Sloughi

COUNTRY: Morocco
WEIGHT: 45-60 pounds
HEIGHT: 24-28 i/2 inches
COAT: Short, fine and dense
COLOR: Sand, sable, red sable, charcoal sable, brindle; with or without black mask and/or black manteau (saddle or black tipped hairs on back)
OTHER NAMES: Slougui, Arabian Greyhound
REGISTRY: FCI, TKC
GROUP: Southern


While several of the gazehounds claim the distinction of being the world's oldest breed, the point may be moot. "Breeds" as such did not exist in those, ancient times, and types tended to mold and change over the years and with transitions to other environments. The Sloughi, however, is certainly one of the oldest types, fand is still being used in the same area in which he began. The breed is found throughout the Sahara in what are now portions of Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya. Due to its modern presence and promotion there, the breed was declared by the FCI to be of Moroccan origin, although it is still often called the Arabian Greyhound.
There are rock engravings of dogs manifesting the Sloughi/gazehound type found in North Africa that date back to the Neolithic Period (8000-6000 BC). The old Berber culture of the Sahara worked hounds of this type. As civilizations arose, these dogs were in demand by the wealthy for organized hunting. Supposedly the Sloughi was Tutankhamen's favorite dog and many were depicted in paintings and artifacts found in his tomb. Hannibal was accompanied by Berber cavalry when he crossed the Alps and, since these horsemen were never without their hunting dogs, Sloughis (as well as the previously mentioned Ibizans) may well have been introduced to southern Europe at that time. Crossed with native scenthounds, these dogs would account for some of the sighthound characteristics seen in the hounds of Italy.
But their main role was as dogs of the desert tribes. They have lived for literally thousands of years with their nomadic masters, chasing down desert game and guarding the encampments. Their long webbed toes enabled them to grip the hot desert sands while running.

The Moslem culture generally denigrated the dog as "unclean," especially the detested pariah dog. One of the greatest fears for people of these areas was the fate of non-burial after death, with their bodies being eaten by the scavenging pariahs. But the gazehounds had become an exception to the hatred of dogs. These sighthounds were highly valued and shared their masters' tents.
Such was the bond between Sloughi and nomad that these beloved dogs are, even to the present time, treated like members of the family—at least male members of the family! The birth of a Sloughi litter is cause for celebration among friends, treated with the same joy as the birth of a son. Sugar or a lamb, the traditional funeral offerings, are brought as solace when a Sloughi dies. Photo albums are kept of the dogs and their ancestors and shown to friends. One modern enthusiast describes the usual scene of a Sloughi and his master comfortably relaxing in the living room, while the wife and daughters are stuck working in the kitchen!

In the mountains, the brindle color camouflaged the Sloughi; in the desert, the coloring was like that of sand. Saluki and Sloughi enthusiasts debate whether or not they are the same breed. Saluki owners dismiss the Sloughi as a smooth-coated member of their breed, while Sloughi fanciers insist their dogs have distinct differences. The Sloughi is larger and heavier boned.

Sloughis are quiet, sensitive dogs that bond strongly and early with their masters. This trait makes it very difficult for them to change homes as adults. Their gentle manners and fastidiousness make them welcome in the home, which is where they must be to satisfy their great need for human companionship. They do need adequate outlets for their energy, and a place for regular gallops or long walks is necessary. Digging can be a problem, as they once dug holes to the cooler sand for relief from the heat.
The breed is not numerous, but enthusiasts in both Morocco and abroad are keeping the Sloughi from slipping away to extinction. The CRCN (Club for National Dog Breeds) in his homeland has published a standard, holds exhibitions, and in other ways promotes this old, native breed. The Sloughi has found enthusiasts in several European countries and Great Britain, with a few appearing in the USA as well. Sloughis may be seen competing in Continental dog shows.

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 his owner and it needs him 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 shouldn't be oppressive, and any punishment should be omitted. What it likes is a friendly confirmation of its behaviour.