Country/Date of Origin: Iran/3000 BC
The Saluki may very well be the oldest purebred dog in existence. The likeness of a breed resembling it can be found on the carvings made in Sumeria, nine thousand years ago. Mummified remains of Salukis have been found lying alongside the remains of Egyptian pharaohs. However, the breed was preserved by the Arab peoples, who valued swiftness in both horse and hound.
The swift Saluki was used then and now to run down fleet game such as rabbit, hare, gazelle, and antelope. The Saluki made its way to America and received AKC recognition in 1927.