Alyosha

Depends on the individual and their lifestyle. They are good singers, try "singing saluki" in a youtube search and you'll see what I mean. This one just gave me a giggle: They can be barky or howly if they are lonely or bored - much as they'd like you to think otherwise they are still dogs! As for photos, here's mine pretending they are in love:

I think any sighthound is more suited to surburbia than most people realise - including Salukis. They aren't designed to run all day like a working breed. They are made for bursts of activity and in between they have traditionally been expected to be calm and await the next hunting opportunity. No-one wants to take a dog hunting that's been spinning around on the spot and has exhausted or injured itself.... So they are well suited to an indoor quiet life, with two good walks or jogs a day. The important thing about living somewhere more dense with a Saluki would be finding somewhere safe that they could have a good gallop once a week or so - like a fenced dog park etc. The other good thing abouut surburbia is that the fences are usually more secure which Salukis need anyway.

I think you've put that quite well. They box - standing up wrestling, and run. Our girl can go over the 12 foot round trampoline in a huge leap with only one touch in the middle when they are playing. Ours also like playing tag, especially round trees or similar, dodging each other - "Can't catch me!" sort of thing. I think they'd be good jogging companions - not that I'm much of a jogger these days! I think they would figure how to match their pace to their handler pretty quick.

I'm no great authority either... Our boy is super sociable as well - he loves meeting people, but his friends and family get super special massive body squiggles and the propeller tail. He won't head for the hills if he is off lead on his own, but if he and our girl are together they can. They have an amazingly close bond. Our girl grew up with our Borzoi, and was very close to our Borzoi bitch - but as soon as the male Saluki turned up they were inseperable. I'd say Afghans in general have an easier temperament for beginners, similar in some ways but generally little more forgiving and easy going than some Salukis. Very similar in training, but I think the Affies again (well my ones anyway!) are easier to formally train. But the concept is the same, as with most sighthounds - they need to work with you, they will rarely work for you. Everything is an individual matter though, and even litter brother/sisters can vary widely in attitude and temperament. Salukis have a stubborn streak I hadn't seen in another dog to such a degree. If you ask something of them that they don't agree with - they are likely to look at you, and then look away pointedly to let you know very clearly that they don't want to listen, they think you're talking rubbish. The Australian standard is a little scant. The FCI standard has a really good paragraph at the beginning that makes this scantness much more understandable: 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. I would highly recommend them as well, even with kids. My kids regularly take ours in Tot's Handler's classes at shows as well as snuggling up on the couch with them! Grizzle salukis should have a sort of mask, a heart shaped lighter section of colour on their face and around the eyes. If you Google (images) for Grizzle Saluki you will get an idea. Any colour experts can correct me if I haven't got that description right!! The brindles that I have seen have an all over body colour instead. Edit - can't spell...

