Saluki
Hound Large
Originally bred in Middle East, the Saluki has become one of the world's most recognizable large breeds, sitting at #111 in AKC popularity. An ancient, ethereal sighthound who carries the dignity of a pharaoh and the speed of the desert wind in a delicate, feathered frame.
Quick Stats
Characteristics
| Family Friendly | |
| Energy Level | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Good with Kids | |
| Good with Dogs | |
| Apartment Friendly | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Barking Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Intelligence |
About the Saluki
The Saluki traces its lineage to Middle East, where Often cited as the oldest purebred dog, Salukis were mummified alongside pharaohs in ancient Egypt and have been treasured by Bedouin tribes for thousands of years.. Currently ranked #111 by the American Kennel Club, the breed remains a popular choice worldwide.
The only breed traditionally considered clean by Muslims and allowed to sleep inside Bedouin tents, while other dogs were kept outside.. Gentle, devoted to their family, and deeply sensitive; they form intense bonds with their primary person and can be almost empathically attuned to mood.
Lure coursing champion and devoted companion; in parts of the Middle East they are still used for traditional coursing with trained falcons..
Lifespan Overview
The Saluki typically lives 10–17 years. Learn more about Saluki lifespan →
Price Overview
Expect to pay $1500–$2500 from a reputable breeder. See full price breakdown →
Weight & Growth
Adult Salukis weigh 40–65 lbs. View growth chart →
Temperament
An ancient, ethereal sighthound who carries the dignity of a pharaoh and the speed of the desert wind in a delicate, feathered frame.: trainability 2/5, energy 3/5. Full temperament guide →
History
Salukis arrived in England in the 1840s and were recognized by the AKC in 1927; they remain relatively rare outside of sighthound enthusiast circles.. Bred by Bedouin nomads to course gazelle across desert terrain, combining extreme speed with endurance to run down swift prey in scorching heat..
The breed gained AKC recognition and currently sits at #111 in popularity. Lure coursing champion and devoted companion; in parts of the Middle East they are still used for traditional coursing with trained falcons..
Common Health Issues
| Condition | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Hemangiosarcoma | Occasional | Critical |
| Cardiomyopathy | Occasional | Serious |
| Hypothyroidism | Occasional | Mild |
| Anesthesia Sensitivity | Common | Serious |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy | Rare | Serious |
Is the Saluki Right for You?
Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Saluki is a large-sized breed belonging to the Hound group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.
Energy and exercise: The Saluki has moderate energy levels, needing around 30–45 minutes of daily exercise. A combination of walks and play sessions will keep this breed content. They adapt reasonably well to different activity levels without becoming hyperactive or overly lethargic.
Living space: With an apartment friendliness rating of 2/5, the Saluki is not well-suited for small living spaces. This breed does best in a home with a securely fenced yard and ample room to move. Apartment living may lead to behavioral problems unless the owner is extremely committed to daily outdoor exercise.
Children and family: The Saluki rates 3/5 with children - acceptable but not exceptional. They do well with older children who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs. Close supervision with toddlers and young children is important, and teaching both the child and dog appropriate boundaries is essential.
Grooming commitment: The Saluki is relatively low-maintenance in grooming with a rating of 2/5. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are typically sufficient. This makes the breed a good choice for owners who prefer minimal grooming routines, with costs around $68–75/month.
Ownership Cost Summary
Before bringing a Saluki home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 10–17 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $1500–$2500 is only the beginning.
The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $5,377. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.
Ongoing monthly costs average $172, broken down as follows: food ($62–95/mo), grooming ($68–75/mo), insurance ($52–68/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($405–846/yr) and supplies ($281–538/yr). As a large breed, the Saluki costs more for food, medication dosing, and larger equipment than smaller dogs.
Over a full 10–17 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $52–68/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.
Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Saluki owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Saluki fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.
Breed Traits Explained
The Saluki belongs to the Hound group, which historically means these dogs were bred to hunt using keen eyesight or an exceptional sense of smell. Hound breeds can be independent-minded and may follow a scent or sight rather than listening to commands. They require patience in training and secure containment to prevent them from wandering.
With a family friendliness score of 3/5, intelligence at 4/5, and shedding rated 2/5, the Saluki presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (4/5) and barking tendency (1/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.
Intelligence and engagement: With intelligence rated 4/5, the Saluki is a quick learner that thrives on mental challenges. This high intelligence means they need puzzle toys, training sessions, and varied activities to prevent boredom. An under-stimulated Saluki may develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or escape attempts. The upside is that they pick up new commands quickly and excel in activities like obedience, agility, or nosework.
Shedding and home cleanliness: The Saluki's low shedding (2/5) makes them easier to maintain in a clean home. Regular brushing still helps remove dead coat and promote skin health.
Saluki Quick Decision Guide
Making an informed decision about the Saluki requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.
You will love the Saluki if: You maintain moderate daily routines with regular walks and occasional adventures, can provide consistent training and appropriate supervision with visitors, have adequate space with outdoor access, and prefer lower-maintenance coat care. The Saluki's hound heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.
Consider a different breed if: You need a dog for extreme athletic activities, , or if your living situation cannot accommodate a large breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.
Next steps: If the Saluki seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Saluki owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Salukis before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.