Sloughi Dog Breed
Dog Breeds
Sloughi Quick Facts
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Introduction
The Sloughi, also known as the Arabian Greyhound, Arabian Sighthound, North African Gazelle Hound, or Sloughi Moghrebi, is a medium-sized, slender, athletic sighthound that is closely related to the Saluki, the Afghan Hound and the Azawakh. Some people suggest that this ancient breed was named after an Arabic word meaning “fast as the wind.” Others speculate that its name came from the Saharan settlement of Slouguia, or from the Yemeni towns of Saluk or Saloug. Alternatively, those settlements might have been named after the dog. For thousands of years, the Sloughi has been treasured in Morocco and other parts of North Africa for its agility, speed, stamina and superior hunting talents. It was used by its early nomadic masters to chase down wild hare, pig, fox, deer, gazelle and other small desert-dwelling mammals and birds. These are gentle, quiet dogs that are extremely loyal and devoted to their human companions.
The Sloughi is recognized by nearly every major dog registry, including the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA), the American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). The American Kennel Club (AKC) welcomed the Sloughi into its Foundation Stock Service in 1997. In 2004, the breed became eligible to compete in AKC-sanctioned Companion Events, including agility, obedience, rally and tracking. Sloughi’s were accepted into AKC Performance Events, such as lure coursing, in 2006. In 2010, the AKC recognized the American Sloughi Association (ASLA) as the breed’s official Parent Club. Slouhis became eligible to compete in the Miscellaneous Class at AKC all-breed Conformation Events in January 2011, with a Hound Group designation.
The Sloughi is one of the oldest of all domestic dog breeds, dating back at least to the 13th century, and probably much earlier. Although the exact origin of the breed remains a mystery, authorities believe that it was developed by nomadic Berber tribes in the arid North African deserts that covered what now are the countries of Morocco, Libya, Tunisia and Algeria. An alternate but less well-accepted theory is that the Sloughi originated in
People who adore the Sloughi describe it as affectionate, dignified, sensitive, gentle, loving and proud. To others, the Sloughi may appear aloof due to its dignified expression, detached demeanor and aristocratic carriage. Some breed enthusiasts liken the Sloughi’s disposition to that of a cat. These are quiet dogs that develop deep bonds with their owners. Many become one-person pets. If raised properly with children and other companion animals, Sloughis can get along with them quite
The Sloughi is a moderately-sized, smooth-coated, slender sighthound that rightfully gives the impression of both raciness and strength. It resembles a Saluki or Greyhound in side profile. Breed fanciers liken it to a cheetah, with similar conformational characteristics that make it a capable hunter that is built for speed. However, the Sloughi is not a fragile dog, despite its refinement and sinewy silhouette. Its prominent skeletal structure is covered with lean muscle and little fat.
The saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. Check out the many different Sloughi Pictures and Sloughi images. Get an in depth look at the Sloughi, and see the many things that this breed has to offer.