Hailing from the sweltering landscapes of North Africa, the Sloughi is a distinct dog highly treasured in its native land. As a hunting dog, this breed was highly treasured for hundreds or even thousands of years by those who kept them. Read on to learn more about this athletic canine!
1. The Sloughi Hails from Africa
The Sloughi, also known as the Arabian Greyhound, originates from the dry, arid deserts of Northern Africa. The Sloughi was bred to hunt fast game animals such as birds, hares, and gazelles. Due to its hunting prowess, it was highly prized and kept by nomadic Bedouin tribes. The dogs needed to be able to navigate and pursue fast-moving prey through rugged desert terrain.
Today, not only is it highly sought after as a hunting dog; but it is also utilized as a guard animal. Though similar to other sighthounds such as the Saluki and the Afghan Hound, the Sloughi can mostly be distinguished by its smooth coat.
Even though it is unknown when the Sloughi was developed, dogs resembling this breed have been depicted in ancient hieroglyphics, petroglyphs, and other artworks throughout Northern Africa and the Middle East. Just like the time, the exact location of the breed’s formation is debated, though it descends from somewhere in the Sahara Desert (more specifically, the Maghreb region).
2. Sloughi Resemble Other Middle Eastern Sighthounds
The Sloughi is rather similar in appearance to other related sighthound breeds, such as the Greyhound, the Azawakh, and the Saluki. Originating from similar regions of North Africa and the Middle East, these dogs are slender breeds all known for their similar builds, keen eyesight, and fast speeds; however, they all exhibit surprisingly distinct differences in both physical appearance and temperament.
Most easily, the Sloughi can be distinguished from others by its short coat. Afghan Hounds sport overall longer fur, while Salukis sport “feathered” coverings on their feet and ears. Greyhounds meanwhile appear very similar to Sloughis (even being nicknamed the Arabian Greyhound) but can be distinguished by their walking gaits. The Sloughi does not hunch when walking and walks rather “elegantly” compared to the Greyhound. It is sometimes mistaken for a smooth-coated Saluki, but it’s anything but.
3. The Sloughi Is an Ancient Dog Breed
While the origins of the Sloughi may be rather obscure, it is well-known that they (or similar dogs) have held an ancient legacy spanning over hundreds of years. As mentioned earlier, artworks depicting Sloughi-like dogs have been discovered all across Northern Africa reaching as ancient as around 6,000 years ago.
King Charles IX of France was said to have been gifted a few Sloughi-like dogs by the King of Algiers in the 1500s. The nomadic Berber tribes revered the Sloughi, using them both to hunt game and as guard dogs. Despite its popularity in the Maghreb, the breed was virtually unknown outside of its range (save for a few exceptions) until the 1800s when a few dogs were imported to Europe.
The breed almost disappeared during World War II both due to military conflict and a rabies epidemic, but has recovered since. Sloughis are still celebrated and revered over in Morocco, where it is still used for their original purpose as a hunting dog. In the United States, the Sloughi is not very common and considered a rare breed.
4. Sloughis and Salukis Are Two Different Breeds
To the untrained eye, the Sloughi looks like the Saluki. Yet, these are two different breeds. What’s more, the Saluki and the Sloughi originated from different regions, and they differ even on other genetic and physical levels.
This confusion is even seen in historical documents, as both words “Sloughi” and “Saluki” mean certain groups of dogs rather than the specific breeds themselves in their native range. Unlike the Sloughi of North Africa, the Saluki originated in the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East.
As a reminder, the Sloughi IS, in fact, its very own breed. Recent studies have been backed up by researchers to confirm its status. The Sloughi is more closely related to the Azawakh (another gracile sighthound breed originating from North Africa) than to the Saluki.
An interesting note to consider is that the coloration of the Sloughi and the Saluki differs significantly. Sloughis are usually solidly colored, with no spots or blotches to accompany their coat pattern; meanwhile, Salukis can vary in a multitude of colors. The Sloughi is also more closely related to the Azawakh (another ancient hound breed) than to the Saluki.
The Sloughi is also physically proportioned differently from the Saluki. Sloughis tend to be a bit bigger than their cousins, and they also generally have longer legs as well. The head of the Sloughi is larger and more robust than the Saluki’s, particularly in males. Sloughis also have smaller ears.
