rec.pets.dogs: Salukis Breed-FAQ
Jane Taylor
Posting-frequency: 30 days
Last-modified: 10 Jun 1995
This is a regularly posted faq and appears every thirty days in
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THE SALUKI -- ANCIENT HUNTING HOUND OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Authors
* Jane Taylor, Khamsa Salukis and Arabians (fai...@aol.com)
* Sharon Walls, Obi-Wan Salukis (he...@northcoast.com)
Contributors
* Lyndell Ackerman, Camp Carma Salukis
* Catherine Meyers, Comelightly Salukis
_________________________________________________________________
Table of Contents
* Frequently Asked Questions
* Description & History
* Temperament
* Other Information and Considerations
* References
+ Books
+ Kennel Clubs which Recognize the Saluki
_________________________________________________________________
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Saluki around children? Other pets? As a watchdog?
The Saluki can be quite tolerant of children and can be accused of
"licking the baby" too much. As with any breed the temperament of
the puppy in question can determine how it will interact with
children. Salukis can be territorial while claiming "their" children
and protecting them from a "Saluki-perceived" harm. They can be
protective of other pets in the household as well. In the
Middle-East they have been used as flock guardians. This does not
mean that they can be trained as watch/guard dogs like a Doberman or
Rottweiler. It is from the Saluki's sense of loyalty and
companionship to their owner that this tendency can be attributed.
Salukis can be temperamental and will become quite emotionally
attached to their owners.
Are they noisy? Do they have any bad habits?
Salukis tend to bark only when there is something worthwhile to bark
at (unless one has fallen into bad habits out of boredom). They are
very athletic, easily able to clear high fences unless the owner has
taken proper precautions to see that this does not occur. They are
not usually nuisance diggers, but can create large pits to escape
summer heat if left out of doors. Also, if not exercised enough,
your Saluki may excavate your backyard and garden into W.W.II sized
foxholes.
Is the Saluki a good house-dog?
The Saluki is an extremely clean dog with little to no odor, and
minimal shedding due to the short coat. In general, a Saluki kept
indoors sheds a little all year round. Salukis are not generally
thought of as outside dogs and they tend to not do well in that kind
of situation.
They do not drool, except in anticipation of food. They are
generally easy to house train. They will take over the furniture
unless their owners discourage this habit from puppy hood. A happily
wagging tail will easily clear off low coffee tables.
Many Saluki owners have learned the "seven foot rule"; if you don't
want the hound to get whatever the item is (butter on the counter,
leftovers on the stove, the roast thawing on the counter) put it out
of reach -- at least seven feet from the floor.
Are there any special feeding problems?
Some Salukis can be finicky in their eating habits and periodically
fast. Most Salukis eat less than other breeds of dog and drink less
as well. This is evident in Arabian horses and camels as well. One
of the most often heard questions by a Saluki owner is "Don't you
feed that dog? It's so skinny, I can see its bones." The answer is
--Yes, I do feed it. All that wants. It also runs approximately 35
mph. Salukis and sight hounds in general have the smallest amount of
body fat of all the dog breeds. When spayed or neutered they may
gain weight and the coat may become fuzzy.
Are there any special medical problems?
Due to lack of body fat, Salukis are sensitive to anesthetic agents.
This is true of most, if not all, the sight hounds. They also can
have reactions and intolerances to some worming and flea products.
In particular, the wormer known as TASK is not recommended for use
on Greyhounds. As a general rule if the label states not recommended
for use on Greyhounds don't use it on a Saluki.
The #1 cause of death in Salukis is Hit By Car.
The #2 cause of death is Old Age (average life span 12-18 yrs).
Thyroid: Some Salukis may be affected by low thyroid function. This
can be detected by blood tests and can be corrected by oral
medication. This condition may be seen in older animals whose
hormone level has decreased, and also in neutered animals.
Cancer: Cancer has been reported at an increasing rate; many of the
animals affected have been @ 4 yrs of age.
Heart Conditions: The Saluki is a tremendous athlete; if given the
opportunity to fulfill his hunting instincts, the heart may become
enlarged.
As with any breed, regular annual checkups and proper follow up with
diet and medication (if necessary) are recommended.
How much exercise does a Saluki need?
Salukis love to run. They will run just for the thrill of it. One to
two miles or more at a time. They can make excellent jogging
companions. In the Middle-East Salukis were and are kept by the
Bedouins, a pastoral nomadic people, and thus would travel numerous
miles over the yearly trek.
Are they energetic or hyper? Are they high-strung?
