Saluki is one of the most ancient breeds. Many believe that they were the first dogs who settled next to a man. Saluki gained immense popularity due to its hunting qualities and friendliness.
History of origin
Saluki is considered one of the first first breeds tamed by man. Its historical homeland is the Middle East and North of Africa (especially Ancient Egypt). This opinion was first expressed by the scientist L. P. Sabaneev in the 19th century. In his work, he suggested that the tezemes became the progenitor of all greyhounds - the greyhounds of the pharaohs. They looked like a salyuk in stature, but had erect ears and a wrapped tail.
The researcher believed that four similar breeds originated from them: the Saluki (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran), the Slyugi (Tunisia and Morocco), the Azawaks (South Sahara) and the Bell-Moura (African Borzoi of the Plains and Mountains).
The appearance of these rocks in such a large area Sabaneev associated with the colonization of the area by the Phoenicians and the relocation of the Arabian tribes (c. 3000 BC. E.). This opinion prevailed until the middle of the XX century.
In 1959, researcher S. N. Bogolyubsky published a work in which he suggested the origin of the Salyuk and theses from a common ancestor. He debunked the myth that the Saluki were descended from the tezemes, and singled out two forms of greyhounds - the North African and the Eurasian. They acquired differences due to living in different conditions and gave rise to several breeds of greyhounds and two different centers of their distribution, and later met on the same territory.
At the moment, scientists agree that the Bogolyubsky theory more accurately describes the development of the Saluki breed. The appearance of these dogs is attributed to the XI - X century BC. e. and consider them a separate breed, which is up to 4000 BC. e. was influenced by tezems. After the II millennium BC. e. Themes have stopped playing a decisive role in greyhounds distribution, and the Saluki have come to the fore.
However, the separation of greyhounds from the Arabian Peninsula and dogs, derived from these, is very conditional.
On images found in Egypt, there are drawings of lop-eared greyhounds (this is typical for Saluk), and on the islands of the Mediterranean Sea there are greyhounds with erect ears (for example, Ibiza dogs), which supposedly could have been brought there by Arabs during conquests in IX-XI centuries.
Scientists have no consensus about when exactly these dogs began to live with man. However, we can trace the origins and development of these animals by mummies, which are found in Egyptian tombs, rock paintings and poetry.
The first mentions of these dogs were found in Egypt and refer to the period when the pharaohs did not exist yet - 9000 - 10,000 years BC. e. This period includes the most ancient mummy of Saluki dogs. There are poems by the Arab poet Abu Nuwas, dated IX - VIII. BC that he devotes to his saluku. Abu Nuwas calls it "salukation":
“How can I glorify the Saluki who belongs to me?
His hunting luck won't run away from him forever!
All the goodies that I have, my hunting trophies -
His merit and booty, my guest is full of his works. "
In 7-6 tons. BC. e. the breed finally took shape and spread throughout the Middle East. This period includes the saluki head carved from ivory and found on the territory of the Arabian Peninsula.This breed is also mentioned in verses of Persian poets, which date back to 3000 BC. e. The next oldest discovery was made in Egypt: a barileph was discovered in one of the pyramids, which depicted hunting scenes with dogs of red and red-and-piego color.
It is interesting that this breed was so highly valued in Egypt that they made special collars inlaid with precious stones, while Arabs and Bedouins settled them in their tents.
Muslims considered them "pure animals" and never called the greyhounds "al kalb" (dog), as this was considered the greatest insult. Instead, the word "al hur" (noble) was used. They have never been bought or sold. Salyuk could be given to close relatives and friends. As gratitude for such a gift, a person could ask for anything.
The position of Saluki was so exceptional that after a Muslim stroked a dog, he could go to the mosque and perform only those prayers that he wanted. At the same time, he did not lose “purity,” as it did when contacting any other animal (except the horse).
Salyuk was never laid on the ground and was not left unattended on the street. In the cities for their recreation built special flooring under the roofs of houses. In the tents of the Bedouins they lived in the territory of women behind a curtain on a special bedding. For the night and on cold days, they were covered with a warm veil, and on hot days, women sewed light raincoats that protected the dogs from burns.
During the hunt, men covered their legs with a mixture of henna and clay, which protected vulnerable parts from burns (during the day the sand in the desert is very hot), cuts and other injuries.
All animals harvested with Saluki were allowed to be used by devout Muslims. Except for those animals that the dog began to eat itself. This postulate was recorded in one of the Hadiths (statements by the Prophet Mohammed), dedicated to keeping dogs and using them for hunting and guarding herds.
Interestingly, the following indication is given in Hadiz: all dogs should be let off the leash with the words “In the name of Allah!”. And from each person, containing a dog not for hunting and protection, it was supposed to take a tax for each day that this dog belongs to the owner.
Another exceptional feature of these dogs was that they ate the same food as humans. Greyhounds were always well watched for food: it was balanced and consisted of meat, camel milk and pounded dates.
