The Saluki can be a wonderful companion for the right home. They are beautiful animals who were developed with necessity and came out of one of the harshest regions in the world. They are certainly not for everyone and require dedication to their socialization, exercise, and training to set them up for success.
The Saluki is a breed of moderation. Their breed standard calls moderate angulation, moderately narrow width of chest, moderately wide skulls between the ears. They are not true sprinters like the greyhound, but they don't run long distance like the foxhounds or the husky; instead, they ran middle distances in the desert. Like their moderate body proportions, their energy requirements when they become mature adults could be described as somewhere in the middle. They're not hyperactive, nor are they total couch potatoes. As adults, they make good "weekend-warrior" dogs because of this. However, when they are adolescents, they have much higher energy needs that need to be fulfilled on a regular basis with hard running, not just a walk around the block, or you could create an under stimulated, neurotic mess. Many behavior problems can stem from a dog who is not being exercised or consistently trained enough.
Their temperament could also be described as middling as well. They are not golden retrievers, and many of them would rather not be touched by strangers who approach them, there are always exceptions of course, but they should not be fearful either. They are generally aloof and reserved with the world around them though affectionate with their own families. For best chances at having a stable, "go anywhere" adult Saluki, young Salukis should make an appearance in the world at least once a week, ideally to somewhere new to them. They do not need to be touched by strangers every time, but they should be able to observe different environments regularly. I also recommend taking a young Saluki to some kind of training class once a week throughout puppyhood for both mental stimulation, and so that the puppy gets used to seeing strange dogs. If the Saluki does not get proper socialization as a youngster, he or she may have difficulty adjusting to different environments as an adult.
They are hounds, and like other hounds, do have a certain degree of independence. It was a necessity for their ancestors to work independently bringing down game in the Middle East, and so that independence has carried on to our hounds today. They are not impossible to train, but require patience; they are not people-pleasers. They have a "What's in it for me?" attitude about many things, and I can't blame them. However, while you may not get an eager trick performing dog, they are generally not unruly dogs, and mesh easily with home life when they're well-exercised adults who have learned how to behave. It's important to differentiate unruly dogs from independent dogs, just as it's important to differentiate independent dogs from dumb ones. Salukis are incredibly intelligent dogs that get bored with repetition easily. However, because of their independence, they are great at finding things to do if they are under stimulated, so it's best if you keep them fulfilled and set firm and consistent boundaries with them with all family members participating.
The Saluki's exercise needs are best fulfilled by providing them a large fenced area to sprint in. It is important that the area that they are allowed to run in is safe for them because they will chase anything that moves, squirrels, birds, deer, cats, etc., and they do not look both ways before crossing roads. Because of this, it is important that any prospective owner have a tall fenced area (6ft+ ideally) ready for their new Saluki to run in. Additionally, I was shocked at how much easier it was to own two Salukis rather than one because they love to chase each other and play in the yard, wearing each other out. I think that most homes will find it easier when they have another dog in the home who will engage a young Saluki to keep him or her active and out of trouble.
An owner that can provide appropriate home with the space, time, and patience to exercise and train a Saluki properly will be thoroughly rewarded with the devoted affection of these exceptional creatures.
The Saluki is a breed of moderation. Their breed standard calls moderate angulation, moderately narrow width of chest, moderately wide skulls between the ears. They are not true sprinters like the greyhound, but they don't run long distance like the foxhounds or the husky; instead, they ran middle distances in the desert. Like their moderate body proportions, their energy requirements when they become mature adults could be described as somewhere in the middle. They're not hyperactive, nor are they total couch potatoes. As adults, they make good "weekend-warrior" dogs because of this. However, when they are adolescents, they have much higher energy needs that need to be fulfilled on a regular basis with hard running, not just a walk around the block, or you could create an under stimulated, neurotic mess. Many behavior problems can stem from a dog who is not being exercised or consistently trained enough.
Their temperament could also be described as middling as well. They are not golden retrievers, and many of them would rather not be touched by strangers who approach them, there are always exceptions of course, but they should not be fearful either. They are generally aloof and reserved with the world around them though affectionate with their own families. For best chances at having a stable, "go anywhere" adult Saluki, young Salukis should make an appearance in the world at least once a week, ideally to somewhere new to them. They do not need to be touched by strangers every time, but they should be able to observe different environments regularly. I also recommend taking a young Saluki to some kind of training class once a week throughout puppyhood for both mental stimulation, and so that the puppy gets used to seeing strange dogs. If the Saluki does not get proper socialization as a youngster, he or she may have difficulty adjusting to different environments as an adult.
They are hounds, and like other hounds, do have a certain degree of independence. It was a necessity for their ancestors to work independently bringing down game in the Middle East, and so that independence has carried on to our hounds today. They are not impossible to train, but require patience; they are not people-pleasers. They have a "What's in it for me?" attitude about many things, and I can't blame them. However, while you may not get an eager trick performing dog, they are generally not unruly dogs, and mesh easily with home life when they're well-exercised adults who have learned how to behave. It's important to differentiate unruly dogs from independent dogs, just as it's important to differentiate independent dogs from dumb ones. Salukis are incredibly intelligent dogs that get bored with repetition easily. However, because of their independence, they are great at finding things to do if they are under stimulated, so it's best if you keep them fulfilled and set firm and consistent boundaries with them with all family members participating.
The Saluki's exercise needs are best fulfilled by providing them a large fenced area to sprint in. It is important that the area that they are allowed to run in is safe for them because they will chase anything that moves, squirrels, birds, deer, cats, etc., and they do not look both ways before crossing roads. Because of this, it is important that any prospective owner have a tall fenced area (6ft+ ideally) ready for their new Saluki to run in. Additionally, I was shocked at how much easier it was to own two Salukis rather than one because they love to chase each other and play in the yard, wearing each other out. I think that most homes will find it easier when they have another dog in the home who will engage a young Saluki to keep him or her active and out of trouble.
An owner that can provide appropriate home with the space, time, and patience to exercise and train a Saluki properly will be thoroughly rewarded with the devoted affection of these exceptional creatures.