Should I get a Saluki Mix?

[JCMach1]

For a family with 2 girls (12 and 9)...

How is their temperment and behavior? Would male, or female be better?

Please note, this would be a rescue dog, so no puppy mills for me...

[harmonicon]

1. just get a nice dog

Go to a dog rescue, with the kids if possible, and pick a friendly dog that's a size you can deal with. My girlfriend and I got our dog that way. What kind of mix she is is a total mystery, and different vets say different things... I think various things suggested in the mix have been: staffordshire, german shepherd, australian shepherd, lab, boxer, pointer, border collie... whatever it is, she's benefitted from hybrid vigor. She's a lovely well behaved dog and loves children. Temperament has a lot more to do with how you raise the critter than what breed it is. Sure, some bark and dig more than others, but as far as being good with the kids and obedient go, that's up to you. That being said, I've always found female dogs to be more obedient.

[yewberry]

2. Salukis are good-natured and pretty friendly.

They're generally good with kids, though they can be kind of sensitive, so rough-playing or really excitable kids can be stressful for them. They need daily brushing (but that can be quick) and lots of exercise.

Nice dogs. I tend to lean toward females, but that may just be me--they are a little easier, in my mind.

[JCMach1]

3. This is UAE, so most mixes are Saluki Mix (the native dog)

Most are quite short-haired for desert living... My girls do not generally rough-house with animals.

We have cats as well (rescues)... Do Salukis do OK with them>?

[yewberry]

4. Ooh, cats might be a problem.

Salukis are sighthounds, and will chase. Think greyhound--Salukis have thousands of years of breeding and instinct behind their impulse to hunt.

An older dog that was raised with cats might be okay, but otherwise, no way.

Interesting that there are so many Saluki mixes there, but I guess it makes sense. It's an ancient breed.