February 1998

Saluki Standard - Filling in the Gaps - Part 1


Our standard is somewhat more vague and open ended than those of some other breeds because we choose not to have a "cookie cutter" breed.  The dog who was successful hunting a very small hare on shifting sands in the arid southern part of the breed's original home had some different attributes from the dog that hunted fox in the rocky or mountainous desert and both differed somewhat from the saluki which could  successfully bring down the wild ass in the grassy plains in the northern regions of the breed's native lands.  As you read the standard it is hoped you will come to value and accept these differences as well as discover that there are some qualities that all salukis need in order to fulfill their ancient promise.

"GENERAL APPEARANCE:  The whole appearance of this breed should give an impression of grace and symmetry and of great speed and endurance coupled with strength and activity to enable it to kill gazelle or other quarry over deep sand or rocky mountains. "

This general appearance statement appears at the end of our standard but you should have it foremost in your mind as you view a class.  Strength is a very important quality.  The saluki should be a three dimensional dog.  It may have fine bladed bone, however its breadth & body should never be fine, but strong & muscular.  We wish to retain the historically tough, athletic Bedouin hunting hound that was a joy to behold for those very qualities which made it such a capable and awesome hunter.

Saluki-type dogs were bred and used over an enormous geographic area on various types and sizes of fast game, thereby necessitating a variation within the dog itself.  The salukis of the southern, arid deserts, where game and vegetation are sparse, are smaller and finer than those you will find in Turkey, where the game and resources are much more sufficient.  The salukis were kept by the herding nomads and probably provided some variety to their  sparse diets as well as sport - "the my dog is faster than your dog" mentality.  Being a tough people living in a harsh environment, their hounds had to be tough as well & only the strongest, quickest, fittest for the particular work it had to do survived.

 The saluki was developed as a hunting hound - fast, strong, sturdy, muscularand tough with great endurance.  Terrain, climate, ground cover, and the size and type of game all contributed to the individual strains.  All were correct if they could do the job for which they were bred.  Our standard reflects this diversity and should be interpreted with the various functions of the breed in mind.


Linda Scanlon, guest columnist
breeder/judge