Sloughi Breed Magazine - Showsight

Sloughi Breed Magazine features information, expert articles, and stunning photos from AKC judges, breeders, and owners.

SLOUGHI

Let’s Talk Breed Education!

Page 1 of 3

Official Standard of the Sloughi General Appearance : The Sloughi is a powerful and elegant, medium-large, short-haired, smooth-coated, athletic sighthound developed in North Africa (in the region including Morocco, Alergia, Tunisia, and Libya) to hunt game such as hare, fox, jackal, gazelle, and wild pigs. It is an ancient breed, treasured in North Africa for its hunting skills, speed, agility, and endurance over long distances. It is a robust, but elegant and racy, pursuit dog with no exaggeration of length of body or limbs, muscle development, angulation, nor curve of loin. The Sloughi is not a fragile dog; it is a dog with class and grace. The attitude is noble and somewhat aloof, and the expression of the dark eyes is gent le and melancholy. The Sloughi’s head has a sturdy character and is long and elegant with drop ears and a black nose. The body and legs show defined bony structure and strong, lean muscles and black or pigmented nails. The skeletal structure is sturdy. The topline is essentially horizontal blending into a bony, gently sloping croup. The tail is long and carried at or below the topline at its insertion with a small ring or an upward curve at the end. Size, Proportion, Substance : A male Sloughi is very slightly taller, measured from the top of the withers to the ground, than it is long, measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks. Ideally, a Sloughi’s length from point of shoulder to point of buttock is 96 percent of its height. Height at the withers for males is normally 26 to 29 inches (66 to 74 centimeters). For females it is normally 24 to 27 inches (61 to 68 centimeters). Somewhat taller Sloughis are allowed. Head : In profile, the head is long and refined with a deep and sturdy character. From above, it has the shape of a long wedge, tapering from the cranial area to the tip of the nose. Expression – The expression is gentle, slightly sad, and melancholy. Eyes – The eyes are large, dark, well set in their sockets, and oval to the almond-shaped. The eye color is shades of dark brown to dark amber. The eye rims are pigmented. Ears – The ears are of set slightly above the eye line, drooping, close to the head, medium in size, triangular and slightly rounded at the tips. Disqualifications are ears erect, raised with tips drooping, or rose ears that cannot drop close to the head. Skull – Viewed from above, the cranial area is rather broad, measuring approximately 4.75 to 5.5 inches (12 to 14 centimeters) between the ears, and is rounded at the back and curves harmoniously on the sides. In profile, the top part of the cranial area is flat, the brows are scarcely projecting, the frontal groove is hardly marked, and the occipital crest and protuberance are barely visible. Stop – The stop is barely pronounced. Muzzle – The muzzle has the shape of an elongated wedge and forms about half the total length of the head. The jaws are strong and regular. Planes – The profile is straight, with the lines of the muzzle and skull approximately parallel. Nose – The nose is black and strong, not pinched. Any nose color other than black is a disqualification. The planes of the nose and the muzzle are almost the same. The nose leather, not being supported by the skeletal structure, is slightly inclined down towards the tip. Lips – The lips are thin and supple, black or dark brown, and completely pigmented. Flews – The lips just cover the lower jaw. The corner of the mouth is very slightly visible. Bite – A scissor bite is preferable; a level bite is allowed. An overshot or undershot jaw is a disqualification. Teeth – Full Dentition; the teeth are healthy and strong. Neck, Topline, Body : Neck – The neck is long and springs well up from the shoulders. It is slightly arched at the crest. Its length is similar to that of the head. It should be elegant and powerful. The skin is fine, tight, with no dewlap and the hair is very smooth. Topline – The

