Photo Courtesy of Marilyn Labrache, Dadaelis Salukis
Like the Arabian horse, the Saluki is considered to be one of the oldest and purest breeds of dogs in the world. Since the beginning of the Breed, Salukis have been highly revered by the Bedouin and considered a most Divine gift from Allah. Their extreme intelligence, tremendous stamina, and unwavering loyalty to their masters have made them a constant and respected companion. In fact, they have a very friendly disposition and are known for their kind affection towards their master. Salukis are also blessed with excellent hearing and eye sight. In modern times they are a member of the Sighthound group of dog breeds.
Salukis, much like camels, falcons and of course, Arabian horses, have their place in Middle Eastern history and have been given Divine status by the Bedouin people. The Saluki is not considered to be an ordinary dog, which is looked upon by the Arab people as a lowly animal, but the Saluki is revered as a Holy creature from God.
With pride and high esteem, the Bedouin bred his Saluki with the same thought and care he gave to the breeding of his Arabian horses, valuing speed and extreme beauty. Historically Salukis, along with falcons, were used for hunting gazelles and other game. Swift as lighting, they could reach speeds as fast as 40 mph yet appear to run effortlessly. Puppies were raised in the harem, while the adult hound was the constant companion of his master. The Saluki, like the Arabian horse, shared his master's tent.
The Saluki dog comes in two types: the Smooth-haired and Feathered-haired. Coat colors range from pure black to reddish, brownish, tan, white and tri-color (white-black-tan). Today in the United States, Salukis are mostly feathered; however, the Bedouin tribes valued each type equally and often cross bred the Feathered and Smooth-haired types. They are quite slim in build, with a high-stepping elegant and graceful gait.
It has only been in the past four to five decades that Salukis have been exported to other parts of the world from the Middle East. Considered prized possessions by the Arab men, the Saluki was given to foreigners as a gift of honor to certain high ranking officials and acquaintances. Appreciating the value of these distinguished and cherished dogs, Salukis started being bred and raised in the Western world. Breeders around the world have embraced the noble heritage of the Saluki, and many are careful to select only pure and authentic Arabic Names for their precious ones in much the same manner as the Bedouin have for centuries past.
Photo at left is of a painting by world-renowned artist Andre Pater titled "When Bargaining Gets Tight." Notice the Saluki dog with his master on the far right side under the tent.
Other names the Saluki breed is known by in modern times include the Gazelle Hound, Persian Greyhound, and Arabian Hound.
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A Collection of Arabic Names with Translations and Pronunciations,
Especially for the Arabian Horse Lover