Saluki
The desert wind made flesh — grace, speed and millennia of pedigree.
Vital stats
| Size | Large · 58–71 cm |
| Weight | 16–29 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14 years |
| Energy | Moderate-high — daily runs with sprint bursts |
| Shedding | Low |
| Coat | Smooth or feathered · cream, fawn and many colours |
| Group | Hound · FCI №269 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred by Bedouin to course gazelle across open desert, the Saluki pairs explosive speed with rare endurance — and a temperament of quiet, dignified reserve. It bonds deeply but undemonstratively, greets strangers with polite indifference, and spends most of the day in elegant repose, saving everything for the run.
Habits & quirks
The 60 km/h sofa dog
Two speeds only: flat-out gallop and horizontal on the softest surface available.
Selective hearing
Hears you perfectly; is simply weighing your request against a distant pigeon.
Cat manners
Grooms itself fastidiously and offers affection on its own precise terms.
Sun worshipper
Thin-coated and low on body fat, it will find the one warm patch in any room.
Care
| Exercise | A daily walk plus regular chances to sprint in a large, securely fenced space. |
| Containment | Off-lead freedom is only safe behind fences — sight of prey overrides every command. |
| Comfort | Little body fat means padded beds are essential and cold, wet weather calls for a coat. |
| Grooming | The smooth coat needs almost nothing; feathered ears and tails want a weekly comb. |
Common questions
How fast is a Saluki?
Among the fastest of all breeds, capable of well over 60 km/h — and unusually able to hold speed over distance. That is exactly why one must never be loose near roads.
Are Salukis affectionate?
Yes, but in a quiet, catlike way — they attach deeply to their family while staying reserved with strangers. Expect devotion, not exuberance.
Can a Saluki live with cats?
Sometimes, if raised together indoors, but the chase instinct never disappears — especially outdoors. Small fleeing animals will always be read as prey.