It's A GIRL!

As soon as Mr. edits down the video of the ultrasound I will be posting her cuteness here. 
:)

Munchie's Saluki Project

CLICK HERE for her Powerpoint Presentation

An Exploration Of The World’s Oldest Dog Breed

BY MUNCH

The Saluki is a rare, but beautiful dog breed with a very interesting history. They have been my favorite breed for years. They inspired me to learn all I could about dogs and visit dog shows; I have learned about countless other breeds just from them. I dream about one day owning and showing a couple of these elegant gazehounds.

History

As the title of this paper suggests, Salukis are the earliest breed of dog in the world. The Saluki’s name comes from the ancient Arabian city of “Saluk.” They were once known as “El Hor” in Egypt, meaning “The Noble One.” These dogs were prized for their hunting ability in ancient Egypt and still are. The breed was often mummified when they died, and were even buried wearing their elaborate collars. Saluki-like dogs were found as carvings on tombs from 2100 B.C.! It is thought that every time the bible mentions the word “dog,” Saluki is what they mean.

Florence Amherst is probably the most important person to the breed’s history. She imported the first Arabian Salukis to England, a breeding pair from the kennel of Prince Abdulla, after falling in love with the breed on a trip to the Nile in 1895. Florence struggled alone with improving Salukis through careful breeding for almost thirty years. Popularity really began in the 1920’s, when officers brought home their pet Salukis from the war of the Middle East. By World War II, breeding and showing the dogs nearly came to a complete stop. There were just enough litters born to keep the entire breed alive, and to prevent death of starvation and bombing, breeders would often euthanize every dog in their kennel.

The Saluki Club formed and The Kennel Club recognized Salukis in 1923. The Saluki Club of America (SCOA) was founded in 1927, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) finally recognized them in 1929.

Physical Description

Salukis are 23-28 inches tall at the withers and weigh 40-60 pounds, with bitches being slightly smaller. There are two coat types for the breed: smooth-coated and feathered. Smooth-coated dogs are covered in short, smooth fur that is close to the body. The feathered variety has a smooth coat, but with long, silky hair-like fur on the ears, tail, elbows, and in-between the toes. Both coat-types come in a wide variety of colors and markings, and both coat-types can be seen in the same litter.

Hunting

The Saluki is amazing at hunting, and it is the dogs original purpose. Salukis are often called Gazelle Hounds as well, since they have the ability to run at great speeds (up to 40 mph!) to chase down and kill their prey, which is most often the gazelle and hare. Salukis are what is called a gazehound, or a sighthound, meaning they hunt using sight. Most other hounds are scenthounds, meaning they hunt by scent. Salukis’ eyes are set far apart, so they can see over long distances, and even see behind themselves without turning their heads! There are a few methods of hunting with a Saluki, and here are two:

One: The hunter will hold the dog, riding on the back of a running camel, and will toss the dog towards the prey, giving the Saluki a head start!

Two: This method is often used for hunting gazelle. Hawks are teamed with Salukis, and the hawk will gouge out the eyes of the prey and the dog will take the blinded animal down.

Care

The Saluki is a fairly easy dog to groom because of its short, odorless coat. The smooth-coated variety should only need a quick bath, and of course a teeth-brushing and trimming of the toe-nails. The feathered variety’s long fur may mat if it is not brushed often.

Salukis are a high energy breed, and they need a large, fenced area to run around in. They can and WILL jump even high fences if they feel the need to, so the fence must be at least eight feet tall. Salukis will chase anything small that moves, as they see it as prey and were bred to chase. 

Salukis are a very difficult breed to train, though they are quite intelligent. They will often not come when called. Salukis should be socialized with small pets at a young age.

Conclusion

Through the process of researching the Saluki, I have surprised myself by learning more than I ever thought I could about a single dog breed. My obsession with dogs has grown by so much since I started the project. I have yet to own one of these beautiful creatures, and hopefully, I will one day convince my mom to get me one.

Works Cited

http://www.akc.org/breeds/saluki/ 

http://salukiho.tripod.com/ 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saluki 

Guess What?

I'm pregnant!!!

Easter 2011