Page 2 of 3

topline of a Sloughi is level (horizontal) or essentially level between the withers and the hip bones; the hip bones may be slightly higher than the withers. The withers are apparent. Body – Chest – The chest is not too wide and almost, but not quite, reaches the level of the elbow. The ratio between depth of chest and height at withers should be ideally 4:10. Ribs – The ribs are flat, long, and slightly curved in the posterior third of the chest. Underline – The underline starts as a straight line at the sternum and rises up in a smooth curve to the belly. Tuck-up – The belly is well tucked up. Back – The back is short, almost level (horizontal) between the withers and the hip bones. Loin – The loin is short, lean, wide, and slightly arched. Croup – The croup is bony and oblique with apparent hip bones that project above the line of the back to the same height as, or slightly higher than, the withers. Tail – The tail is long enough to reach the point of the hocks, thin, set in line with the croup, and has a small ring or an upward curve at the tip. The tail is carried low (at or below the line of the back at its insertion), though when excited the end portion of the tail may rise above the topline. Forequarters: Angulation – Well open. Shoulders – Shoulder Blades – The shoulder blades are long and oblique. The upper arm is strong. Legs – the forelegs are straight, bony, and muscular. The forelegs appear long. Pasterns – The pasterns are slightly sloping, supple, and strong. Dewclaws – Dewclaws are present, but may be removed. Feet – The feet are lean and have the shape of elongated oval. In many lightly-built Sloughis, the foot is shaped like a hare-foot. Toes – The toes are pointed forward with the middle two toes distinctly longer than the others. Nails – The nails are black or pigmented. White or depigmented nails on toes with small white markings are faults. Sloughis with a majority of depigmented or white nails disqualify. Hindquarters: Angulation – Open angulation, stifle and hock well open. Legs – When showing, the hind legs should be left in their natural, upright position so that the level (horizontal) line of back remains apparent. Upper Thigh – The second thigh is long and well muscled. Hocks (Rear Pastern) – Hocks are strong and well bent without closed angles. The rear pasterns are also strong. The tendons are well chiseled. Dewclaws – No rear dewclaws. Feet – The feet are lean and have the shape of an elongated oval. Toes – The toes are pointed forward with the middle two toes distinctly longer than the others. Nails – The nails are black or pigmented. Coat : The coat of the Sloughi is always smooth. The hair is short, tight, and fine all over the body. The Sloughi is presented in natural condition. Disqualifications are feathering on the ears, tail, and/or legs, or coat that is not short, tight, and smooth. Color : The coat colors are all shades of light sand (cream) to mahogany red fawn, with or without brindling or with or without black markings such as black mask, black ears, dark overlay, and black mantle (black and sand or black and brindle). A small white mark on the chest or small white marks on the toes are faults. White, anywhere on the body, due to aging or scars is allowed. Disqualifications are color not in accordance with the standard, larger white markings, solid white extending above the toes or white anywhere else on the dog except the forechest. Gait : The Sloughi has a supple, smooth, and effortless gait with long strides, covering plenty of ground and reaching from the shoulders in front. The tail is held low, or at below the topline at its insertion. The ring or upward curve at the end may rise above the topline when the dog is excited. The head is held at a moderate angle to the body. Temperament : The Sloughi is a dog with class and grace. The attitude is noble and somewhat aloof. Summary of Disqualifications :

Page 3 of 3

Ears erect, raised with tips drooping, or rose ears that cannot drop close to the head. Nose pigment any color other than black. An overshot or undershot jaw. Coat too long and/or feathering on the ears, tail, and/or legs. Dogs with a majority of white or depigmented nails. Color not in accordance with the standard, larger white markings, solid white extending above the toes or white anywhere else on the dog except the forechest.

