The language of the Saluki.
For people not familiar with the breed and would like to adopt a Saluki, it's good to know a few things. About the nature and origin are other good articles written. Complementing hereby about how a Saluki communicates .
If a Saluki is playing, this is often accompanied by growling. If one is experiencing this for the first one might be inclined to think that the dog is aggressive, but this is absolutely not the case.
A Saluki is a very 'verbal' dog and growl part of the communication. If one observes this well you will see that it really means nothing. When growl, it can also appear if the dog snaps at another dog. It's challenging, it's part of the play. It could happen that two Salukis go squabble, if they want to determine the ranking or because one of the other wants to steal. Then increase the growl in volume, but usually there is still nothing to worry about. As for the snap at other dogs, this can occur if Salukis are racing. Again, this is not an aggression. It origin from hunting behavior. One also sees sometimes that one dog tries to bite the other in the neck. That has to do with chasing a prey, this way they try to get to catch prey. Especially considering that you have been playing with animals that hunt naturally focused on practice. They learn this way to hunt. If a Saluki here quite fierce in his, then it is no difficulty in loosening and run a muzzle to do. While running makes them not so much because they are focused on other things, and when they are back on the line, the basket must back down.
Would you adopt a rescue Saluki then with more things to take into account there. Such a creature is a long time been left to their own and the already autonomous character of the Saluki can thereby be enhanced. So it may take some time before they join a family and / or pack to feel at home. After all, they were never used to belong to something. Therefore it is advisable an adopted rescue Saluki the first months not to let run loose. Because they have their movement need and want to burn off some energy, especially when it comes to a young dog, it's a good idea to let go the first time in enclosed grounds. Then you can see how they react to other dogs and also your attempts to call the Saluki back to you. Thereby do you think that it is an independent dog, which does not respond to commands. It should be worth it to come back to you and some patience is a prerequisite. Once you have built a good relationship with your Saluki, he or she will like to come back to you and you also like to do a favor. But often he (or she) still there in first want to think about. Shouting and getting angry does not help, it only works counterproductive. You can simply talk with your Saluki, calmly. The intonation is, of course important. They understand very much. Itself some Salukis also make "talking noise", they are, as mentioned, verbal dogs.
Before you decide to adopt from a rescue Saluki, but even if you decide to buy a puppy, you remember, then very carefully. It asks at the beginning some effort on your part to a Saluki indicate that what he needs: movement, attention and a place in your heart and in your home. You live from that time together with your Saluki, it is not a dog that can thrive in a kennel or barn or a separate room. If the Saluki is unhappy he will waste away. He can lose weight and his coat is going to look worse. There is no contact or communication, which is so important. The Saluki then gets lost confidence in you. Remember above all that a Saluki is very to find to have to move, so choose this breed, it is important also to really go for it and are first to delve into the nature of the beast. And oh yes, if they can find love, then biting them gently in your hand.
A Guide for Prospective Owners of Saluki/Saluki Mix from the Middle East
This guide is for anyone who is considering adopting a rescue saluki or saluki-mix from the Middle
East. Be informed.
Read this before you say “Yes! We want to adopt!”
What is it like for a saluki/saluki mix living in the Middle East?
Although there are some variations across the region, basically it’s extremely hot for 5 months of the
year with temperatures topping 45C during the day and dipping to 30C at night. Add to this high
humidity and it can be life threatening for a dog out in the desert without adequate water and
shade. In cities tarmac becomes scorching during the day making dog walking impractical.
November to May temperatures range 15C to 25C and life for dogs (and owners)is more comfortable
– with some even needing coats! The landscape is almost entirely sand or rock, with a few areas of
mangrove. Public and private gardens are the only places where there may be grass.
It is also important to know that:
· In parts of the ME, for example the UAE, there are strict “dogs on lead” policies. In other
countries, such as Qatar, dogs are allowed to run free on some public beaches, in the desert
and around mangrove areas providing they are not deemed a nuisance or worrisome to the
public.
· In general, dogs are not allowed in public parks and reactions to owners walking their dogs
in public areas (such as shopping precincts) will vary from indifference to fear; some people
will shout and scream at a dog and its owner while others will want to meet, greet and even
take photographs. Dogs are never allowed in shops and cafes.
· It is a challenge to find a taxi that will take even a small dog. Bus rides are not an option and
trains do not exist (except in Dubai).
