Like other sighthounds, the Saluki is an independent, noble dog with a strong hunting instinct. At home, it is calm, and it approaches strangers with reserve. Salukis, along with other sighthounds, are said to "hunt with their eyes," meaning that if they see something, they quickly chase after it. For this reason, it's not advisable to let them off the leash as it can be challenging to call them back. Salukis don't exhibit a tendency for blindly obeying their owners and won't follow every command, but with training, they can become good companions. Unlike many other dog breeds, Salukis are free-spirited and independent, typically disregarding traditional training.
They are suitable for well-behaved children as they are very affectionate towards them. However, Salukis are dominant and proud, so they don't appreciate rough children's games, such as pulling their tails or ears.
Salukis get along well with other dogs, making them suitable for dog racing. While they may ignore unfamiliar dogs, they don't tolerate those that are overly dominant or assertive. They have a friendly relationship with other domestic animals, particularly with cats.
They approach strangers with aloofness, but not fear or aggression. Salukis are not very barky, highly independent, and are not suitable for the role of a guard dog.
SALUKI
Proposed by Mrs Karin Hedberg (Sweden), Mrs Ute Lennartz (Germany), Dr. Alain Campagne (France), Mr. Terry Thorn (Great-Britain), Raymond Triquet, as President of the Standard Commission of the F.C.I.
ORIGIN : Middle East / FCI Patronage.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 25.10.2000.
UTILIZATION : Hunting and coursing hound.
CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 10 Sighthounds .
Section 1 Long haired or fringed Sighthounds.
Without working trial.
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.
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.
Smooth variety : the points should be the same with the exception of the coat which has no feathering.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS :
• The length of the body (from point of shoulder to point of buttock) is approximately equal to the height at the withers, although the dog often gives the impression of being longer than he really is.
BEHAVIOUR TEMPERAMENT : Reserved with strangers, but not nervous or aggressive. Dignified, intelligent and independent.
HEAD : Long and narrow, the whole showing nobility.
CRANIAL REGION :
Skull : Moderately wide between ears, not domed.
Stop : Not pronounced.
FACIAL REGION :
Nose : Black or liver brown.
Jaws/Teeth : Teeth and jaws are strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite.
Eyes : Dark to hazel and bright, large and oval, but not prominent. The expression should be dignified and gentle with faithful and far-seeing eyes.
Ears : Long and covered with long silky hair, set on high, mobile, hanging close to the skull.
NECK : Long, supple and well muscled.
BODY :
Back : Fairly broad.
Loin : Slightly arched and well muscled.
Croup : Hipbones set wide apart.
Chest : Deep, long and moderately narrow. Neither barrel ribbed nor slab sided.
Underline : Well tucked up.
TAIL : Long, set on low and carried naturally in a curve, well feathered on the underside with long silky hair, not bushy.
In adults not carried above the topline except in play. Tip reaching at least to the point of hock.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS :
Shoulders : Well laid back, well muscled without being coarse.
Upper arm : Approximately equal in length to the shoulder blade and forming a good angle with it.
Forearm : Long and straight from elbow to wrist.
Pasterns : Strong and flexible, slightly sloping.
Front feet : Feet of moderate length, toes long and well arched, not splayed, but at the same time not cat-footed; the whole being strong and supple; feathered between the toes.
HINDQUARTERS : Strong, showing galloping and jumping power.
Upper and lower thighs : Well developed.
Stifle : Moderately bent.
Hocks : Well let down.
Hind feet : Similar to front feet.
GAIT / MOVEMENT : smooth, flowing and effortless at trot. Light and lifting showing both reach and drive without hackney action or pounding.
COAT :
HAIR : Smooth and of a soft, silky texture, feathering on the legs and at the back of thighs, feathering may be present on the throat in adults, puppies may have slight woolly feather on thighs and shoulders. The smooth variety has no feathering.
COLOUR : Any colour or combination of colours is permissible. Brindles are undesirable.
SIZE :
Height at withers : Average between 58 - 71 cm (23-28 inches) bitches proportionally 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.
Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.