Saluki Puppies!

On 1 February 2010 we were privileged to meet the latest batch of Saluki puppies bred by Shera Chuat. The Saluki is perhaps the oldest breed of dog, traced back to at least 2000 BC. There are representations of them in Egyptian tomb paintings. Shera's been breeding champion Salukis since 1977. They are in demand the world over. Interestingly, some puppies born just up the road from us have gone full-circle back to Middle Eastern royalty, where the breed originated.

Shera's Salukis live like sultans. They are ultra well-cared for. She has about 10 or so adult dogs, five of which can be seen here overlooking the heated puppy house. Dog beds abound, there are endless comfy places to stretch out for a nap. There's a huge fenced-in garden to roam, and twice each day Shera takes the whole pack for long walks in the countryside. It must be quite a spectacle; they're not exactly small dogs. Shera has complete control over them. She doesn't walk them on leashes. And boy, can they run! They're even more majestic when they do.

These two pups are from the litter born 17 December 2009. Saluki coats come in two ways, feathered or smooth. I love the smooth, which Shera says puts me in the minority; the feathered is more popular. These are both smooth-coated, but anyway the feathers get more pronounced as the dog grows up.

This young lady is definitely a smooth operator. Shera resolutely said she wouldn't keep a puppy from this litter, but this little one has completely stolen her heart. Guess who's staying? Click here to see more: Shera's Salukis.