Saluki
Graceful and athletic, the Saluki is prized for its speed and gentle loyalty. This elegant hound forms a close bond with family and thrives in an active home.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
58–71 cm (male)
56–66 cm (female)
WEIGHT
18–27 kg (male)
16–23 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–14 years
Saluki: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Saluki isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Saluki's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Saluki is gentle, reserved, and affectionate with family, but often aloof with strangers. This breed tends to be calm indoors and forms close bonds with trusted people.
Key Personality Traits
Reserved but gentle with family and friends
Quick to learn but can be independent
Needs regular exercise and space to run
Moderately playful, prefers gentle interaction
Adapts best to calm, quiet environments
Strengths
- Graceful and athletic runner
- Gentle and affectionate with family
- Low natural doggy odor
- Generally quiet indoors
- Loyal and devoted to owners
Challenges
- Strong prey drive toward small animals
- Prone to boredom without daily exercise
- Sensitive to harsh training methods
- Can be aloof with strangers
- Requires secure fencing due to chasing instinct
Protect your Saluki
Saluki are active and energetic, but they can develop heart disease and eye disorders. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Salukis are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Salukis are intelligent and independent thinkers, which can make training a challenge. They respond best to patient, positive methods and may become bored with repetitive exercises.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
Salukis have high stamina and require daily vigorous exercise, such as running in a secure area. They also benefit from mental stimulation to prevent boredom and maintain their well-being.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Salukis are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Saluki would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Sensitive nature and unique needs require experienced handling and training
Apartment Living
Needs space and frequent exercise to thrive
Active Lifestyle
High stamina and energy suit active, outdoorsy owners
Kids
Gentle but may be reserved or overwhelmed by noisy children
Multiple Pets
Can coexist but may chase smaller animals due to prey drive
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone and prone to separation anxiety
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Salukis compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Saluki
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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