At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Greyhound | Saluki |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hound Dogs | Hound Dogs |
| Size | Large | Large |
| Height | 25 inch to 30 inches | 23 to 28 inches |
| Weight | 50 to 85 pounds | 35 to 70 pounds |
| Life span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 14 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Greyhound
One of the oldest dog types, coursing hare by sight. It is the fastest breed, reaching about 45 mph, and has been bred for racing since the 1920s.
Retired racing Greyhounds often make calm, low-maintenance pets despite their speed.
Health to watch
- Sensitivity to anaesthesia
- Osteosarcoma
- Corns on the paw pads
- Dental disease
The Saluki
One of the oldest sighthound types, kept by Bedouin and other peoples of the Middle East to hunt gazelle and hare. It was treated as a gift from God rather than an ordinary dog.
It is reserved and independent, with a strong chase instinct.
Health to watch
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Sensitivity to anaesthesia
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Friendly with strangers
The Greyhound is friendlier with strangers than the Saluki.
Drooling
The Greyhound drools more than the Saluki.
Apartment living
The Greyhound copes better in an apartment than the Saluki.
Shedding
The Greyhound sheds more than the Saluki.
Easy to train
The Greyhound is easier to train than the Saluki.
Intelligence
The Greyhound is quicker to learn than the Saluki.
Which to choose
Greyhound or Saluki?
Choose the Greyhound if…
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that copes better in an apartment
- You want a dog that is easier to train
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
Choose the Saluki if…
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that drools less
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that barks less
Questions.
Is the Greyhound or the Saluki bigger, and which lives longer?
The Greyhound is the bigger breed, about 7 kg heavier on average. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Greyhound or the Saluki?
The Greyhound is generally easier to train than the Saluki. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Greyhound or the Saluki?
The Greyhound is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Saluki can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Saluki sheds less than the Greyhound. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Greyhound and Saluki have?
The Greyhound is prone to sensitivity to anaesthesia, osteosarcoma, corns on the paw pads. The Saluki is prone to dilated cardiomyopathy, hemangiosarcoma, hypothyroidism. Both share a risk of sensitivity to anaesthesia. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
