Sighthound.
Sacred Dog of the Sumerian Empire
Breed Origins:
Middle East - Dates back to antiquity & Sumerian Empire of Mesopotamia
Breed usage:
Hunting hare, foxes, wolves and gazelle and Falconry ( Hawks)
Dog Weight: 35 - 65 Pounds
Dog Height: 23 - 28 inches to the shoulder
Sight Hound Dogs - General Information
These wonderful, also known as Gazehounds as their gaze focuses on the horizon seeking game, specialise in hunting their quarry by sight rather than scent. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc.
Information about Sight Hounds characteristics
Sighthounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. Sighthounds have extremely good vision. They also have a long jaw and lengthy neck which assists them in sighting their quarry. Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long powerful legs essential assets when following any fast and agile prey. Sighthounds are elegant dogs - long, lean and almost regal in their general looks, many were owned by Pharaohs, Emperors and Royalty Sighthounds have distinctive feet with elongated middle toes that make the foot appear longer and helps with their firmfooting. Their long stride, powerful chest and lungs and agile bodies make it possible for sight hounds to chase and kill their quarry.
Information about Sight Hounds and Hunting
As implied by its name the Sighthound has been bred to chase a quarry predominantly by sight but it can also use its sense of smell, or even its hearing. Sighthounds, also referred to as Gazehounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet.
Characteristics and features of Sighthounds have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time Sighthound dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various Sighthound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as Hunting and running down large and small quarry
Flushing out and Driving game
In this day and age only a few Sighthounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Sighthound breeding programs successful.
Many of the Sighthounds were kept in packs, in outdoor kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Sighthound breeds require a significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels suitable for hunting quarry. The fastest of the sighthounds can reach speeds of over 40 mph (60 km/h).
Information, Facts & Origins of the Saluki - Sighthound
The Saluki originates from Middle East and is a dog of considerable size with a lean body built for speed and endurance. It is believed to also share a common ancestor with the Pharaoh hound. The Saluki Hound is also known by the other names of the Gazelle Hound and the Persian Greyhound. The Saluki was bred originally to hunt hawks, hare, foxes, wolves and gazelle. It's origins can be dated back for at least 5000 years to antiquity. It is as one of the Hound Dogs Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page.
The Saluki - A Sighthound
The Saluki Hound belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Sighthounds or Gazehounds, which specialise in hunting its quarry by sight rather than scent. It wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc.
Sighthounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. Sighthounds have extremely good vision. They also have a long jaw and lengthy neck which assists them in sighting their quarry. Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long powerful legs essential assets when following any fast and agile prey. Sighthounds also have distinctive feet with elongated middle toes that make the foot appear longer and helps with their firm footing. Their long stride, powerful chest and lungs and agile bodies make it possible for sight hounds to chase and kill their quarry. As a pet, although they were bred to hunt wolves and gazelle, the Saluki is loyal, sensitive and gentle. It is good around children and will adapt well to family life but special consideration must be given to the practicalities of keeping such a large dog - it is also renown for its jumping ability.
Information, Facts and History of the Saluki Hound Dog
The Saluki Hound is a very old sight hound dog breed originating in the Middle East. It's names originates from Saluq, an ancient city in Arabia. The Saluki was originally used to hunt large game, in particular, hare, foxes, wolves and gazelle. The Saluki was extensively used in falconry and specifically when Hawking. This dog is also known by the names of the Gazelle Hound, Tazi and the Persian Greyhound. The Saluki is one of the oldest breed of dogs and is depicted in carvings of early civilizations such as that of "Sumerian Empire" of Mesopotamia dating back to 7000 BC.
This dog was declared "sacred " by the Muslim religion whilst all other dogs were "unclean". Salukis were not allowed to breed with non-Salukis, which explains their purity throughout the centuries. The nomadic existence of the Bedouin owners of the Saluki's ensured the spread of the breed throughout North Africa, the Middle East and Egypt. The terrain of the Saluki varies from the desert of the Sahara to colder, mountainous areas. The Egyptian pharaohs were known to keep the ancestors of this dog. References to the Saluki's's ancestors appear as hieroglyphics and are also found engraved in cuneiform ( written in wedge-shaped characters) on ancient pillars and tablets.
The Saluki was recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1928.
Description of the Saluki Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours info
The Saluki's coat can be White, Fawn, Cream, Red, Grizzle, Tri-colour, Black/Tan & Milti-coloured. The coat is smooth and short with no feathering.
