Saluki (Persian Greyhound)
Find Saluki (Persian Greyhound) Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Saluki (Persian Greyhound) puppies available.
Find Saluki (Persian Greyhound) BreedersGet to Know Saluki (Persian Greyhound)s
- One of the Oldest Dog Breeds on Earth: Archaeological evidence, including tomb carvings and artifacts, shows Saluki-like dogs depicted in ancient Egyptian art as far back as 2100 BCE, making them one of humanity’s earliest domesticated breeds.
- Sacred in the Desert: In Bedouin culture, Salukis were so esteemed that they were allowed to sleep inside tents and were considered part of the family, a rare honor for animals in desert societies.
- Extreme Endurance & Speed: Capable of reaching speeds up to 42 miles per hour (68 km/h), Salukis are among the fastest dogs in the world, rivaling the Greyhound. Unlike sprinters, they also possess remarkable stamina, allowing them to chase prey for miles.
- Two Distinct Coat Types: Salukis can have either smooth coats or feathered coats (with silky fringes on the ears, legs, and tail). Both types are elegant and low-maintenance, adapted to desert heat and rapid movement.
- An Ancient Line Untouched: Unlike many modern breeds, the Saluki has changed very little over millennia. Its physiology—slim build, deep chest, and long legs—remains nearly identical to its ancient ancestors.
Breed History
The Saluki is one of the world’s oldest known dog breeds, with roots tracing back over 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Beloved by pharaohs, nobles, and nomadic tribes across the Middle East, these elegant sighthounds were bred to hunt fast game such as gazelles, hares, and antelope across vast deserts. Known in Arabic as “El Hor”, meaning “the noble one”, Salukis were revered as sacred gifts from Allah and were never sold, only given as tokens of honor. Their natural grace, speed, and endurance made them prized hunters and companions along ancient trade routes. Today, the Saluki remains a living link to early civilization, combining aristocratic beauty with quiet athleticism.
Personality and Behaviour
- Quiet & Reserved: Salukis are calm, almost cat-like in their behavior, preferring quiet companionship over boisterous play.
- Deeply Loyal but Not Clingy: They form strong attachments to their families but remain emotionally self-contained, often showing affection in subtle ways.
- Graceful Hunters: Their instinct to chase is strong, so recall training and secure exercise areas are essential to prevent them from running after wildlife.
Care
- Exercise: Salukis need daily opportunities to run freely in safe, enclosed spaces, as well as long walks or jogs.
- Training: Intelligent but independent; they respond best to gentle, patient, positive reinforcement.
- Grooming: Their short or feathered coat requires minimal grooming; weekly brushing is sufficient.
Saluki (Persian Greyhound) Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Saluki Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Advanced Cardiac | ADVANCED CARDIAC EXAM - Exam by cardiologist, must include an echo |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | THYROID - OFA Thyroid Evaluation from an approved laboratory |
| SUCCINIC SEMIALDEHYDE DEHYDROGENASE DEFICIENCY (SSADHD) | DNA based test results from an approved lab registered with the OFA |
| Health Elective | One of the following: NCL8 - DNA based NCL test from an approved lab OFA CAER Eye Exam Participation in the OFA/CHIC DNA Repository |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Saluki (Persian Greyhound) Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Saluki (Persian Greyhound) is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Saluki (Persian Greyhound)
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Saluki (Persian Greyhound) puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Saluki (Persian Greyhound), and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Saluki (Persian Greyhound) is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