Approved May 10, 2022 Effective August 8, 2022

JUDGING

BY ERIKA WYATT, AMERICAN SLOUGHI ASSOCIATION ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF TYPE THE SLOUGHI

S loughi history arose out of the shifting sands of the Sahara Desert in the North African countries of Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria, a geographic region known as the Maghreb that is primar- ily inhabited by people of Arab and Berber descent. His exact ori- gins are unknown, but the breed may date as far back as thousands of years. Throughout the breed’s long history, the Sloughi’s survival has depended on his ability to course both large and small game (jackals, gazelles, boars, foxes, ostriches, hyenas, and hares), at length and over rough terrain, includ- ing desert sand, brush, and mountains. The primary consideration in judging the Sloughi should always be his ability to hunt. A Sloughi must run on sound and strong running gear. In the countries of origin, Sloughis often trot for hours in the blazing sun before finding game and bursting into a gallop over varied terrain with the keenness, cunning, speed, power, and agility to take down their prey. He must have the strength of bone, jaw, neck, and topline to take down game of any size. And he must have the elegance of form to be both swift and agile to enable him to course game over long distances, with a dryness of tissues to allow him to exist in some of the most punishing conditions in the world. This history and purpose should inform your general impression: “...a powerful and elegant, medium-large, short-haired, smooth-coated, athletic sighthound... a robust, but elegant and racy, pursuit dog with no exaggera- tion of length of body or limbs, muscle development, angulation, nor curve of loin. The Sloughi is not a fragile dog; it is a dog with class and grace.” Even though the Sloughi has enjoyed full recognition in the AKC Hound Group since January 1, 2016, the breed remains one of the low entry breeds, and the majority of judges have not had the opportunity to see Sloughis in person. In addition, the AKC Sloughi Breed Standard was revised, effective as of August 8, 2022. Sloughis share some characteristics with the Azawakh and with the Salu- ki. Nonetheless, preserving correct breed type is essential to protecting this rare and unique breed. Every act of judging either helps to preserve breed type or it contributes to its demise. The Sloughi is not a smooth Saluki or a variation of the Azawakh, and it should not look like one. Neither should it become a generic sighthound. General Comments. The Sloughi hails from a land of harsh desert and rocky mountains to course all manner of game that can be found in North- ern Africa. It should present as a tough, athletic dog with lots of speed and endurance, and each component of its conformation should speak to its pur- pose—it should have tough feet with hard nails, plenty of sturdy skeleton, lean muscles, an elegant but powerful neck, and strong teeth. Whenever an exhibit is presented to you, please consider whether this is a hound that could hunt in extreme heat for hours over rough, unforgiving conditions.

Body Proportions. A Sloughi should be very slightly taller than long, measured from the top of the withers to the ground, measured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks. Ideally, a Sloughi’s length from point of shoulder to point of buttock is 96 percent of its height. The ratio between depth of chest and height at withers should be ideally 4:10. A Sloughi should never appear rectangular nor short- legged. These unique body proportions are a defining characteristic of the breed, and Sloughis who are appar- ently longer than tall, or who appear short-legged, should not be rewarded. Height at the withers for males is normally 26 to 29 inches, for females it is normally 24 to 27 inches. Somewhat taller Sloughis are allowed, as long as they maintain the balance and agility required of a versatile coursing hound. Open Angles. The Sloughi Standard uses the word “open” three times to describe front and rear angulation. This open angulation is necessary when considering the proper proportions of the Sloughi. There should be no sweeping bend of stifle or pronounced pigeon breast or set-under.

244 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2023

JUDGING THE SLOUGHI: ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF TYPE

Ground-Covering Gaits. The Sloughi has a supple, smooth, and effortless gait with long strides, covering plenty of ground and reaching from the shoulders in front. This does not mean tremendous reach and drive. While an exaggerated “flying trot” should not be reward- ed, short-strided, hackneyed, weak gaits, or gaits reaching only from the elbows, are also incorrect. Dogs who are out at the elbows or those having weak, floppy pasterns are particularly faulty. Hackneyed action is a serious fault. In addition, the Sloughi does not normally converge at the speed at which it is shown in the Conformation ring. The American Sloughi Association has a judges’ edu- cation video on proper gaits in the breed at this link: https://sloughi-international.com/?p=2416 Robust but Elegant. The Standard says the Sloughi is a “ robust, but elegant and racy, pursuit dog with no exaggeration of length of body or limbs, muscle develop- ment, angulation, nor curve of loin.” The Standard also uses the words, “powerful,” “strong,” and “sturdy.” Yes, the Sloughi is elegant, but the skeletal structure should be sturdy. The Sloughi should not appear fragile or delicate. The muscles and soft tissues should be strong and lean. The Sloughi is sturdier than many of its desert counter- parts. This strength is needed for a dog that must often hunt over rocky terrain Wedge-Shaped Head. The head of the Sloughi is unique among sighthounds. It has a long and elegant, sturdy, wedge-shaped head that narrows from the cranial region to the nose. The AKC Standard describes a back- skull that is 4.75-5.5 inches wide between the ears. The Sloughi head is more substantial than many sighthound breeds. The occiput should be apparent, but not as pro- nounced as that of the Afghan Hound. Ears. The ears are set slightly above the eye line, drooping, close to the head, medium in size, triangular, and slightly rounded at the tips... Disqualifications are ears erect, raised with tips drooping, or rose ears that can- not drop close to the head. The Sloughi’s ears are set at about the level of the eye when the animal is at rest. When the animal is alert, the ears will appear to be higher on the head. In addition, a rose ear is a disqualification in the Sloughi . Even Sloughis with excellent ears will fold them back when they are anxious, hot, bored, or inattentive. A handler can always show that an exhibit’s ears are proper upon request if they are correct . There are fifty shades of faulty between the ideal Sloughi ear and the disqualify- ing rose ear. Color and Pigment. The coat colors are all shades of light sand (cream) to mahogany red fawn, with or with- out brindling or with or without black markings such as a black mask, black ears, dark overlay, and black mantle (black and sand or black and brindle). Blue, chocolate, solid black, and white Sloughis do exist, but they are dis- qualifications under the Standard.

