Saluki: Arabian History, Health and Care in Saudi Heat

Graceful and calm, and as fast as the wind when it runs. The Saluki is one of the oldest sighthounds, and it has lived alongside people in the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years [1][17]. Here is its temperament, what it needs in running and food, and how to keep it safe in summer.

Saluki quick facts

What is a Saluki's temperament like?

Its official standard describes it as [1][3]:

• Reserved with strangers, but not nervous or aggressive.
• Dignified, intelligent and independent.

The American Kennel Club calls Salukis gentle and independent, but loyal [2]. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog itself before you decide.

How much exercise does a Saluki need?

The Saluki is built for both speed and endurance [1]. The AKC describes it as a swift sprinter that loves a good chase [2]. No official source sets a number of hours, but plan for a daily run in the cooler hours.

Safety first: the Saluki was bred to chase game by sight across open desert [1][2]. So expect a strong chase instinct, and don't assume it will come back when called if it spots a running animal or is near traffic. For its own safety, we suggest:

• Off-lead running only in a securely fenced area.
• A lead or long line in open spaces.

This is general welfare advice based on the breed's nature, not an official rule.

What should a Saluki eat?

Ask a licensed vet which food and portion suit your dog's age, weight and activity. No official source sets a feeding amount for this breed.

The Saluki has a deep chest [1], and a deep chest is a known risk factor for bloat (GDV) [4][5][6]. For deep-chested dogs, vet sources advise [4][5][6]:

• Smaller, more frequent meals, not one big one.
• No raised food bowls.
• No hard exercise right after eating.

Can a Saluki handle Saudi heat?

The Saluki's coat is smooth and silky, not a thick double coat [1][2][3]. That does not make it safe from heat. Cornell University's vet college lists dark-coated dogs and dogs with heart problems among those at higher risk of heatstroke [7]. Keep it safe [7]:

• Shade and fresh water, always.
• No running or hard exercise in hot or humid weather.
• Keep it indoors in extreme heat, and never leave it in a parked car.

Heatstroke is an emergency [7]. Learn the signs in our heatstroke article, and at any sign, go to a vet immediately.

What health problems do Salukis get?

• Heart: the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) names heart disease as a main condition of interest for vets treating this breed [9]. Because of the Saluki's build, researchers have set breed-specific reference values for heart scans [10][11].
• Thyroid: healthy Salukis often have lower thyroid hormone values than dogs in general [12]. Results are best read by a vet who knows the breed.
• An inherited nerve disease (NCL8): likely extremely rare in the breed, and a genetic test exists [9][13].
• Bloat (GDV): a general risk for deep-chested dogs, and a life-threatening emergency [4][5][6].

Before any sedation or surgery: tell your vet your dog is a Saluki. Sighthounds are lean with little body fat, and their bodies can clear some anaesthetic drugs more slowly, so recovery may take longer [8][9].

Tap a card below to learn more. These pages are for awareness only. For any worry, see a licensed vet.

What does it cost to own a Saluki?

Budget for:

• Food: in an amount your vet sets based on body condition.
• Vet care: check-ups, core vaccinations [14], and possibly heart checks over its lifetime [10][11].
• Grooming: lighter than for double-coated dogs, with brushing of the longer hair on Fringed Salukis [1][2][3].
• A safe place to run: good fencing, or a lead and long line.
• Keeping cool: shade, water and a cool spot at home in summer [7].

Before you buy or adopt a Saluki

• Ask for the health record and vaccination card, and check they follow a recognised core-vaccine schedule [14].
• Ask about any heart checks for the dog or its parents [9][10][11].
• Ask whether the parents were DNA-tested for NCL8 [9][13].
• Check the dog has, or will get, a microchip [15].
• Ask about the parents' health and temperament. The breed standard says only functionally and clinically healthy dogs should be used for breeding [1].
• Be honest with yourself about fencing and running time before you commit [1][2].

Can I bring a Saluki into Saudi Arabia or travel with one?

This is general guidance only, and requirements change. Check with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) through the Anaam platform, and with your airline, before any trip [15].

• Coming into Saudi Arabia: you usually need an import permit through Anaam, typically valid for 30 days. The dog usually needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination with at least six months of validity left, a veterinary health certificate, and its pet passport or vaccination record. These figures can change, so confirm them on the Anaam platform before booking [15].
• Short trips with its owner: a temporary exit-and-return permit is usually capped at 60 days. Confirm on the official platform [15].

What is the Saluki's history in Arabia?

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi says desert communities across the Arabian Peninsula have kept Salukis for hunting and guarding for around 5,000 years [17][18]. They worked in packs of two to six alongside falcons: the falcon spotted the quarry, and the Saluki ran it down over open ground [17][18].

Its name is thought to come from the town of Saluq in Yemen's Hadramawt, or from the Bani Saluk tribe [17][18]. In Saudi Arabia, the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition in Riyadh added a dedicated Saluki museum in its 2025 edition [16].

Did you know? The international breed standard notes that, by Middle East tradition, Salukis were not bought or sold but given as marks of honour [1]. That is one reason the standard still allows for a wide range of Saluki types, as they varied from tribe to tribe and region to region [1].

Saluki FAQ

How long do Salukis live?

We didn't find a reliable figure from a veterinary source for this breed, so we don't give one.

How big is a Saluki, and how much does it weigh?

It stands 58–71 cm at the shoulder on average, and females are smaller than males [1][2][3]. The official standards give no weight range [1][2][3].

What is the difference between Smooth and Fringed Salukis?

The Fringed Saluki has long, silky hair on its ears, legs, the backs of its thighs and its tail. The Smooth Saluki is the same in every way, just without that long hair [1][2][3].

Are Salukis aggressive?

No. The standard describes them as reserved with strangers, but not nervous or aggressive [1][3]. Still, supervise them around small animals because of the strong chase instinct noted above. This is general welfare advice [1][2].

Do Salukis run off?

They may chase anything they see running, so only let one off the lead in a securely fenced area [1][2].