Sloughi Breed Magazine - Showsight

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

Powered by