Saluki

[SkySoaringMagpie]

My dilemma is that I have cats. Ragdolls who don't really defend. One runs away like a normal cat, and the other just sits there and laps up what's given to him (Newfoundlands etc. don't bother him).

Also, this dog will be visiting my parent's place sometimes and they have loose chickens.

I am interested in Greyhounds but I love the Saluki appearance. What's the difference between the two personalities? Is it safe to leave the cats and dog together if raised from a puppy with cats, or could it turn one day? Or is it only outdoors that this instinct kicks in?

A lot of people I know have cats and Salukis. Providing you are clear headed about the risks and manage accordingly you will be fine.

Do your cats run from a confrontation? That is usually what will trigger prey drive in a sighthound, if it's not moving, they are rarely interested. If the cat holds its ground, particularly if the cat biffs the dog on the nose as a puppy, the dog will generally learn a healthy respect. It's easier to manage if the dog is a single dog too, less chance of the dogs forming a pack.

All our cats have died of old age, however we never allowed them to be unsupervised with the dogs and they always had places they could go to escape the dogs. There were also house rules against running and chasing. Given the right set of circumstances, any sighthound (any dog really) is capable of killing a cat. One of the reasons we didn't get another cat when our last cat died was because we have 5 indoor dogs and they're all very drivey. It's not so much that they "turn" it's that they have been bred for thousands of years to chase small running things, and training against that is hard for even experienced people.

The chickens are a problem. You won't be able to have a visiting Saluki offlead with your parents chickens but you won't be able to have many dogs offlead with strange chickens. If there are areas on the property where the chooks don't go, you should be fine tho'.

If you talk to a breeder about your circumstances, they can pick a puppy that isn't very drivey for you.

Edited September 13, 2009 by SkySoaringMagpie

[jarris]

My dilemma is that I have cats. Ragdolls who don't really defend. One runs away like a normal cat, and the other just sits there and laps up what's given to him (Newfoundlands etc. don't bother him).

Also, this dog will be visiting my parent's place sometimes and they have loose chickens.

I am interested in Greyhounds but I love the Saluki appearance. What's the difference between the two personalities? Is it safe to leave the cats and dog together if raised from a puppy with cats, or could it turn one day? Or is it only outdoors that this instinct kicks in?

A lot of people I know have cats and Salukis. Providing you are clear headed about the risks and manage accordingly you will be fine.

Do your cats run from a confrontation? That is usually what will trigger prey drive in a sighthound, if it's not moving, they are rarely interested. If the cat holds its ground, particularly if the cat biffs the dog on the nose as a puppy, the dog will generally learn a healthy respect. It's easier to manage if the dog is a single dog too, less chance of the dogs forming a pack.

All our cats have died of old age, however we never allowed them to be unsupervised with the dogs and they always had places they could go to escape the dogs. There were also house rules against running and chasing. Given the right set of circumstances, any sighthound (any dog really) is capable of killing a cat. One of the reasons we didn't get another cat when our last cat died was because we have 5 indoor dogs and they're all very drivey. It's not so much that they "turn" it's that they have been bred for thousands of years to chase small running things, and training against that is hard for even experienced people.

The chickens are a problem. You won't be able to have a visiting Saluki offlead with your parents chickens but you won't be able to have many dogs offlead with strange chickens. If there are areas on the property where the chooks don't go, you should be fine tho'.

If you talk to a breeder about your circumstances, they can pick a puppy that isn't very drivey for you.

The one cat doesn't run and doesn't exhibit much inhibition when it comes to overfriendly dogginess. The other is very nervy and cat-like, and yes runs.

The thing I worry about is if ever my parents babysit the dog and get a little sloppy with the 'rules' I've used to safeguard. eg. no off-leash walking, supervision with small animals, etc.

What I could do until I'm absolutely certain the dog is fairly well trained is muzzle it when with my parents and just ask them to keep it ON. I know it's a bit excessive, but better to be safe.

