Saluki

[Troy]

The Saluki

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=24 )

Group: Group 4 (Hounds)

General Appearance: The whole appearance of this breed should give an impression of grace and symmetry and of great speed and endurance coupled with strength and activity to enable it to kill gazelle or other quarry over deep sand or rocky mountain. The expression should be dignified and gentle with deep, faithful, farseeing eyes.

Characteristics: (Not detailed.)

Temperament: (Not detailed.)

Head And Skull: Head long and narrow; skull moderately wide between ears, not domed, the stop not pronounced, the whole showing great quality. Nose black or liver.

Eyes: Dark to hazel and bright, large and oval, but not prominent.

Ears: Long and mobile, covered with long silky hair; hanging close to the skull.

Mouth: Teeth strong and level.

Neck: Long, supple and well muscled.

Forequarters: Shoulders sloping and set well back, well muscled without being coarse. The chest deep and moderately narrow. The forelegs straight and long from the elbow to the knee

Body: Back fairly broad, muscles slightly arched over the loin.

Hindquarters: Strong, hip bones set wide apart, and stifle moderately bent, hocks low to the ground, showing galloping and jumping power.

Feet: Of moderate length, toes long, and well arched, not splayed out, but at the same time not cat footed; the whole being strong and supple and well feathered between the toes.

Tail: Long, set on low and carried naturally in a curve, well feathered on the underside with long silky hair, not bushy.

Gait/Movement: (Not detailed.)

Coat: Smooth and of a soft silky texture; slight feather on the legs; feather at the back of the thighs; sometimes with slight woolly feather on thigh and shoulders. (In the Smooth variety the points should be the same with the exception of the coat which has no feathering.)

Colour: White, cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle and tan, tricolour (white, black and tan) and black and tan, or variations of these colours.

Sizes: Height:

Dogs 58-71 cms (23-28 ins).

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 and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Smooth Coated Saluki

See More Photos of the Saluki

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Saluki

Saluki Breeders

Saluki Puppies For Sale

[SkySoaringMagpie]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I have three Salukis.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

The Saluki is widely considered to be one of the first breeds. Paintings and engravings of dogs resembling Salukis can be found on ancient archeological sites dating back thousands of years.

Saluki type dogs can still be seen in the countries of origin from the Gulf States to North Africa to Iran to Khazakhstan. The modern Saluki in the West was defined by people who took them back to England, and later, to North America. As with other aspects of middle eastern culture and geography, how the West divides up dog breeds does not always sync up with how inhabitants of the country of origin would separate them into breeds. One of the reasons our Saluki standard is so broadly defined was to take in a range of different types. The Saluki and its cousins like the Azawakh and Sloughi are sighthounds and were bred to hunt game such as hare and gazelle.

3. How common is it in Australia?

It is not a common household pet as some of its characteristics are not popular with people seeking family pets.

4. What is the average lifespan?

12-15 years. It is rare for a Saluki to live past the age of 16.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

It will depend on the breeder you select but a Saluki should be affectionate with its owner and aloof with strangers. Aloof does not mean timid or scatty, it means that the dog will reject affection and interaction with people it does not know, often by turning its head away. Friends and family who are used to dogs that are always waggy tailed and happy to meet new people may be offended by this.

Puppies and adolescents can be inventively and remarkably naughty and destructive if not managed appropriately. Salukis will treat you as their own personal staff if they can possibly get away with it - they believe they own you, not the other way around. They are very good at training their human owners. They are also cat-like in their independent, aristocratic attitude. If unquestioning adoration and biddability is important to you in a dog, do not get a Saluki.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Different breeders and owners will have different views. I believe that for good physical fitness they should have the opportunity to walk or run a couple of kilometers a day. For mental happiness, I think they need weekly offleash running in a large very secure fenced area where they can really stretch out. They live to run. They should not be run with small dogs, especially small toy breeds. Even with a muzzle on, they can wind up playing soccer with smaller dogs and they have a very robust play style. The literally thousands of years of breeding for hunting ability that sits behind the modern Saluki can mean tragedy in the wrong circumstances.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

No. They are challenging to train. You must be precise and gentle. They will shut down if your methods are too heavy or you are too inaccurate. Unlike a Border Collie, they were bred to work independently of their master, so often appear "cloth eared". They are not a biddable dog, but can be trained with the right methods.

