Saluki: Food, growth, and weight
For Saluki, use the dog's body condition and growth trend—not a breed number alone—to guide food and weight decisions. Use the individual dog's age, comfort, and recovery to set the pace. Track portions and body condition over time instead of relying on cups or a single weigh-in. Review the trend at a consistent interval rather than reacting to one meal, weigh-in, or photograph.
What the body reference does not tell you
Saluki's weight is recorded as 40-65 pounds. Here, that matters because it gives context for the individual dog's body condition, but not a target by itself.
Track the individual dog
- Track portions and body condition over time instead of relying on cups or a single weigh-in.
- Use the weight (40-65 pounds) as context, then measure the individual dog's trend rather than changing the plan from the reference alone.
- Review the trend at a consistent interval rather than reacting to one meal, weigh-in, or photograph.
Speak to a vet if
Do not make a therapeutic diet change without a veterinarian.
If this may be a health problem
This page is not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Do not change food, medication, exercise, or care for an individual dog based on this page alone; contact a veterinarian for symptoms, pain, weight change, skin changes, persistent behaviour change, or any urgent concern.
References
Height: 23-28 inches (male), considerably smaller (female)
AKC page PageMap DataObject > height
Weight: 40-65 pounds
AKC page PageMap DataObject > weight
Life expectancy: 10-17 years
AKC page PageMap DataObject > life_expectancy
Grooming: Salukis have two types of coats'feathered and smooth'and both are easily groomed with weekly brushing, although if they have long ear or tail feathering, that may take a bit more attention. Many Saluki owners use a snood to keep ear feathering out of the food bowl (smooth Salukis do not have that problem). Salukis are very clean dogs and known for not…
AKC page Grooming > official section copy
Exercise: Salukis need regular exercise to keep fit, and daily walks (always on a leash) will help both hound and owner stay in shape, physically and mentally. Salukis love to run and should have a well-fenced yard to keep them safely away from traffic. Like other dogs, Salukis can be escape artists or destructive chewers when bored or unhappy at home, so good…
AKC page Exercise > official section copy
Training: The Saluki will benefit from three types of training: (1) Crate training is recommended for those times when the dog needs to be safely confined in the home or while traveling. (2) Basic obedience training will help the dog learn manners in the home and community. Well-behaved dogs are welcome almost everywhere. (3) For mental stimulation and exercise,…
AKC page Training > official section copy
Official breed description: Among the world's oldest breeds, the slim but rugged Saluki was the hunting hound of kings for thousands of years. Salukis are swift and agile sprinters who love a good chase. They make gentle, dignified, and independent but loyal pets.
AKC page About the Breed > official breed description
Recommended parent-club health tests: ['Cardiac Exam', 'Thyroid Evaluation']
AKC page Health > Recommended Health Tests From the National Breed Club
Official breed standard: http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Saluki.pdf
AKC page The Breed Standard > View Full Breed Standard
Use the tools