Sloughi

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Alternative Name

Arabian Greyhound, Sloughi Moghrebi

Basic Info

This breed belongs to the Oriental sighthound family. In appearance, it is a short-haired, middle-sized, strong sighthound with drooping ears. Its expression is often described to be sad. Its muscular system is "dry", that is, the dog has flat and long muscles, which must not be as brawny as those of Greyhounds or Whippets, even when in excellent physical condition. Its back is nearly horizontal (the lumbar region must be slightly vaulted). It has a moderate angulation and a tucked up underline. The dogs eyes are mostly of amber colour. Its skin colour varies from light-sand, red-sand, red- or light-sand brindled, to sand or brindled with a black coat, at times with or without a mask. According to the standard, this dog may only have a small white patch on its chest. Larger white spots on the chest or white toes and boots are excluding for breeding. Its walk is elastic and light-footed. Its general view is compact and strong; it may not be too dainty.

Behavior

It is of sensitive nature yet is an alert and intelligent hound. It is said that they have a mighty longing for moving and that is not easy to keep them in flats with families; however, it does not need more exercise than other dogs of similar size. It loves variety, walking on the leash, romping in the countryside, and racing. They are faithful to his owner and it needs him close by. Sloughi's are easy to bring up and to train, if you know how to do it. Because this dog is very sensitive, its training shouldn't be oppressive, and any punishment should be omitted. What it likes is a friendly confirmation of its behaviour.

Origin

Morocco

History

The origin is mostly a matter of speculation. It is thought that they originally came from the Orient or from what is today Ethiopia (the tributes to the Pharaohs included smooth Lop-eared Sighthounds from Nubia, south of Egypt). This breed is one of the two African Sighthound breeds recognized by the FCI. On old fragments of earthenware (about 3000 B.C.), a short-haired sighthound with lop ears was discovered that looks like them. Today, the breed is found only in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya. It is not to be confused with the smooth Saluki of the Arabian peninsula and the Middle East, which is a variety of the Saluki breed. They were and is still used for hunting in its native countries, and is also a reliable guarding dog.