Sloughi

Sloughi
Other names Berber Greyhound
Sloughi Moghrebi
Origin Morocco (Std. resp.)
Algeria
Tunisia
Libya
Egypt
Classification / standards
FCI Group 10, Section 3 Short-haired Sighthounds #188 standard
AKC Hound standard
ANKC Group 4 (Hounds) standard
KC (UK) Hounds standard
NZKC Hounds standard
UKC Sighthound & Pariah standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

The Sloughi /ˈsluːɡi/[1] is a North African breed of dog, specifically a member of the sighthound family. It is found mainly in Morocco, which is responsible for the standard, and may be found in smaller numbers elsewhere in North Africa.[2] Sloughis are not related to the Saluki.[3]

Description

Appearance

The Sloughi belongs to the Sighthound family. In appearance, it is a short-haired, middle-sized, strong sighthound with drooping ears. Its expression often is described as melancholy. Its muscular system is "dry", that is, the Sloughi 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.

Dark-colored Sloughi

Ideally, the Sloughi's eyes are dark brown, although sometimes of amber colour. Its coat colour varies from light-sand, to red-sand, red or mahogany with or without brindling, black mantle, black mask, black ears. According to the standard, a Sloughi may only have a small white patch on its chest. Extensive white markings and parti-colored coats are not allowed. The Sloughi's gait is feather-light, with a moderate and energy-efficient stride.

The Sloughi's general view is compact and strong; it may not be too dainty.

Temperament

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

Health

The Sloughi is largely unchanged from ancient times, and so retains a robust genetic health. Only a few genetic conditions have been noted in the breed, in particular Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Fortunately the Sloughi is one of the breeds in whom this condition can be tested, with a small blood sample, and breeders are working to eliminate PRA from the gene pool. Like all sighthounds, the Sloughi is very sensitive to anesthesia, and can be sensitive to vaccines, worming, and other medications—so these routine treatments should be spaced apart instead of given all at once. Otherwise the breed tends to enjoy excellent health into old age.

History

Arabian Greyhound circa 1915

It is thought that Sloughis originally came from what is today Ethiopia (ancient tributes to the pharaohs included smooth Lop-eared Sighthounds from Nubia, south of Egypt). On old fragments of earthenware (about 3000 B.C.), a short-haired sighthound with lop ears was discovered that resembles a Sloughi. In 2008, a DNA study indicated that the Sloughi is a genetically unique population of sighthounds and the genetic sequences it shares with the Basenji, Sica, and Nguni indicate that this breed is, on the maternal side, embedded in Africa, possibly for thousands of years.[3] Therefore, it should not to be confused with the smooth Saluki of the Arabian peninsula and the Middle East, nor to be confused with the smooth Afghan Hound. The Sloughi was and still is used for hunting in its native countries, and also is a reliable guard dog. Today, the Sloughi is found mainly in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Morocco is responsible for the breed's FCI Standard. The Sloughi is one of the two African Sighthound breeds recognized by the FCI.

The Sloughi has been recognized by the American Kennel Club as of January 5, 2016.[4]

Notes

  1. ↑ "Sloughi". Encarta. Microsoft Corporation. 1997–2008. Retrieved 2008-12-05.
  2. ↑ FCI entry for "Sloughi"
  3. 1 2 Crapon de Caprona, Dr. Dominique; Fritzsch, Dr. Bernd. "Sloughi, Saluki, Saluqi… Genetic Data Help Separate Semantics From Evidence". Dogs in Review. Sloughi Fanciers Association. Retrieved 7 January 2011.
  4. ↑ American Kennel Club | http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/sloughi/ | Retrieved=5 Jan 2016

References

  1. ↑ http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/sloughi/
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