THE SLOUGHI*
North African Sighthound
Origins and history
Breed profile: physical characteristics, temperament, health
The Sloughi compared to the Saluki and the Azawakh
History in the Western Hemisphere
(Achievements of the Sloughi Fanciers Association of America)
Breed Standard
Remarks on the Standard
The exact origins of the breed date too far back to be completely known and remain speculative. Representations of African Sighthound-like dogs go back to the 8th-7th millennium BC. and artifacts of Ancient Egypt show us how valuable straight eared and lop-eared smooth Sighthounds were in those days. The smooth lop-eared Sighthounds of ancient Egypt are thought to have originated from Asia (east of Egypt), but they were also part of tributes to the Pharaohs from Nubia (South of Egypt). This ancient hound resembles today's Sloughi, Saluki, Azawakh and smooth Afghan, and it is impossible without any genetic study to know whether it was a breed of its own, whether it was identical to one of these 4 breeds, or whether it was the ancestor of all lop-eared Sighthounds.
By the beginning of the 20th century, the Sloughi was almost extinct. Political upheavals had disrupted highly sophisticated breeding by leading families. A French law introduced during French occupation which prohibited hunting with Sighthounds had resulted in the shooting on sight of these dogs. Epidemic rabies had further decimated the Sloughi population. In spite of dedicated efforts which started at the end of the 1960ies in Europe, North Africa and the USA, the Sloughi is still not very common, and its breeders have an important responsibility in the conservation of this ancient breed.
The Sloughi's native countries are Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. It is the hound of the Berber and Bedouin who have always highly treasured the Sloughi's tremendous hunting skills, beauty and loyalty and treated him like family.
In the old days, the Sloughi used to hunt desert hare, fennec (desert fox), gazelle, large mountain gazelle, hyena, ostrich, and jackal. Today it hunts mainly desert hare, fennec, rarely gazelle, and protects the goat and sheep herds by hunting their predator the jackal. Like all Sighthounds, Sloughis are open space hunters which rely on excellent vision, speed and stamina to catch their prey. They chase on sight anything that moves, however far away. Although the breed hunts mainly by sight, it also relies on scent and sound to do so.
The Sloughi is also an alert watch dog, which remains aloof and cautious with people it does not know. Sloughis take time to warm up to strangers allowed to enter the house, and it is always best to let them do it at their own pace. With its owner the Sloughi is gentle, affectionate and very loyal. Once it has bonded with someone, the Sloughi does not always change owner with ease. Bedouins treasure this attitude and have bred their Sloughis accordingly.
Physical characteristics
The general appearance of the Sloughi is that of a smooth, lop-eared, leggy and racy dog with a noble, sad and gentle, somewhat melancholic expression.
Dogs measure 26 - 28" (66 to 72 cm) at the withers, up to 29.5" (75cm) in "mountain type" dogs, bitches 24"- 27" (61 to 68 cm). Dogs weigh around 50-63 lb. (22-28 kg), bitches 40-50 lb. (18-23 kg) approximately.
In structure the Sloughi is squarish, somewhat higher than long. The withers are barely apparent. From the base of the neck the top line is almost straight with a slight curve over the loin, the croup is bony, the hip bones apparent. The brisket is deep but does not reach the elbow, the shoulders are long and oblique with a good return of the upper arm. The underline is first straight (long sternum) then rises sharply to a well tucked up loin. The ribs are first flat then slightly rounded to the back. The Sloughi seen from the front is more narrow than round -ribbed breeds. Muscles are very lean and dry. Sloughis in perfect condition have flat, long and tight muscles. One can see the last free floating ribs, their hip bones and vertebrae over the loin.
The head in profile is long and refined, but stronger than other Sighthounds. Seen from above it forms an elongated triangle from the broad skull to the narrow snout and tip of the nose. The stop and brows are barely pronounced, the muzzle is about as long as the skull. The ears are triangular, rounded at the tip. They are moderate in size and hang flat on each side. They can fold backwards in action or when the dog is nervous. The teeth are white and strong, none should be missing, with a scissor or level bite. Additional pre-molars 1 are found in some individuals.
The eyes are dark brown to amber (topaz), often lined with black. The expression is melancholic, sad, gentle and distant.
