Greyhound vs Saluki

Greyhounds (aka English Greyhounds) are friendly, gentle dogs who make great family pets.

This dog breed has spurts of energy they need to get rid of (off-leash) throughout the day, but once their energy is depleted, they’re quiet and calm. Unless there’s a rabbit or a squirrel nearby, they are a pretty chill breed who will lie at your feet when you’re relaxing at home.

Because Greyhounds are sighthounds (dogs who hunt by sight instead of by scent), they were bred to pursue game independently of their human hunting buddies. That means they have a rather independent streak, so proper training and early socialization will help them be well-mannered members of the family.

The Saluki temperament is typically quiet and reserved. As such, this breed doesn’t tend to be super talkative; it’s rare to come across a Saluki who’s a big barker. They play well with other dogs, but they may be shy until they get to know a familiar face. While they’re watchful animals who may alert you when something’s amiss at home, they’re a bit too delicate to be an effective guard dog. Despite high levels of intelligence, Salukis are also not typically employed as service or therapy dogs.

Salukis are usually gentle with children, but they may be sensitive to over-stimulation or excessive attention from very young or excitable kids. They aren’t likely to bite, but they’re also just not into being smothered with physical affection or in situations with handsy or rambunctious little ones. Lassie, the Saluki is not, so ensure any children in your dog’s life have been taught how to respectfully interact with them.

Another defining characteristic can be their standoffishness with strangers, even though they often become quite fond of those in the household. In fact, they tend to bond with one family member in particular. (Beware, you jealous types!) They can suffer from separation anxiety if this person leaves home for extended periods, so the ideal pet parent will be able to commit to consistent face-time in this relationship.

The loyal and companionable Saluki can make a wonderful family dog. That said, they’re not a fit for families with other small animals due to their strong prey drive and chase instincts, which are common in sighthounds. (If you’ve got a bunny or guinea pig who runs loose at home, a Saluki is not going to be a friendly roommate.) These traits also mean that Salukis need to be kept on a leash at all times unless they’re in a safe, enclosed space. Got a flimsy fence? That’s not gonna cut it with this breed. You’ll want one that’s at least six feet in height.