Saluki
HISTORICAL SUMMARY
Salukis vary in type and the variation is desired and typical of the breed. The reason for this variation is due to the special place the Salukis have in Arab tradition, and the immense size of the Middle East, where they were used as hunting dogs thousands of years ago. Originally each tribe had Salukis adapted for hunting prey, particularly in their own area, but by Middle Eastern tradition, Salukis could not be bought or sold, they were only given as a gift as a sign of honor. As a result, the Salukis presented to Europeans and brought to Europe came from a wide variety of soils and climates.
Country of Origin: Middle East.
GENERAL APPEARANCE: The general appearance of this breed should give the impression of grace and symmetry, of great speed and endurance, combining strength and activity. Short-haired variety: The terms should be the same, with the exception of the coat, which has no fringe.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS: The length of the body (from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock) is approximately equal to the height at the withers, although the dog generally gives the impression of being longer than it actually is.
BEHAVIOR AND TEMPERAMENT: Reserved with strangers without being nervous or aggressive. Dignified, intelligent and independent
HEAD : Long and narrow; the set showing nobility
CRANIAL REGION
skull : Moderately wide between the ears, not rounded.
Stop : Not pronounced.
FACIAL REGION
Truffle: Black or liver.
Jaws and Teeth: Jaws and teeth are strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite.
Eyes: Dark to hazel, shiny, large and oval, but not prominent. The expression should be dignified and gentle with a faithful and far-reaching gaze.
Ears : Long and covered with long, silky hairs, set high, mobile, hanging close to the head.
NECK : Long, flexible and well muscled.
TRUNK
Back: Moderately wide.
Loin: Slightly arched and well muscled.
Croup: The bones at the tip of the iliac are well separated.
chest : Deep, long and moderately narrow. It should not have flat or barrel ribs.
Bottom Line : Well tucked up.
TAIL: Long, low set and carried, naturally curved, well feathered on the underside, with long silky hairs, without forming tufts. In adults, it should not be carried on its back, except when playing. The point should reach at least the point of the hock.
MEMBERS
PREVIOUS : Good leaning, well muscled, without being heavy.
Arms: Approximately equal in length to the scapula; forming a good angle with it.
Forearms: Long and straight from elbow to carpus.
Metacarpals: Strong and flexible, slightly inclined.
Paws: Of moderate length; long, well-curved toes, they shouldn't be open, but they shouldn't be cat's feet either; the set should be strong and flexible, well feathered between the fingers.
HINDQUARTERS : Strong, showing power to gallop and jump.
Legs: Well developed.
Hocks: Well let down.
Knees : Moderately angled.
Paws : Identical to the fronts.
DRIVE : Smooth, flowing effortlessly at a trot. Light and loose, showing range and propulsion, without hackneying or walking heavily.
COAT
By : Smooth and with a silky texture; feathering on the limbs and the back of the thighs, throat feathering may be present in adult dogs. Puppies may have slight fringes on the thighs and shoulders. The short-haired variety has no fringe.
COLOR:
Any color or color combination is permissible. The brindle color is undesirable.
SIZE : Height at the withers: 58 to 71 cm.
FAULTS
Any deviation from the terms of this standard should be considered a fault and penalized in exact proportion to its severity and its effects on the health and well being of the dog.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS
• Aggressiveness or excessive shyness.
• Any dog that shows any sign of physical or behavioral anomaly must be disqualified.
GRADES
• Males must have both testicles, of normal appearance, well let down and accommodated in the scrotum.
• Only clinically and functionally healthy dogs with typical breed conformation should be used for breeding.