The coat is always smooth, very short, dense and soft. The skin is fine and tight. The coat colors are all shades of pale sand to red with or without black markings such as: black mask, black ears, brindling, black mantel and dark overlay. The classical coat colors are sand/black mask and sand/brindle/black mask, all others are less frequent. Red/black brindle/black mask and red/brindle/black mantel/black mask are the darkest and rarest. White hair at the tip of the toes and a white patch on the chest are tolerated. White markings such as "piebald" and "irish" (white socks, tip of tail and blaze) are disqualifications.
Angulation front and rear is moderate, feet are oval and webbed between the toes. The tail is long, in line with the croup, typically curved upward at the end and held low. It should be thin and at least reach the hock.
The "desert type" Sloughis are more lightly built than "mountain type" Sloughis. Dogs, typically larger than bitches, should look more powerful and strongly built than male Salukis and Azawakhs. Bitches should be feminine, graceful, more refined and smaller than the dogs.
The Sloughi has an effortless, light-footed and floating gait. Because of its squarish proportions and moderate angulation, there is no exaggeration in reach and drive. The front paw does not reach beyond the tip of the nose. The head is held at a moderate angle to the body.
| Illustrations |
Photo © Dr. D. C. de Caprona |
The two classical coat colors of the breed, sand brindle black mask (left, Champion World Winner bitch) and sand black mask (right, Champion dog). |
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Photo © Dr. D. C. de Caprona |
Other coat colors of the breed in 2 months old puppies. From left to right: red black mask overlay, red black brindle black mask, pale sand black mask, red black mask, red brindle. |
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Photo © Dr. R. Dereser |
Sand black mantel black mask. Champion World Winner dog. |
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Temperament
Like all Sighthounds Sloughis are highly efficient and driven hunters. Their keen vision , speed and stamina specializes them in chasing down their prey in open spaces. The Sloughi is always on the alert for moving objects, even a leaf in the wind will trigger a chase. Sloughis playing often chase each other.
Sloughis have retained all their instincts, and when several live together they establish hierarchies stabilized by subtle behavioral rituals. Intentions and moods are expressed by a large repertoire of postures, expressions and sounds. Bitches have no problems whelping and nurture their puppies well. Sloughis dig dens to cool off in hot weather, when they nurture puppies or just for fun. Bedouins sometimes dig a comfortable spot in the sand for their Sloughis and cover them with a blanket.
A well socialized Sloughi is affectionate, gentle, playful, subtle and very loyal to its owner. Some Sloughis, having for once and for all bonded with one particular person do not change ownership with ease. Sloughis are cautious with strangers whom they typically observe for a while before approaching. They usually do not like to be touched by strangers and often require some training to tolerate it. They are excellent watch dogs.
Sloughis raised in kennel situations, with little socializing, are typically very shy. They are nervous, scared and freeze in new situations, and may snap. They can be made to adjust, one step at a time and with a lot of time and patience. Well socialized Sloughis also get scared, but they adjust much more quickly to the new situation, and often rely on their trust to their owner to do so.
Sloughis are intelligent, curious and independent. They can be well trained if disciplined fairly, consistently and gently, as they are sensitive to anger. Dominant animals need a firm hand. However Sloughis do not take to training like a Golden Retriever or Border Collie does. They typically need a lot of space around them and do not put up with endless hours of crating.
Sloughis like children who have been brought up to respect animals. They get along well with other pets such as dogs, cats, parrots.
Precautions are as follows. Do not leave a Sloughi, or any other dog, for long periods of time unattended with young children. Children can abuse dogs without realizing it, and a Sloughi (or any other dog) might want at some point to defend itself. With small dogs which scurry and bark a lot, Sloughis tend to be edgy. Because they are tall, Sloughis may inadvertently be too strong when playing or running around with small dogs. Sloughis can develop great friendships with cats but may mistake their friend for game outside, particularly if the cat runs away. Some cats attack dogs and can inflict serious damage to their eyes and face with their claws. Similar caution is required with Sloughis and parrots. The beak of large parrots can turn into a dangerous weapon.
Sloughis, particularly young dogs, need a daily run. Once they have had their exercise, a Sloughi will be perfectly happy to relax on the most comfortable spot in the house and watch the household from a distance. Regular exercise and being an integrated part of the family are prerequisites for a well adjusted Sloughi. Sloughis love to travel and be taken to different places with their owner. It is not a good idea to leave a Sloughi to its own devices in the yard. A bored Sloughi will look for its own entertainment, not necessarily close to the house.
