The Pet Atlas

Breed Dogs Hound

Saluki

Feathered sighthound with gentle aloofness

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
High
Exercise
High
Mental stimulation
High
Trainability
Low
Vocality
Low
Health sensitivity
High
Grooming
Medium
Shedding
Low
Temperature sensitivity
High

Context & compatibility

Size
Large
Lifespan
12–14 years
Body weight
40–60 lb
Height
23–28 in
Apartment suitability
Less Suited

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Can offer secure sprint time in fenced spaces
  • Prefer a quiet home with calm routines

Not ideal

  • Prefer an off-leash lifestyle outside fenced areas
  • Have free-roaming small pets that run

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

Quiet and sensitive, low-key indoors with sudden speed outdoors. Often selective about affection and strongly chase-motivated.

Handling & social style

Prefers calm interaction and gentle handling. Too much pressure can make them withdraw.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

Sensitive, elegant, and independent—often deeply bonded but reserved, with strong chase instincts. Indoors they’re typically calm; outdoors they can be intensely focused.

Environment & space

Secure fenced sprint space is ideal. They’re often a poor match for off-leash expectations in unfenced areas.

Daily routine

Daily walks plus occasional safe runs, with training kept gentle and cooperative rather than forceful.

Health sensitivities

Owners often plan around temperature comfort, careful conditioning, and deep-chested bloat awareness; sprint-related injury prevention is also a practical theme.

Grooming / coat

Low-to-moderate grooming depending on feathering—routine brushing keeps coat tidy.

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

Middle East

Background

One of the oldest coursing hounds, the Saluki has deep roots across the Middle East as a hunter of fast game in open landscapes. It was prized for speed, endurance, and an efficient stride. In modern life, Salukis are often quiet and reserved, but they can switch to full chase mode in a blink, which shapes leash and running habits.