Is a Saluki right for me?
If you are a Saluki person, a Saluki is one of the easiest and most rewarding dogs to live with. If you are not a Saluki person, you will find they can quickly drive you around the bend. To discover if you might be a Saluki person, I recommend talking to other Saluki owners about what they are like to live with. If you are on Facebook, you may wish to join Sighthound Companions Australia and Salukis in Australia and New Zealand to talk to other Australian Saluki owners.
Briefly:
- If you respect independence of thought; prefer a dog who is not always in your face; and are happy to work slowly and methodically at training, a Saluki may be for you.
- If your house is fully 6 foot fenced including gates to 6 foot; you don’t want to have your dog offlead in suburban spaces; and you don’t mind dogs on the couches, a Saluki may be for you
- If dog-like devotion; fast and easy obedience; and a cheery willingness to please is important to you, a Saluki is not a good option
- If your home is not fenced; you think dogs belong outside 24/7; and/or you want an offlead companion in suburbia, a Saluki is not a good option.
- A Saluki is like a 23 kilo cat in many ways. If you find the independence of cats annoying and/or frustrating, another breed would be a better option.
What are your placement requirements?
While many good homes exist out there, unfortunately not all people wanting to purchase a Saluki are willing or able to responsibly care for a Saluki. I will ask you questions to ensure that you are genuinely seeking a companion and that a Saluki is the right companion for you. I will ask you to provide a reference from your veterinarian, obedience club, previous breeders/rescuers of your dogs or similar. I will also arrange a homecheck with you prior to placing a puppy. I understand that this may feel intrusive but I do this out of concern for the future welfare of my puppies and so that I do not unwittingly contribute to the unwanted dog population.
Companion puppies are registered on the limited register with DogsNSW. Limited registration means that you have certification that your dog is a genuine Saluki. You can participate in and title your Saluki in dog sports like lure coursing, obedience and agility with this registration. You cannot show or breed from a dog on the limited register. If you wish to show your Saluki, please let me know when you inquire.
How long does it take to get a puppy?
I only breed when I am ready to take the next step in my breeding program and can give a litter the time and attention it needs. Sometimes there may be years between a litter. Check my puppies page for more information.
Where can I get a rescue Saluki?
Contact the Afghan Hound and Saluki Rescue and Rehome Service.
What is your policy on desexing?
I do not like to see Salukis desexed before the age of 18 months for developmental reasons. However, I have to balance this with my responsibility not to contribute to the population of unwanted dogs in shelters and pounds. While pure bred Salukis are not over-represented in pound statistics, they do find their way into rescue and Sighthound cross breeds are sadly common in shelters and pounds due to their desirability in hunting mixes.
To responsibly deal with the challenge above, entire puppies remain co-owned with me until they are desexed. Once evidence of desexing is provided, I sign the puppy over to your sole ownership. I understand that this may feel unfamiliar, and possibly intrusive. I am happy to set up contact for you with past puppy buyers so you can hear from them how this arrangement has worked out from their perspective.
Do you have adult Salukis/retired show dogs available?
Very rarely. However, I can put you in touch with responsible breeders who may be looking to place a retired show dog in a family home. An adult dog is an excellent choice for people who do not have the time or energy to commit to raising a puppy.
What colours do you supply?
I understand that you may prefer a particular colour but I cannot breed colour to order. If you turn down a puppy based on colour alone, you could well be turning down a wonderful companion.
Can I pick my own puppy?
Part of the service I provide is to match puppies to homes using my experience to select the best puppy for you and your circumstances.
How much do you charge for a puppy?
The price of a puppy will be in the region of $2000 depending on the qualities and achievements of its parents. A rebate of $150 is available when your puppy successfully completes Puppy School at an agreed obedience club or training school.
Do you provide a puppy pack?
Yes. Puppies are sent home with a full set of instructions for feeding, socialising and training plus a blanket and toy to help settle them in to their new home. The puppy pack also includes a copy of your contract of sale, the puppy’s vet record including the health clearance from my vet, copies of the puppy’s parents’ health tests and the puppy’s papers.
Can I buy two puppies?
I do not sell litter mates for training and development reasons. You are welcome to approach me for another puppy when your dog is 18 months old.
What health checks do you do?
Parents of our puppies are heart checked by a veterinary cardiologist using colour doppler, thyroid tested, NCL tested and hip/elbow scored. You can see information about our Salukis’ health results on The Saluki Archives. Click on their name to click through to their Saluki Archives listing. For more information about Saluki health, visit the Resources section of this website.
Bitches receive the best possible care in the house before and after the puppies are born. I also monitor health trends in different Saluki lines, and do not consider matings where in my view there is an unacceptable risk of a problem happening.
What if my puppy develops a health problem?
Puppies will not be released to you until they are 8 weeks old, have completed their first vaccination and have been vet checked by our vet as being completely healthy. I encourage puppy buyers to take their puppies to their vet for a health check when they first bring the puppy home so that you too can be satisfied that your puppy is healthy. Just like people, dogs can sometimes develop unpredictable health problems. If your puppy develops a serious congenital or genetic illness, I will refund the cost of your puppy on the provision of a second opinion confirming the diagnosis from a vet of my choice.
What if I am no longer able to offer a home to my puppy?
I ask that you return your dog to me rather than euthanasing your Saluki or taking your Saluki to the pound. I understand that sometimes life circumstances mean that people are no longer able to provide a home for their dogs and so any discussion about returning your Saluki will be handled with sensitivity and without judgement. As Salukis are a special needs breed, I am in the best position to find a suitable new home for your Saluki.
I have a cat, will it be safe if I buy a Saluki?
Different Salukis have different levels of prey drive. If you have a cat, small dog or other small animals please discuss your circumstances with me, as it will be an important consideration when selecting a puppy for you.
Can I see the parents?
Depending on the circumstances of the mating this may or may not be possible. In order to select the best possible mating, I may use dogs from interstate or imported frozen semen. However, approved puppy buyers are welcome to visit us at our home and view my dogs on a no obligation basis.
Where can I find your phone number?
I am happy to talk to people who are interested in the breed. As I have a very busy life I need to schedule time to have an uninterrupted conversation where I can give your inquiry the time it deserves. Drop me a line at the email address below and I will tee up a time to call.
Want to know more?
Contact me at info@alshirasalukis.com