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) Recent (within the last two years) owner of Salukis, one pet girl and one young male show dog. 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? Like Anita said, they are considered an ancient breed. They are widely considered to either be, or very close to, an aboriginal form of Middle Eastern desert sighthound. Their relatives include the Sloughi, Azawakh and Afghan hounds. When you talk of Saluki origins you speak in millennia instead of centuries - like it's historical counterpart - the Arabian Horse. The Saluki is also historically reported to be involved in the development of later (within the last thousand years) sighthound breeds such as the Greyhound, Galgo Espanol and Borzoi. 3. How common is it in Australia? Not too common. Many members of the public don't know what they are when they meet them. 5. What is the general temperament/personality? Don't let "aloof" be confused with fearful. Saluki's will avoid physical contact from strangers - much like people do. They have a personal space and only their loved ones (human and animal) are really welcome inside it. But they shouldn't leap away from the slightest noise or movement like the world is ending. They are a hunting breed and should have self confidence. Salukis NEED socialisation as youngsters. The more the better. Not necessarily hands-on meeting people, but being out and about and experiencing life in general. If they miss early socialisation they can be very difficult to manage, and it takes a huge amount of dedication to win their trust back in people and the world. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? A good walk on lead daily. Some free running time whenever possible is important for their mental as well as physical health. We're lucky to have enough space for ours to have a run in safe paddocks where there are wild rabbits around. Hunting (even if they don't actually catch anything!) is what they are here for and seems he best exercise they can get. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? I wouldn't think so. They can certainly be challenging to live with. They are intelligent and independent. They will challenge their surroundings (fences included) as well as their owners. Although they are often described as cat like I find them more akin to dealing with a child, they will test their boundaries and consistency in rules and treatment is very important to avoid sulking. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? I'll second Anita on this. I think they are happiest with another Saluki if they are to be left alone for extended periods. Salukis are breed snobs and even though they live happily with other dogs they often prefer the company of their own breed. 9. How much grooming is required? Little. Puppy coat can be weird and wonderful. We had one who was thick and coarse, almost terrier like. And the other one still gets lots of fluff (he's still under one year old) which needs some stripping and taming in order to make him presentable for the show ring. Most will get some amounts of fluff during their lifetime which is normally stripped or plucked by hand (like tidying an Afghan's saddle) for the show ring. Watch for seeds and burrs between the toes due to the hair that grows there, these can cause painful infections if not found and removed. Fringed ears should also be checked for and knots and/or seeds on an almost daily basis to prevent any problems arising. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)? We have four children from toddlers to teenagers, and our Salukis love them. But our kids have grown up with sighthounds and don't play rough. If you have children, the early socialisation again is very important. Make sure that a puppy is chosen for it's temperament (as not all Salukis will suit) instead of any other factor such as colour, sex etc. A good breeder will be able to match puppies to homes, and their guidance is vital. Adult Salukis can be very gentle and soft and wouldn't be too boisterous around frailer people - but they need to be trained to not jump up etc as would any dog. Their awareness of their personal space makes them good for not invading that of others, but also can result in a flurry of movement (leaping out of the way) if they are startled. This again shouldn't be considered nervousness, many sighthounds will do it. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? The above link in Anita's post is a good one. As with any breed, thorough research and talking to long term breeders is important when considering acquiring a pup or mature hound. The internet makes research easier than ever. 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) Make sure you are guided by a good breeder as to physical soundness and temperaments. Good breeders will have an idea of the temperaments of even very young pups, and are able to suggest which ones are suited to which homes. Make sure that you are guided by knowledge, soundness and suitable temperament rather than preference for a breed's looks or an individual's colour etc. If you are new to Salukis, talk to a breeder you feel comfortable with, and that won't mind you coming to them with questions about your Saluki long after purchase. Don't ever be afraid to ask if you have any concerns about how your saluki is behaving, growing or anything else. A good breeder will always rather that you ask then muddle along and let life be harder than it needs to be - even if you think your concerns may sound silly.

Lime?

It might be easier to buy them online...?? Even ebay? There's a couple on there that are "decahedrons" - like kongs for horses: Ebay Item

Phantoms can be very deceiving indeed.

Is she black? Black dogs can be dandruff pains. I recently had two black greyhounds here for a while - but they both had very different coats. One was always slightly dandruffy, and the other not at all. Everything else they did and had was the same. One has a really soft velvety coat (no dandruff) but the sleeker shiny one always had some. I use Selsun Blue on our black tricolour Saluki, and wash him every couple of weeks. It works like a charm to keep it at a minimum. If you get any other skin issues ruled out by a vet you can experiment with the different diet additives and shampoos suggested until you get it suited just right to her particular coat and skin.

Sorry - may be slightly but I just wanted to say - Gorgeous dog! He reminds me of the lurcher from the old show Heartbeat "Alfred" - Deerhound or Bedlington in there maybe??

Hugs to you both - it sounds like you're both in for a long night. I hope she feels better soon.

It's hard isn't it, when they just love running so much! I hate trying to restrict my girl too much, she just gets sad. You pup is probably better off without the sharp turns and jumping impacts of the inside zoomies, the park play sounds like the go! I'm glad you've got a good Chiro - they're gold! I do wish you had a video of the inside zoomies though....

Just be careful when she's playing with the others that she doesn't push herself too hard. My young Borzoi bitch has been a terror for it, and has thrown her back, shoulders and pelvis out several times by her first birthday. This has then caused her pain and movement restrictions until we found a really good vet chiropractor for her. They can have drive to run, and muscular power that is too great for their skeletal development. Maybe try structured walking, on a lead, including some jogging. This can have the added effect of being a little more mentally draining than free running. So they get more tired without pushing their growing bodies to the limits. :D

I'm so glad her last days were filled with love and she didn't have to be alone - that cannot be underestimated. You all did a wonderful thing for May.

