Overview
The Saluki has been bred by Bedouin tribes for thousands of years as a coursing hound, prized for speed and endurance over long distances. It is tall, slender and feathered on the ears and tail in the most common type, with a dignified, slightly distant manner. Salukis are deeply attached to their own people and politely uninterested in everyone else.
In Britain they are an established minority breed with a devoted following. For a walker the main task is managing the chase instinct, which is as strong as any dog's and backed by real speed and stamina.
Exercise and walking needs
About seventy five minutes a day, including a chance to gallop in a secure space, keeps a Saluki fit and content. They are not restless at home and will sleep most of the day, but the run matters. Unlike a Greyhound, a Saluki has stamina and can keep going.
The lean body and fine coat feel the cold, so a coat for the dog is normal from autumn onwards.
On the walk
- Chasing: Anything that runs, from a hare to a cat to a small fluffy dog, will trigger a pursuit that lasts until the hound decides to stop. Free running happens behind a fence or not at all.
- Recall: Fine on a quiet day in an empty field. Worthless once a hare is up. Build what you can and never rely on it near roads or livestock.
- Other dogs: Gentle and non-confrontational, happiest with other sighthounds. Rough play from heavy breeds can bruise or frighten them.
- Lead: A sighthound collar or a well-fitted harness, as the narrow head slips a standard collar. Expect sudden lunges when something moves.
Tips for professional walkers
- Find and check a fenced field before promising the owner any off-lead time.
- Warm the dog up with a few minutes of walking before it sprints, to protect muscles and toes.
- Keep a soft bed or blanket in the van; thin-skinned hounds get pressure sores on hard floors.
- Look over the pads and legs for cuts after a run through rough ground.
What to ask the owner
- Has the dog ever caught anything, and what is its recall like when wildlife appears?
- Does it wear a muzzle for off-lead time, and is it used to one?
- Does it have a coat for cold weather, and how does it cope with rain?
- Are there other dogs it runs with safely?