A young Saluki can be a very energetic fellow. In general, they
mature into lovely calm dogs. Salukis have an instinct to chase
moving objects and they can learn what is acceptable to chase and
what is not. As a general rule, at the age of two they begin to
settle down and continue to mellow significantly each following
year.
What were Salukis originally used for?
Salukis were and are bred in Middle-East as a
hunting/companion/guard dog. They primarily hunt by sight, and to a
much lesser degree by smell, and thus are very aware of their
surroundings. Salukis have keen hearing, but when in pursuit of
"game" exhibit "selective deafness" (which is usually infuriating to
the owner who is calling their hound at the top of their lungs with
no noticable result). When the dog has stopped running and is
standing still is the time to attract the dog's attention by both
calling it and making waving motions with your arms. Their native
quarry includes hare, gazelle, and bustard.
The description below includes many answers to other questions
regarding Saluki breed type, abilities, and temperament. This
guideline/standard was written for the International All Breed
Kennel Club of America, Inc. and was developed by the International
Middle Eastern Coursing Hound Association, which is the Saluki
parent club to the IABKCA.
Description & History
The Saluki is one of the most ancient breeds of hunting hounds.
Paintings of Salukis have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs,
Sumerian buildings, and Assyrian temples; thus, placing the age of the
Saluki as a breed at approximately 7,000 years. The breed remains
relatively unchanged to the present day. From ancient to modern times
the Saluki has been used to hunt gazelle, hare, bustard (a type of
bird), jackal, fox, and wild ass. The hunting style of the Saluki is
to sight and run the game down, catch and retrieve it. The Saluki is a
multi-game, multi-terrain coursing hound. In the more recent times
(the past 2,000-3,000 years) the Saluki has been kept by the nomadic
Bedouin tribes of the Middle East to hunt game animals, thus providing
meat for the cookpot. With the advent of Islam, dogs were and are
considered unclean beasts. However, in the case of the Saluki an
exception was made. By the Bedouin, Salukis are considered the Gift of
Allah to his children. They are allowed in the tents and considered
special companions. It has been said that the Bedouin never sells a
Saluki, however, they are given as special and precious gifts.
The questions one might ask with regards to the Saluki are: What do
the Bedouin look for in a Saluki? ; Why do the Bedouin want what they
do? ; What do the Bedouin consider good function? ; What types do
different tribes have and breed for? ; For what purposes are the
different types used? Most of these questions can be answered by
studying the terrain, climate, and game available in the various areas
that Salukis are found. It must also be kept in mind that Salukis do
not have a Country of Origin per se, but rather a Region of Origin .
Historically, they can be found ranging from Iran/Iraq and Turkey in
the North, throughout the Arabian Peninsula in the South and East, and
into Egypt and across North Africa in the West. However, the overall
picture of Saluki structure is consistent throughout these areas.
Listed below are points found to be consistent throughout the region
and can be interpreted as the Region of Origin Saluki standard, as
well as Bedouin lore from the various sources listed in the
references. In consideration of the qualities delineated below,
imagine yourself at the edge of the Rub Al- Khali (The Empty Quarter
in southern Saudi Arabia) where you will be left for three weeks. You
have a 55 gallon drum of water, 10 pounds of rice, and your choice of
three Salukis, two of one gender and one of the other. Keep in mind
you will use these Salukis to provide meat for your cookpot as well as
their sustainence. Which do you feel can do the job that they were
bred to do; hunt by sight, run the game down, catch and retrieve it?
OVERALL APPEARANCE
When in the show ring the overall appearance of the Saluki is one of
grace, symmetry, and a well conditioned athlete. The impression given
is one of the ability to hunt and kill efficiently. While on the
coursing field these qualities are displayed to their fullest with the
addition of an intense desire, drive and focus that is not seen in the
show ring. Combined, these qualities comprise undeniable Saluki breed
type and function.
The Smooth Variety has the same qualities as stated above with the
exception of feathering. In both varieties males may range from 23 to
28 inches at the withers with bitches measuring somewhat smaller.
FACE AND HEAD
The head should be longer than it is wide for breed type. Wedge shaped
when viewed from above with adequate width of back skull for
attachment of the jaw muscles (for clamping power when making a kill).
In profile, the head will again be wedge shaped with a slight stop at
the eyes. The top of the skull should not be domed and be almost flat
(in keeping with the "wedge" shape). Eyes are almond shaped in the
Saluki. They are set into the skull (not protruding/bulging) at a
slightly oblique angle to the face. Color may vary from honey to dark
brown. The set of the eyes and their lashes protect them from sand and
glare. The expression is that of a keen hunter. It can be said that
the Saluki will have a definite Eastern/Oriental appearance about the
eyes.