What Greytmate said. Also - seriously consider your breed characteristics. Don't buy for looks. Get what suits your lifestyle and needs. I would recommend that first time owners be cautious of heavily coated breeds, and very active, needing lots of stimulating breeds like working dogs. Not being critical of these breeds at all, it's just that novices often bite off more than they can chew, and really active and bright dogs and not so active or switched on owners don't really mix.

It's never too late, just more tricky as you're undoing learned habits as well as teaching new ones. Like Poodlefan says - put him out after meals, upon waking. At least every tow hours anyway - no matter what else is going on. And the smallest little wee gets enormous praise - he is the BEST puppy in teh world when he goes in the right place - and you have to make sure he knows it! If he already knows newpaper as "the" spot, have you tried putting some down outside? Gradually give him a smaller and smaller bit until it's gone and there's just grass.

I'd agree, but obviously you wanted to try and keep showing him if you can right? Will PM you a vet details who is very good reproduction-wise. That way you have even more options to brood over... PS - Eeeewwwww as well to Poodlefans graphic descriptions.

You should be able to get either as a white crystalline powder which is the best way to buy it - about $10 for 100g. A teaspoon twice a day might just help out. It will disolve in liquid or you can sprinkle in food easily enough - especially something a bit sticky like raw mince. Sodium ascorbate is pretty much tastless so is the easiest. Ascorbic acid has an almost citrus-like flavour and is harder to disguise. My old Affie was entire for his whole life (12 years) and his coat used to get pretty dark and sticky between baths when not tied up out of the way of any urine. And some gooby drops at the end are normal - especially when the testosterone is raging (your boy is only a few years old isn't he?) when they're young and full of the joys.

I have seen a series of videos on youtube of a yellow lab doing this. It's like having night terrors or a sleepwalking disorder. My girl used to dream vividly, kicking and yelping, but she grew out of it. My vet recommends lavender oil in a spray bottle, which can be sprayed on their coat - especially under their throat area - lightly, or on their bedding to aid in relaxation. Maybe it's a developmental thing. Isn't sleepwalking generally linked to a problem with the REM sleep, where the neuro pathways to the motion parts of the brain don't shut off properly resulting in the body reacting to the dream? Maybe as she grows and her brain develops it will improve. Edit for link to youtube video:

Definitely new vet time. I know some good ones about if you want to PM me. Also vitamin C. Works a treat on resistant infections, and you can't overdose. You can get sodium ascorbate at a health food shop. It has a sodium level though, so if your boy already has a high salt diet try ascorbic acid. Both are also powerful antioxidants and are good as general tonics anyway.

Three Greyhounds I have had recently from pounds have had sores - apparently from bare concrete. But this could also be from their former lives... One however had spent a couple of weeks in the pound and had ulcerated sores that looked just like these. I think it's probably more a case of the floors needing washing all the time to prevent disease spread, and they just don't get to dry... So sores, especially near their feet, ulcerate quickly. All I could do was put antiseptic cream (just Savlon) on every day - then every two days, and try and keep them dry otherwise. It took a few weeks for them to heal. It looks like she is actually very underweight - other than her poor belly! So I gather her bony bits have all rubbed anywhere that she has laid down and her skin has broken down. Thanks guys for saving her. An excellent job, and I hope things work out for her. At least she must be more comfortable at the very least!

Having big dogs, supermarket brands end up being REALLY expensive! I go to the vets, he weighs them and gives them the correct dosage. I get a better product, and as he can buy them in bulk, I get a better price too.

Hi there! Your baby is really too young to be away from mum and siblings. This makes life much harder for you and your OH - as she is going to cry I'm afraid, and miss important lessons her mumshould be teaching her. The upside of course is that she is very young and will bond very closely with you both. Making her warm and full is your best bet, and just riding out the worst of the crying. Make sure she has a pretty routine existence, doing things in the same order and times - like feed her, take her to the toilet then put her to bed. Once she figures out routines like this she'll settle, as she will come to expect what comes next. Best of luck. The folks on here a a wealth of info and will help you out wherever they can.

I'm so sorry Borzoimom - you must miss your beautiful girl. What a lovely tribute, thankyou for sharing her photos with us.

It's still being strange, coming up in that lovely afghan curl... But the vet has adjusted her pelvis back from the sideways tilt, and not yet from it's backwards (ie: downwards towards the tail base) tilt - that's for next time. She thinks if the tail improves it will be after the next adjustment... fingers are crossed! She is reaching with her front and driving with her rear better than I've seen for the last two months or so - so she seems to be feeling better!