They are not a good choice for someone who wants a dog they can walk, play and run with offlead in public spaces. They have no road sense. They are also fast long distance runners, and if they spot something like a cat or a rabbit while off-leash they will run after it and you will have no hope of catching them on foot.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

Yes, providing they are given solid exercise in the morning and the same in the evening. Like many dogs Salukis are most active at sunrise and sunset, and will sleep during the day providing they are given sufficient exercise and mental stimulation before you leave for work and after you get home. Puppies may struggle with being left alone all day, an adult dog would be a good choice.

9. How much grooming is required?

For the feathered dogs, ears and tails must be brushed each week or they will get knots and tangles. If you are planning to desex your Saluki, it will probably grow a long fuzzy coat.

Salukis can be prone to ear infections like other drop eared dogs, your breeder will give you advice on how to prevent and manage this if necessary. If you brush your Salukis ears regularly, you will spot any trouble quickly.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

Unlike a Stafford, most Salukis don't cope well with children's boisterousness and unpredictability. Some do; many don't and can wind up needing to be rehomed because the mix with young kids did not work out. A Saluki is not a good choice for a family with a child with unpredictable behavioural issues. Many Salukis do not tolerate a lot of loud noise and argy bargy very well.

A dog that is not trained needs to be in the hands of someone who is physically fit, as they are a fast athletic breed. I would not recommend them for infirm people for this reason.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

This breed has a relatively small population base and there is no central register of common hereditary issues in Australia. I recommend people read the Saluki Club of America health website:

http://www.salukiclub.org/SalukiHealth/SalukiHealth.html

Some people will say that Salukis are a problem free breed. This is not true, there are diseases that have turned up often enough that they may have a hereditary component including hemangiosarcoma, auto-immune haemolytic anaemia and epilepsy.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

There are no genetic health tests specifically for Salukis yet. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the lines they are using, and will ask a vet to perform a health check prior to breeding. A health check will cover things like cardiac function, a blood screen and a physical exam. A breeder may also choose to hip score their dogs. I recommend that people talk to a range of prospective breeders about their views on Salukis and health.

Different breeders are breeding different temperaments; some more traditional, some more friendly. The latter may suit pet homes and first time owners better.

Edited May 4, 2010 by SkySoaringMagpie

[Alyosha]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

Recent (within the last two years) owner of Salukis, one pet girl and one young male show dog.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

Like Anita said, they are considered an ancient breed. They are widely considered to either be, or very close to, an aboriginal form of Middle Eastern desert sighthound. Their relatives include the Sloughi, Azawakh and Afghan hounds. When you talk of Saluki origins you speak in millennia instead of centuries - like it's historical counterpart - the Arabian Horse.

The Saluki is also historically reported to be involved in the development of later (within the last thousand years) sighthound breeds such as the Greyhound, Galgo Espanol and Borzoi.

3. How common is it in Australia?

Not too common. Many members of the public don't know what they are when they meet them.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Don't let "aloof" be confused with fearful. Saluki's will avoid physical contact from strangers - much like people do. They have a personal space and only their loved ones (human and animal) are really welcome inside it. But they shouldn't leap away from the slightest noise or movement like the world is ending. They are a hunting breed and should have self confidence.

Salukis NEED socialisation as youngsters. The more the better. Not necessarily hands-on meeting people, but being out and about and experiencing life in general. If they miss early socialisation they can be very difficult to manage, and it takes a huge amount of dedication to win their trust back in people and the world.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

A good walk on lead daily. Some free running time whenever possible is important for their mental as well as physical health. We're lucky to have enough space for ours to have a run in safe paddocks where there are wild rabbits around. Hunting (even if they don't actually catch anything!) is what they are here for and seems he best exercise they can get.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

I wouldn't think so. They can certainly be challenging to live with. They are intelligent and independent. They will challenge their surroundings (fences included) as well as their owners. Although they are often described as cat like I find them more akin to dealing with a child, they will test their boundaries and consistency in rules and treatment is very important to avoid sulking.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

I'll second Anita on this. I think they are happiest with another Saluki if they are to be left alone for extended periods. Salukis are breed snobs and even though they live happily with other dogs they often prefer the company of their own breed.

9. How much grooming is required?

Little. Puppy coat can be weird and wonderful. We had one who was thick and coarse, almost terrier like. And the other one still gets lots of fluff (he's still under one year old) which needs some stripping and taming in order to make him presentable for the show ring. Most will get some amounts of fluff during their lifetime which is normally stripped or plucked by hand (like tidying an Afghan's saddle) for the show ring.

