The Saluki in the U.K. is generally a reasonably healthy breed with a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years for dogs and bitches slightly longer. However, some die due to cancers which affect the dog population generally.

Early or Sudden Death has been reported in the Saluki. This is where the Saluki dies for no apparent reason usually under the age of 5 years. Post Mortems undertaken on affected Salukis appear to be inconclusive.

The Sudden Death Committee (which was the predecessor of The Health Committee) was set up to investigate these early deaths and they were advised to start with investigating the Saluki heart. This study was undertaken by Dr. Serena Brownlie PhD. BVM&S. Cert SAC, MRCVS. Dr Brownlie's reports appeared in The Saluki or Gazelle Hound Year Books 1996, 1997 and 1998 (*see Notes).

In 1997 a Health Committee was set up for the breed to continue the investigations into the health of the Saluki

The Kennel Club has published the results of the KC/BSAVA Purebred Dog Health Survey carried out in 2004. There are breed specific statistics for the saluki. Please click on the link below to find the survey. (Look under individual breed results - Saluki).
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/549

Published Papers on the Saluki in the UK

Ceriod-Lipfuscinosis in Two Saluki Dogs. E.C. Appleby et al (J.COMP.PATH.1982 VOL.92) Academic Press Inc. (London) Ltd.)

Black Hair Follicular Dysplasia in UK Bred Salukis. C.J. Lewis (Veterinary Record, September 16, 1995)

Health Committee Contacts:

Cecilia Andersson tel: 01344 886534 and Jenny Ziman tel: 01844 343907

*Notes : copies of these reports are available from the Secretary of the SGHC