“Saluki” Perhaps The Oldest Dog Breed and Royal Dog of Egypt

Please consider adopting a cat, dog or any other pet from one of the hundreds of rescue and humanitarian sites.  These are available to anyone who is willing to offer their home to a pet to give them a second chance at being loved and give their love too.  I mention only two sites but a click of the mouse can bring many for your choosing.  Please study to make sure you are dealing with an honest organization.  “RED” stands for rescue every dog and can be found at:  http://www.rescueeverydog.org   Another trusted site is http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com  Much thanks from me to Wikipedia, The American Kennel Club and http://wwwdogbreedinfo.com for material to bring this summary to you.

Saluki photo is courtesy wikipedia

Just by viewing the picture, you can understand why this breed is known as the Gazelle Hound, Arabian Hound, Persian Greyhound  ( Tanji) and Persian Sight hound.  When you view the 125th American Kennel Club Championship Dog Show , this month, you could just see one of this speciality breeds being shown.  There are parent clubs holding regionals for this canine, so that is very possible.

History and science support this to be possibly the oldest registered, domesticated dog dating back to 2100 BC.  Paintings in Egyptian tombs show this dog being given an honorable place as well as given as a special gift of honor  and friendship.  Some of the bodies of this breed have been found mummified in with Pharaohs in discovered tombs.

photo is courtesy freefoto.com

The areas of origin for the Saluki, ( pronounced SA LOO KEY) are Eastern Turkestan to Turkey.  The name is derived from the Arabian city, Saluki, which does not exist anymore.

 Much research supports this breed being a descendant to the wolf, which brings several warnings to prospective pet owners, especially those with children and other smaller pets.  They were bred to hunt gazelles, fox, jackals, and hares.  This indicates the speed and focus this dog possesses.  With  a sincere concentrated effort you can socialize Salukies to accept smaller animals, always remembering what is bred into this hunting hound is the focus to those duties.  It is mentioned many times in my research, that this breed never be left unattended or off a leash unless it is a completely isolated area and well researched beforehand. The caution is also for the safety of the pet since they can be killed or lost while they are pursuing their prey.  Some countries forbid them from being off a leash because of their hunting on sight abilities. The natural instinct is to chase and kill any non canine animals.  Keeping this in mind, can prevent your valued pet from being the guilty one, yet innocent,  being accused of a crime they only are bred to perform.