01/08/2025
The Saluki currently holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest breed of dog in the world.
Although new research may have undermined that claim, its ancient origins are undeniable. Archaeologists uncovered a golden pendant depicting a Saluki that dated back to 3,300BCE while the remains of mummified Salukis have been discovered in ancient tombs in the Upper Nile region.
These elegant dogs were highly valued by Arab tribesmen and Egyptian nobility alike. As high-speed sighthounds, they were prized for their speed, endurance, and keen hunting instinct.
Capable of reaching speeds of up to 42 mph, the Saluki was most famously used to hunt gazelle but, in the mountainous terrain of northern Iran and Turkey, it adapted to the environment, becoming “bigger, heavier, [and] hairier” to cope with larger prey, like deer.
Curious, loyal, and yet independent, the Saluki is an athletic dog that excels in competition, showing an aptitude for activities such as agility, lure coursing, and jumping. Despite their hunting origins and high prey drive, Salukis make dignified and gentle family pets as long as they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
