Salukis: Ancient Hunters of the Middle East

Hello, and welcome to Doggone History — a light-hearted look at the history of dogs, one breed at a time. I’m your host, Rich Napolitano.

Before there were kennel clubs…before the Westminster Dog Show…and long before anyone argued online about whether their dog is “purebred”…

…there was a sleek, long-legged dog racing across the desert sands of the Middle East.

This was no pampered lapdog. This dog was built for survival — lean, fast, and unbelievably tough.

Today we’re talking a dog with Royal Lineage - the Saluki: an ancient dog that appears in the tombs of pharaohs…
a hunting companion revered by desert tribes…
and quite possibly one of the oldest dog breeds still recognizable today.

In fact, if you walked into ancient Egypt around 2100 BCE — you might see a dog that looks remarkably familiar.

Saluki-like dogs appear in Egyptian tomb paintings, standing beneath the chairs of royalty or sprinting after gazelle across the desert. Some were revered so much that they were even mummified with their masters to join them in the afterlife.

Of course… if your dog is anything like mine, it would probably spend eternity begging for snacks.

But the Saluki’s story stretches far beyond Egypt.

Across the Fertile Crescent — Egypt, the Levant, Mesopotamia, and Persia — these graceful hounds became vital hunting partners for nomadic peoples, and the Saluki is an exceptionally skilled hunter.

Unlike scent hounds like Beagles or Bloodhounds, the Saluki is a sighthound. When a Saluki spots prey — sometimes at incredible distances — it launches into pursuit with breathtaking speed, gracefulness, and endurance. We’re talking about a dog capable of chasing a gazelle across miles of harsh desert terrain.

And for the people who hunted with them, this wasn't a sport. This was survival. Among Bedouin tribes, the Saluki held a very unusual status. While in some traditional cultures, dogs were considered unclean and kept outside.

But the Saluki was different. These dogs were welcomed inside the family tent.
They were given names. They were treated as members of the household.

Some were even wrapped in blankets on cold desert nights.

If you’ve ever tucked your dog under a blanket, congratulations — you are participating in a tradition that goes back thousands of years. Dogs and humans benefitted each other by sharing each other’s body heat, and providing protection.

Salukis were also considered such valuable companions that they were often gifted between tribes or families as a sign of great respect. It was a kingly gift — the desert equivalent of saying:

“Here is one of the finest hunting dogs we have. Please treasure it.”

To understand the Saluki, you really have to understand the land that shaped it.

The desert is an unforgiving environment, and the Saluki’s body reflects generations of adaptation.

Its long legs create an effortless stride. Its narrow waist keeps weight low.
Its deep chest houses powerful lungs and heart — the engine behind its legendary endurance.

Even the distinctive feathering on the ears and tail may offer protection against sun and blowing sand.

Salukis come in two coat varieties: feathered and smooth, and both versions are extremely elegant.

But don’t mistake elegance for fragility. These are rugged, hearty dogs.

A Saluki can reach speeds approaching 40 miles per hour — and unlike some sighthounds that specialize in short bursts, Salukis can maintain a chase over long distances.

In endurance tests, they’ve sometimes rivaled or even exceeded other famous sighthounds like Greyhounds.

If Greyhounds are sprinters, Salukis are the marathon runners of the dog world.

The breed’s personality also reflects its noble history.

Salukis are typically quiet, observant, and independent, even to the point of almost seeming indifferent.

They’re not the kind of dog constantly begging for attention. Instead, they tend to carry themselves with a kind of calm dignity.

Let’s say they behave more like a pensive, bookish philosopher, or a slightly judgmental aristocrat. But once a Saluki forms a bond with its owner, that loyalty runs deep.

The Western world didn’t discover the Saluki until much later.

In the 19th century, British officers, diplomats, and archaeologists traveling through the Middle East encountered these remarkable desert hounds, and some of them decided to bring a few home.

One of the earliest enthusiasts were Brigadier General Frederick Lance and his wife Gladys, who brought two Salukis back to England from Palestine after World War I. But one of the most influential figures in the breed’s early Western history was Florence Amherst.

In the late 1800s, Amherst established one of the first organized Saluki breeding programs in England.

Her goal was simple: preserve the authentic desert dog without exaggerating its features.

In other words — keep the Saluki a working athlete, not just a showpiece.

