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Breed Characteristics
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Sloughi
| Other Names | Slougui, Arabian Greyhound, Arabischer Windhund, Sloughi Moghrebi, Arabian Sighthound, Levrier Marocain |
| Country of Origin | Morocco |
| Weight | Males: 55 - 65 lbs. (25 - 30 kg) Females: 35 - 50 lbs. (16 - 23 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Males: 26.4 - 28.3 in. (66 - 72 cm), with the ideal height being 27.6 in. (70 cm) Females: 24 - 26.7 in. (61-68 cm) with the ideal being 25.6 in. (65 cm) |
| Coat | Short, fine, smooth, dense; undercoat may grow during the winter. |
| Colour | The Sloughi's coat colour is solid with no extensive white markings (a white patch on the chest and few white hairs at the tip of the toes are overlooked). Colours are all shades of light to red sand with or without black mask, black ears, brindle, black overlay and black mantle. The most common colour is sand with a black mask. |
| Litter Size | 3 - 6 puppies |
| Life Span | 12 - 15 years |
| Origin & History | The Sloughi's origin is mostly a matter of speculation. It is thought that Sloughis 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). The Sloughi 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 a Sloughi. Today, the Sloughi is found mainly in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Morocco is responsible for the breed's FCI Standard. 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. It is also not to be confused with the smooth Afghan Hound, which is a variety of the Afghan Hound. The Sloughi was and is still used for hunting in its native countries, and is also a reliable guarding dog. |
| Personality | The Sloughi is a medium-sized, short-coated hunting sighthound of the desert type. An African sighthound, it was used to hunt wild game, such as desert hare, gazelles, foxes and jackals, often in cooperation with hunting falcons. It also protected the house and livestock of its owner. The breed is adapted to desert and semi-desert life in the Maghreb region of northwest Africa. This dry, lean and muscular hound gives an impression of rustic elegance as well as strength, and it is an efficient hunter with great endurance as well as speed. The Sloughis are affectionate, gentle, and very closely knit to their owners. They are intelligent and independent, and curious of their surroundings. They are quiet and calm indoors, and prefer to lie on soft rugs and blankets, often on their backs with their legs in the air and the neck twisted at a seemingly physically impossible angle. Strangers are met with aloofness and caution, while friends are greeted with enthusiasm. Sloughis don't make great obedience dogs, but they respond to fair and gentle training methods. Sloughis get along well with children and other animals if they are raised with them. But as Sloughis are hunting hounds with a strong chase instinct, caution is recommended when the dog is outside with smaller animals. Any small, running animal may trigger the dog's hunting instinct. As with all dogs, be sure you are this dog’s consistent pack leader. |
Care Requirements
| 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 for 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. |
| Grooming | The Sloughi's coat is very short with no undercoat, and it has no "doggy odor" unless it's wet. Dirt and mud falls off by itself when the fur dries. Because it is a desert hound, the Sloughi needs protection in cold and wet weather. Grooming is easy; a rubber brush or grooming glove will remove dead hairs. The Sloughi is an average shedder. Several people have reported that Sloughis are good for people with mild cases of dog allergy. |
| Exercise | Sloughis, and particularly young dogs, like to run daily. They make excellent jogging partners, and need to go on daily walks or runs. They will truly be happy when they are allowed to run off leash. Because of their hunting instincts, they should never be let loose in unsafe areas. A normal fence will not stop a Sloughi chasing a squirrel onto a street in front of a fire truck with sirens blasting! Far too many Sloughis are lost in traffic accidents each year. But a Sloughi that is allowed to run off leash a few times a week will spend most of its time indoors resting in a comfortable spot where it can watch its humans with half an eye while drowsing. Sloughis do not like to be separated from their flock, and this is an advantage when they are let loose outdoors. They may chase every squirrel and bird within sight, but they will always return to their humans. |
| Other Considerations | Indoors they are calm and quiet. They prefer to have a nice, comfortable place to sleep and will not be very happy on a hard, cold floor. |