A small white mark on the chest or small white marks on the toes are faults. White, anywhere on the body, due to aging or scars, is allowed. Dis- qualifications are: color not in accordance with the Standard, larger white markings, solid white extending above the toes, or white anywhere else on the dog except the forechest. The nose must be black. Any nose color other than black disqualifies. The nails should be black or pigmented. Brown nails and striped nails are acceptable. Depigmented nails or white nails are faulty. Any dog with a majority of white or depigmented nails is a disqualification. Topline. The Sloughi’s topline is essentially level between the withers and the hip bones, but the highest point of the hip bones may be slightly higher than the withers, which should be apparent. Body Condition. The Sloughi should always show defined bony structure and strong, lean muscles. The skeletal structure is sturdy. A Sloughi in good weight will have its hip bones apparent (but less apparent than those of the Afghan Hound), as well as the three rear-most ribs faintly visible. A Sloughi should look and feel hard and fit in the ring. The forechest should be bony and angular, and it lacks “fill.” The Sloughi should never be pigeon-breasted. It should never be soft in condition, and it should never appear padded. Temperament. The Sloughi evolved as a coursing and hunting hound, but it also evolved as a guardian of nomadic tents and a sometimes livestock guardian. Part of the Sloughi’s purpose was historically to be suspicious of strangers and to be especially devoted to its family. The Sloughi should be approached in a business-like fashion—never staring into the eyes; ask the handler to show the bite—front and sides, but never opening the mouth to check molars. Judges should refrain from speaking when bent directly over a Sloughi. If an exhibit is shy or nervous, please refrain from trying to comfort the Sloughi or talk to it, which will only heighten its suspicion. Sloughis presented at Conformation shows must be comfortable enough to be examined, even if they are wary. Disqualifications: • Ears erect, raised with tips drooping, or rose ears that cannot drop close to the head. • Nose pigment any color other than black. • An overshot or undershot jaw. • Coat too long and/or feathering on the ears, tail, and/or legs. • Dogs with a majority of white or depigmented nails. • Color not in accordance with the Standard, larger white markings, solid white extending above the toes or white anywhere else on the dog except the forechest. For more information, please see the American Sloughi Association Judges Education Page online at: https://sloughi-international.com/?page_id=1340

252 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JUNE 2023

THE SLOUGHI: ANCIENT HOUND OF NORTH AFRICA

(Photo courtesy of U. Rosenzweig)

by ERIKA N. WYATT & ERMINE MOREAU-SIPIÈRE

HISTORY T he exact origins of the Sloughi have disappeared in the shifting sands of the Sahara Desert over the past several thousand years and remain part of the mystery of this ancient breed. The Sloughi has been used by the Ber- ber and Bedouin people in the North African countries of Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Algeria for millennia to hunt both large and small game, including jackals, gazelles, wild boar, hares and rabbits, over desert and mountain ter- rain. In the countries of origin, the Sloughi is still used to hunt in this man- ner today, making it not only a beauti- ful, living piece of antiquity, but also a utilitarian and tough coursing hound whose function is the most essential characteristic of the breed. The Sloughi’s role in North Africa was not limited to coursing. The Sloughi also served as a protector of its master

SLOUGHI TYPE: ESSENTIAL CONFORMA- TIONAL CHARACTERISTICS The overall impression of a Sloughi should be immediately unique from oth- er sighthound breeds due to important differences in its head and body confor- mation. Its head is larger and more sub- stantial than most other sighthounds. The ears are dropped, and although its appearance is graceful, it also exudes power, speed, agility and stamina. Because of the importance of the work for which it was bred, the Sloughi must always present in a hard, fit condi- tion. It must give the impression of being robust and not fragile in any way, while still maintaining its intrinsic beauty and elegance. Importantly, the Sloughi must have no exaggeration in its angulation, length of body or limbs, bulky muscle development, or curve of loin. The Sloughi’s outline distinguishes it substantially from other breeds in the