Re: keeping the animals separate, it's a little bit difficult because cats and dogs will both be indoor. Do I give the dog the reign of the downstairs and the cat upstairs sort of thing?

Chickens are suburban free range (Bellevue Hill would you believe!) But I'm happy to do contribute to the design and cost of a chicken enclosure. The remaining problem would be the one skittish cat. The other dogs, cockers don't really concern themselves with anything but food.

Would you suggest a retired Grey or a puppy Saluki to be cat-safe?

[SkySoaringMagpie]

The thing I worry about is if ever my parents babysit the dog and get a little sloppy with the 'rules' I've used to safeguard. eg. no off-leash walking, supervision with small animals, etc.

That is a worry, would they be offended if you came up with an alternative solution to them babysitting? I've found it's often only after disaster strikes that people understand why the on-leash and supervision stuff is absolutely necessary. I love my parents and I know they really care about animals but would not leave my dogs with them.

What I could do until I'm absolutely certain the dog is fairly well trained is muzzle it when with my parents and just ask them to keep it ON. I know it's a bit excessive, but better to be safe.

Muzzles shouldn't be on unsupervised either tho' and the wrong muzzle can be a death sentence. I'd rather see a dog in a dog run than with a muzzle on 24/7. Also, part of the issue with Salukis, especially younger ones, is not them biting, but them being very fast and powerful and "playing soccer" with smaller animals. A muzzle doesn't solve that problem.

Re: keeping the animals separate, it's a little bit difficult because cats and dogs will both be indoor. Do I give the dog the reign of the downstairs and the cat upstairs sort of thing?

Some people do. I just used to shut doors between them, or the dogs were outside during the day and the cat inside if the weather was good. A good solid cat run is another option. They would all be together when we were around to see what was going on.

Would you suggest a retired Grey or a puppy Saluki to be cat-safe?

A retired Grey or an older rescue Saluki or retired show Saluki has the advantage of all its adult traits being known and being a steady adult. A good grey rescue will have done a cat test. Pam Adams who runs a Saluki rescue can give you good advice about the right rescue Saluki. So it's not so much breed, as the difference between a puppy and an adult. Early training matters, but if you get a Saluki puppy that is naturally very prey-driven you'll have more work on your hands even with good training.

Greys are not necessarily the softer option. You can get very prey-driven Greys and "meh, whatever" Salukis. Generally speaking it's true that Greys are more laid back, but at least one DOLer has had trouble with a very prey-driven Grey. If they don't come through reputable rescue, they can be just as much trouble as a young drivey Saluki. I would probably pick a mature adult of the breed that you are drawn to in your situation but it also depends how long you are prepared to wait.

[jarris]

The thing I worry about is if ever my parents babysit the dog and get a little sloppy with the 'rules' I've used to safeguard. eg. no off-leash walking, supervision with small animals, etc.

That is a worry, would they be offended if you came up with an alternative solution to them babysitting? I've found it's often only after disaster strikes that people understand why the on-leash and supervision stuff is absolutely necessary. I love my parents and I know they really care about animals but would not leave my dogs with them.

What I could do until I'm absolutely certain the dog is fairly well trained is muzzle it when with my parents and just ask them to keep it ON. I know it's a bit excessive, but better to be safe.

Muzzles shouldn't be on unsupervised either tho' and the wrong muzzle can be a death sentence. I'd rather see a dog in a dog run than with a muzzle on 24/7. Also, part of the issue with Salukis, especially younger ones, is not them biting, but them being very fast and powerful and "playing soccer" with smaller animals. A muzzle doesn't solve that problem.

Re: keeping the animals separate, it's a little bit difficult because cats and dogs will both be indoor. Do I give the dog the reign of the downstairs and the cat upstairs sort of thing?

Some people do. I just used to shut doors between them, or the dogs were outside during the day and the cat inside if the weather was good. A good solid cat run is another option. They would all be together when we were around to see what was going on.

