Arabian Saluki

United Arab Emirates29 April 2002Draft

For thousands of years Bedouins have been breeding Salukis- the desert hounds, known for their exceptional stamina, intelligence and loyalty. Highly evaluated by the Bedouins, Salukis are even allowed to share their tents. Salukis, like camels, falcons and Arabian horses, have their place in Arabic heritage and have been glorified in the Bedouin poetry. Salukis have slender limbs with fine, but strong bones and, like race horses, posses extraordinary elegance and power. Abu Nawas, the great Arabic poet has described a Saluki as an arrow in one of his poems: "Like an arrow it was sent, Tearing away from its own skin, As if it was Lightning in a cloud" Moreover, the Saluki is affectionate towards his master like a father to his son or one blood brother. He protects his master and guards his home whether the master is present or not. Not variable in shape, the Arabian Salukis are divided into two varieties: smooth-haired Salukis and feathered ones with floppy hair on some parts of the body like ears tail and toes. Salukis appear in different colours, ranging from pure black to red, sandy, and white. In fact, the colour of Salukis judges their breed purity. Salukis are also gifted with extremely strong hearing and farseeing eyes ranging from deep brown to amber in colour.