Saluki: The Desert Hound and the English Travelers Who Brought It to the West

by Brian Patrick Duggan

One of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dogs, the Saluki traveled throughout the Middle East with desert tribes, who valued the dogs for their ability to hunt gazelles. Famously painted on the walls of the Pharaohs' tombs, the Salukis' history intrigued English dog enthusiasts who were instrumental in popularizing the breed and importing it to Europe and the United States in the early 20th century. This book tells the story of those who brought the Saluki to the West, most notably Florence Amherst, who discovered the dogs while in Egypt and went on to breed 50 litters. Other world travelers who fell under the Salukis' spell included Lady Anne Blunt, Austen Layard and Gertrude Bell. Also covered are lesser-known Saluki aficionados, mainly military officers who hunted with their hounds in Iraq, Syria, Palestine, and Egypt and sought to replicate that experience at home.

315 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2009

Reviews

[Petri]

Ok so let’s me start by saying that this book should be titled “The British men who brought salukis to England and other parts of the West and built race tracks for them”. That says it all.
This is not about the dog, its biology, ethology or even zooarcheology it’s only about the men.
If the title was correct I would have given 4 or 5 stars, because it’s a very serious history book made by someone passionate who has obviously been spending years studying the history of the men and women bringing salukis to England.

But this is not about the dog. I wanted this book to know about the dog. So this is why I did not finish it.

[Chris]

I don't get to read many books and history can be a particularly dry subject but the author has created scenarios of rich tapestries. He covers about a half century relating historical reference points in cultural backdrops. I enjoyed this book tremendously.

[Lorrequer]

About Salukis, Brian's excellent book - of course I give it 5 stars.

[Jhawn]

Enjoyed.