What Is a Saluki?

Ever seen a dog that looks like it stepped straight out of an ancient desert scene, tall, with flowing, feathered ears and a deep gaze? That’s a Saluki. At Pointy Faces, we are drawn to these ancient sighthounds for their grace and athleticism that make them look like they are barely touching the ground.

So what exactly is a Saluki? It’s one of the oldest known breeds, an Arabian/Persian sighthound developed over thousands of years to hunt gazelle and other fast game across open terrain. They hunt purely by sight, locking on to movement and then exploding into a chase that can reach speeds over 40 mph.

Built for endurance 

Salukis are built like supreme athletes, lean, balanced, and tough under that refined look:

• Tall and rangy 

• Long, narrow head 

• Deep chest, tucked belly, and a strong, flexible back

• Partially webbed toes and paw pads with extra cushioning

• Coats come in two types: smooth (short and silky all over) or feathered (longer, silky fringes on ears, tail, legs, and sometimes thighs)

They move with incredible lightness (it’s beautiful to watch), capable of long gallops rather than short bursts. Their partially webbed toes and thicker paw pads mean their paws are perfectly adapted for sprinting in the desert.

A bit of History

The Saluki dates back thousands of years to nomadic tribes in the Middle East, and some say as far back as ancient Egypt, where they were so valued that they were mummified alongside pharaohs. Bedouin hunters prized them for coursing game in harsh deserts, and they were never sold, only gifted as signs of honour. The breed reached the West in the 19th and 20th centuries, with official recognition by the Kennel Club (UK) in 1923 and AKC in 1927/1929. That ancient lineage gives them a dignified, almost royal air.

The "Selective Hearing" clause

If you are looking for a dog that will sit, stay, and roll over on command just to please you, a Saluki might have other ideas. They are notoriously independent thinkers. It’s not that they aren’t smart, quite the opposite, it’s just that they tend to weigh up your request against whatever else is happening at that moment.

If there’s a squirrel in the distance or a particularly comfortable sunbeam on the rug, your "come" command might be acknowledged and then completely ignored. They have a cat-like personality that makes them less like a "pet" and more like a roommate who has their own schedule. Training a Saluki is less about barking orders and more about negotiation; keep it positive, keep it interesting, and always have high-value treats ready.

Saluki at home

Modern Salukis might not be chasing gazelles across the dunes anymore, but they’ve kept that independent spirit. At home, they are less like a typical "eager-to-please" dog and more like a big, very fast cat. They aren’t the type to bark at every passing leaf; instead, they offer loyalty to their inner circle while remaining politely indifferent to strangers.

Because they are so sensitive and sharp, they don’t take well to being told what to do; they prefer to be asked. They’re world-class sprinters, but once they’ve had a good zoom around a secure field, they turn into professional loungers. Give them a soft duvet and a bit of space, and they will happily spend the rest of the afternoon still and chill. 

We have a Saluki lurcher in the family, and she has some very distinct traits compared to our other lurchers:

• Drawn to open spaces: Wide, barren landscapes seem to mesmerise her. While our other lurchers do zoomies and loop back, she would happily trot toward the horizon without a second thought if given the chance.

• Very vocal: Not always in a barky way, but in expressive whines and yappy “conversations.” About once a day, she decides she has something to say and she will say it until she’s done.

• Indifferent to strangers: If she’s comfortable on the sofa, a new person entering the room does not register. Rest time is sacred.

Is a Saluki right for you?

Bringing a Saluki home means appreciating their independence and strong prey drive. Secure fencing is non-negotiable (they will chase anything that moves), and they need daily exercise, ideally a mix of brisk walks and safe off-lead runs in enclosed areas.

A well-fitted harness works better than a collar for their slender necks, and with those thin coats, a lightweight coat or fleece for cooler UK weather helps keep them comfortable. Snuggly beds are a must; they will claim the best spot without apology.

Browse our range of lightweight Saluki coats designed for their unique build.