The bony ridges in the muzzle will provide for an appearance of
refinement/chiseling. The tightness of the lips to the cheekbones will
give the appearance that the Saluki is smiling. (The lips should be
close to the cheek and not drooping. A clean, dry mouth.) Tribal lore:
At least five hair warts should be on the face -- two on each cheek
and one or more on the chin. However, two or three on the chin is most
desirable.
PIGMENT
Pigment of the nose is black to liver. In older Salukis a graying in
black noses may be seen. The eye rims in darker pigmented Salukis will
appear as if they have been painted with kohl (a type of black makeup
Middle Eastern women use to define the shape of the eye). Tribal lore:
a mottled or pink nose is very undesirable as they cannot stand the
sun.
TEETH & BITE
The teeth must be strong and white with a scissors or level bite. Full
dentition is desirable. Tribal lore: The hound should have what the
Bedouin describes as laughing jaws for a powerful bite. When running,
the mouth will be wide open and the lips will be pulled back. It is
this action and the set of the jaws that are referred to as laughing
jaws.
EARS
The ear leather should be "drop-eared", also known as "floppy-eared".
The leather should be of sufficient length to reach the corner of the
mouth, but no so large as to hinder the hound while coursing/catching
game. The ears should be set high on the head and be very mobile. This
mobility will allow for the ears to almost touch each other behind the
back skull and when pulled backward and up. Depending upon the
animal's mood, the ears may also be held in positions known as
"airplane ears" (the ears will resemble a set of bent airplane wings
attached to the head), "mouse ears" (ears are pulled up as if to touch
over the crown and forward framing the face), and "rose ears" (the
ears are folded, pulled towards the back, and held next to the head
similar to a Greyhounds). The texture of the feathering must silky
(quantity is not important). A few of the Bedouin tribes would crop
ears. This practice was to prevent the ear leather from being torn
while hunting predatory game such as jackal and fox. FYI-Some Salukis
imported from the Middle East have had cropped ears.
NECK
The neck should be moderately long, supple, and well muscled. The
throat (the area where the head and neck join) should be fine for
mobility of the head in making the catch of game.
FRONT ASSEMBLY
The chest at the heart girth should be deep and with sufficient width
(spring of rib) for endurance in the chase. When viewed from the front
the chest bone (sternum, AKA keelbone) and points of the shoulders
should be able to be seen, while the area below them (the forechest)
will be somewhat filled in. Tribal lore: Belief is that if the width
is too wide (barrel chested) the Saluki will lack speed. If the width
is too narrow (slab sided) the Saluki will lack endurance. The
forechest should be moderately narrow (in proportion to the size of
the Saluki). This is for speed. (This width is linked with the
placement of the shoulders on the body. The placement should be far
enough back on the rib cage to give the width, yet not make the Saluki
pigeon breasted--protrusion of the sternum several inches beyond the
points of the shoulder.) It has been observed that when some looseness
in the front assembly appears while moving on harder terrain, it will
disappear when moving on loose sand. The looseness tends compensates
for the movement of the sand out from under the Saluki's feet. The
forelegs should be straight and long from the elbow to the wrist with
a slight slope in the pastern to the foot. A slight toeing out is not
uncommon. The pastern must also be strong. The slope and strength of
the pasterns is for shock absorption while running. The wrist can be
bent at almost 90 degree slope/angle backwards when the foot is in
contact with the ground and the front assembly is in follow-through
from extension to flexion. The bone of the limbs is oval tending
towards bladed (not round in appearance as in a working dog) with fine
quality, however it is very dense and strong for its size. Like an
Arabian horse, Salukis possess subtle power and strength.
FEET
The foot should be shaped as the foot of the hare (two middle toes
longer than the outside two); this applies to the front as well as the
rear. Tribal lore: The feathering between the toes and pads is for
protection against the hot sand. Some Bedouin will apply a henna pack
(a dried and crushed plant mixed with water) on the Salukis' feet;
this is to toughen the pads against cuts and abrasions during a hunt
or trek.
