Description
Like other sighthounds, the Saluki is an independent and noble dog with a powerful hunting instinct. At home, it is the picture of calmness, but it approaches strangers with a characteristic and dignified reserve. True to its nature, the Saluki is said to "hunt with its eyes." The moment it spots movement, its instinct to chase is instantly triggered, which is why it is essential to only let it off-lead in completely secure, enclosed areas. Recalling a Saluki in full pursuit is notoriously difficult.
This breed does not possess a innate desire to blindly obey. It is a free-spirited and independent thinker that often disregards traditional, repetitive training. However, with patience, motivation, and understanding, it can learn and become a wonderfully sensitive companion.
Salukis are typically very affectionate with well-behaved children from their own human pack. However, their dominant and proud nature means they do not appreciate rough or disrespectful handling and will simply walk away.
They generally get along well with other dogs and excel in the company of their own kind, making them naturals for dog racing. While they often ignore unfamiliar dogs, they will not tolerate those that are overly assertive. Raised together, they can also form remarkably friendly relationships with other household pets, including cats.
They greet strangers with aloofness, not fear or aggression. Salukis are not prone to excessive barking, are highly self-reliant, and are entirely unsuitable for the role of a guard dog.
FCI Standard
FCI-Standard N° 269 / 29. 11. 2000 / GB
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.