Breed profile

Saluki (Galgo Persa)

One of the oldest breeds in the world (>4,000 years). The sighthound of the Persian kings. Dignified, reserved character, loyal to its family. Extraordinary speed and endurance.

Origin: Oriente Medio (Mesopotamia) Size: Grande Lifespan: 12-14 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Mizuu editorial teamupdated on October 14, 2026Not yet reviewed by a vet. Are you a vet? Review itReport an error

Ideal for

Calm families
Flats with daily walks + sprints
Homes without small animals

Reconsider if

×Homes with rabbits/cats
×Extreme climates without a coat

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Is the Saluki (Galgo Persa) a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tendency to bark

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

Estimated cost of ownership

55-95 €/month

Large-breed food 30-50 €; antiparasitics 12-20 €; pro-rated vaccinations and check-ups 15-25 €; winter coat and accessories 5-15 €. Generally a healthy breed.

History and origin

Recognised by the FCI. Originating in the Middle East (Mesopotamia). One of the oldest breeds in the world (>4,000 years).

Temperament and character

Calm at home but an athlete outdoors. Reserved with strangers. Very high prey drive. Affectionate and sensitive with its family.

Living together

Children: good with respectful ones. **Other dogs:** sociable with its own type. **Cats/rodents:** high prey drive, NO.

Life stages of the Saluki (Galgo Persa)

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 12-14 años.

Puppy

0-12 months

Socialisation of the sensitive sighthound; exercise in safe, fenced areas because of its strong chase instinct.

Young

1-3 years

Controlled gallops and gentle training; caution with anaesthetics (sensitive sighthounds, little body fat).

Adult

3-8 years

Weight control, cardiac health and thyroid blood work; protection from the cold given its low body fat.

Senior

8+ years

Cardiology check-ups, thyroid monitoring and joint support.

Care

Exercise: long walks + off-lead sprints in a safe area.

Brushing: brief, weekly.

Winter coat: yes, it has little fur and little body fat.

Vet: annual check-up + watch for anaesthetic sensitivity.

Care in detail

Nutrition

Quality large-breed food; it is a naturally lean dog, and its slender figure should not be mistaken for being underweight. Ration adjusted to its actual activity.

Grooming

Short, fine, low-maintenance coat: weekly brushing. The feathered varieties with fringing on the ears and tail need extra attention in those areas.

Training

Dignified and independent; it learns with patience and positive reinforcement, but will rarely be a dog of blind obedience. Recall is hard to guarantee because of its hunting instinct.

Exercise

Average needs at home, where it is calm, but it needs to gallop: long walks and sprints in a fenced, safe area several times a week.

Breed-specific health

Documented anaesthetic sensitivity. Mild heart disease. Life expectancy 12-14 years.

Health predispositions for this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

Cardiomiopatía dilatada Hipotiroidismo

Common diseases in dogs

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

Dermatitis atópica Tiña (dermatofitosis)Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)Gastroenteritis Parvovirosis canina Torsión gástrica (dilatación-vólvulo)

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Saluki (Galgo Persa)

Recommended tests and screenings

Echocardiography (heart disease)
Complete blood count and biochemistry with thyroid function
Pre-anaesthetic blood work (sighthound anaesthetic sensitivity)
Ophthalmological examination
Cardiac assessment before intense exertion

Prevention

Always inform the vet of its anaesthetic sensitivity (specific protocols for sighthounds); protect it from the cold given its sparse coat and body fat; controlled runs in a safe area because of its very high prey drive.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up with cardiac auscultation and blood work; periodic thyroid monitoring.

Warning signs

!Cough, fatigue or fainting (heart disease)
!Abnormally slow recovery from anaesthesia or sedation
!Apathy, weight gain or skin problems (hypothyroidism)
!Shivering or seeking warmth due to cold
!Lameness or stiffness after a sprint

Saluki (Galgo Persa) gallery

Foto de la raza saluki — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Saluki (Galgo Persa)

How long does a Saluki (Galgo Persa) live?

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The life expectancy of the Saluki (Galgo Persa) is 12-14 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Saluki (Galgo Persa) weigh?

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An adult Saluki (Galgo Persa) weighs between 18-30 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is grande.

Where does the Saluki (Galgo Persa) breed come from?

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The Saluki (Galgo Persa) originates from Oriente Medio (Mesopotamia). Recognised by the FCI. Originating in the Middle East (Mesopotamia). One of the oldest breeds in the world (>4,000 years).

How much exercise does a Saluki (Galgo Persa) need?

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The Saluki (Galgo Persa) has media energy. **Exercise:** long walks + off-lead sprints in a safe area.

Is the Saluki (Galgo Persa) good with children?

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**Children:** good with respectful ones. **Other dogs:** sociable with its own type. **Cats/rodents:** high prey drive, NO.

Who is the Saluki (Galgo Persa) NOT recommended for?

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It isn't the right breed for: Homes with rabbits/cats. Extreme climates without a coat. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What health problems does the Saluki (Galgo Persa) have?

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Documented anaesthetic sensitivity. Mild heart disease. Life expectancy 12-14 years.

Can I let it off the lead?

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Only in fenced, safe areas. Its prey drive and extreme speed make letting it loose in the open very risky: it may bolt after prey and ignore the recall.

Does it live with cats or rabbits?

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Not advisable. It is a hunting sighthound with a very high prey drive; with small animals in the home it poses a risk that is hard to control.

Why must the vet be warned about anaesthesia?

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Sighthounds like the Saluki metabolise anaesthetics differently and are more sensitive. A well-informed vet and breed-adapted protocols are advisable.

Does it get cold?

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Yes. It has little fur and little body fat, so it needs a coat in winter and a warm bed; on the other hand it tolerates heat well.

Is it calm at home?

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Very. Despite being an athlete, at home it is serene and restful; it only needs its daily runs to stay balanced.

Learn more about dogs

Practical veterinary guides to support your Saluki (Galgo Persa).

First day at home

Settling into the new home

Socialisation

How and when to socialise

Behaviour

Positive training

Parasite control

Complete schedule

Vet emergencies

When to rush in

Senior dog

Care from age 7

Sources and references

Content compiled from official breed standards and leading veterinary sources.

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