| Salukis: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Saluki personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Saluki, including these excerpts:
"One of the swiftest and most graceful of all breeds, the aristocratic Saluki is possessed of a quiet dignity and independence.
Once past the destructive puppy stage, he is docile and quiet indoors, a creature of comfort who prefers soft beds and sofas on which he can lounge and survey his domain.
However, his fragile appearance is deceiving: At full gallop he is so incredibly fast (up to forty-five miles per hour) and has such strong chasing instincts that he must not be let off-leash except in a safe, enclosed area. And he is an agile jumper, so fences should be at least six feet high.
Salukis are aloof (often cautious) with strangers and require early socialization to encourage an outgoing attitude.
Generally sociable with other dogs, he will pursue anything that runs, including small pets, and he can react with lightning reflexes.
The Saluki is an independent thinker, yet sensitive to correction, so he should be trained calmly and coaxed with food and games. However, this breed does need firm boundaries or he will be quick to take advantage.
Many sighthounds are touch-sensitive, tending to startle if touched unexpectedly and uncomfortable when cuddled excessively. A verbal correction is more effective than a physical one, because it is less upsetting and distracting to the dog."
History
An ancient breed from Egypt and Arabia, the Saluki ran down gazelles across open terrain, with trained falcons distracting the gazelle.
Size
23-28 inches and 40-65 lbs |
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Salukis
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- There are energetic Salukis, and placid Salukis.
- Hard-headed Salukis, and sweet-natured Salukis.
- Serious Salukis, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Salukis, and Salukis who love everyone.
| If you acquire a Saluki puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed...
- Is tall, slender, and elegant
- Has a soft easy-care coat that comes in many colors
- Is extremely athletic and graceful -- can run swiftly and jump great heights
- Carries himself in a calm, dignified manner
- Is polite with people
- Doesn't bark much
A Saluki may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- Providing a safe enclosed area where he can gallop
- Shyness or suspiciousness when not socialized enough
- Emotional sensitivity to stress and abrupt changes in schedule
- Strong instincts to chase other living creatures that run
- Slowness to learn and an independent "what's in it for me?" attitude toward training -- can be very stubborn
- Slowness to housebreak
A Saluki may not be right for you.
| If I were considering a Saluki... |
My major concerns would be:
- Providing enough running exercise. Salukis don't need miles of running, but they MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy through all-out galloping a few times a week. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by destructive chewing.
| Salukis need access to a large fenced area -- fenced because these independent dogs are likely to take off and not come back. If there is a dog club in your area, get your Saluki involved in lure coursing (chasing a mechanized lure around a track or across an open field). This is an appropriate outlet for the full-speed galloping behaviors that are "hardwired" into his genes. |
- Providing enough socialization. Standoffish by nature, Salukis need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become shyness or suspicion, which are difficult to live with.
- The independent temperament. Salukis are not Golden Retrievers. They are independent thinkers who don't particularly care about pleasing you. Most Salukis are stubborn and can be manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
| To teach your Saluki to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Saluki Training Page discusses the program you need. |
- Chasing other animals. Most people do not realize just how fast and agile sighthounds are -- or how strong their instincts are to chase and seize fleeing creatures. They could seriously injure or kill your neighbor's cat or toy dog. In today's society, the legal liabilities should be considered.
- Emotional sensitivity. Be honest...is there tension in your home? Are people loud or angry or emotional? Are there arguments or fights? Salukis are extremely sensitive to stress and can end up literally sick to their stomachs, with severe digestive upsets and neurotic behaviors, if the people in their home are having family problems. Sighthounds are peaceful, sensitive dogs who need a peaceful, harmonious home.
| If you have small children, I do not recommend Saluki puppies. First, young Salukis (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people. Second, the temptation to chase and nip running children is a risk with young Salukis. Finally, even Saluki adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness may be the result. |
- Housebreaking. Salukis tend to resist being told what to do, and housebreaking is no exception. Expect four to six months of consistent crate training before you see results.
| If you're considering an adult Saluki... |
There are plenty of adult Salukis who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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Copyright © 2000-2006 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author. |
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