Hound breeds: Saluki

Origin
    The Saluki is probably the oldest known breed of domesticated dog. Carvings found in excavations of the Sumerian Empire dating back to 7000-6000 B.C. depict a Saluki-like dog. He is said to be as old as the earliest known civilization. When the word "dog" is used in the Bible, it is claimed the Saluki is what is referred to. His distinct breed and type was described as long ago as 329 B.C., when Alexander the Great invaded India. He is known as the royal dog of Egypt. His name comes from the ancient Arab city of Salug.
    In the Mohammedan religion, the dog is "unclean," but the Moslems declared the Saluki sacred and claimed he was given to them by Allah for their amusement and benefit. This allowed them to eat the meat brought down in the hunt by the Saluki. He was the only dog of the time to be allowed to sleep on the carpet in the Sheikh's tent. When he died, his body was often mummified. Many mummified Salukis have been found in the tombs of the Upper Nile region.
    The Saluki is a desert tribe dog and traveled with the nomads. His habitat stretches from the Caspian Sea to the Sahara, including Egypt, Arabia, Palestine, Syria, Mesopotamia, Anatholia and Persia. The variety in region produced two basic types: The Persian and the Arabian, which is smaller with less feathering on the legs and ears than the Persian. The Arabs used the Saluki mainly to hunt the gazelle, the fastest of the antelope, because of his tremendous speed. He was also used on jackal, fox, hare and even wild boar. He is a sight hunter, although he does have a fair nose.
    Salukis were first brought to England in 1840 and were called Persian Greyhounds. Real interest did not kindle however until 1895. More Salukis were brought back to England by soldiers stationed in the east during World War I, as prizes of war or gifts from friendly tribes. He became well established in England before coming to the United States. The AKC officially recognized the breed in 1927.

General description