As relocation experts, at Move One we know very well that many expats like taking a memento home with them after their international assignments are over. What could be better than a local dog? To help you decide on the choice of pup, we have asked our country managers to recommend their favorite breeds and advice.

This month we take a closer look at a breed with Arabian history…

The Saluki, royal dog of Egypt, is possibly the oldest known breed of domesticated dog.
Salukis have a slim greyhound-type body with an elegant neck. Coming with either a short coat with silky long feathering on the ears, tail and legs or smooth without the feathering, males normally range from 23 to 28 inches at the shoulder with females being somewhat smaller. As a ’sight’ hound and used as such, they spot (sight) the prey, run it down, catch and retrieve it.

Historically, the Saluki traveled throughout the Middle East with nomadic desert tribes from the Sahara Desert to the Caspian Sea. Saluki-like dogs also appear on the ancient ceramics dating back to 3500 BC in Iran, as well as on Egyptian tombs of 2100 BC. However, western interest in the breed only came much later with Florence Amherst who imported a breeding pair of Salukis from Lower Egypt in 1895.
This rich history places the age of the Saluki, as an exclusive and domesticated breed, at approximately 7,000 years and has since remained relatively unchanged.

The Majestic Dog of the Nile
The Saluki was the favorite hound of the ancient Egyptian ruling classes, owned only by the nobility and quickly got the name of “Royal Dog of Egypt.” Admired for their beauty, speed and endurance, Salukis were so highly regarded in Egypt that their bodies were mummified like those of their Pharaohs and carvings as well as painting were made of them.

The Bedouin, nomadic desert Arabs who consider the Saluki as “a sacred Gift of Allah”, have been breeding them for both beauty and hunting qualities for over 2000 years. They never sold their dogs, only given as gifts to those deemed truly worthy. As an honored member of the tribe, they often sleep in tents with their owners and given names such as Daughter of the Tent, Son of the Desert, Desert Eye. Salukis with a patch of white in the middle of the forehead, considered as a “the kiss of Allah”, are especially valued.

If you wish to take a dog home with you after your assignment is over, please make sure you leave at least a full month to ensure all paperwork is in place prior to the move.

Move One’s Pet Transportation department specializes in the transportation of household pets, working dogs and exotic animals. If you would like advice about internationally relocating your pet safely, sanely and legally or just for further information about our general pet relocation services, please contact us at pet@moveoneinc.com. One of our dedicated animal relocation agents will get back to you shortly with information, advice and a quote tailor-made to your needs.

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