The Saluki is an indigenous dog to Saudi Arabia. If one is lucky enough to get a glimpse of one of these creatures you will be struck by its elegance, its cunning and speed. You may also be surprised to see a dog of its stature that has adapted so well to the natural habitat of the desert. Salukis are still not taken in among Saudis as pets but they are recognized as a tradition of Saudi Arabia.
According to information on Saluki’s, The graceful and beautiful Saluki is usually quiet indoors, but is active outdoors and needs serious exercise. This dog is fast. Because of his independent nature, training him takes patience and humor. He is devoted to his family but does not usually warm up to strangers.
Temperament: The Saluki is an outstanding companion with their family. The Saluki has not only been bred by the bedouin as a hunter for thousands of years, but as a beautiful, elegant, intelligent and loyal companion also. Salukis can be quite sensitive and become emotionally attached to their owners. The Saluki is very gentle with children and can be a friend with undying loyalty. Overall the Saluki is a loving, elegant, intelligent and loyal dog that may be right for you if you have the time and commitment that it takes to owning this wonderful breed of dog.
and last but not least the Saluki hunter in action:
Group: Hound
Size: Medium
Height: 23 to 28 inches
Weight: 45 to 65 pounds
Origin: Saudi Arabia
Coat: Smooth and of a soft silky texture
Life Span: 13-14 years (Average)
Filed under: Animals, Saudi culture, Saudi Living, Sports, Uncategorized
What a beautiful breed, with such a great temperment!
there is a breader of salukis in khobar, western expat from what I’ve been told.
they are indeed gorgeous. And my vet (Dr. Majed) can also make recommendations for this breed too.
They seem perfect dogs for people with horses
A pity all these modern hunting videos show men in cars rushing after their hunting-animals, and no horses….
yes; I looked but could not find a traditional video of the beudion hunting with his saluki atop an arabian stallion (the beuidion that is, not the saluki…atop the stallion….)
Awwww I want one!! Or 2.. but not for hunting of course.
I agree that the giant cars (“trucks” to me) in the otherwise great video were a distraction and a disappointment–but then I live in a country where people hunt from helicopters. Some combination of Arabian horses, camels, dogs, and persons would have been more aesthetic and more sportsmanlike.
Aafke–perhaps you will add a Saluki to your Arabian menagerie: Onze-Saluki-Jongens [Our Saluki Boys]
http://members.chello.nl/~l.vangog
Or maybe I will : Saluki Club of Canada http://www.salukicanada.com/main.htm
Or someone else: Saluki Club of America, Inc.
http://www.salukiclub.org;
Euro-breeder.com
http://www.eurobreeder.com/breeds/saluki.html.
To help create Saudi/Arab/Israeli/Palestinian/Bedouin Canine Detente , I recommend simultaneous acquisition of the equally delightful (I know one personally) Arab/Israeli/Palestinian/Bedouin native collie-type Canaan Dog http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaan_Dog
My husband has wanted a dog since I’ve known him and he likes big dogs. Although he is partial to German Shephards, I’m trying to convince him to support his country and consider a Saluki!
hello again, I have two salukis (much to the dismay of my family!!) and I adore them. After all the proper shots, they now live with me in the USA where they enthusiastically play in the snow. I must admit the rain is not their favorite thing.
I always think it is a shame that we muslims are biased against dogs. Kudos to your husbank, Carol!!
I actually have had muslim friends who do not enter my home because of my dogs, and potential boyfriends who look at me strangely when I mention the dogs. (yes, i’m saudi and i date).
When i played the videos you linked, my dogs stood next to me and watched intently – they have superb sight and love TV and such.
oops, i meant husband (freudian slip?)
How wonderful Mariam that you have two salukis and interesting to learn you are Saudi and in the USA with your salukis. Did you get your Salukis in the states?
My husband was completely won over by big dogs one time when we were in a small town in Virginia and having breakfast outside at a small cafe. The table next to us had this huge black lab that made its way over to my husband, “introduced himself” (not begging for any food by the way, and worked itself to his heart.
Mariam–thanks for sharing. I hope you blurked on American Bedu’s guide dog post. What you wrote here gives welcome nuance, as well as the fun image of TV-watching Salukis. Are they smooth or feathered? I am a feathered Saluki person myself (in my fantasies of course)
Fortunately, sometimes a Freudian slip is only a slip of the typing finger! (you must be a touch typist–now repeat these exercises frf, juj, ded, kik, etc.–one line each)
Hi Carol,
A question off the blog post…..would you be knowing of any place in Riyadh where tattoes are done….
Thanks….
Kate
Anonymous, please read this earlier post: http://americanbedu.com/2008/09/22/no-tattoos-in-islam/ which explains that tattoos are prohibited.
Off topic here……but I wonder if you are going to do something about the refusal of the Saudi government to let it’s people rally to support the Palestinian people?
Prince Nayf has turned down all requests to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.
It is pretty sad when pro Palestinian rallies get thousands in places like San Fransico in the USA, and they are BANNED in Saudi Arabia.
Haven’t decided Abu Sinan. This is a very trying month and fortunately I have most of my posts written in advance.
Interestingly though I have seen more and more Saudis wearing the black and white smaugh around their neck in a show of solidarity.
If this topic continues, let’s please move it to the debate page since it has nothing to do with salukis.
Lovely breed. Actually several of my Saudi friend own them!
Anyways, I am excited about discovering your blog. I just started one myself, which describes my own ex pat experiences and my perspectives as the daughter of a Muslim-Palestinian and a Christian-American.
Hope to talk again soon!
http://beliefcan.blogspot.com
I just wanted to let you know that I have nominated your blog for a prestigious 2009 Bloggie Award in the “Best Asian Blog” category (includes Middle East) and also in the “Best Writing of a Weblog” category!
The Bloggies are established and very well regarded – they’ve been running for nine years. A panel of randomly chosen voters will choose the finalists from the most nominated blogs, and the list will then go out for public vote.
Please pay it forward – nominations close Monday, January 12.
http://2009.bloggies.com/
BEST WISHES!
Welcome Half Breed!
Thank you very much Susie!!
Hey I know this is way late on this particular post but this morning, some guy called into the morning show I listen to and for whatever reason mentioned that the mascot of Southern Illinois University is the Saluki. I thought it was rather odd but kind of cool, though how would a desert doggy fare in Illinois winters I wonder!! Just a little tidbit for you
[...] He was very happy when his research uncovered that the greyhound is thought to have origins to the Saluki, the native dog of Saudi [...]
[...] He was very happy when his research uncovered that the greyhound is thought to have origins to the Saluki, the native dog of Saudi [...]