The Sloughi dog, a hound breed originally from North Africa, is known for its medium-to-large size, slim body, long legs, and short coat. With a reserved and graceful nature, these hunting dogs are agile and exhibit a sleek physique. They tend to form strong bonds with one person or family, showing affection towards them while maintaining distance from strangers. This breed can be challenging for novice dog owners due to its stubbornness. Often compared to Greyhounds, they are also called Berber Greyhounds or Arabian Greyhounds due to their resemblance. Despite their elegant appearance, Sloughis have a wealth of love to share with the right individuals.
Characteristics of the Sloughi
The Sloughi is a medium-sized sighthound known for its hunting skills and distinct appearance. Often mistaken for the Saluki or Afghan Hound, the Sloughi boasts a regal demeanor and noble attitude. Its long, elegant head and droopy ears define its unique features. Their bodies and legs are muscular and well-defined, with a horizontal topline and a low-carried, long tail.
Although reserved at first, Sloughis are affectionate and noble companions once they establish a connection. Rated four out of five for their affection towards families and three out of five for playfulness, they make devoted pets.
Sloughis usually live for 10 to 15 years, so potential owners should be prepared for at least a decade of companionship, especially if opting for a puppy.
History of the Sloughi
The Sloughi is a dog breed with a long history in North Africa, where it has been present for centuries. It can be found in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Western Sahara, Mali, Libya, and Egypt. The word “sloughi” is believed to have originated from the Berber language, which is a variation of the Arabic word “saluki.” The Sloughi shares similarities in appearance and behavior with the Arabian sighthound, suggesting a common ancestry.
Early evidence of the breed’s origins can be seen in various ancient artworks, including rock paintings in Algeria and hieroglyphics in Egypt. In modern times, Sloughis are still used for hunting in North Africa and are valued as guard dogs.
In 1973, the breed was introduced to the United States, and the American Sloughi Association (ASLA) was established in 1989 to promote and protect the breed. Since then, the Sloughi’s popularity has grown, and it was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1998 and the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2016.
Sloughi Temperament
The Sloughi, an ancient hunting breed, develops powerful connections with its owner. Well-socialized Sloughis are stable, loving, and noble companions, although they may seem aloof. Originally bred for hunting and protecting Sahara nomads, they are cautious around strangers and require time to trust. Sloughis have territorial behavior and appreciate some distance, which made them valued by the Berbers for hunting and protection.
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Without proper socialization, they may display shyness or aggression towards other dogs. Breeders should prioritize temperament and socialization from an early age. Sloughis can be great companions for kids if taught respect and kindness. They need regular exercise and are only suitable for apartments with daily opportunities to run and play.
Sloughis can peacefully coexist with cats, small dogs, and other animals if introduced and trained properly. Training should be gentle and intelligent to avoid harming their sensitive nature.
Sloughi Care
Grooming
Maintaining a Sloughi’s coat demands little effort owing to its sleek and short fur. To ensure its vitality and avoid a lackluster appearance, it is advised to brush the coat once weekly with a brush or hound glove. Additionally, it is essential to consistently perform routine grooming duties, including teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and nail trimming.
Nutrition
To ensure optimal health, providing your Sloughi with a wholesome diet that contains ample protein is crucial. This particular breed does not commonly experience weight gain or obesity issues. Nonetheless, seeking guidance from your veterinarian is advisable to obtain precise nutritional recommendations and feeding guidelines. In addition, offering nutritious treats to your Sloughi as a form of positive reinforcement is acceptable, but monitoring their intake and preventing excessive indulgence is important.
Exercise
Sloughis are energetic but can also enjoy relaxing as long as they get enough exercise. They should be taken for long daily walks and allowed to run freely in a safe, enclosed area. Fenced-in spaces are necessary due to their prey-chasing instincts. Activities like agility training and lure coursing are important for physical and mental stimulation.
Training
Training Sloughis is best done with positive reinforcement, although their occasional stubbornness can slow progress. They may sometimes be shy but respond well to positive training methods. This breed is known for their intelligence, and although they may seem aloof, they can be trained if started early and socialized properly, especially with unfamiliar people and situations.
Common Health Problems of Sloughi
The Sloughi breed is generally healthy, with Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) being uncommon. Responsible breeders use DNA testing to ensure their dogs are free from PRA and work towards eradicating the disease. However, breeding an affected dog with a healthy one may produce carriers of PRA who do not show symptoms.
Like other sighthounds, the Sloughi is sensitive to anesthesia and may also have sensitivity to vaccines, worming, and medications. Therefore, it is recommended to administer these treatments at different times.
The breed is prone to an adrenal gland condition called Addison’s Disease, which affects hormone production for balanced electrolyte levels. However, there is currently no available gene marker test for the breed. Despite these concerns, the Sloughi generally maintains good health throughout its lifespan.
Final Thoughts
The Sloughi is a hound breed with a slender build, long legs, and short fur. They are reserved and elegant, developing strong bonds with their owners while being cautious around strangers. Due to their stubbornness, they may pose a challenge for inexperienced dog owners. With a majestic disposition and distinctive features like a long head and droopy ears, Sloughis are loving companions and loyal pets.
Originating from North Africa, they have a rich history of hunting and guarding. Proper socialization and training are vital for getting along with other animals. Their grooming needs are minimal but require a balanced diet and regular exercise. Early positive training is essential. Although generally healthy, Sloughis can be sensitive to anesthesia and vaccines, so care should be taken.