The Sloughi is a hound of the desert. It is unhappy in wet and cold surroundings. Although the breed develops a denser coat in winter, it should not be left outside for long periods of time in cold weather. Sloughis enjoy a quick race in the snow, but need to come back in the house to warm up.
Health
So far the Sloughi is still a healthy breed, mostly because breeders in Europe have cultivated a large gene pool. There are no widespread genetic diseases in the breed.
Isolated cases of myocitic condition (atrophy of the jaw muscles), and heart murmur (not life threatening), have been reported. Genetic deficiencies like deficient immune system, balance problems and Hemophilia occur in inbred lines. Older animals commonly become arthritic. Cancer may affect some individuals.
No case of torsion or Hip Displasia are known. The bite of a Sloughi is usually very healthy up to an advanced age.
Like many Sighthounds, Sloughis are sensitive to anesthetics.
The normal life span of a Sloughi living under proper conditions is 12-16 years.
Sloughis often scream for minor injuries but become very stoic and silent when experiencing more serious pain, unless it becomes excrutiating. It is for this reason sometimes difficult to realize in time that they are seriously ill or suffering, and to determine the cause. A well socialized Sloughi with a calm and confident owner is not a problem for a Veterinarian to treat.
The Sloughi compared to the Saluki and the Azawakh
drawings by D.Crapon de Caprona, Ph.D.
The Sloughi |
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Squarish, slightly higher than long. Withers hardly visible. Topline almost straight from the base of the neck with slight curve over the loin. Croup bony. Brisket deep but does not reach the elbow. Underline first straight (long sternum) then rising sharply. Angulations front and rear moderate. Tail long, ending with a typical upward curve. Ears smaller than Saluki or Azawakh. Expression gentle and melancholy, almost sad.
Sloughis, particularly males, have larger and stronger heads, are usually bigger and look more powerful than Salukis and Azawakhs. They are more leggy and have more tuck than Salukis. |
The Saluki |
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Squarish to slightly rectangular. Withers apparent. Croup often more rounded. Brisket usually reaching the elbow. Underline rising evenly from the elbow. More angulation. Larger ears, tips reaching under the jaw. Expression thoughtful and alert. |
The Azawakh |
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Standing rectangle. Withers apparent. Hips slightly higher than, or level with, the withers. Croup bony. Brisket deep but not reaching the elbow. Underline first falling then rising sharply (keel). Ears larger than Sloughi, smaller than Saluki. Angulations more moderate than Sloughi. Expression of the breed's almond eyes is intense and somewhat feral. |
Gait:
The Sloughi's Gait |
 The Sloughi has a smooth, floating and effortless gait, tail held low, head at a moderate angle to the body. As a result of the squarish built and moderate angulations, there is no exaggeration in extension. The front paw does not reach beyond the tip of the nose.
The racing style resembles that of the Greyhound, but because of its straighter topline the Sloughi cannot flex its back as much as the Greyhound. |
The Saluki's Gait |
The Saluki has a light and effortless gait, in which the degree of reach and drive varies between the extreme extension, front paws reaching beyond the tip of the nose of some modern show dogs, and the more moderate gait of the so-called "old fashioned" and "desert-breds" which resemble more that of the Sloughi. Like in the Sloughi, the tail is held low and the head is at a normal angle to the body. |
The Azawakh's Gait |
 The Azawakh has a flashy and springy gait, head and tail held high. As a result of the standing rectangle structure and very moderate angulation, there is no exaggeration in extension and the racing style is an upright gallop. |
Coat colors and texture
Sloughi always smooth. Color always solid, no extensive white markings. Only white marks tolerated are a few white hair at the tip of the toes and a white patch on the chest.
Saluki smooth or feathered. All coat colors, except brindle, including extensive white markings.
Azawakh always smooth, colors are sand to red, brindle, black mask, overlay, irish white markings (white socks, throat patch, blaze, tip of tail).
© Copyright 1997 D. C. de Caprona
* NOTE: This information has been contributed by, and is property of The Sloughi Fanciers Association of America, and is gratefully used here with permission..
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