Saluki

The Saluki is one of the world's oldest dog breeds, an ancient Middle Eastern sighthound with history dating back at least 5,000 years to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. These "Royal Dogs of Egypt" were prized by nobility and Bedouin tribes for hunting gazelle and hare. Standing 23-28 inches tall and weighing 40-65 pounds, Salukis are elegant, athletic sighthounds built for speed and endurance.

They come in two coat varieties: smooth (short coat on body) or feathered (slight feathering on legs, backs of thighs, and ears). Their most striking features include long, elegant heads, large, oval eyes conveying gentle dignity, and long, mobile ears covered with silky hair in feathered variety. Salukis have long, graceful necks, deep, narrow chests, and remarkable tuck-up in loins creating elegant lines.

Coats come in various colors including cream, fawn, golden, red, grizzle, black and tan, tri-color, or white. These sighthounds have long, feathered tails carried in curves. Their movement is smooth and floating, capable of impressive speed—they can reach 40 mph.

Salukis have large, well-padded feet. These ancient dogs retain primitive characteristics and independent natures, appearing in ancient artwork worldwide.