The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage.
The whole appearance of this breed should give an impression of grace and symmetry and of great speed and endurance coupled with strength and activity to enable it to kill gazelle or other quarry over deep sand or rocky mountains. The expression should be dignified and gentle with deep, faithful, far-seeing eyes. Dogs should average in height from 23 to 28 inches and bitches may be considerably smaller, this being very typical of the breed.
Long and narrow, skull moderately wide between the ears, not domed, stop not pronounced, the whole showing great quality. Nose black or liver. Ears Long and covered with long silky hair hanging close to the skull and mobile. Eyes Dark to hazel and bright; large and oval, but not prominent. Teeth Strong and level.
Neck: Long, supple and well muscled. Chest: Deep and moderately narrow. Loin and Back: Back fairly broad, muscles slightly arched over loin.
Shoulders sloping and set well back, well muscled without being coarse. Forelegs Straight and long from the elbow to the knee.
Smooth and of a soft silky texture, slight feather on the legs, feather at the back of the thighs and sometimes with slight woolly feather on the thigh and shoulder.
Strong, hipbones set well apart and stifle moderately bent, hocks low to the ground, showing galloping and jumping power.
The beauty of Salukis has been a thing of wonder for thousands of years. They’re slim and leggy, but very strong and perfectly balanced, like a great athlete or dancer. Males can stand between 23 and 28 inches at the shoulder; females can be much shorter. They come in a many colors and patterns. Their large, oval-shaped eyes are warm and intelligent.
Salukis are highly adaptable, able to live and work in any climate. They’re magnificent animals, but owning them comes with many special challenges.
The Saluki’s breeder and veterinarian can suggest a health care program that includes diet recommendations. Many owners feed a mix of high-quality dry and canned food. A kibble based on lamb and rice (rather than corn or wheat) can help avoid potential food allergies. A dollop of cottage cheese (for calcium) and yogurt (for digestive-tract health) on their food are healthy supplement options that the hound will enjoy. Saluki appetites can range from the skimpy to the gluttonous. Dogs with the latter will often eat other dogs’ food as well as their own, so they may have to be separated at mealtimes to prevent becoming overweight.
Salukis have two types of coats—feathered and smooth—and both are easily groomed with weekly brushing, although if they have long ear or tail feathering, that may take a bit more attention. Many Saluki owners will use a snood to keep their ear feathering out of the food bowl (smooth Salukis do not have that problem). They are very clean dogs and known for not having a “doggy” odor. Bathing need only be done if they get dirty or before a dog show.
Salukis need regular exercise to keep fit, and daily walks (always on a leash) will help both hound and owner stay in shape, both physically and mentally. They love to run and should have a well-fenced yard to keep them safely away from traffic. Public dog parks may be a good option as long as they are all getting along. Like other dogs, Salukis can be escape artists or destructive chewers when bored or unhappy at home, so good fencing and safe toys and chew-bones are a must.
The Saluki will benefit from three types of training: (1) Crate training is recommended for those times when the dog needs to be safely confined in the home or while traveling. (2) Basic obedience training will help the dog learn manners in the home and community. Well-behaved dogs are welcome almost everywhere. (3) For mental stimulation and exercise, canine sports such as lure coursing, flyball, and agility are all fun options. Lastly, if you start when they are young, it is possible to train them to hold still for nail trimming and daily teeth brushing.
As a breed, Salukis are free from serious genetic diseases. Some may develop heart conditions such as valve disease or arrhythmia, and enlarged hearts are not unknown. Certain cancers such as hemangiosarcoma or bone, lymph, or mammary cancers (the latter is prevented by early neutering) can occur, and some autoimmune and blood conditions have been reported. Vigorous running and playing after eating can cause bloat, or gastric torsion (which is a life-threatening emergency and needs immediate intervention). Generally, however, Salukis enjoy a healthy, active life from birth to old age.
Recommended Health Test from the National Breed Club:
The whole appearance of this breed should give an impression of grace and symmetry and of great speed and endurance coupled with strength and activity to enable it to kill gazelle or other quarry over deep sand or rocky mountains. The expression should be dignified and gentle with deep, faithful, far-seeing eyes. Dogs should average in height from 23 to 28 inches and bitches may be considerably smaller, this being very typical of the breed.
Long and narrow, skull moderately wide between the ears, not domed, stop not pronounced, the whole showing great quality. Nose black or liver. Ears Long and covered with long silky hair hanging close to the skull and mobile. Eyes Dark to hazel and bright; large and oval, but not prominent. Teeth Strong and level.
Neck: Long, supple and well muscled. Chest: Deep and moderately narrow. Loin and Back: Back fairly broad, muscles slightly arched over loin.
Shoulders sloping and set well back, well muscled without being coarse. Forelegs Straight and long from the elbow to the knee.
Smooth and of a soft silky texture, slight feather on the legs, feather at the back of the thighs and sometimes with slight woolly feather on the thigh and shoulder.
Strong, hipbones set well apart and stifle moderately bent, hocks low to the ground, showing galloping and jumping power.
| Description | Standard Colors | Registration Code |
| BLACK | Check Mark For Standard Color | 007 |
| BLACK & SILVER | Check Mark For Standard Color | 016 |
| BLACK & TAN | Check Mark For Standard Color | 018 |
| BLACK TAN & WHITE | Check Mark For Standard Color | 030 |
| CHOCOLATE | Check Mark For Standard Color | 071 |
| CHOCOLATE & TAN | Check Mark For Standard Color | 072 |
| CREAM | Check Mark For Standard Color | 076 |
| FAWN | Check Mark For Standard Color | 082 |
| GOLDEN | Check Mark For Standard Color | 093 |
| RED | Check Mark For Standard Color | 140 |
| SILVER | Check Mark For Standard Color | 176 |
| WHITE | Check Mark For Standard Color | 199 |
| Description | Standard Markings | Registration Code |
| GRIZZLE MARKINGS | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 064 |
| IRISH MARKED | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 115 |
| IRISH MARKED GRIZZLE | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 123 |
| IRISH MARKED SABLE | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 125 |
| PARTI-COLOR | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 038 |
| PARTI-COLOR GRIZZLE | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 124 |
| SABLE | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 026 |
| SABLE PARTI-COLOR | Check Mark For Standard Mark | 126 |