and home, and defender of flocks of goats and sheep. These characteristics of temperament exist in Sloughis today, and they are extraordinarily devoted to their families and people. They are naturally (and correctly) aloof and skep- tical of strangers. THE ATHLETIC SLOUGHI The athleticism of the Sloughi allows it to excel at a number of performance events, including open field and free coursing (in those states in which it is legally permitted), lure coursing, and non-commercial oval track and sprint racing. The Sloughi also has the potential to excel at agility, if an indi- vidual could be properly motivated with appropriately positive training methods. As a sighthound, the Sloughi is sensitive to correction and heavy handed, corporal training methods will produce a particularly poor outcome with this breed.

244 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , A PRIL 2017

Hound Group. The standard describes the Sloughi as being slightly taller than long (bitches can be somewhat longer). This is an important characteristic of the breed with the length of a male ide- ally being 96% of its height. This ratio sets the Sloughi apart from all other hound breeds. The Sloughi standard uses the word “open” in two places to describe the front and rear angulation of the Sloughi. Correct Sloughi angulation is much more open than many other sighthound breeds and should always be moderate. The topline is essentially level from withers to the hip bones, which should be apparent, but not as prominent as those of the Afghan hound. However, it is also correct for a Sloughi to be slightly higher at its hip bones than its withers. The Sloughi’s chest does not quite reach the elbows and the underline begins in a straight line at the sternum that rises in a smooth curve to a well tucked-up belly. The Sloughi’s hallmark expression is gentle, slightly sad-looking, and mel- ancholy with large, oval to almond shaped eyes that range in color from dark brown to amber with pigmented eye rims. When viewed from above, the cranial area is rather broad, measuring approxi- mately 4-5 inches between the ears (particularly in males), and is rounded at the back and curves harmoniously on the sides. In profile, the top part of the cranial area is flat, the brows are scarcely projecting, the frontal groove is hardly marked, and the occipital crest is barely visible. The occiput is ideally discernable, but not necessarily promi- nent. The ears droop close to the head when the animal is at rest, although normal, dropped ears can sometimes be held back when the Sloughi is hot or stressed or excited. Rose ears, like those of a Greyhound or Whippet, and erect ears are disqualifications. The stop is barely pronounced. The muzzle has the shape of an elongated wedge and forms about half the total length of the head. The jaws are strong and regular. The profile is straight, with the planes of the muzzle and skull approximately parallel. The nose is black and strong and not pinched. The lips are black or dark brown and the bite is scissors with a level bite also allowed. An overshot or undershot bite disqualifies.

Size matters in the Sloughi. The ideal height is 26"-29" for a male and 24"-27" for a female. While there are no disqualifications in the breed with respect to height, and the standard spe- cifically allows for “somewhat taller” Sloughis, the benchmark in evaluat- ing a Sloughi whose height is outside of standard, should be whether or not the individual appears capable of hunting jackals, gazelles, wild boar and hares over desert sand or rocky mountain terrain. The coat of the Sloughi is always smooth. The hair is short, tight, and fine all over the body. The Sloughi is presented in natural condition. Disqual- ifications are any coat other than short, tight, and smooth and/or feathering on the ears, tail and/or legs. The coat colors are all shades of light sand (cream) to mahogany red fawn, with or without brindling or with or without black markings such as black mask, black ears, dark overlay, and black mantle, with no invasive white markings. White hairs due to aging or scars are permitted. Disqualifications are color not in accordance with the standard and/or solid white extending above the toes or white anywhere else on the dog except the forechest. The croup is bony and oblique and the insertion of the tail should not rise above the topline. Because the tail is long and curves upward toward the end, the last third of the tail may some- times rise above the topline, but not at the insertion to the body. In Morocco, a ring at the end of the tail is preferred because hunters believe that a ring pro- vides a counter-weight which enables a Sloughi to be more able to make fast turns at high speed. While the AKC standard does not call for this, it is a positive and desirable detail. As a coursing hound, the Sloughi is a galloping breed and evaluating the gaits of a galloping breed in the context of a conformation ring poses challenges. The Sloughi has a supple, smooth, and effortless gait with long strides, cover- ing plenty of ground. The tail is held low or even with the topline at its insertion with the head at a moderate angle to the body. The Sloughi moves over the ground in an athletic way with graceful, fluid strides, always giving the impression that the burst of speed and agility necessary to give chase to quarry is possible at any moment. The Sloughi

