Saluki, breed of hound, for which records date from 329 bc. It is found living with desert tribes in the Middle East. The saluki is known to have been used to hunt the gazelle and is therefore sometimes called a gazelle hound. The breed was introduced into England in 1840 and became popular there and on the Continent toward the end of the century. The saluki, which hunts chiefly by sight, is used in England to course hares. In recent years the dog has become popular in the United States as a show dog and a pet. The animal has a long, narrow head; bright black or hazel eyes; long ears covered with long, silky hair and lying close to the head; straight forelegs; hind legs set widely apart; and a long curving tail. The coat is smooth and silky and is sometimes feathered on the legs, the back of the thighs, and elsewhere on the body. The dog may be any of a number of colors including white, cream, fawn, golden, or red; or may be white, black, and tan, or black and tan. The average height of the male at the shoulder is from 58 to 71 cm (23 to 28 in); the female is usually smaller. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1927. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2008. © 1993-2007 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved
