Monday, July 15, 2013

Important Information About Saluki Puppies And How To Care For Them

By Roxanne Cruz


Originally from the Arabic world the elegant Saluki was considered a gift from Allah. These clean, intelligent, and independent animals can make a loyal companion to their owners. Before looking for Saluki puppies to adopt, one must first know what this breed specifically requires in terms of care to determine if it will be the right choice.

A member of the hound family, the Saluki was first raised domestically in ancient Egypt, and highly prized by the Pharaohs. Early Arab nomadic groups used them for their hunting skills in tracking gazelles and hare, even granting them the privilege of sleeping in the same tents as humans. Arriving in England in the mid-nineteenth century, they became popular for hunting hare.

Tall and slim-bodied, the Saluki has an exotic appearance. They are built for speed, with a very lean and muscular build. A male dog may stand 23 to 28 inches in height and weigh 35 to 70 pounds, with the female being smaller. They have a narrow, pointed face with a liver-colored nose and long, feathered ears. Their coats are short, smooth, and silky, sometimes with featherings, and their color may be fawn, golden, cream, white, black and tan, or tricolor.

By nature this breed has a calm and quiet demeanor, and may often become attached to one specific person. They are very sensitive emotionally and don't take well to being left alone for extended periods. Early socialization is necessary or they may be very timid around strangers and other pets. Salukis can get along well with other dogs and cats, but smaller pets may be too tempting for these natural hunters. They are a more suitable playmate for older children than younger ones.

Although this dog is fairly smart, it is known for being stubborn, which can make it hard to train sometimes. Training sessions are best kept short, with the owner being patient, consistent, and providing the dog with many positive reinforcements for good behavior. Speaking to the dog in a cross tone is not a good approach.

With a body made for speed, a Saluki needs access to a good-sized, fenced yard where it can run, so it is not suited to living in an apartment. These dogs can jump too, so fencing must be sufficiently high to contain them. Vigorous daily exercise is essential to the dog's well-being. They also enjoy running alongside their owners when jogging or biking. Keeping the dog on its leash is important as they are prone to running off and are not terribly street-smart around vehicles.

Generally, this breed is fairly healthy but they can be prone to heart disease, hypothyroidism, and a form of cancer known as hemangiosarcoma, so it is important to receive a health clearance for any puppy declaring them free of these conditions. This breed is also sensitive to anesthesia due to their low body fat, so care must be taken when surgery is being performed. With good care, they can live to be 10-12 years old.

Saluki puppies are very clean animals which have little odor and do not shed much. Their grooming needs are rather simple, consisting of a weekly brushing and wipe-down or bath as needed. Their teeth must be cleaned and toenails clipped regularly as well.




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