Rare Beauty
Six exotic breeds
Photographed by Tanya King
Saluki
The majestic, independent, cat-like Saluki was the royal dog of Egypt, making it
perhaps the oldest known breed of domesticated dog. held in the highest regard
by the Egyptians, the Saluki was often mummified like the bodies of the Pharaohs
themselves. Saluki-like animals appear on ancient Egyptian tombs and excavations
of Sumerian empire sites between 7000-6000 BC show carvings and seals
that look similar to the modern breed. Its strength and endurance was recognized
and used by the Arabs to track and take down gazelle, while the English
dispatched the breed to hunt hare upon the Saluki’s import to England in 1840.
Like all sighthounds, the Saluki’s instinct to run requires leashing or a fenced
area when exercising. Its grace, strength, and endurance make it a natural in
both the show ring and at lure coursing events.
