v1.1 Breed of the Month February 2014 – SALUKI

K9 Chiropractic Breed & Kennel Feature -­‐ February 2014 Breed of the Month – SALUKI
ORIGIN: Middle East UTILISATION: Hunting and coursing hound
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY
Salukis vary in type and the variation
is desired and typical for the
breed. The reason for the variation
is the special place held by the
Saluki in the Arab tradition and the
immense size of the Middle East
area where the Saluki has been
used as a hound of the chase for
thousands of years. Originally each
tribe had Salukis best suited for
hunting the particular game in its
own area, but by Middle East
tradition, Salukis are not bought or
sold but presented as marks of
honour.
It follows that those
presented as such to Europeans
and brought to Europe came from a
wide variation of terrain and climate
and vary accordingly. The British
1923 standard was the first official
European breed standard for the
Saluki and was drawn up to cover all
these original types of Saluki.
K9 Chiropractic Breed & Kennel Feature -­‐ February 2014 GENERAL APPEARANCE:
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS:
The whole appearance of this
breed should give an impression of
grace and symmetry and of great
speed and endurance coupled with
strength and activity.
Smooth variety: the points should
be the same with the exception of
the coat, which has no feathering.
The length of the body (from point
of shoulder to point of buttock) is
approximately equal to the height at
the withers, although the dog often
gives the impression of being
longer than he really is.
BEHAVIOUR
TEMPERAMENT:
Reserved with strangers, but not
nervous or aggressive. Dignified,
intelligent and independent.
Eyes: Dark to hazel and bright,
large
and
oval,
but
not
prominent. The expression should
be dignified and gentle with faithful
and far-seeing eyes.
HEAD: Long and narrow, the whole
showing nobility.
CRANIAL REGION:
Ears: Long and covered with long
silky
hair,
set
on
high,
mobile, hanging close to the skull.
Skull: Moderately wide between
ears, not domed.
NECK: Long, supple and well
muscled.
Stop: Not pronounced.
BODY
FACIAL REGION:
Back: Fairly broad.
Nose: Black or liver brown.
Loin: Slightly arched and well
muscled.
Jaws/Teeth: Teeth and jaws are
strong with a perfect, regular and
complete scissor bite.
Croup: Hipbones set wide apart.
K9 Chiropractic Breed & Kennel Feature -­‐ February 2014 Chest: Deep, long and moderately
narrow. Neither barrel ribbed nor
slab sided.
Hocks: Well let down.
Underline: Well tucked up.
GAIT / MOVEMENT: smooth,
flowing and effortless at trot. Light
and lifting showing both reach and
drive without hackney action or
pounding.
TAIL: Long, set on low and carried
naturally in a curve, well feathered
on the underside with long silky
hair, not bushy.
In adults not carried above the
topline except in play. Tip reaching
at least to the point of hock.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS:
Shoulders: Well laid back, well
muscled without being coarse.
Hind feet: Similar to front feet.
COAT:
HAIR: Smooth and of a soft, silky
texture, feathering on the legs and
at the back of thighs, feathering
may be present on the throat in
adults, puppies may have slight
woolly feather on thighs and
shoulders. The smooth variety has
no feathering.
Upper arm: Approximately equal in
length to the shoulder blade and
forming a good angle with it.
COLOUR:
combination
permissible.
undesirable.
Forearm: Long and straight from
elbow to wrist.
SIZE:
Pasterns: Strong
slightly sloping.
Height at withers: Average between
58 - 71 cm (23-28 inches) bitches
proportionally smaller.
and
flexible,
Front feet: Feet of moderate
length, toes long and well arched,
not splayed, but at the same time
not cat-footed; the whole being
strong and supple; feathered
between the toes.
HINDQUARTERS:
Strong, showing
jumping power.
galloping
and
Upper and lower thighs: Well
developed.
Stifle: Moderately bent.
Any
colour
of
colours
Brindles
or
is
are
FAULTS: Any departure from the
foregoing
points
should
be
considered a fault and the
seriousness with which the fault
should be regarded should be in
exact proportion to its degree and
its effect upon the health and
welfare of the dog.
Any dog clearly showing physical
or behavioural abnormalities shall
be disqualified.
N.B.: Male animals should have
two apparently normal testicles fully
descended into the scrotum.
K9 Chiropractic Breed & Kennel Feature -­‐ February 2014 Things to consider if you are considering owning a Saluki.
long periods. They adore small
toys to de-stuff and throw around.
A good size bone to chew is also a
good idea. If you have more than
one dog and wish to leave them
with
bones
it
is
highly
recommended that you separate
them to avoid harmful fights.
Salukis are a "sight" hound, which
means they hunt by sight, they run
down the quarry, catch it and
retrieve it. Given their hunting
instincts they are prone to chasing
moving objects.
The normal size range is 28-71cm
[23-28 inches] for males at the
withers [shoulders] and 18-27 kg
[39-59 pound] with the female
being slightly smaller than males.
The Saluki may look delicate, but
they are a very robust breed.
They don't like being left alone for
A true modern Saluki retains the
quality of hunting hounds and may
seem reserved, independent and
aloof to strangers but at the same
time very gentle and affectionate to
its owner.
The Saluki is sensitive and
intelligent and should never be
trained using force or harsh
methods. Any training should be
gentle and with great patience.
They can get bored easily and
should not be left home unattended
for long periods.
Early socialization from 3 weeks of
age is required to prevent timidity
and shyness in later life.
K9 Chiropractic Breed & Kennel Feature -­‐ February 2014 Your yard will require fences in
excess of 1.7 meters [5.5 ft] with
gates of the same height and
lockable from the inside.
K9 Chiropractic Breed & Kennel Feature -­‐ February 2014 Salukis' are independent and strong willed - much like cats. They consider
that they own you - not you own them. They can sulk when they don't get their
own way and can call the shots without you even realising it. You need to
assert yourself as the ALPHA dog, the pack leader. They are very intelligent
and once you have their respect they will do just about anything for you.
In play the Saluki will exhibit many of their instinctive killing traits. Playful
biting to neck and abdomen while growling and snarling is perfectly natural for
you pet.
The Saluki is a very faithful and long-lived companion. They are beautiful and
graceful.
Exercise
The Saluki is a natural athlete and requires a long brisk walk or run each day.
Life Expectancy
10-12 years
Hope you enjoyed this summary and see you at a dog show soon!
Greg Connell B. App. Sc.
Doctor of Chiropractic
http://midlandchiropractic.com.au/
k9chiro-dog-chiropractor/
K9 Chiropractic is located in the
heart of Ballarat. Read more at
Pre-show chiropractic treatment
You have an enormous amount of
pride in your dog and put a lot of
effort in to getting them ready for
show and judging.
Make sure your dog’s are judged
at their best by having a preshow chiropractic assessment
and adjustment!
A pre-show adjustment will ensure
your
dog’s
conformation
is
presenting naturally – do not allow
any minor misalignments spoil your
big day!
Check Greg’s attendance at
Victorian
Dog
Shows
at http://midlandchiropractic.com.a
u/dog-show-schedule
K9 Chiropractic Breed & Kennel Feature -­‐ February 2014