Watch for seeds and burrs between the toes due to the hair that grows there, these can cause painful infections if not found and removed. Fringed ears should also be checked for and knots and/or seeds on an almost daily basis to prevent any problems arising.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

We have four children from toddlers to teenagers, and our Salukis love them. But our kids have grown up with sighthounds and don't play rough.

If you have children, the early socialisation again is very important. Make sure that a puppy is chosen for it's temperament (as not all Salukis will suit) instead of any other factor such as colour, sex etc. A good breeder will be able to match puppies to homes, and their guidance is vital.

Adult Salukis can be very gentle and soft and wouldn't be too boisterous around frailer people - but they need to be trained to not jump up etc as would any dog. Their awareness of their personal space makes them good for not invading that of others, but also can result in a flurry of movement (leaping out of the way) if they are startled. This again shouldn't be considered nervousness, many sighthounds will do it.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

The above link in Anita's post is a good one. As with any breed, thorough research and talking to long term breeders is important when considering acquiring a pup or mature hound. The internet makes research easier than ever.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Make sure you are guided by a good breeder as to physical soundness and temperaments. Good breeders will have an idea of the temperaments of even very young pups, and are able to suggest which ones are suited to which homes. Make sure that you are guided by knowledge, soundness and suitable temperament rather than preference for a breed's looks or an individual's colour etc.

If you are new to Salukis, talk to a breeder you feel comfortable with, and that won't mind you coming to them with questions about your Saluki long after purchase. Don't ever be afraid to ask if you have any concerns about how your saluki is behaving, growing or anything else. A good breeder will always rather that you ask then muddle along and let life be harder than it needs to be - even if you think your concerns may sound silly.

Edited June 29, 2009 by Nattylou

[cassie]

Why does the ANKC standard say "Not detailed" for Characteristics, Temperament and Gait/Movement?

Are Salukis similar to Afghans?

[SkySoaringMagpie]

Why does the ANKC standard say "Not detailed" for Characteristics, Temperament and Gait/Movement?

Are Salukis similar to Afghans?

The Australian standard is based on the 1923 English standard. The Australian breed extension, which is available from the ANKC website, covers the parts that are missing from the standard.

There was some discussion a couple of years ago about changing the standard to the current FCI standard which is more detailed but also contains some controversial points. Agreement could not be reached so we still have the 1923.

In the breed bible Saluki: Companion of Kings, Vera Watkins says this about the standard:

The urgent matter at the time however (1922/23), in the interests of the breed, was to form a Club and draw up a standard of points which the Kennel Club could adopt and approve. Despite much argument, it was done, and it was very cleverly done to include all the types then in Britain.

It must be frustrating for trainee judges, but I like the fact that our standard isn't heavily detailed and prescriptive.

OH has two Afghans. To me they are quite different to Salukis but to an outsider comparing both to a non-sighthound, perhaps they would seem similar. They are both athletic, independent, aloof and from the same breed "family".

To me Afghans are more clownish, more laid back and they like an audience. Salukis are more on their toes with the world - they also have a particular sense of humour but unlike the Afghans usually they are laughing at you, not themselves. To me Afghans are more fire, and Salukis are more faraway in expression - if that makes any sense at all.

Physically the dogs are quite different underneath all that coat, Salukis are not just a shaved off Afghan. If you compare a smooth Afghan with a smooth Saluki the physical differences are easier to see.

I think Natty has also had Afghans so I will be interested to hear what she thinks.

[MTD]

Amazingly gorgeous looking dogs

I saw a saluki the other week at a show with a brindle type colouring , which I have never seen before . Is this what they call grizzle and tan in the standard ?and how common is it ?

[SkySoaringMagpie]

Amazingly gorgeous looking dogs

I saw a saluki the other week at a show with a brindle type colouring , which I have never seen before . Is this what they call grizzle and tan in the standard ?and how common is it ?

Brindle is different to grizzle and is not mentioned in our standard.

margot, who posts occasionally in the sighthound thread, is the brindle saluki expert. I have put a nudge in that thread for people to come and post here.

[redarachnid]

After having Afghans for 15yrs, I got my first Saluki about 10mths ago. He's now 13mths. He was from a well known show kennel.

I can speak with NO authority on Salukis, having only my first youngster, and look forward to reading info from the experienced. But I can tell you a little about my boy.

His temperament is not aloof (like an afghan) at all!! He is overly friendly with people and dogs, always happy, tail wagging at strangers and will gently put his feet up on your chest to say hello.