The distribution of representatives of this breed in Europe took place in two stages. The first stage of distribution lasted until 1840. It is characterized by the fact that as a result of the emergence and fall of a number of empires, in the territory of the Middle East, northern Africa and southern Europe (for example, the Roman Empire, Alexander the Great's Empire), Salukis became widespread throughout the Mediterranean coast. However, they did not retain their pure blood and quickly mixed with other breeds.
These dogs took part in the Crusades in the XI - XV centuries.
However, their main occupation was still hunting. Both in Europe and in the Arab countries they were kept by wealthy feudal lords, so the hunt turned into a rank of entertainment and was a big event in which cavalcade participated, up to fifty greyhounds and hunting falcons.
The second stage of the Salyuk spread in Europe began in the XIX century, when they began to be brought from Syria. In 1840, researcher Hamilton Smith brought several individuals from Persia. They were demonstrated at an amateur exhibition in Regent's Park. And already in 1874, the breed is mentioned in the Kennel Club breeding book as the "Persian Greyhound".
The next time representatives of this breed were represented at the exhibition in 1900. In 1923, the breed was recognized in England, and a few years later in the United States.
In Russia, Saluki appeared in 1897 at an exhibition of dogs. Then the dog Grumiz took the gold medal.However, breeding of the breed began only in the 1990s, after importing dogs of European breeding.
The fate of the Salyuk in the countries of the Middle East was ambiguous. In the Arabian Peninsula, hunting is considered an indicator of human well-being, and trained purebred salukis can cost a fortune.
And in Iran, hunting is prohibited, and the police shot down many dogs of this breed, whose owners used them for illegal hunting. The most thoroughbred individuals are preserved in the Bedouin tribes living in the deserts.
Description
Standard number: FCI No269
Group: Greyhounds for hunting and racing.
Section: greyhounds with long hair or ochesy.
A general view of saluki is the embodiment of proportionality, grace and grace. There are many varieties, but there are general standards for all members of the breed.
- Head. The skull has a strongly elongated shape and is commensurate in width with the body. The transition from the forehead to the face is mild. The gap between the ears is smooth, without bulges. The ears are mobile and set high, in a calm state, tight to the head. There is a long soft coat on the ears. The dog must have an even bite. Nose can be black or brown. The eyes are large but not protruding.
- Neck long, elegant, with well-developed musculature.
- Back wide enough. Deep, big chest, tight belly. The front of the torso is much larger than the back.
- Tail must not be higher than the hock. It is set low and long enough. At the bottom there is a characteristic suspension of soft wool.
- Front limbs well laid back and have developed muscles. Shoulders and shoulder blades are approximately equal in length. Long, straight forearms go into wide powerful pasterns. On the hind limbs, hock joints are well expressed and the joints of the knee joints are almost not pronounced.
- The coat is smooth and soft.. On the legs, tail and throat there are feathering. Coarse or felted wool is considered a serious defect.
The main characteristics of an adult dog:
- weight - 14 - 27 kg;
- growth - 60 - 70 cm;
- lifespan - 10-14 years.
Coloring is allowed any, but tiger is considered undesirable. But at the same time brindle color is not a vice and cannot be the reason for the disqualification of a pet at competitions, for example.
Interestingly, the accepted standards of the Saluki breed were approved for the European variety of the breed, and purebred individuals living in Bedouin tribes often do not meet these standards in any parameter.
Character
Saluki is very intelligent, delicate, calm and sensitive. They can't stand it when they raise their voice. And it does not matter whether they shout or even. If the dog understands that the conflict begins, he tries to go to a place where no one will touch it.
They have a sense of self-worth, sometimes turning into arrogance. This is reflected in the recognition of the owner of only one person. Of course, the dog will be benevolent with all family members, but only one person will carry out the commands and serve.
Saluki do not like to contact with children. This is due to the fact that children often annoy animals and do not see personal boundaries. The dog will not start the conflict first, but if the child has begun to dog the animal, then he will be able to stand up for himself.
There is one more thing that needs to be taken into account: if a dog is regularly irritated and does not allow it to be alone, it becomes a jerked, nervous animal that will not make contact even with the owner.
Saluki quite restrained in the expression of emotions. For example, a dog will be completely indifferent to strangers and affectionate with those whom she knows (even if this person is not a member of the family). They never require special attention of the person, do not rush with the requirement of embraces. Sometimes there is a feeling that the owner of the saluku is needed only to feed, walk and scratch behind the ear. Interestingly, with such a detached behavior, the animal truly loves its owner and may suffer from loneliness.
Saluki are sociable and fit well into the flocks. But at the same time do not feel discomfort, if there are no other quadrupeds in the vicinity. The Persian greyhounds are very independent in this regard.
The situation is completely different with other pets.
