SALUKI - ©lavanis
The Saluki, also known as the Royal Dog of Egypt and Persian Greyhound
While the Greyhound is credited as being the fastest sprinting dog breed — up to distances of around 800 metres (2,600 ft), both the Saluki and Whippet are thought to be faster over longer distances. The Guinness Book of Records lists a Saluki as being the fastest dog, reaching a speed of 68.8 kilometres (42.8 mi) per hour. Due to its heavily padded feet being able to absorb the impact on its body, it has remarkable stamina when running.
The Saluki is one of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dog. From the period of the Middle Kingdom onwards, Saluki-like animals appear on the ancient Egyptian tombs of 2134 BC. They have connections both to the Bible and Imperial China. Modern breeding in the west began in 1895 when Florence Amherst imported a breeding pair of Salukis from Lower Egypt and began working to popularize the breed. The Kennel Club recognized Salukis in 1923, and by the American Kennel Club in 1929.
Salukis have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
Fact Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saluki
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