He has been taught to run off-lead and does so often. He never makes any attempt to "make a break for it". He's way too sooky to think about leaving home. If anything he is a little to "clingy".

I would highly recommend these dogs as a pet (not sure about with kids, don't have any) as they love to be active but love to be a couch potato too. I also recommend you have a mate for your Saluki as mine doesn't like being alone.

I'm in the process of getting another one!!!

[Alyosha]

His temperament is not aloof (like an afghan) at all!! He is overly friendly with people and dogs, always happy, tail wagging at strangers and will gently put his feet up on your chest to say hello.

He has been taught to run off-lead and does so often. He never makes any attempt to "make a break for it". He's way too sooky to think about leaving home. If anything he is a little to "clingy".

I would highly recommend these dogs as a pet (not sure about with kids, don't have any) as they love to be active but love to be a couch potato too. I also recommend you have a mate for your Saluki as mine doesn't like being alone.

I'm in the process of getting another one!!!

I'm no great authority either...

Our boy is super sociable as well - he loves meeting people, but his friends and family get super special massive body squiggles and the propeller tail. He won't head for the hills if he is off lead on his own, but if he and our girl are together they can. They have an amazingly close bond. Our girl grew up with our Borzoi, and was very close to our Borzoi bitch - but as soon as the male Saluki turned up they were inseperable.

I'd say Afghans in general have an easier temperament for beginners, similar in some ways but generally little more forgiving and easy going than some Salukis. Very similar in training, but I think the Affies again (well my ones anyway!) are easier to formally train. But the concept is the same, as with most sighthounds - they need to work with you, they will rarely work for you.

Everything is an individual matter though, and even litter brother/sisters can vary widely in attitude and temperament.

Salukis have a stubborn streak I hadn't seen in another dog to such a degree. If you ask something of them that they don't agree with - they are likely to look at you, and then look away pointedly to let you know very clearly that they don't want to listen, they think you're talking rubbish.

The Australian standard is a little scant. The FCI standard has a really good paragraph at the beginning that makes this scantness much more understandable:

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : Salukis vary in type and the variation is desired and typical for the breed. The reason for the variation is the special place held by the Saluki in the Arab tradition and the immense size of the Middle East area where the Saluki has been used as a hound of the chase for thousands of years. Originally each tribe had Salukis best suited for hunting the particular game in its own area, but by Middle East tradition, Salukis are not bought or sold but presented as marks of honour. It follows that those presented as such to Europeans and brought to Europe came from a wide variation of terrain and climate and vary accordingly. The British 1923 standard was the first official European breed standard for the Saluki and was drawn up to cover all these original types of Saluki.

I would highly recommend them as well, even with kids. My kids regularly take ours in Tot's Handler's classes at shows as well as snuggling up on the couch with them!

Grizzle salukis should have a sort of mask, a heart shaped lighter section of colour on their face and around the eyes. If you Google (images) for Grizzle Saluki you will get an idea. Any colour experts can correct me if I haven't got that description right!! The brindles that I have seen have an all over body colour instead.

Edit - can't spell...

Edited June 29, 2009 by Nattylou

[margot]

Amazingly gorgeous looking dogs

I saw a saluki the other week at a show with a brindle type colouring , which I have never seen before . Is this what they call grizzle and tan in the standard ?and how common is it ?

Hi

Thanks Anita, for pointing me in this direction

If the dog you saw was in Queensland, it would have been my boy, who I co-own with his breeder, (as of this weekend ) Ch Baghdad Tyghar Bey . This particular boy is a Brindle Grizzle, so yes he is a Grizzle with a "variation of these colours".

It is very rare colour, largely due to breeders selecting against it (the same fate used to befall Parti's for many years, for some breeders), despite this we have been able to find 52 brindles registered through out the years, world wide. One of the original imports pictured with the Honorable Florence Amherst (Amherstia) was brindle, and she exported a brindle bitch to the US, who was one of the foundations of the breed, Amherstia Nazarat O'Redledge. Esther Bliss Knapp (Pine Paddocks USA) was also pictured with a brindle smooth dog she bred in the late 60's Emir Tigre of Pine Paddocks, but we have no records of him ever producing. Sir Terence Clarke (expert on country of origin Saluki's) has many pictures of brindle saluki's in the COO, with some areas saying they are common, and others that they never have them.

They look to be becoming less of a rarity now, as as well as the brindle Baghdad's (one of which has been exported to the US and already has done very well in the show ring), there are brindle pups on the ground in the US and Finland, but right now Tyghar would be the first brindle Champion in the world, since the last one in the 80's in Germany.

