* How much time do I need to spend exercising my Saluki?
A walk on a lead allows him to explore his neighbourhood and socialise with other dogs and people in a controlled way. From time to time your Saluki will need to burn off energy in a fast, free run in a safe, open place such as the beach, an open plot, or the local sports field - far away from cars and other dangers. A Saluki moves very far, very fast - if a field adjoins a busy road, say goodbye to your Saluki.

* Can a Saluki be trained to be obedient?
They can, and must be trained, otherwise you will have an unruly monster on your hands. A Saluki responds best to discipline tempered with love and patience, not force. He will never be as competitively obedient as a German Shepherd, for example, but can learn commands like "sit", "stand", "stay", and "come" with positive reinforcement methods.

* Does a Saluki need a lot of my attention?
Being independent, he is not likely to follow you from room to room, but likes to know where you are and will settle down to sleep nearby. They do not demand constant attention like some breeds who feel the need to play with their humans all day, but your company is an important part of your Saluki's life. He will not thrive if he has to live in isolation during your working day, and again during weekends when you go visiting.

* Do I have to have a large property?
This is a large breed dog, so a reasonable amount of space is required. A flat with a balcony is too small, but you don't need to buy a small farm. He'll spend most of his days asleep in a comfortable area, so only needs the property to stretch his legs and relieve himself. The property must be adequately fenced or walled (an electric border is not good enough because the Saluki will escape through it before the electricity has time to shock him!) and you need to have strict rules about gate access.

* Are Saluki safe with strange dogs and cats when out on a run?
Generally, no. Because of their innate hunting instinct, a running fluff-ball is interpreted as a rabbit, and the Saluki usually gives chase. However, if your Saluki grows up with small dogs or cats, he will probably play quite happily with them. To be on the safe side, put your Saluki on a lead if there are small dogs or cats around.

* How long does a Saluki live?
Fifteen or sixteen years is not unusual, but most live till about thirteen.

* Are Saluki very destructive?
All canine youngsters are destructive - some more than others. A bored youngster left to his own devices will find something to amuse himself, and the chosen item may be an encyclopaedia, a cell phone, or Grandma's tapestry. Prevention is always better than cure. Fortunately, they soon grow out of their "devil-streaks" and become completely civilised.

* Will my Saluki always come when I call him?
Don't count on it! They are very independent, and when they have something on their minds, like chasing a fluff-ball, they become as deaf as doorposts. Screaming doesn't help, but shaking a plastic bottle filled with coins or stones sometimes stops them in their tracks.

*  Are Saluki prone to any genetic disease or veterinary disorders?
Unlike most large breed dogs, hip dysplasia and other genetic diseases are very rare. Beware of stomach torsion, where the stomach twists on itself if the dog exercises after a heavy meal. Also, please warn your vet that sighthounds do not react favourably to regular veterinary anaesthetic, so a sedative or human anaesthetic is usually administered. In old age, Saluki can succumb to typical canine diseases such as cancer, kidney failure, or heart disease.

* Is a Saluki compatible with children and other pets?
Yes, if they grow up with them. Remember though, that children should be taught to treat all animals with kindness and respect. You should not leave your young child unsupervised with any pet.

Why choose a Saluki?

Saluki are exotic, beautiful, and spirited. They do not shed heavily, they are clean, and never have that awful "doggy" smell, even when wet. They do not drool like some slobbering breeds. They are never clumsy and do not cause damage with their uncontrollably waggy tails. They are intelligent and intuitive, and can usually "read" your mood very successfully. They try hard to communicate with you by grunting and groaning softly at your kind touch, or by whining under their breath when they want to tell you something. Just add a few human syllables, and you'll have a whole conversation! They use their paws to communicate too - to attract your attention, to ask for something, or to plead for more scratching. Saluki draw lots of attention when taken out on walks, so you'd better know your stuff because people will ask questions about this unusual breed. Saluki can be quite vocal and often gleefully erupt into "song" at a given cue. Saluki should be raised as important members of the family. When they grow out of their difficult adolescence, they develop into elegant, loyal, independent and affectionate house companions, always willing to protect the family from intrusive harm. Saluki make delightful companions, and they blossom when they live in the home with the family.
© Joy McFarlane
Fleetwind Salukis