‘The Saluki, also known as a Persian Greyhound, is a dog originally bred in the Fertile Crescent.  The Saluki is classed as a sighthound and is typically deep-chested and long-legged.’   Wikipedia

The Saluki is the official mascot for Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

‘They can run 43 miles per hour.  Their temperament is: Intelligent, Reserved, Aloof, and Quiet.’   Wikipedia

‘Mascot. SIU’s sports mascot is the Saluki.  A Saluki is one of the oldest dog breeds, and is an Egyptian hunting dog similar to a greyhound or whippet.  SIU’s teams originally competed under the team name ‘Maroons’ from 1913 – 1951.’   Southern Illinois Salukis

Southern Illinois is often referred to as Little Egypt.

”The nickname ‘Egypt’ may have arisen in the 1830’s when poor harvest in the north of the state drove people to Southern Illinois to buy grain.  Others say it was because the lands of the great Mississippi and Ohio River valleys were like that of Egypt’s Nile delta.’    Wikipedia

This past Sunday we visited Blue Sky Winery with Ron and Ira Kaye.  We spent a  delightful afternoon listening to some lovely Blues music and I met the official provider of Saluki’s to SIU Carbondale…Mr. Blair.  Mr. Blair has been the Saluki Breeder for the past eleven years.  He was gracious to allow me to take pictures of these magnificent animals.

A Saluki puppy costs about two thousand and five hundred dollars.

‘It somewhat resembles a greyhound, but with long, floppy ears and a bushy tail.  While nomadic Bedouins frowned on dogs as unclean, they made an exception for the Saluki, giving the breed a reputation for being upper-crust.    Wikipedia