Would you suggest a retired Grey or a puppy Saluki to be cat-safe?

A retired Grey or an older rescue Saluki or retired show Saluki has the advantage of all its adult traits being known and being a steady adult. A good grey rescue will have done a cat test. Pam Adams who runs a Saluki rescue can give you good advice about the right rescue Saluki. So it's not so much breed, as the difference between a puppy and an adult. Early training matters, but if you get a Saluki puppy that is naturally very prey-driven you'll have more work on your hands even with good training.

Greys are not necessarily the softer option. You can get very prey-driven Greys and "meh, whatever" Salukis. Generally speaking it's true that Greys are more laid back, but at least one DOLer has had trouble with a very prey-driven Grey. If they don't come through reputable rescue, they can be just as much trouble as a young drivey Saluki. I would probably pick a mature adult of the breed that you are drawn to in your situation but it also depends how long you are prepared to wait.

I'll have to think about an alternative babysitter. We do tend to share the animals around, so I'll sometimes have two cats and one dog or just the cat.

Oh dear, soccer? I don't think that's an option with my ragdoll. He's not very bouncy, more blubber.

Ok, no muzzle, separation it will have to be if I decide to go with a sighthound that is.

I've just been in touch with Greyhound rescue and they do a rescue program for a few weeks. So, that's an option for now. At least I have time to know exactly what I'm up against.

No cat run space, and I would be severely punished by kitty.

A retired show Saluki would be great, but I wonder if I could do a trial. Could you pass me Pam's details?

Thanks for your help.

[SkySoaringMagpie]

I should have put this info into this thread before now.

Pam Adams, Soul Companions Saluki Rescue: http://user.digisurf.com.au/soulcompanions/saluki.html

[SkySoaringMagpie]

The US based Saluki health website I posted earlier in the thread has been revamped and relaunched at this URL: http://www.salukihealthresearch.com/

[agatha]

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

I bought my first saluki in 1988. I have been a registered breeder since 1995.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

Salukis and saluki-like dogs have been pictured in art in Ancient Egypt and Persia and even as far afield as China. I have personally seen paintings of dogs bearing a remarkable similarity to the Saluki in major museums in Greece. The exact origin of this ancient breed is not really known, though most would agree the Middle East is probably where it was developed. The Saluki competes with the Afghan for title of oldest purebred dog breed. The Saluki was most likely first brought to Europe as spoils of war during the Crusades. Italian religious art from the 1500s can been seen to contain depictions of Salukis. There are Salukis and saluki-like dogs in art from along the Spice routes including India. In modern times the Saluki became popular with British officers returning from countries that included Egypt, Syria and Persia in the early 1900s. The first Western standard was adopted in 1923 and was written to represent the variations of the breed. The Saluki was always a hunting dog and a type of sighthound. It is a very fast breed and performs well over middle and long distance chases. It was used to hunt gazelle and smaller animals in its native lands, sometimes in conjunction with a hawk or falcon.

3. How common is it in Australia?

It is an uncommon breed in Australia. Personally I believe mainly because people have never heard of them, let alone seen them. I also believe many Australian pet owners have an aversion to leaner looking dogs, especially those that look greyhound-like.

4. What is the average lifespan?

I would say anywhere between 10-14 years.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

I feel they are very loving, though not necessarily demonstrative with their family, aloof with strangers. I would say they have very soft natures, unless they are in hunting mode or a protecting a human family member. They can be very, very naughty, especially as puppies and love digging in gardens, lawns or furniture. This is a very difficult habit to cure them of and I believe it goes back to their desert ancestory when they would dig into sand to escape heat.

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

I find adults enjoy as much or as little exercise as they get. If you were planning to participate in lure coursing or to ensure correct muscle tone for the show ring I believe 45minutes to an hour of brisk walking to be beneficial for an adult.

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

This really depends on the temperament of the dog owner and their willingness to accept that Salukis are not going to be particularly obedient dogs. I have sold puppies into first time dog owner homes and have never had a problem, but I have heard horror stories from other breeders.

