Hound group

Saluki

The royal dog of the desert — ancient, graceful and independent.

Salukis are slender, graceful sighthounds from the Middle East, among the oldest dog types. They are gentle, dignified and affectionate with their family, but reserved with strangers and extremely prey-driven.

Height
23–28 in58–71 cm
Weight
40–65 lb18–29 kg
Life expectancy
10–17 years
Size
Large
Group
Hound
Origin
Middle East (Fertile Crescent)

Coat: Smooth, silky coat, either feathered (ears, legs, tail) or smooth. Colours: White, Cream, Fawn, Golden, Red, Grizzle, Black and tan, Tricolour.

At a glance

Exercise Requirement4.0 / 5
20-30 min gentle walk2+ hours intense stamina
Indoor "Off-Switch"4.0 / 5
Restless / constantly searching for actionInstantly curls up and relaxes indoors
Trainability2.0 / 5
Strong independent thinkerEager biddable student
Mental Stimulation3.0 / 5
Content with routineNeeds a job or creates mischief
Affection Level3.5 / 5
Polite distanceConstant lap snuggler
Stranger Friendliness2.0 / 5
Naturally aloof / watchfulGreets every stranger as best friend
Child Patience & Safety3.0 / 5
Prefers quiet adultsRemarkably sturdy & patient
Other Dog Friendliness3.5 / 5
Strong solo-dog preferenceLoves pack play and multi-dog homes
Prey Drive5.0 / 5
Ignores crittersHigh pursuit instinct / fence chaser
Vocalization & Barking1.5 / 5
Nearly mute / quietWatchful alarm barker or howler
Shedding Level2.0 / 5
Minimal to non-sheddingHeavy year-round fur shedding
Grooming Burden2.0 / 5
Wash & wear coatDaily brushing + salon visits
Drool Tendency1.0 / 5
Dry-mouthedRequires dedicated slobber towels
Apartment Suitability3.0 / 5
Needs acreage or private runThrives in urban elevator apartments
Beginner Friendliness2.0 / 5
Demands experienced handlerIdeal forgiving companion for first-timers
Owner Demand Level3.5 / 5
Very forgiving for novicesRequires skilled firm handling

Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.

Temperament

Salukis are gentle, quiet and dignified. They form strong bonds with their people but are often aloof with strangers.

They are independent and sensitive, with little interest in obedience for its own sake. Their prey drive is intense, and they should only run off lead in securely fenced areas.

Living with a Saluki

Exercise

Daily walks plus regular sprints in a secure area. Many are calm indoors.

Grooming

Minimal: weekly brushing, with extra attention to feathering.

Training

Independent and sensitive; gentle, patient, reward-based training works best.

Kids & other pets

Good with considerate older children; unsafe with small pets.

Time alone

Tolerates moderate alone time once exercised. Salukis need soft bedding and warmth, and can be destructive if bored.

Home fit

Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.

Is a Saluki right for you?

Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Saluki matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.

Take the Breed Fit quizTry Dogsona →

Health

With good breeding and care, a Saluki typically lives 10–17 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.

  • Heart disease

    Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs; cardiac screening is recommended.

  • Haemangiosarcoma

    A cancer of blood vessels seen in the breed.

  • Hypothyroidism

    Salukis often have naturally low thyroid values; interpret tests carefully.

  • Anaesthesia sensitivity

    Low body fat affects drug metabolism; choose an experienced vet.

Ask a breeder for

  • Cardiac examination
  • Eye examination
  • Thyroid evaluation

Sources: OFA health testing guidance: Saluki; Saluki Club of America. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.

Cost to own

After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).

  • Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
  • Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
See the full first-year cost breakdown →

History

Saluki-like hounds appear in art from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Bedouin tribes prized them for hunting gazelle and hare and treated them as part of the family.

Salukis reached Britain in the late 1800s, and British officers brought more home after WWI. The AKC recognised the breed in 1929.

Did you know?

  • Salukis are among the oldest known domesticated dog types.
  • Bedouin tribes called the Saluki “el hor”, meaning the noble one.
  • Mummified Saluki-type dogs have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs.

Library guides for Saluki owners

Similar breeds

Frequently asked questions

Are Salukis good family dogs?
For calm homes that understand sighthounds, yes. They are gentle but independent.
Do Salukis shed?
Lightly. Their coat is easy to care for.
Can Salukis be off lead?
Only in secure, fenced areas.