Saluki

The Saluki is among the most ancient of all breeds, its likeness appearing on Sumerian carvings and Egyptian tomb paintings thousands of years old. Bedouin tribes prized it as the noble one, the only dog permitted inside the tent, gifted between chieftains but never sold. British officers brought the breed home from the Middle East in the nineteenth century, and its desert elegance has never left it.

Salukis are gentle and quiet, often reserved with strangers. Within their own family they are affectionate and deeply loyal. They are sensitive dogs that respond poorly to harsh handling, doing best with calm, consistent routines, and their independent nature means training rewards patience over repetition.

The breed's defining trait is an intense sighthound chase instinct, triggered by anything that moves quickly, from a cat to a bag in the wind. Training doesn't remove this entirely, so secure fencing and recall practice in enclosed spaces matter more than obedience drills.

Salukis are lean by design, so owners often worry about keeping weight on and not about taking it off. The breed can still become overweight on the wrong diet. A diet with moderate-to-higher energy density suits their activity, with portions judged against body condition, as a clear waist and some rib is normal. Given the deep chest and bloat risk, split the daily allowance into two or more smaller meals and rest around eating.

Many Salukis are genuinely fussy eaters, sometimes turning food down when stressed, hot or over-exercised, so a palatable, consistent diet and a settled routine work better than frequent switching. Given the tendencies towards hip dysplasia and heart disease, a complete food with joint-supporting nutrients is a reasonable long-term choice.

Every dog is different — weight, age and activity all shift what a Saluki needs. The Food Finder turns these breed tendencies into a shortlist matched to your dog’s age, size, budget and needs.