Bahrain: Ancient Saluki Is Fast, Fierce and Worth up to BD20,000

Gulf Insider

03-05-2025

Salmon-fed, desert-hardened — and worth up to BD20,000. This is the story of Bahrain's prized Arabian Saluki, a desert hunting dog with DNA that traces back more than 7,000 years — to the age of Sumerian statues. Recent genetic testing confirms that Bahrain's Saluki is not only one of the oldest dog lines in the world, but also possibly the purest. Its lineage is tied to the Arabian Peninsula, with carvings from the ancient Sumerian Empire showing slim, long-tailed dogs strikingly similar to today's Salukis.
The Bahraini strain stands out — not just for its elegance, but for its endurance. It's fast. It runs far. And it doesn't stop. With a heart larger than most other breeds, this dog can sustain long, high-speed chases across open desert.
Mohammed Almas, a veteran breeder, says the Saluki has stayed true to its roots.
'No cross-breeding,' he says. 'It's long-limbed. Its bone structure is built for distance.'
It takes about four years for a Saluki to reach full maturity, but they age gracefully. A nineyear-old in good shape can still compete — and some live beyond 20.
Physically, the dog is defined by its sleek design: a long muzzle, flowing tail, lean frame, and sharp features. Its vision and sense of smell make it an exceptional tracker and hunting partner.
In Bahrain, many owners feed their Salukis a diet of salmon to boost strength and stamina. Care isn't cheap — Almas estimates the monthly cost per dog, including food and medicine, is at least BD250.
Still, demand is growing. Breeders across the Gulf are drawn to Bahrain's desert-adapted strain for its resilience, intelligence, and a b i l i t y t o perform in harsh conditions.
'The difference between this and the European type,' Almas explains, 'is in the bones, the lungs, the heat resistance. This one is made for the wild.'
Puppies start at BD1,000, while trained adults can fetch between BD5,000 and BD20,000 — especially if used for coursing hares or gazelles.
But this dog is more than a runner. It tracks. It remembers. And above all, it stays loyal.
Almas says the Saluki is woven into Bahrain's cultural heritage.
'It's part of our story,' he says. 'It knows the land. It can pick up a scent from afar. It watches. It waits. And when it runs — it flies.'