Saluki

Saluki grooming regimens are surprisingly simple. In fact, Salukis are quite low-maintenance compared to other dog breeds. It’s rarely necessary to take them to a professional groomer.

That said, their coats will shine with weekly brushing—particularly around the feathered legs and tail—and a slicker brush is your best bet for removing mats. For Salukis’ shorter body coat, a natural bristle brush will do. Excessive hair around the face can be trimmed with grooming scissors.

Salukis find getting dirty distasteful—there’s that air of royalty again—so a good bath once every three months is usually sufficient. For Salukis with skin sensitivities, be sure to consult your vet and buy some gentle dog shampoo that’s formulated for your pet’s needs.

As with other dog breeds, most vets recommend you brush your Saluki’s teeth a few times a week. This important practice helps stave off dental disease, periodontal problems and bad breath. Starting your Saluki on the practice at a young age is the best way to acclimate them. Your vet should also professionally clean your Saluki’s teeth once a year.

Although long, elegant, nails might seem a good look for the stately Saluki, their nails should still be trimmed as needed, i.e., whenever you start to hear that tell-tale click-clack as they walk down the hall. Keeping it neat and tidy is best. This is another routine that pet parents should start early so that your pup knows it’s no biggie when the clippers come out of the drawer.

Salukis are a low-shed breed, which means you can go ahead and buy that white living room sofa set. (Look at you adulting! ) Just make sure it’s nice and plush—providing comfortable surfaces for your Saluki is about more than just their persnicketiness. These slender dogs don’t have much “natural padding,” so they really need soft bedding for their long lounge sessions. (It’s so hard being beautiful.)

Salukis have a reputation for being tricky to train, and early exposure to other people and dogs is of utmost importance for this naturally shy breed. Fairly rigorous training requirements are the primary reason why Salukis aren’t always a fit for first-time pup parents. And training may take some time, so it’s helpful if you’ve been responsible for a dog before and understand the need to be patient and consistent—these “independent thinkers” require it. Keep your training sessions short and fun, avoid too much repetition so your pup doesn’t get bored and use treats to your advantage. Salukis love a good nibble reward.

Training a Saluki puppy is all about socialization, socialization, socialization. Aim to introduce them to as many new people as possible in their first 12 to 14 weeks to help get them used to new encounters. And that means different—they should be exposed to a diverse pool of both humans and other dogs in calm situations to keep the experiences positive. Embrace that melting-pot mentality.

It’s worth noting that all the training in the world will not quell this breed’s chasing instincts. If they spot a squirrel or skateboarder while off-leash, all bets are off, no matter how much time and effort you’ve poured into training. And trust us: You’re no match for that signature Saluki speed. So, it’s crucial they’re always kept on a leash when out and about. In the confines of a safe space, however, you can let ‘er rip. With their history of racing, hunting and running, Salukis may also enjoy agility courses or lure coursing for mental stimulation.

Due to their gentle nature, it’s particularly important to use only positive and reward-based training methods with Salukis—treats, toys and praise for a job well done.

Salukis typically thrive on a diet of high-quality commercial dog food. Pet parents should be sure to choose a formula that fits their pup’s stage in life (puppy, adult or senior). Salukis can be finicky eaters though (must be all that pampering in their bones), so a bit of trial and error may be needed to find their ideal menu. The Saluki Club of America recommends a formula that lists some kind of meat as the first ingredient.

Keep in mind that because every dog has different dietary needs, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Because some Salukis eat like birds and others like wolves, you’ll have to watch your pet. For those on the teenage-boy-like ravenous end of things, you may have to keep an eye on their weight and separate them from any other dogs in the home at mealtime so they only eat their own portion. Your vet will be your best resource for helping you choose a specific food and feeding schedule that’s best for your dog based on their lifestyle and needs.

Saluki exercise needs may seem contradictory. They can run up to speeds of 40 mph but they don’t need to be on-the-go at all times. All told, you’re going to have to give your Saluki daily exercise totalling one to two hours.

So what constitutes good exercise for this breed? Though these dogs do enjoy running, they’re not equipped for an entire day’s worth of activity and exertion, so this is not the breed to take with you on rigorous hikes. But 20-minute leash walks on city streets aren’t quite enough activity, either. Salukis really need to be able to run freely in an enclosed environment like a fenced yard or dog park at least a few times a week. When sufficiently exercised in this way, Salukis tend to be pretty placid.

Keep in mind they can become bored and antsy or destructive if they don’t get to stretch their sprinter’s legs at least once a day. Make sure to have some safe dog toys and chews on hand to keep them busy on those days rather than your beloved Manolos. That would be too sad.

Salukis are intelligent, intuitive and extremely perceptive, making them highly attuned to others’ emotions. They’re most at ease in a laid-back setting with calm or older kids. No roughhousing for these sensitive souls.

When it comes to hosting visitors, Salukis won’t be hostile or aggressive, but they probably won’t be the life of the party, either. They tend to enjoy peace and quiet, as well as a stable routine. World travelers and adventurers they are not.

Salukis aren’t overly sensitive to heat or cold, but if you live somewhere with a brisk winter season, they’ll appreciate a doggy sweater or light layer when the temperatures dip into the 40s or lower. In hot temperatures, they should always have access to shade and plenty of water.

Retirees living in a home with a fenced-in yard may make the perfect pet parents for Salukis. Since these pups are independent thinkers and can be tricky to train, they’re also best suited for people who understand the consistency and patience these dogs need in training, which is why they are not the best fit for a first-time pup parent.