5. Sloughi Have Uniform Coat Colors
As mentioned in the previous segment, the Sloughi is typically uniformly fawn in coloration, and also varies in shades of sandy browns and tans. Black Sloughis also exist. Per the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), breed standard, white markings shouldn’t be too extensive, and very lightly colored individuals can be mistaken for white Sloughis (which isn’t recognized in the FCI Breed Standard).
Some Sloughis, particularly black dogs, may display some mantling, which is when the dog’s markings are lighter around the face and legs. This is inherited through a recessive gene. Rarely, the reverse can also be seen in a few individuals, in which a fawn-colored Sloughi can display black mantling instead. Some Sloughis display brindle patternings on their coats. The genetics of the brindle coloration are complicated, but it is currently believed that while dominant to fawn, it is recessive to black.
6. This Breed Is Generally Healthy
Generally, the Sloughi is a healthy breed; however, some dogs are prone to a few common health ailments within the breed itself. One notable condition that some Sloughis may suffer from is progressive retinal atrophy. It is a genetic disease that causes the deterioration of the retina in their eyes, causing eventual blindness. This usually occurs at around two to three years of age.
The Sloughi is also susceptible to another illness known as Addison’s disease. This occurs when the adrenal glands aren’t producing enough hormones to properly regulate electrolytes in the dog’s body. The imbalances could eventually result in heart problems that can eventually be fatal. Early detection is vital to ensure that if detected, a management plan can be established. Sloughis, like Italian Greyhounds, are also known to be sensitive to anesthesia and various medications/vaccines.
As with any other dog, it is important to have your dog annually checked by a veterinarian. Having your dog evaluated medically can help target and eliminate various health issues before they progress.
7. Sloughi Have Low Maintenance Grooming Requirements
Grooming a Sloughi is very easy, as they have short coats that don’t need a whole lot of maintenance. A weekly brushing session with a grooming glove or a soft bristle brush should suffice for this hound. General maintenance of the ears, teeth, and gums should be followed just as you would with any other dog, Sloughi or not. As with most other dog breeds, the Sloughi can produce that rather unpleasant doggy smell; this can be resolved by a nice bath once in a while.
Sloughi aren’t widely known to be prone to dental issues, but brushing their teeth is a must. Brushing your dog’s teeth daily is highly preferred, but even just two to three times a week can have a huge effect on their dental health. It can ultimately prevent dental disease.
Supplemental dental chews are also highly recommended as they can reduce tartar/plaque buildup, but take note that they cannot be an alternative to regular brushing. Ears should be checked periodically, and nails should also be trimmed every few weeks.
8. Sloughis Need Lots of Exercise
As an active breed, the Sloughi requires daily exercise; if this need isn’t fulfilled, these sighthounds can display common behavioral problems, such as excessive barking and destructive chewing. A large, fenced-in yard is highly recommended for those who want to own this hound. Long walks (a few hours per day) are also essential for an active breed like the Sloughi. When walking a Sloughi, it must ALWAYS be kept on a leash as they sport a high prey drive, which derives from their roots as a hunting dog.
Sloughis are great candidates for various breed-specific sports, such as agility training or lure coursing. Lure coursing is especially a fantastic activity for a Sloughi to partake in, as it allows them to exert their full potential as a sighthound. In lure coursing, participating dogs chase a plastic lure around a racetrack, almost similarly to chasing prey.
Agility training is another great exercise option for a Sloughi. Agility competitions consist of a race through an obstacle course for your dog. Such obstacles include weave poles, tunnels, hurdles, and even ramps.
9. Sloughis Are for Experienced Dogs Owners
Though the Sloughi is a relatively easy-going breed, this dog isn’t recommended for beginner dog owners. As with other sighthounds, this canine is rather independent and can be considered stubborn in terms of training. Lots of patience is a must when bringing a Sloughi home as a companion. The Sloughi can be rather reserved and shy with strangers, so gaining the trust of others may take some time.
Early training and socialization are both an absolute must for the Sloughi. The Sloughi does not tolerate negative stimuli; positive reinforcement is mandatory. This breed can be anxious by nature, and a negative experience can impact your dog’s behavior permanently.
The Sloughi is a charming breed that could make the ideal companion for an active owner with lots of patience and knowledge of dog ownership. As the Sloughi is considered a rare breed, obtaining one may be difficult; reputable breeders and rescue groups are great options for adopting a Sloughi right at home.
