Saluki characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | Low | 10% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Medium | 34% of breeds |
| Good with children | Medium | — |
| Grooming needs | Medium | 26% of breeds |
| Shedding | Low | 26% of breeds |
| Barking | Very Low | 4% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Low | 24% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Low | 17% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Saluki right for you?
The Saluki is a large and powerful breed that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. In terms of temperament, it is generally good with children when socialized and supervised and is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors. Day to day, the Saluki thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Saluki thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. With medium energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Saluki to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Saluki needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and drops very little hair. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Saluki learns steadily provided you stay consistent and stays notably quiet indoors. It needs little company and settles happily by itself, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Saluki
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Saluki genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Barking: Very low — the Saluki is unusually quiet, one of the few breeds that rarely uses its voice. Only 4% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Trainability: Low — the Saluki is less biddable than most breeds. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Independence: Very high — the Saluki is unusually independent — it will make its own decisions. Only 13% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Adaptability: Low — the Saluki is less adaptable than most breeds. Only 17% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Saluki actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Weekly brushing keeps the coat in reasonable order. |
| Time alone | Copes with being alone better than most breeds, within reason. |
| Noise | Notably quiet. |
Where the Saluki fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Depends | Medium child tolerance: fine with supervision and older children, less so with toddlers. |
| First-time owners | Poor fit | The combination of drive, independence and training difficulty is a lot for a first dog. |
| Homes with cats | Poor fit | Very high prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Good fit | Very high independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Experienced sighthound owners
- Desert climate
- Large secure properties
- Patient trainers
Things to consider
- Extremely independent
- Strong prey drive
- Needs secure high fencing
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Saluki good with children?
- The Saluki can be good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Does the Saluki shed a lot?
- The Saluki has low shedding.
- How much exercise does the Saluki need?
- With medium energy, the Saluki needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Saluki live?
- The Saluki typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the Saluki live in an apartment?
- The Saluki is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Saluki easy to train?
- The Saluki learns steadily provided you stay consistent. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Saluki be left alone during the day?
- The Saluki needs little company and settles happily by itself. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.