The saluki is perhaps the oldest known breed of domesticated dog. As a purebreed type, its history can be traced back almost 7000 years. The earliest known findings of the saluki are on carved seals from the Tepe Gawra region in what is now Iraq. A study published in the May 21, 2004 issue of Science confirms the Saluki's antiquity through DNA analysis identifying it as one of the earliest breeds to diverge from wolves.
Widely admired for its beauty, speed, and endurance, the Saluki historically traveled throughout the Middle East with nomadic desert tribes over an area stretching from the Sahara to the Caspian Sea. As a result, different Saluki subtypes, varying mostly in color and coat, can be found across this widely scattered area.
The Saluki (Persian Greyhound) is a breed of dogs known for speed, stamina and endurance. It resembles the Azawakh or Sloughi, which were commonly known as the Royal dog of Egypt. Until the designation of Sloughi as a breed, it was commonly mixed with Sloughis in England and some other European countries. Salukis are perhaps one of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dog.
The Saluki is a sighthound bred especially for grace and speed. Although the greyhound is widely viewed as being the fastest dog breed with a top speed of around 45 mph, the Saluki is said to be faster, with top speeds of 48 mph. Testing this has proved difficult as Salukis show no interest in electric hares and therefore won't race greyhounds on a track. However, as their original use was for hunting desert gazelles with top speeds of up to 50 mph, the speed claim could be true. (Info. Wikipidia)