(Photo by E. Moreau- Sipière)

(Photo by S. Collier)

(Photo by E. Wyatt)

(Photo by E. Wyatt)

(Photo by S. Collier)

246 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , A PRIL 2017

(Photo by S. Collier)

SLOUGHI HEALTH Sloughis generally enjoy robust health even into old age. The typical lifespan is 12 to 14 years, but many Sloughis live to 15 years. Inherited diseases do exist in the breed. The most well known of these is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a genet- ic disease that is characterized by the bilateral degeneration of the retina, causing progressive vision loss culmi- nating in blindness. Fortunately, the recessive gene for PRA has been iden- tified and conscientious breeders only breed animals that have been tested for Sloughi PRA. Cancer, which is prevalent in dogs of all breeds as well as mixed breeds, has been reported in the breed, and most recently, confirmed cases of Addison’s Disease, as well as other autoimmune disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Dis- ease, have been diagnosed. Genetic diversity, and forthright disclosure from breeders are needed to help protect the gene pool of the Sloughi in the United States. The Sloughi certainly is not a breed for everyone. However, for the indi- vidual whose personality and lifestyle match with that of the Sloughi, the bond between a Sloughi and his owner provide an unparalleled experience. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Ermine Moreau-Sip-

should not move with gay, high tailed, extravagant movement with a lot of wasted upward energy. Any faults or weaknesses which would prevent a Sloughi from perform- ing the work for which it has been bred for millennia in North Africa should be penalized. TEMPERAMENT Because of its long history as a cours- ing and guard breed of nomads, the Sloughi is skeptical about strangers and is aloof. They will not usually animate for squeaky toys or food being offered by a stranger in the show ring and will often disdainfully ignore such attempts. An object thrown gently to the side is more likely to provoke an expression than proferring a treat. This tempera- ment is part of the inherent charac- teristics of the breed and should not be penalized, particularly in young or adolescent Sloughis. In examining the Sloughi, judges do best using a businesslike manner and refraining from trying to comfort an uncertain Sloughi with baby talk or unnecessary petting. The most produc- tive approach is to bypass the head, and begin at the shoulders, examining the body first and then returning to the head for examination last. Slough- is may feel threatened and insecure by direct eye contact, particularly at close range. Although a Sloughi may be suspi- cious or insecure around strangers, aggression or fear biting is not charac- teristic and should never be tolerated under any circumstances.

Jacques, and their five children in their native France. That Sloughia began a passion for Ermine and by the time she moved with her family and her beloved Arabian horses to the United States in 1979, they brought with them three additional Sloughis of French breeding. From there, they imported additional specimens from Germany, Tunisia, France and Italy, and bred some of the finest Sloughis in the US for more than 35 years. In 1989, Ermine and a handful of other Sloughi lovers, founded the American Sloughi Association, which is today the AKC National Parent Club for the breed, and over which Ermine contin- ues to preside as the president.

Erika Nicole Wyatt is the vice president and judges educa- tion coordinator for the American Sloughi Association. She has been actively involved with the breed since

1995, having presented Sloughis at two Sloughi specialties before she even acquired her first Sloughi. She bred her first litter in 2007 and since that time has imported Sloughis from Morocco, the Czech Republic, Austria and Norway, with a heavy focus on Sloughis from the countries of origin. Her bloodlines today include Moroc- can, Tunisian and Libyan Sloughis. Erika imported, owns and handles the first AKC Champion Sloughi in his- tory, the first AKC Grand Champion Sloughi, and the first Westminster Best of Breed winning Sloughi.

ière received her first Sloughi, an Algerian import, more than 40 years ago while still liv- ing with her husband,

248 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , A PRIL 2017

the Sloughi

BY ERIKA WYATT

BREED HISTORY Although the exact origins of the Sloughi date too far back to be complete- ly known, artifacts and history suggest that smooth-coated, lop-eared sight- hounds like the Sloughi have existed in North Africa for several thousand years. The Sloughi hails from the Maghreb, which includes the countries of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, and a large portion of the Sahara Desert (as opposed to the Mashriq, the eastern part of the Arab world that includes Egypt and Sudan, as well as several other countries which comprise the coun- tries of origin of the Saluki). Arab conquests of the Maghreb began in 647, and the Sloughi has been bred by both Berbers and Bedouins for hundreds of years. Historically, the Sloughi served many purposes—first and foremost as a coursing hound that is capable of hunting a wide variety of game over vary- ing topography from harsh, rocky terrain, to punishing scrub and sandy desert. In addition, the Sloughi served to guard the tents and the livestock of its nomadic owners, and was (and still is) occasionally used to herd sheep, goats, donkeys, and camels. Sloughis first arrived in the United States in 1973, yet the breed remains quite rare in this country nearly a half century later.

