THE SALUKI

THE BREED

The Saluki is a quiet, elegant, watchful and slightly aloof breed. They may take their time to build trust, but once they do... they provide a lifetime of loyalty.

Written in sand and stone.

The Saluki’s story stretches back thousands of years, tracing through the Fertile Crescent and across the deserts of the Middle East alongside nomadic Bedouin tribes. Revered for their speed, endurance, and loyalty, they were bred to hunt gazelle and hare across vast open terrain where survival depended on the partnership between dog and human.

For many Bedouin tribes, the Saluki was the sole exception to Islam’s general prohibition on keeping dogs inside the home. They were called El Hor ,“the noble one”, and were treated with a level of respect rarely given to animals. Salukis were never traditionally bought or sold, only gifted as a sign of deep honor and trust between families and tribes.

As tribes migrated throughout the Arabian Peninsula, Salukis traveled with them, becoming deeply rooted in countries across the region, including modern-day Kuwait. Even today, you can still find Salukis and desert-bred sighthounds woven into the culture and landscape of Kuwait. They are not just an ancient breed. They are woven into the cultural and historical fabric of the Middle East itself.

APPEARANCE

Built for beauty

and for speed.

Lean, long-limbed, deep-chested, narrow-waisted - every line on the Saluki is functional. A dog that looks almost fragile, yet is capable of reaching 42 mph.

Smooth coat

Short, close-lying, virtually maintenance-free. Ideally suited to hot climates. Available in cream, gold, red, black & tan, silver, and white.

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Feathered coat

Silky longer hair on the ears, backs of the legs, and tail. The feathering moves like water when the dog runs. Slightly more grooming required, but still minimal.

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Miles per hour, at full sprint

The Saluki uses a double-suspension gallop: at two moments per stride, all four feet leave the ground simultaneously. It is the same gait as a cheetah... and one of the most spectacular things the animal kingdom has to offer.

THE BREED

What owning one

actually looks like.

The Saluki's needs are specific but not impossible. Get the fundamentals right, and you will share your home with one of the most quietly extraordinary animals alive

Loyal (on their own terms)

A Saluki bonds with extraordinary depth to their chosen person. They track your movements, notice your moods, and position themselves within sight of you throughout the day.

Independent thinkers

Bred to hunt without instruction and to make split-second decisions across open desert without looking to a human for guidance. This intelligence is extraordinary. It also means recall training requires patience, consistency, and a very long lead.

Extreme prey drive

When something moves, a Saluki will chase it ... and will not stop. This impulse is ancient and not trainable away. A securely fenced yar is a non-negotiable requirement. Never off-lead in an unenclosed area.

Emotionally sensitive

Raised voices, tense atmospheres, and unpredictable households cause Salukis genuine distress. They do not respond to harsh correction, they shut down. Training must be positive, gentle, and brief. In a calm home, they thrive completely.

Goofballs

At the end of the day, as ancient and elegant as the breed may be, Salukis are also complete goofballs. They’ll glide gracefully across your living room, then immediately steal your socks and sprint away with them. Beneath all that quiet beauty is a playful, deeply affectionate personality that starts to shine once they feel safe, comfortable, and bonded with their people.

Why so many Salukis end up on the streets of Kuwait.

For centuries, the Saluki was woven deeply into Kuwaiti cultural life. A hunting companion, a symbol of nobility, and a living connection to Bedouin heritage passed from generation to generation. They were admired not only for their beauty and athleticism, but for the quiet loyalty and partnership they offered to the people who raised them in some of the harshest desert environments in the world.

But as Kuwait rapidly urbanized, traditional hunting practices faded, and modern city life replaced much of the old desert culture that once gave the breed purpose. At the same time, global trends around pet ownership began to shift. Imported breeds, designer dogs, and status-driven puppy culture became increasingly popular among wealthier households looking for the newest or most fashionable breeds. Salukis, despite their deep regional history, slowly lost their place in many homes.

The result has been heartbreaking. Thousands have since been abandoned, left on city streets, dumped in the desert, or surrendered after being expected to serve roles they were never bred for. Rescue groups throughout Kuwait now work tirelessly to save Salukis and other discarded dogs from neglect, injury, starvation, and abandonment. And despite everything, many of these dogs still carry the same quiet dignity their breed has been known for for thousands of years.

OUR SUCCESS STORIES

BFG has rescued thousands of dogs from Kuwait and the surrounding region, many of them abandoned Salukis and desert dogs with nowhere else to go.

Through an international network of volunteers, fosters, and adopters, these dogs are given medical care, safety, and the chance at a completely different life. What begins as rescue often becomes restoration, allowing these incredibly resilient dogs to finally experience stability, trust, and love.

If you'd like to read a few of our most successful rescues, please click the photos to learn about their struggle, the journey and where they are now.

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