on the ears and tail.
COLOUR may be any single colour or combination of colours. Size varies considerably between 23" and 28" (56cm to 71cm)
BRED TO SHARE THE FAMILY HOME, a watch dog which will warn but not generally attack. Dignified, reserved with strangers, an intelligent, independent but loyal companion, trainable to the highest level of obedience but requiring sensitivity and patience in the process. Generally quiet.Gets on well with other pets. Trustworthy, tolerant and affectionate with children - but needs his own peaceful spot to get away and doze. Young Salukis need training in the social graces. Lack of human affection, boredom and frustration can produce acts of defiance and destruction.
IDEALLY A LARGE YARD with six foot fences. A Saluki which has to be left alone all day should be walked morning and night and have "escape-proof" accommodation. The Saluki is social, not solitary. Two are easier than one.
VERY HARDY, free of hereditary diseases and most anatomical problems. Has no "doggy" odour. Requires little grooming. Only eats what it needs about 4kg of a balanced dry food maintains a non-working adult for a week. Lifespan 12 to 14 years or more.
A BEAUTIFUL CONNECTION with the past treasured by a relatively small number of devotees as a companion and show dog. His aristocratic appearance and light, easy movement have made him a favourite with show judges. He can share an active outdoor life, or while away summer days and winter nights of peaceful partnership.
General Appearance Gives impression of grace, symmetry and of great speed and endurance, coupled with strength and activity. Expression dignified and gentle with faithful, far-seeing eyes.
Characteristics Of great quality with unique shaped foot necessary for hunting natural terrain.
Temperament Reserved with strangers but not nervous or aggressive, dignified, intelligent and independent.
Head and Skull Head long and narrow, skull moderately wide between ears, not domed, stop not pronounced, whole showing great quality. Nose black or liver.
Eyes Dark to hazel, bright, large and oval, not prominent.
Ears Long and mobile, not too low set, covered with long silky hair, hanging close to skull. Bottom tip of leather reaches to corner of mouth when brought forward. Provided ear is covered with silky hair which may grow only from top half, the standard is complied with but longer hair also correct.
Mouth Teeth and jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck Long, supple and well muscled.
Forequarters Shoulders sloping and set well back, well muscled without being coarse. Chest deep and moderately narrow, when viewed from front not an inverted V. Forelegs straight and long from elbow to wrist.
Pasterns strong and slightly sloping. Not round boned. Humerus sloping slightly backwards.
Body Back fairly broad, muscles slightly arched over loin, but never roached backed. Brisket long and deep, not barrel-ribbed or slab-sided, with good cut up. Sufficient length of loin important.
Hindquarters Strong hip bones set wide apart. Stifle moderately bent with well developed first and second thigh. Hocks low to ground.
Feet Strong and supple of moderate length, toes slightly webbed, long and well arched, two inner toes considerably longer than two outer toes on all four feet. Not splayed out or cat footed and feathered between toes. Front feet point forward at very slight angle when standing.
Tail Set on low from long and gently sloping pelvis. Carried naturally in curve. Well feathered on underside but not bushy. In adults not carried above line of back except in play. Tip reaching to hock.
Gait/Movement Light, lifting, effortless, showing both reach and drive, body lifting off ground with long, flat strides, not flinging itself forward. No hackney action or plodding.
Coat Smooth, of silky texture, feathering on legs and back of thighs and between hock and heel. Puppies may have slight woolly feathering on thigh and shoulder. Feathering on throat permissible but not desirable.
Smooth variety as above but without feathering.
Colour White, cream, fawn, golden red, grizzle, silver grizzle, deer grizzle, tri- colour (white, black and tan), black and tan and variations of these colours, i.e. black fringed fawn, black fringed red not brindle.
Size dogs: 58.4-71.1 cms (23-28 ins) at shoulders; bitches proportionately smaller.
Faults Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
Note Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
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