· As reactions are unpredictable, dog owners err on the side of caution and will avoid
situations where there may be large groups of people, unpredictable reactions or “hostile”
behaviour towards dogs. In some cases, local children are brought up to fear dogs, in part
for religious reasons but more likely due to lack of exposure to and education about dogs.
Taken together, this means that it may be a challenge to exercise and socialise a dog properly.
Happily in Qatar many local Arab people are animal lovers. Indeed, some have taken the lead and
promote dog (and cat) rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming, for example Parkview Pet Centre and its
sister organisation 2nd Chance Rescue. These organisations work in partnership with other
expatriate groups such as Dogs in Doha, VZW Rescue Saluki Middle East and the Qatar Animal Welfare
Society (QAWS) to improve the lives of abandoned animals and begin to reform practice and
behaviours in general. The Qatar Department of Animal Resources is taking a lead in this respect.
The majority of veterinary centres also support animal rescue
What typically happens to abandoned salukis?
Formerly salukis played an important role in supporting the nomadic life style of the peoples of the
Middle East.
Many were used as hunting animals or were trained for racing and lived happily
alongside Arab families.
Today, while their use for hunting and in racing has declined, salukis are still
a highly revered and respected breed. Local breeders have achieved world-renown status for the
quality and characteristics of their animals.
Many local people adore their salukis and are full of
praise for their gentle nature, ideally suited as a family pet.
As is the case worldwide, the countries of the Middle East are not without their share of animal
abuse.
This can range from relatively minor incidents of mishandling and ignorance about a dog’s
health care needs to incidents of purposeful harm and cruelty. Thankfully awareness about this
issue is increasing.
Sadly many salukis are abandoned, both by local owners and members of the expatriate community
(when they leave the country), peaking during the summer months and at times of religious
festivals
Prior to their rescue, many salukis and saluki mixes will have
· lived outside all their life on a farm or in a yard
· been fed human food scraps
· not been socialised with people or other dogs
· not experienced ‘life’ (car rides, shopping excursions, parks etc.)
· not received routine health care (vaccinations, deworming etc.)
· not been trained on a lead or in a crate (and/or have a negative experience of both)
· been on the street for a day, a week, a month or more….
They may also
· have had things thrown at them
· have been trained to run behind a car (for race training/exercise)
· have a fear of cars (because they were thrown out of one)
· been shouted at and/or hurt in some way (by adults and/or children)
· not be house trained and/or punished for toileting in the wrong place
· have been locked up for long periods
· have been used for breeding from a young age and for many litters
· suffer separation anxiety due to abandonment
· have fought for survival in an extremely harsh environment
· have the body of an adult but the mind of an inexperienced puppy
Despite all this, it is a testament to the nature of the breed that the majority of salukis rescued in
Qatar have not lost their gentle, trusting and loving nature.Yes, they may need some training and
rehabilitation but given time and patience all but the severely traumatised will become loving family
pets.
What health issues could rescue salukis from the Middle East be exposed to?
Malnutrition – leading todelayed growth, poor dental health, poor skin and coat condition. Usually
corrected with proper nutrition and exercise.
Ehrlichiosis (Tick Fever) – ticks are prevalent in some areas, particularly where camel manure is used
as a fertiliser. If tick fever is suspected, the dog will be tested and treated before adoption. All
rescued dogs are Front-lined on a monthly basis.
Giardia– young dogs are particularly susceptible to this disease. It is relatively easy to treat with
medication and a balanced intestinal specific diet. If the dog exhibits symptoms of Giardia it will be
tested and treated before adoption
Distemper – Cases of distemper have been seen in young and adult dogs. Proper vaccination is the
best line of defence against this disease.
Parvo – due to a lack of routine vaccination of puppies, this disease is prevalent in Qatar and
elsewhere in the Middle East. Puppies which test positive for this disease are humanely euthanized.
Rabies – parts of the Middle East have rabies. All dogs heading to the EU are given a Rabies Antibody
Test (a legal requirement). This process can take 4-5 months depending on the age of the dog
and vaccinations required.
Leishmaniasis – this disease is not found in Qatar. Vets report that if there were to be a case it would
most likely originate from an imported animal and be an isolated case.
Intestinal worms – all dogs are dewormed initially according to a schedule recommended by local
vets. Thereafter they are treated at 3-4 monthly intervals.