BACK & LOIN
The back should be well muscled with an unmistakable arch over the
loin. A good arch lends itself to muscular conditioning as well as
skeletal structure. In addition, as a general rule the Saluki is a
square dog. Square meaning that the height of the dog, as measured
from the withers to the ground, equals the length of the dog, as
measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the rump. This
is for endurance and speed on long courses. (This squareness is true
of the more southern strains, whereas, the northern varieties will
tend to be slightly longer in back and slightly larger overall as the
terrain that is coursed over during a hunt is different--more
mountainous.) The waist (tuck up/loin) should be pronounced. Tribal
lore: The loin should be no more than what a man can grasp around with
his hands (thumb to thumb and second finger to second finger). The
males will be slightly bulkier than the female, but over all the
fineness applies to both. This is for greater speed.
REAR ASSEMBLY
The hip bones should be prominent. When viewed from the rear the croup
should appear to have a trapezoid shape. Also, the rear quarters
should be higher than the forequarters when the hound is standing
naturally (the arch in the loin will add to this height) -- this is
for springing ability and length of stride. Tribal lore: A man should
be able to place 4 fingers between the hip bones. This will show the
agility/speed ability of the hound.
The 1st and 2nd thigh should be long and well muscled with the hocks
moderately low to the ground in relation to the length of the 1st and
2nd thighs. The whole showing moderate angulation in balance with the
forequarters. When standing squarely (stacked) the tips of the toes on
the front feet will be in a plumb line with point of the shoulder and
the front edge of the hind toes should be in a plumb line with the
point of the rump (the point of the ishium) and as the hocks should be
perpendicular to the ground. This moderation is for endurance,
agility, and speed.
TAIL
The tail is set low on the croup and carried in a curve. When the
Saluki is in motion the tail may be carried in a low curve, elevated
curve, up and curved over the back (gay tail). But it should not be
carried without a curve, i.e., straight up, straight out from the
back, or hanging limp (straight down). Tribal lore: The tail should be
of sufficient length to come between the rear legs, up around the loin
and touch the spine.
MOVEMENT
The working gait of the Saluki is a double suspension gallop (all four
feet are off the ground in flexion and extension) and they are
considered the endurance runner of the dog world. This galloping
style, in pursuit of game, will give the appearance of the Salukis'
body flying over the terrain; galloping with no wasted motion and
appearing effortless. In addition, the head will be almost level with
the spine as will the tail. Both will have a small amount of pumping
motion as the Saluki's body is flexed and extended. In the flexed
position the spine will be curved so that the rear legs will be
brought forward to the point of almost being in front of the shoulder
assembly. In extension, the front and rear assemblies are almost level
with the spine. This double suspension gallop is unique to Salukis and
other sight hounds and is the only time when reach and drive will be
exhibited.
Movement at a trot can give the appearance of floating over the
terrain (effortless movement). Almost a prancing type of step with the
head up, tail carried higher than or at the level of the back can give
this impression. This type of movement is generally seen in play or
courtship and it can also be displayed in the show ring, however, it
is not a hackney gait. Movement with the head and tail at an lower
angle (or in line with the spine) and legs moving so that the feet are
closer to the ground is used for traveling miles, in other words,
trotting with no wasted effort. It can be seen that when a Saluki
moves in such a manner it will single track (the feet will move closer
together almost as if they are converging along a line one foot in
front of the other). Also, when walking at ease, Salukis will
frequently walk a few steps with movement resembling a camel's (a
pace--right fore and hind move together and left fore and hind move
together). All of these types of movement are correct and soundness in
Saluki movement only refers to it being free from injury, disease or
lameness. However, it must be kept in mind that a Saluki is bred for
hunting at a gallop and movement at a trotting gait will not indicate
how it runs. The most important points to consider on both forms of
movement are balance and moderation. Only when these are present will
the effortlessness in movement appear.
COAT TEXTURE & COLORS
Coat texture is smooth and silky. Woolly feathering on the shoulders
and thigh may also be present. Puppies have a tendency to have body
wool as well. Some colors are preferred over others in various regions
with all being acceptable (however, brindling or self-black is rarely
seen in Salukis but can occur). Tribal lore: The Bedouins believe that
the white markings which can appear have specific meanings:
* A small patch of white hairs in the middle of the forehead is
called The Kiss of Allah . This Saluki is blessed and is very
special.
* A small patch of white hairs low on either side of the neck is
considered The Thumb Print of Allah and marks the Saluki as
especially blessed. (This mark can also appear as a small
indentation in the musculature along the forward edge of the
scapula.)
* A white streak on the neck along the spine as opposed to a white
collar marking. This is called a fast mark and indicates that the
Saluki will be an excellent courser.
* A white tipped tail means that the Saluki will be an excellent
hunter.