Seeing I am here, I might as well answer the questions

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I first lived with a Saluki in 1978, when my parents bought a Sayf son. I grew up with Saluki's and despite having other breeds , to me nothing is as beautiful to look at, or such a pleasure to live with as a Saluki. I had a long break from dog shows, but now share my home with two beautiful Saluki's, who I show, lure course and adore. I co-own my dogs with their breeder, and while we are planning a litter next year, it will be a Baghdad litter.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

I think everyone has covered this

3. How common is it in Australia?

...and this

4. What is the average lifespan?

Mum and Dad had a Saluki live to 17, and that is the longest lived I have known.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

This is variable, with some Saluki's being somewhat nervy around strangers, but all Saluki's should be outgoing and loving with "their people"...if not, it is a temperament problem. I think Saluki's are somewhat cat like in their personality. They dont need to be all over you, and like to lie calmly and decoratively on the couch for many hours...then they get an attack of the zoomies and run round and round like lunatics, before another long stint of being calmly decorative!

People have been successful in doing obedience with their Saluki's, but I never have I think my Saluki is obedient when she gets off the dining room table, when I tell her to.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

Saluki's need to run, so at least need a large VERY WELL FENCED yard. Their recall is rarely reliable if they are chasing some thing.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

If someone thinks they are buying a dog, and it will be easy, no. If you have done your research and know what to expect, a Saluki is no harder or easier than any other...the difficulties are just a little different. Saluki's can be vengeful, if I tell my boy off for something, I make sure the bedroom door is closed, as he has been known to retaliate by weeing on the bed. You can never be heavy handed with a Saluki.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

I don't think any do does well being left alone for long periods, and two Saluki's are happier than 1. People just don't run fast enough, and don't like playing wild Saluki games!

9. How much grooming is required?

Saluki's have an easy care coat, if you aren't showing a weekly brush and ear check, and a regular nail trim does it...and you can always get a smooth, and it will only need a polish

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

My guys live with and adore my 3 children (9,6 and 4), and the kids love them even more. My kids are noisy and the Saluki's don't mind, but the children have been taught how to respect dogs and treat them properly, and the Salukis respect the kids. Given the size and atheleticism, I do not think they are a breed that suits a primary care giver who is not physically able, but my elderly aunt who uses a walker lives in a household that includes a Saluki, and comes and stays with me, and I dont need to seperate the saluki's. Again it is about teaching respect and boundaries.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

The most comprehensive research on Saluki Health is done by Dr Mary Dee Sist. Her website is http://salukihealthresearch.tripod.com

I will be thyroid testing my guys before breeding from them.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

One of the beauties of the Saluki breed is that there is such a range of looks, and each is correct. The founders of the breed in England had very different looking Saluki's...and were convinced that theirs were correct, so the standard was written to be inclusive of these variations. Talk to people, meet their dogs, and chose a breeder based on what you want.

For anyone interested in the breed , a group of Australian Saluki fanciers, are publishing a new online magazine. It cost nothing to subscribe and is full of information (if I do say so myself ) . If you visit www.salukiinsights.com you can subscribe and be notified when Issue 1 is available (July 24th!)

Best wishes

Margot

[SkySoaringMagpie]

Just a quick comment about age: Saluki puppies are usually like any other well bred puppy: playful, curious, sociable etc. Different lines do different things but usually you only get the final adult personality around the age of 2 - sometimes later. That's where you should start to see the more mature breed characteristics come out in the temperament.

Colour and coat patterning is something that even people who have been in the breed a long time do not necessarily agree on. This is a very large file (around 24 MB!) but if you have broadband it does a pretty good job of explaining the different coat patterns and colours, tho' some of the terminology is US terminology:

Saluki Club of America colour presentation

I agree with Natty that the right fit with temperament and personality is far more important for a family pet than the colour. Whatever colour you end up with, you will most likely grow to love. The variety of Saluki colours and coat patterns is one of the lovely things about the breed.

[corvus]

So.... they are physical and a bit wild while playing but prefer people to be gentle around them? Are they rough players with lots of shouldering and wrestling, or do they just run at high speed?

I've heard it said that Salukis don't make great jogging companions because their pace is too quick. Is that something invented by crazy people or is there truth in it?

[Alyosha]

So.... they are physical and a bit wild while playing but prefer people to be gentle around them?

I think you've put that quite well.