Screw Worm–dogs destined for the USA will be checked for screw worm and a certificate provided.
Kennel Cough – all dogs boarded or fostered in Qatar in multi-dog environments are routinely given
the Kennel Cough vaccination.
Ear mites - infestations are common in rescue dogs. All dogs are checked and treated for ear mites.
Fleas – generally not seen in the Middle East
Skin complaints - as in other locations, dogs experience skin complaints (mange, ringworm etc.). All
rescue dogs are checked and treated for skin issues BEFORE they are fostered/adopted. Skin
complaints due to the extreme climate are atypical in salukis as they have been breed to deal with
the hot and dry conditions.
Injury – physical injury (either deliberate or accidental). All rescue dogs receive appropriate medical
treatmentdetails of which will be disclosed to adopting families.
Mental health/behavioural issues – all dogs are assessed for behaviour and temperament BEFORE
being put up for adopting. Where possible rehabilitation work will take place before rehoming.
What happens once a saluki is rescued?
· All rescues are taken to a place of safety – generally the rescuers home or veterinary facility.
· A health check is performed as soon as possible and treatment for life threatening illness
and injury given.
· Rescues are professionally groomed if necessary.
· All rescues are checked for microchips and if present cross-checked with relevant data bases
NOTE: Dogs with or without microchips are not available for adoption for a minimum of 10
days. This period will be extended to up to 1 month if the dog is found during a holiday
period, or appears to be a family pet (escapee!) and in good condition.
· All rescues are vaccinated, dewormed and Front-lined as appropriate.
· If the dog’s owner is not found the rescue will be micro-chipped and prepared for adoption.
· All rescues are transferred to a suitable foster family when available. Kennelling may be
used temporarily if no foster family is identified.
· All rescue dogs are assessed(temperament and behavior) to determine their suitability for
adoption and the kind of home environment they will thrive in (e.g. with or without
children). A training/rehabilitation plan is developed where necessary.
· Dogs going to EUROPE will be RATT tested. This process takes up to 5 months.
· ALL dogs are spayed/castrated before adoption– except in exceptional circumstances where
the health of the dog is compromised
What should adopting families expect?
So you still want to adopt a rescue saluki/saluki mix? What happens next?
· Select your dog!Check Rescue Salukis Middle East Facebook page and website
· Complete an Adoption Application form. This must be returned to Rescue Salukis Middle East BEFORE
you will be considered as a potential adopter.
· Prepare for you interview!
You will be contacted by e-mail and/or phone and a home visit
will be arranged (where possible).
NOTE: VZW RSME is a non-profit organisation. All
adopters will be asked to pay an administration fee at handover (to cover the cost of
vaccinations, spaying/castration etc. Donations above this amount are entirely at the
discretion of the adopter).
· Celebrate! If your family and your chosen saluki/saluki mix are a PERFECT match then the
dog will be RESERVED for you.
· Prepare for your new arrival! Depending on the age, vaccination and documentation status
of the dog you would like to adopt, you may have to wait up to 5 months before he/she is
ready to be shipped. Use this time to buy the things your new family member will need, ask
as many questions as you like, read about the breed, seek advice from trainers and
veterinary services, follow us on Facebook for updates about your dog.
Having second thoughts?
That’s OK. We understand that circumstances change but PLEASE let RSME know as soon as possible so that the dog can be put back up for adoption
· Meet and greet your new arrival at the airport! Most dogs headed for Europe come as
excess baggage on KLM through Amsterdam, those going to the USA arrive in Houston, for
Canada they are flown to Toronto or Montreal. You will be met by a VZW RSME
representative and the adoption finalised.
· Take you dog home and enjoy a lifelong friendship! But remember you’re not on your own;
VZW RSME will be delighted to help you introduce your new dog to your family and advise
you on any problems.
· Send us pictures! We’d love to hear how you’re getting on with your new dog. Please send
photographs and updates to rescuesalukisme@gmail.com or post on our Facebook pages.
Success stories help us to find other salukis and saluki mixes forever homes :)
If after reading this you’ve decided adopting a dog from the Middle East is not for you right now,
perhaps you would like to help us in other ways?
For example, fundraising, publicity, short term, meet and greet at the airport, fostering and/or adoptive family support. Please send an e-mail to rescuesalukisme@gmail.com stating how you’d like help and how you can be contacted.
Thank you!