The name of the breed first appeared in writing in Arabic poetry and there has been a long-standing connection to Bahrain.
Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (Ruler of Bahrain 1932-1942) was known for having a pack of Salukis that accompanied him on hunting trips around the Middle East.
The pure-bred lines of the Royal Kennel were saved by Shaikha Dana Al Khalifa who registered the pure-bred Salukis in 1974 with the first FCI (World Canine Organisation) Kennel Club in the Arab world, the Kennel Club of Bahrain.
Today, the Royal Kennels, Al Muzdaher Kennel, Al Nowader Kennel, Al Rashediah Kennel and passionate Saluki owners around the kingdom are preserving the traditional lines and keeping them pure.
The Salukis in Bahrain today are Middle Eastern Salukis that have not been mixed with other breeds.
They are influenced by other pure Saluki bloodlines from the Middle East and even from Europe (after they have proved their hunting skills) to prevent inbreeding.
The 1996 edition of the Guinness Book of Records lists a Saluki as being the fastest dog, reaching a speed of 68.8km per hour. Due to its heavily-padded feet being able to absorb the impact on its body, it has remarkable stamina when running.
Historically, Salukis were used by nomadic tribes for hunting. Today, they are much prized. For example, Judge Miklós Levente, who travelled from Hungary, named Morasha Celestian Toulouse owned by Sara Rasdan, as Best in Show at a Bahrain Kennel Club event. The purebred champion Saluki beat an 86-strong entry.
And, in Abu Dhabi, The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is one of the most popular events of its kind, both regionally and globally.
The competition includes four categories: Al Hoss (smooth) and Aryash (feathery), males and females, with each category allocated its own valuable prizes.
&uuid=(email))