The breed was officially recognized by The Kennel Club in 1923, and the American Kennel Club followed suit in 1927.

Throughout the 20th century, breeders occasionally imported desert-bred Salukis to maintain genetic diversity and preserve the breed’s original characteristics.

Unlike many modern breeds shaped heavily by dog-show standards, the Saluki has remained remarkably close to its ancient roots.

And now it’s time for Bad-Dad Jokes

Why is owning a Saluki a lot like owning a sports car?

It’s beautiful, sleek, and can be gone in three seconds.

While Salukis can certainly be seen in dog shows around the world, their favorite activity is something a bit more exciting, and that is Lure coursing.

In lure coursing, a mechanical lure mimics fleeing prey across a wide field.

When a Saluki sees that lure start moving…it’s ancient instinct machine switches on.

With their eyes locked onto the target, the Saluki pauses for a moment, and then

suddenly…

They explode into a full sprint.

For the Saluki, this isn’t just a game. Their natural abilities take over, with thousands of years of desert hunting expertise compressed into a few thrilling minutes.

Watching a Saluki race across an open field with the wind in its feathery fur is a thrilling and impressive site.

Traditional hunting with Salukis still continues in parts of the Middle East today. The partnership between humans and these remarkable dogs remains strong. 

Despite their incredible history, Salukis have never been among the world’s most popular breeds. The American Kennel Club currently ranks the Saluki 141st out of 205 breeds in terms of popularity.

However, they do have at least one notable pop-culture appearance.

The Saluki is the mascot of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. So how did an ancient dog from the Middle East come to be associated with a university in the midwest United States? In his book “The Other Illinois,” Historian Baker Brownell explained how the region came to be known as Little Egypt.  He wrote, “There was a drought in the northern counties (of Illinois) in the early 1800s...the wheat fields dried up, the streams died in their beds. But in southern Illinois, rain fell and there were good crops, and from the north came people seeking corn and wheat as in Egypt of old. Thus, the name, Egypt.” There are also happens to be large, grass-covered step-pyramid-like mounds built by native tribal peoples, and they are somewhat reminiscent of the Land of the Pharaohs. So the nickname Little Egypt stuck, and the Saluki was adopted as the school’s mascot. The very first Saluki to be used as a mascot for the school in 1953 was named King Tut.

Physically, the Saluki is striking. They stand up to 28 inches at the shoulder, but their slim frame keeps their weight between about 40 and 65 pounds.

Their life expectancy ranges from 10 to 17 years, with the average around 13.

Like many breeds, they can face certain health concerns. A 2006 survey by The Kennel Club and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association found elevated risks for some cancers and heart conditions.

Salukis are beautiful, intelligent dogs, but are not for everyone. These dogs require space to run safely and freely. An active person or family that loves the outdoors and wide open spaces would be most idea for a Saluki. THey are most certainly not an apartment dog.

Training them requires patience and a gentle approach.

Harsh methods don’t work well with Salukis — they’re sensitive dogs, and positive reinforcement goes a long way.

And if a Saluki spots something worth chasing — say, a rabbit or squirrel — there’s a decent chance they may temporarily forget that you exist.

Recall training helps… but prey drive is powerful.

However, for people who truly understand the breed, the Saluki can be a remarkable companion.

Owners often describe a dog with soulful eyes…quiet loyalty…and a personality that shifts instantly from calm observer to enthusiastic athlete.

Saluki communities tend to be small, but incredibly dedicated, and responsible breeders focus carefully on preserving the dogs’ health, structure, and temperament.

Rescue groups also help place retired show dogs and surrendered companions into caring homes.

One of the world’s oldest dog breeds continues to survive — not through popularity — but through the passion of people who truly love them.

If you’re interested in adding a Saluki or any pet to your home, I encourage you to contact your local SPCA, Humane Society, other animal shelter, or rescue organization where millions of dogs and cats are waiting for their forever homes. When you adopt a pet, you adopt love for life.

And please—spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the homeless animal population.

Now…It’s time to announce the next dog to be featured on Doggone History.

Randomizer activated…

What will it be?

Ah! The Chihuahua. Feisty little pooches! Should be interesting.

Doggone History is written, edited, and produced by me, Rich Napolitano. Original theme music is also by me.

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Please join me again next time. But until then…

say hi to your dog for me, won’t you?