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

Salukis can be very destructive if left alone for long periods. Do not expect to have a pristine garden with this breed. I would recommend keeping two if there will be no one home for long periods of time as they are more likely to keep each other amused, rather than rip up the furniture.

9. How much grooming is required?

A quick brush over with a soft brush or hound glove over the body and careful coming of ear fringes and other feathering is all that is usually required. With Salukis with long ear furnishing a snood is useful to stop the ears getting too grotty while they eat. I find that most Salukis dislike being dirty. They like playing in the mud, but hate having it on them and will lick themselves much in the way a cat does.

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

Our salukis have been raised with children and are quite protective of them. They have also enjoyed playing games with the kids and the children have even taught them simple tricks including shaking hands. I have found that Salukis that have been socialised with children are very forgiving of them. Though as with any dog I never recommend unsupervised play. In terms of older or infirm people I have found Salukis to be very empathic. I was confined to a wheelchair for several months a couple of years ago and the dogs adapted very quickly. Several of our dogs have lived with elderly people and they have been very gentle and soft with them.

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

Some salukis have Thyroid problems and others can be prone to dermatitis. There are a small number affected by heart problems. As has already been mentioned there are some very good saluki health sites on the internet.

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)

For me, the most important thing is temperament. A Saluki that is to live as a human companion must be well socialised and gentle. This is a hunting breed and those instincts are still very strong in the breed. This is not a breed you can have free range rabbits or guinea pigs with. We do have guinea pigs and our very old girl is fine with them but the younger ones all watch the guinea pigs with very prey oriented eyes. Salukis must have high fenced enclosed yards. A good breeder should explain this and their typical sighthound urge to chase. Ask the breeder if thyroid testing has been done on the parents. You should ask about the temperament of the parents and how much and what type of socialisation the puppies have had. You should ask the breeder whether they are available for ongoing help. They should warn you about the naughtiness of Saluki puppies and how it can last for 2 or 3 years. Any good breeder of Salukis I have ever come across does their best to discourage potential buyers, as Salukis are not the breed for everyone. So do not be surprised as a buyer if you get the third degree from the breeder.

[Gogee]

Great post Agatha, very informative!

[agatha]

Great post Agatha, very informative!

Thanks, I love salukis, ever since I first saw a picture of one in an old British animal magazine when I was about 8

[Hafhafa Hounds]

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.

Quite true... My young (22 month old) Kelpie CAN NOT keep up with Moss (Saluki, aged 7) but she tries. They box, run, Moss mouths & rolls her by her head/neck, but they are pretty quiet.

On the other hand, when Moss & Arella (female saluki, aged 8) run together they are loud to the point of "those dogs are killing each other" - but they're not, they're just loud!

Sonia

[Gogee]

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.

Quite true... My young (22 month old) Kelpie CAN NOT keep up with Moss (Saluki, aged 7) but she tries. They box, run, Moss mouths & rolls her by her head/neck, but they are pretty quiet.

On the other hand, when Moss & Arella (female saluki, aged 8) run together they are loud to the point of "those dogs are killing each other" - but they're not, they're just loud!

Sonia

Howdy Sonia

Saluki play style is something to be seen to be believed I guess! Indi is both roaringly loud AND rough, with his body slamming, mouthing and growling. Not for the faint hearted

[mychow]

Going from descriptions on here, this breed does not seem very playful.

I found this video of a Saluki playing by itself, with a ball, on a trampoline:

Are they usually this playful?

[Gogee]

Going from descriptions on here, this breed does not seem very playful.

I found this video of a Saluki playing by itself, with a ball, on a trampoline:

Are they usually this playful?

Cute video you found there mychow :D

I'm not sure where you got the impression on here that Salukis are not very playful??

Generally speaking, they most definitely love to play! My own boy is the biggest clown when he's in the mood ;)

Are you interested in the breed?