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General Appearance
Gives impression of grace, symmetry and of great speed and endurance, coupled with strength and activity.

Characteristics
Great variation in type due to wide geographical area of origin. There are both feathered and smooth varieties. The expression should be dignified and gentle with faithful far-seeing eyes. Light flowing movement.

Temperament
Reserved with strangers but not nervous or aggressive. Dignified, intelligent and independent.

Head and Skull
Head long and narrow, skull moderately wide between ears, not domed, stop not pronounced, whole showing great quality. Nose black or liver.

Eyes
Dark to hazel, bright, large and oval, not prominent.

Ears
Long and mobile, not too low set, covered with long silky hair, hanging close to skull. Bottom tip of leather reaches to corner of mouth when brought forward. Provided ear is covered with silky hair which may grow only from top half, the standard is complied with but longer hair also correct.

Mouth
Teeth and jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck
Long, supple and well muscled.

Forequarters
Shoulders sloping and set well back, well muscled without being coarse. Chest deep and moderately narrow, when viewed from front not an inverted V. Forelegs straight and long from elbow to wrist. Pasterns strong and slightly sloping. Not round boned. Humerus sloping slightly backwards.

Body
Back fairly broad, muscles slightly arched over loin, but never roached backed. Brisket long and deep, not barrel-ribbed or slab-sided, with good cut up. Sufficient length of loin important.

Hindquarters
Strong hip bones set wide apart. Stifle moderately bent with well developed first and second thigh. Hocks low to ground.

Feet
Strong, supple, of moderate length, toes long and well arched, not splayed out, but at the same time not cat footed. Feathered between the toes (except the smooth variety). Front feet may point outwards at a very slight angle when standing.

Tail
Set on low from long and gently sloping pelvis. Carried naturally in curve. Well feathered on underside but not bushy. In adults not carried above line of back except in play. Tip reaching to hock.

Gait/Movement
Smooth, flowing and effortless. Light and lifting, showing both reach and drive without hackney action or pounding.

Coat
Smooth and of soft silky texture, feathering on legs and back of thighs, puppies may have slight woolly feathering on thighs and shoulders. Feathering may occur on throat. In the smooth variety the coat is the same but without feathering.

Colour
Any colour or combination of colours permissible, other than brindle.

Size
Dogs: 58-71 cms (23-28 ins) at shoulders; Bitches: proportionately smaller.

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

Last Updated - September 2000

Glossary of Canine Terms

Health Information

The Kennel Club operates health screening schemes with other organisations.  Some are clinical veterinary screening schemes and some are DNA screening schemes, which may be relevant to this breed.

The current health screening requirements and recommendations for Kennel Club Accredited Breeders of this breed show what is required and recommended for the sire and dam of any litter of this breed bred by an Accredited Breeder.

Breed specific summary results from the Purebred Dog Health Survey in 2004 are available.  Individual summaries are only available where the breed response rate was greater than 15%.

Recommended Reading

All the below publications are available to order from the Online Shop.

Kennel Club Breed Standards Kennel Club Breed Standards are available for most breeds indicating the qualities which competition judges normally take into account and the standard or model which breeders endeavour to achieve. The Breed Standards can be purchased by group.

The Kennel Club Illustrated Breed Standards Containing full descriptive standards for 192 breeds, as well as representation for the six Kennel Club recognised breeds that are currently without standards, this beautifully illustrated volume is a must for all dog enthusiasts. This third edition has been completely revised and updated by a panel of experts and incorporates the very latest standards for breeds in each group.

Breed Clubs and Societies

• NORTHERN SALUKI CLUB. Sec. Mrs Graham. Tel No: 01952 840259
• SALUKI OR GAZELLE HOUND CLUB. Sec: Mr T Prior. Tel No: 01304 823546

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