Sunday, July 14, 2013

What You Need To Know About Caring For Saluki Puppies

By Roxanne Cruz


Originally from the Arabic world the elegant Saluki was considered a gift from Allah. These clean, intelligent, and independent animals can make a loyal companion to their owners. Before looking for Saluki puppies to adopt, one must first know what this breed specifically requires in terms of care to determine if it will be the right choice.

Salukis are considered to be the first breed of dog domesticated by the ancient Egyptians. The early nomadic Arab civilizations used this dog for its superior hunting skill in tracking gazelles and hare, and esteemed it so highly that the dogs were permitted to sleep amongst humans. In the mid-nineteenth century the dog appeared in England where it was used mainly for hunting hare.

With a lean, muscled frame and a narrow muzzle, the Saluki appears exotic. They are naturally fast and energetic runners, with males measuring 23 to 28 inches tall and weighing 35 to 70, and females are somewhat smaller. Their noses are usually liver-colored and their ears are long and feathered. Coats are silky, smooth, and short with feathering present in some areas, and may be either white, golden, fawn, cream, tricolor, or tan and black in color.

This dog has a gentle and quiet disposition and usually favors one particular human over others. Strangers may upset a Saluki unless it is exposed to a variety of people and other animals early in its life, and because it tends to be very sensitive this dog should also not be left alone for long either. They are normally fine with other dogs or cats, but they may chase smaller pets and get along best with children if they are older.

Since they are quite intelligent this dog has a good capacity for learning, however they are known to be stubborn, which can make training them difficult at times. The owner must keep training sessions short, exercise patience and consistency, and be sure to offer the dog plenty of positive reinforcements. One must never speak harshly to this sensitive dog.

With a body made for speed, a Saluki needs access to a good-sized, fenced yard where it can run, so it is not suited to living in an apartment. These dogs can jump too, so fencing must be sufficiently high to contain them. Vigorous daily exercise is essential to the dog's well-being. They also enjoy running alongside their owners when jogging or biking. Keeping the dog on its leash is important as they are prone to running off and are not terribly street-smart around vehicles.

Generally, this breed is fairly healthy but they can be prone to heart disease, hypothyroidism, and a form of cancer known as hemangiosarcoma, so it is important to receive a health clearance for any puppy declaring them free of these conditions. This breed is also sensitive to anesthesia due to their low body fat, so care must be taken when surgery is being performed. With good care, they can live to be 10-12 years old.

Saluki puppies are very clean animals which have little odor and do not shed much. Their grooming needs are rather simple, consisting of a weekly brushing and wipe-down or bath as needed. Their teeth must be cleaned and toenails clipped regularly as well.




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