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Saluki
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Saluki | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
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| Alternative names | ||
| Gazelle Hound Royal Dog of Egypt Persian Greyhound Tazi |
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| Country of origin | ||
| Middle Eastern region | ||
| Classification and breed standards | ||
| FCI: | Group 10 Section 1 #269 | Stds |
| AKC: | Hound | Stds |
| ANKC: | Group 4 (Hounds) | Stds |
| CKC: | Group 2 - Hounds | Stds |
| KC (UK): | Hound | Stds |
| NZKC: | Hounds | Stds |
| UKC: | Sighthounds & Pariahs | Stds |
The saluki is perhaps the oldest known breed of domesticated dog. As a purebreed type, its history can be traced back almost 5000 years. A study published in the May 21, 2004 issue of Science confirms the Saluki's antiquity through DNA analysis identifying it as one of the earliest breeds to diverge from wolves.[1]
Widely admired for its beauty, speed, and endurance, the Saluki historically traveled throughout the Middle East with nomadic desert tribes over an area stretching from the Sahara to the Caspian Sea. As a result, different Saluki subtypes, varying mostly in color and coat, can be found across this widely scattered area.
The Saluki is a sighthound bred especially for grace and speed. A NOVA episode titled "Dogs and More Dogs", asserts that the Saluki is able to outrun any other land mammal over a three-mile course. Although the greyhound is widely viewed as being the fastest dog breed with a top speed of around 45 mph, the Saluki is said to be faster, with top speeds of 48 mph. Testing this has proved difficult as Salukis show no interest in electric hares and won't race Greyhounds on a track. However, in as much as their original use was for hunting desert gazelles with top speeds of over 43 mph, the speed claim could be true.
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The Saluki has historically served as a courser, a speedy hunting dog that operated in packs. They were often hunted in tandem with falcons which locate the prey and for the dogs to run down.
Salukis appear on the Egyptian tombs of 2100 B.C. The dogs were so esteemed that they were often mummified like the bodies of the Pharaohs themselves. Numerous Saluki remains have been found in the ancient tombs of the Upper Nile region.
In Muslim cultures, dogs are often seen as dirty, but the Saluki was treasured by the Bedouin for the "Kiss of Allah" or white spot on the dog's chest. The Bedouin value them, breeding them for beauty and hunting qualities. Salukis are not viewed as being "unclean" and often slept in the tents with their owners to be protected from the heat of the day and the cold of the night. In Arabic-speaking countries most dogs are referred to as "kalb" (meaning 'dog') but Salukis are referred to as "saluki" because of their royal background, their 'clean' living habits, and because of their high cost and sentimental value.
Salukis were first brought into England in 1840. There was no real interest however, until the Hon. Florence Amherst imported the first Arabian Saluki in 1895 from the kennels of Prince Abdulla in Transjordan. King Abdullah's hounds were probably originally from Kurdish areas of Syria.
[Please restructure for clarity: is the genebase broad or narrow?] As is the case with some other pedigree breeds in the United States, including the Basenji and Portuguese Podengo, the current population of Salukis is descended from a small number of founders introduced into the country within the last 100 years, and must be carefully mated to avoid inbreeding. However, the original dogs imported into the US came from throughout the whole Middle East, a vast geographical area, unlike most other breeds that come from very small areas, so Salukis have the largest genetic base among purebreds. Recently, the AKC (American Kennel Club) has allowed the third generation of COO (Country of Origin) salukis to be registered after inspections by recognized judges so the DNA base will broaden.
A true Saluki retains the qualities of hunting hounds and may seem reserved and aloof. They learn quickly but can get bored with repetition, so training sessions should be short and varied. Sensitive and intelligent, the Saluki should never be trained using force or hard-handed methods.
Salukis need regular exercise, but behave quietly indoors. They are usually quiet and don't bark unless there is a reason, but they will "sing" [Please describe "singing"] when they feel that something is wrong or when a member of the family is away for a long period of time. They get along well with children, but the family must respect the dog's need for quiet time alone to rest. Salukis have a fairly long life span, living an average of 12-13 years.
According to the National Veterinary Scholars, Salukis should not be allowed off leash. Their strong prey drive can lead them to chase deer and other animals, and they can be difficult to stop, seemingly becoming "drunk" with running. The Saluki Club of America recommends a fence of at least five feet tall, as a Saluki can easily jump anything lower than that.
The Saluki is a very healthy breed. The biggest problem to worry about is their sensitivity to anesthesia as a result of their low levels of body fat.
The Saluki tends to have large litters. Litters of ten puppies are not at all unusual.
The Saluki is the mascot for the Southern Illinois University sports teams and because of this connection, one of the new Amtrak trains serving Illinois is called the "Saluki," making this possibly the first Amtrak train to be named after a dog.
Red Hill High School in Bridgeport, Illinois has also taken the Saluki as their mascot.
Alberto Giacometti's 1951 sculpture titled "Dog" was modeled after a Saluki.[2]
During the filming of Kingdom of Heaven in Morocco (2004-05), English actor Orlando Bloom rescued and adopted a dog, Sidi, who is a black Saluki mix.
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