BREED FUNCTION The Sloughi was originally developed to hunt a wide variety of game, including rabbit, hare, fox, jackal, hye- nas, gazelle, deer, ostriches, and wild pigs. It is a pro- ficient hunter with tremendous speed, stamina, agility, and strength, hunting over a wide variety of very harsh terrain, mostly by sight, but also using scent and sound. Today, large game is rare in its countries of origin, and in Morocco it is illegal to hunt any game with hounds. Instead, the breed is used primarily on foxes (both fennecs and red foxes), jackals, and wild pigs. BREED PRESERVATION The survival of the Sloughi is threatened throughout the world. The lifestyle of the rural hunter is disappear- ing in the Maghreb, and although the keeping of dogs as pets is not uncommon in metropolitan areas such as Casablanca, it is a luxury that is exceedingly uncom- mon outside of the big cities. Rural hunters and farm- ers cannot afford to keep animals that do not contribute to survival, and the keeping of house dogs is disdained in Muslim culture. Without its utilitarian purpose, the future of the Sloughi is very uncertain. Breed preser vation is also a problem in western countries. The coursing of live game with hounds is illegal throughout much of Europe and the United States. As a result, near- ly every breeding decision is based on criteria that do not include the breed’s primary purposes. In addition, the conditions in which Sloughis are bred in the Maghreb are harsh. The way Sloughis are kept and bred, and the ways puppies are raised in the countries of origin, are drastically different than the way westerners do it. Although we love to see Sloughis thriving in the comforts of home without any environ- mental pressures on them, there can be no question that the conditions in North Africa from which this breed emerged produced a tough, utilitarian hound without significant frailties of health.

196 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2020

THE SLOUGHI

“PRESERVING PROPER BREED TYPE IS ESSENTIAL TOWARD PROTECTING THIS RARE AND UNIQUE BREED. IF THE DETAILS THAT SEPARATE THE SLOUGHI FROM OTHER SHORT-COATED DESERT SIGHTHOUNDS ARE NOT PRIORITIZED, TYPE WILL QUICKLY BE LOST.”

JUDGING THE SLOUGHI TO PRESERVE THE ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS Every act of judging either helps to preserve the breed or contrib- utes to the diminution of the breed. For this reason, it is critically important for judges to look at the Sloughi through the lens of how closely it could perform the tough work in the harsh environment for which this breed was developed. Preserving proper breed type is essential toward protecting this rare and unique breed. If the details that separate the Sloughi from other short-coated desert sighthounds are not prioritized, type will quickly be lost. The Sloughi should not be a generic sighthound. The differences between the Sloughi and breeds that are similar in appearance, such as the Azawakh and the Saluki, should be appar- ent. The Sloughi is not a smooth Saluki or a variation of the Aza- wakh, and it should not look like one. Body Proportions: A male Sloughi is very slightly taller, mea- sured from the top of the withers to the ground, than it is long, mea- sured from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttocks. Ideally, a male’s length is 96% of its height. In other words, a Sloughi is very slightly taller than it is long. A female's body may be slightly longer, proportionally, than that of the male. However, a Sloughi should never appear rectangular. It should never be as upright as an Azawakh, nor as long in the back as many Salukis. These unique body proportions are a defining characteristic of the breed, and long Sloughis should not be rewarded.