Temperament
Salukis are known for their aloofness with strangers, rather regal
bearing, and apparent farsightedness. However, with their own family
or someone that they know, they can be outgoing and affectionate
companions. The Saluki has not only been bred by the Bedouin as a
hunter for thousands of years, but as a beautiful, elegant,
intelligent, loyal companion, as well as protector. Their native
intelligence can be quite remarkable. With their intelligence being
high (for the most part) they can think their way through situations
if given the opportunity. They know their own kind (meaning sight
hounds in general and Salukis in particular) and can have little
tolerance for other breeds of dogs. In addition, they can be
protective of their families and friends (in the Mid-East they are
also used to guard flocks). The Saluki temperament does not lend well
to kennel situations or heavy handed methods of training as they can
be quite sensitive and become quite attached to their owners. In the
obedience ring, they tend to not do as well as other breeds because
they can be easily bored. However, if a strong bond with their owner
is evident they will do what is asked of them to please him or her.
Like the Arabian Horse, they can be a friend and companion with
undying loyalty. However, due to the intelligence level, this loyalty
is not linked with unquestioning obedience.
In the conformation show ring, due to the Saluki's aloofness with
strangers and their seeming farsightedness, it is not unusual for them
to tend to draw away from a strange hand reaching for their head or
face. This is the exception rather than the rule and they should not
be penalized for this response. In addition, they should be approached
from the front, with slower movements. However, aggressive or vicious
behavior should not be tolerated.
Other Information and Considerations
It has been noted on the coursing field that when a Saluki has lost
sight of the quarry it will leap or "spy-hop" in an effort to become
sighted again. This is very similar in appearance to a gazelle leaping
while running (jumping or springing with all four feet at once). This
spy-hop (or sproink, as it is sometimes called) can be as high as
seven feet and is a hunting characteristic of the Saluki.
The books and publications listed below not only delineate what some
Bedouin tribes look for in Salukis, but their horses and camels as
well. All of these species have been bred to exist under inhospitable
conditions for several thousand years and the Bedouin have developed
specialized breeding formulas for optimum survival. The most
consistent points that can be seen in the Bedouin programs for the
Saluki, Arabian Horse, and Dromedary Camel are the basic bone
structure, temperament, and elegance; one is just larger or smaller
than the other. In respect of the Bedouins' long history and the
original purpose of the breed, one should not presume to try to
improve upon what they have already perfected; breeding goals should
emphasize the preservation and maintenance of the high standards they
have set.
References
BOOKS
The Arab of the Desert -a study of the Mushatir Bedouin tribe of
Kuwait -- by H. R. P. Dickson.
The Ways of the Desert -- by Alexander Dumas.
The Horse of the Desert -- by W. R. Brown.
Black Tents of Arabia -- by Carl Raswan.
The Saluki in History, Art and Sport --by Hope and David Waters,
Burydown Salukis, England.
Hounds, Hares and Other Creatures -The Complete Book of
Coursing--published by Hoflin Publishing, Wheatridge, Colorado
Hutchinson's Dog Encyclopedia -- by Hutchinson.
Saluki, Companion of Kings -- by Vera Watkins, Windswift Salukis,
England.
The Complete Dog Book -- by the American Kennel Club, Saluki Standard
Submitted by the Saluki Club of America. NOTE: This standard has not
changed since it was approved and acce pted in 1927. Gazehounds: The
Search for Truth-- by Constance O. Miller, noted sight hound judge.
Dogs, Their History and Development-- E. C. Ash Medical and Genetic
Aspects of Purebred Dogs--edited by Ross D. Clark, Joan R. Stainer,
etal.
KENNEL CLUBS WHICH RECOGNIZE THE SALUKI
American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, FCI, Kennel Club of Great
Britain, Israeli Kennel Club, UKC, Rare Breed Kennel Club, States
Kennel Club, UCI - International All Breed Kennel Club of America,
Inc.
For the local Saluki breed club in your area the American Kennel Club
in Raleigh, NC generally has a listing of breed clubs and their rescue
organizations from which you may be able to obtain a Saluki "in need
of a good home."
Saluki Club of America
Donna Kappmeier, Secretary
12192 Gilbert Street
Garden Grove, CA 92641
If you are unsure about who in your area to contact, please e-mail
Jane Taylor or Sharon Walls (e-mail addresses at the beginning of the
FAQ). This FAQ will be updated periodically with new publication and
club information.
_________________________________________________________________
Saluki FAQ
Jane Taylor, fai...@aol.com