Due to the developed hunting instinct, the Saluki perceive other pets as their prey. Such behavior can be reversed with the help of long-term training, but in many cases the instinct takes its toll and, for example, the cat becomes a potential prey.
Conditions for content
Since the breed was formed in the hot climate of the Middle East, they experience cold weather difficult. That is why the Saluki are not suitable for breeding and living in aviaries and kennels - they are moved there only for the summer.
Persian greyhounds are rather large and mobile dogs, so they are not recommended to be housed in apartments. The most comfortable option for animals will be a house with a large plot. However, if the dog lacks movement, then it can voluntarily go for a walk.
Greyhounds have two features:
- they need a lot of movement;
- they "discharge the battery" in a very short time.
The average saluku enough 40 minutes to walk up. But walking is better done at a pace, so that the dog has the opportunity to move around. It is advisable to do this in the fields. Saluki walking bike is too slow, a scooter or a motorcycle is more suitable for speed. And remember that it is very difficult to curb the hunting instinct, so any moving object causes hunting excitement to the greyhound.
The Persian greyhounds are distinguished by excellent health, the basis of which lies in proper nutrition and adequate physical exertion. Despite this, there are a number of diseases that can occur in a pet:
- dilated cardiomyopathy (irregular heart function);
- hypothyroidism (disruption of the thyroid gland);
- hemangiosarcoma.
Dog experts recommend showing the pet to the veterinarian at least once every six months.
What to feed?
Interesting situation with food saluki. Among representatives of this breed, gluttons are extremely rare, so a healthy animal decides for itself how much it needs to eat. The ration and volume of servings depends on the degree of activity of the animal and its age.
The first 1.5 weeks after the puppy stops feeding the mom-dog, his diet is milk, cereal and nutritional mixtures. From about two months (when physical activity increases) they are gradually added to the diet:
- meat;
- eggs (raw or ground and added to porridge);
- porridge in meat broth;
- meat;
- vegetables.
An excellent option for feeding a puppy in the first few days after it is taken from the nursery will be ready food from the breeder.
Feed the puppy better at one time and in one place. The pet will quickly get used to its place and will not scatter food.
Cottage cheese and kefir are introduced into the diet of an adult saluki. In addition, the portion of meat increases. The rest of the diet remains the same.
It is necessary to consider the following nuances:
- an adult dog may ignore unfamiliar products;
- puppy is fed 2-3 times a day, an adult - 1-2 times a day.
Should be excluded from the diet:
- fatty foods;
- fried or smoked dishes;
- sweets.
Saluki's body is very sensitive, and eating disorders lead to obesity, digestive problems, gastritis, allergies and other problems.
How to care?
Saluki rarely and little fade. Their coat, even when wet, does not produce an unpleasant smell. Moreover, animals are naturally clean and will not sin by bathing in ditches. This becomes especially important when you consider that frequent water procedures are contraindicated for them.This is due to the fact that they have a very thin fat layer.
Experts do not recommend washing saluk more than 2-3 times a month. It is necessary to use gentle shampoos and balms (for easier combing), and after the procedure, dry the wool with a towel.
Particular attention should be paid to the ears (they should be cleaned once a month and after the procedures they should be wiped dry) and claws (if the dog is active, the claws are worn out themselves, and if physical loads are limited, then the claws need to be filed and ground).
To care for hair, it is recommended to stock up on crests of different frequencies. They are needed in order to comb out the mats and turnips that the animal brings from the walk. In the summer, it is worthwhile to limit the dog’s stay in the open sun. This is due to the fact that Saluki are deprived of undercoat.
During walks, it is recommended to bandage the feet of a pet and put on a special cover in order to protect the tail. However, these are ineffective measures, since during the run the dog drops all unnecessary.
Training and education
The main purpose of training is to accustom the dog to the basic set of commands to "sit", "cannot", "stand", "to me" and the like. You should not expect from the pet execution of some complex commands. Saluki is not a circus dog after all.
Training begins at 3-4 months. Before that, you need to teach your pet to his place in the house, to establish relationships with him and mutual trust.
Since for thousands of years the basic quality that the salyuk developed was the hunting instinct, they reluctantly obey the training (and, in general, commands). And when chasing a dog, it stops responding at all.
Interestingly, up to about two years old puppies demonstrate their owners stupid ass. Canine experts attribute this to the fact that in this way the animal tests a person for strength.
In order to facilitate the management of the dog, apply special clickers. These devices make clicks with which certain actions are associated with training. Also, dog experts recommend using the method of "positive reinforcement", which consists in the fact that for obedience to the animal give a treat. This method works especially well when Saluki are addicted to their games and do not react to clickers.
These dogs do not like being told the same thing. They can respond to a person 2-4 times, but if you repeat one command 10 times, the pet will simply ignore you.
Saluki love to talk with them, explaining the meaning of things and actions. This can be used if the animal is afraid of any procedure. Attention dogs in the process of communication is easy to manage.
About the features of the breed, see below.