Pigment: Pigment is an essential characteristic of the breed. Pigment in the nails and skin of dogs comes from melanocytes, which produce melanin. Melanin provides protection from ultra- violet light—and the Saharan sun is relentless. The AKC standard references pigment in multiple places; eye rims must be pigmented, the nose should be black, lips are black or dark brown, the nails are black or pigmented. Black noses and nails are essential breed char- acteristics of the breed, and while the standard specifically allows small white marks on the toe tips, it also disqualifies Sloughis whose color is not in accordance with the standard. Coat: The coat of the Sloughi should always be short, tight, and fine all over the body. Fringe, feathering or longer hair on the ears, legs, haunches or tail is a disqualification. Looser, longer or coarse coats are faulty to the degree they vary from the short, tight, fine coat that is described in the standard. Open Angles: The Sloughi standard uses the word “open” three times to describe front and rear angulation. The Sloughi should be less angular than the Saluki or the Afghan Hound, but slightly more angular than the Azawakh. Ground Covering Gaits: The Sloughi has a supple, smooth, and effortless gait with long strides, covering plenty of ground. Short-strided, hackneyed, and weak gaits or gaits reaching only from the elbows are incorrect. Weak pasterns and floppy pasterns are also incorrect. Hackneyed action is a serious fault. The Ameri- can Sloughi Association has a judges education video on proper gaits in the breed at this link: https://sloughi-international.com/?p=2416.

198 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2020

THE SLOUGHI

feel hard and fit in the ring. The forechest should be bony and angular, and it lacks “fill.” The Sloughi should never be pigeon- breasted. It should never be soft in condition, and it should never appear padded. Temperament: The Sloughi evolved as a coursing and hunting hound, but it also evolved as a guardian of nomadic tents and a sometimes livestock guardian. Part of the Sloughi’s purpose was historically to be suspicious of strangers and to be especially devoted to its family. In the show ring, the Sloughi should be approached in a business- like fashion—never stare into the eyes; ask the handler to show the bite, front and sides, but never open the mouth to check molars. Judges should refrain from speaking when bent directly over a Sloughi. If an exhibit is shy or nervous, please refrain from trying to comfort the Sloughi or talk to it, which will only heighten its suspicion. Furthermore, in the Sloughi, a breed whose physique is so dry as to make every piece of anatomy clear- ly visible, excessive touching or handling is unnecessary. General Comments: The Sloughi originated in a land of harsh desert and rocky mountains to course rabbits, hares, jackals, fennecs and other foxes, gazelles, and all manner of game that can be found in northern Africa. It should present as a tough, athletic dog with lots of speed and endurance, and each component of its conformation should speak to its purpose. It should have tough feet with hard nails, plenty of sturdy skeleton, lean muscles, an elegant but powerful neck, and strong teeth. Whenever an exhibit is presented to you, please consider whether this is a hound that could hunt in extreme heat over rough, unforgiving conditions.

Robust, but Elegant: The standard says the Sloughi is a “robust, but elegant and racy, pursuit dog with no exaggeration of length of body or limbs, muscle develop- ment, angulation, nor curve of loin.” The standard also uses the words, “powerful,” “strong,” and “sturdy.” The Sloughi should not appear fragile or delicate. The muscles and soft tissues should be strong and lean. The Sloughi is sturdier than many of its desert counterparts. Wedge-Shaped Head: The head of the Sloughi is unique among sighthounds. It has a long and elegant, sturdy, wedge- shaped head that narrows from the cranial region to the nose. The Sloughi head is more substantial than many sighthound breeds. The occiput should be apparent, but not as pronounced as that of the Afghan Hound. Ears: The standard reads, “The ears are set at about the level of the eye and droop close to the head when the animal is at rest. Disqualifications are ears erect, or small and folding backwards in a ‘rose ear.’” The Sloughi’s ears are set at about the level of the eye when the animal is at rest. When the animal is alert, the ears are going to be high- er on the head. In addition, a small, rose ear is a disqualification in the Sloughi. Even Sloughis with excellent ears will fold them back when they are anxious, hot, bored or inattentive. A handler can always show that an exhibit’s ears are proper upon request—if they are correct. The Ameri- can Sloughi Association has a judges edu- cation video on Sloughi ears at this link: https://sloughi-international.com/?p=2227.

The video illustrates the difference between proper and disqualifying ears, and also shows how a handler can demonstrate dropped ears. Topline: The Sloughi’s topline is essen- tially level between the withers and the hip bones, but the highest point of the hip bones may be slightly higher than the with- ers, which should be apparent. Body Condition: The Sloughi should always show defined bony structure and strong, lean muscles. The skeletal structure is sturdy. A Sloughi in good weight will have its hip bones apparent (but less apparent than those of the Afghan hound), as well as the three rearmost ribs. The croup is bony and gently sloping. A Sloughi should look and

SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2020 | 199

WWW.SHOWSIGHTMAGAZINE.COM

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13

showsightmagazine.com

Powered by