Sloughi

Size
Medium (11kg - 27kg)
Exercise
40 min/day
Training
Weekly
Size of home
House with garden
Grooming
Low maintenance
Barking preference
Low
Personality
Independent + affectionate

History:

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. (1)

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. (2)

Appearance:

The Sloughi is a medium-large, short-haired, smooth-coated, athletic sighthound developed in North Africa (in the area including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya) to hunt game such as hare, fox, jackal, gazelle, and wild pigs. It is an ancient breed, treasured in North Africa for its hunting skills, speed, agility, and endurance over long distances. (3)

Elegant, racy yet strong, without coarseness. A dignified hound with fine skin marked by its muscular leanness. Capable of sustained effort over long distance. (4)

The Sloughi's head is long and elegant with drop ears. The body and legs show defined bony structure and strong, lean muscles. The tail is long and carried low with an upward curve at the end. (3)

The coat is fine and short, however an undercoat may grow during winter. Colour ranges from light sand to red sand (fawn) with or without black mask, black mantle, black brindling or black overlay. Excessive white is undesirable.(4)

Temperament:

Loyal to owner, affectionate with family. Aloof with strangers. Quiet, of dignified bearing. Noble, haughty and extremely expressive with the instincts of a hunting hound. (4)

The Sloughi is not a fragile dog, but is also a dog with class and grace. The attitude is noble and somewhat aloof, and the expression of the dark eyes is gentle and melancholy. (3)

Suitability:

Consistent with many sighthounds, the Sloughi has a sensitive character that is devoted to its owner and family. The breed does best with an owner who is also sensitive, intelligent and conscientious and responds best to training that is based on positive reinforcement. (5)

Sizes:

Dogs: 66-72cms, Bitches: 61-68cms. (4)

In Conclusion:

Now you know a little about the Sloughi you may have think that this is the dog for you. Before you make a decision, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Sloughi and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

References:

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.
fci
www.akc.org
DOGSAUSTRALIA.org.au

Image: sloughi-europe.net

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 03 Aug 2008)

Download PDF

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

Elegant, racy yet strong, without coarseness. A dignified hound with fine skin marked by its muscular leanness. Capable of sustained effort over long distance.

Characteristics

Quiet, of dignified bearing. Noble, haughty and extremely expressive with the instincts of a hunting hound.

Temperament

Loyal to owner, affectionate with family. Aloof with strangers.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull	Long, refined, an elongated wedge showing strength, but not excessively angular. Skull flat, fairly broad. Clearly rounded at back of skull and curving smoothly into sides. Slightly marked frontal bone and pronounced occiput. Muzzle refined without exaggeration, about equal length to skull. Slight stop. Nose and lips black.
Eyes	Large, dark, oval, set slightly obliquely. Expression gentle, rather sad and wistful. In light-coated hounds, lighter eyes permissible.
Ears	Not too large, triangular in shape but with rounded tips; flat. Usually folding down and carried close to head, set level with or slightly above eye but may be carried away from the skull or sometimes even thrown backwards.
Mouth	Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
Neck	Strong yet very elegant in proportion to body. Moderately long with good arch. Skin slightly loose, making fine pleats under throat.
Forequarters	Shoulder blades long and set obliquely onto body. Flat bone and well muscled. Upper arm of moderate length. Pasterns supple and strong.
Body	Chest not broad. Prominent sternum. Slightly sprung ribs giving fairly flat appearance, reaching almost to point of elbow. Reasonably well ribbed back with definite tuck up. Loin short, broad and muscular and slightly arched. Topline almost level. Relatively short croup, obliquely set. Pin bones prominent.
Hindquarters	Strongly muscled. Fairly Flat appearance with moderate angulation. Second thigh long and well-developed. Hocks well let down.
Feet	Lean, elongated hare foot, fairly well arched.
Tail	Fine and well set on without fringes or long hair. Strong curve at end which preferably reaches to point of hock. Set in line with croup as a continuation of topline. When moving never carried higher than level of back.
Gait/Movement	Free, smooth, effortless gait head carriage not too high. Without exaggerated extension.
Coat	Fine and short. Undercoat may grow during winter.
Colour	Colour ranges from light sand to red sand (fawn) with or without black mask, black mantle, black brindling or black overlay. Excessive white undesirable.
Size	Height at withers:Dogs 66-72 cms (26-28.5 ins)Bitches 61-68 cms (24-26.5 ins)

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.