The Saluki History Excerpts from Shelley Work at Faridaat Salukis www.faridaat-salukis.com Other names: Gazellehound, Persian Greyhound Region & Time of Origin: Middle East approx. 7,000 to 3,000 BC Group Categorization: (Sight) Hounds Purpose: Coursing fast game It is estimated that the beginnings of the Saluki go back as early as 7,000 BC when early man had spread out across the Fertile Crescent also known as Mesopotamia. Man had observed and desired to utilize the traits displayed by the native predators and so began the domestication of the small, local Desert Wolf (C.l. arabis) a lighter, faster variety of wolf than its northern cousins. This developing relationship enabled man to refine specific inherent behavioral and hunting traits in the wolf thereby producing, over time, a canine capable of doing exactly what man needed. In the harsh climate of the desert man needed a dog that was capable of coursing (chasing) prey and catching it. One of the earliest civilizations known to have spread across Mesopotamia were the SUMERIANS. Recent excavations of ancient Mesopotamia Sumerian Empire (7000-6000 BC) have unearthed evidence of dogs with a striking resemblance to the Saluki. The Sumerians kept these canines for hunting and left various carvings and seals of them. The dating of these discoveries indicate that the Saluki may very well be the oldest domesticated, purebred dog in existence. |
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