They box - standing up wrestling, and run. Our girl can go over the 12 foot round trampoline in a huge leap with only one touch in the middle when they are playing. Ours also like playing tag, especially round trees or similar, dodging each other - "Can't catch me!" sort of thing.

I think they'd be good jogging companions - not that I'm much of a jogger these days! I think they would figure how to match their pace to their handler pretty quick.

[Gogee]

Generally speaking I think they are rough in play with other dogs....well my boy is anyway!

His idea of fun is racing after other dogs, body slamming them, whilst roaring at them and covering them in slobber from his mouthing ....then he turns around and expects to be chased !

Obviously this body language/play behaviour is easily misunderstood by other non-sighthounds (or non salukis) and their owners, and can be quite intimidating.

Not sure what other saluki owners' experiences have been with this?

So yes to both the high speed running around whilst playing, and yes to the rough physical play in my own boy's case.

Definitely very gentle with people though

Not really sure about the jogging (as I have a fear of exercise ), but I would think they would adapt to your own pace whilst jogging, running as Nattylou has said.

So.... they are physical and a bit wild while playing but prefer people to be gentle around them? Are they rough players with lots of shouldering and wrestling, or do they just run at high speed?

I've heard it said that Salukis don't make great jogging companions because their pace is too quick. Is that something invented by crazy people or is there truth in it?

[SkySoaringMagpie]

Mine do a lot of boxing and chasing too. My newest girl arrived at the same time as an Afghan puppy, and they have bonded and do a heap of boxing, chasing, mouthing and carrying on.

I think (unless they're running with greys or whippets) they can be too much for your average dog because they are so fast and furious.

My girl used to be known as "the exercise dog" in the back paddock of the obedience club because she would take off, and some of the bigger breeds like Dobes would take off after her and they could never catch her. It's almost like they let the other dog get closer and then shift into turbo drive and speed away laughing. The owners of the dogs trying vainly to catch her loved it, because it really tired them out!!

With jogging I've just done it within our 6 ft chain wire fences and just let the Salukis lap me about a zillion times

More seriously, when we lived in suburbia I would use scouts pace on walks. When they had been well behaved on the lead I would pick up into a jogging pace for a bit as a reward and that usually worked out fine. I don't see a problem with them as jogging companions provided appropriate loose leash walking training is done and they're on leash.

[Sheridan]

Is there much of a difference between the show lines and non-show lines? I'm thinking, for example, of John Burchard's Tepe Gawra Salukis.

[SkySoaringMagpie]

Is there much of a difference between the show lines and non-show lines? I'm thinking, for example, of John Burchard's Tepe Gawra Salukis.

I haven't had enough exposure to OFC and lure coursing in Europe and the US to comment on the non-show coursing lines. I now have a job that will put me in Europe twice a year so I'm hoping that I'll be able to get some more exposure to it if I can.

In the US, this kennel has been very successful at both coursing and conformation (and agility):

http://www.windrushsalukis.com/home.html

I am showing a bitch bred by a country of origin breeder who hunts and does not show, and I am really pushing it up hill. There are things about her that are not "generic show dog" that make it difficult. I almost feel bad for her, because I know she has brothers and sisters who are hooning around the gulf deserts catching hare and she's here in our weirdo little world of infidels feeling her up on little ringed off bits of grass. I probably also make it difficult for myself in that I haven't advertised her, and I'm not one of these people who airily makes remarks about quarantine in the ring because I am genuinely curious about what judges will make of her. So we keep punishing ourselves!

In fact, I think I'll go and take her for a run in the paddocks now...

[corvus]

This is great. I've been dreaming of sighthounds for years, and Salukis have always been very high on the list, but I've been thinking I don't have the room or time to exercise one.

Do they have an off switch when it comes to prey drive? Like, is there a time when they wouldn't launch after a rabbit if you did coursing or something like that with them where there was a definite time for the prey drive to be on... Does that make any sense?

[Kissindra]

my impression is this is not a breed suited to high density suburbia, would you say this is true or is it possible with management?

[SkySoaringMagpie]

Do they have an off switch when it comes to prey drive? Like, is there a time when they wouldn't launch after a rabbit if you did coursing or something like that with them where there was a definite time for the prey drive to be on... Does that make any sense?

This is a bit like the recall discussion in the sibe thread. Based on what I've been told I understand it is possible to train this with some Salukis.

Most people don't have either the time or the skill - and I include myself in that category. You're pushing up against a lot of hardwiring. So for a new handler I would say the safest answer is no.