Jump to content

Sloughi: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
m Detail plus links
Tags: Visual edit Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit
Line 35: Line 35:


==Temperament==
==Temperament==
[[File:Sloughi Algerian Stamp 1983.jpg|thumb|left|100px|Sloughi on [[Algeria]]n Stamp (1983)]]
The Sloughi is a primitive hunting breed that bonds extremely closely with its owner or family from an early age. They are unlikely to be exceedingly shy or aggressive. A well bred and well socialized Sloughi is a stable, attentive, and exceedingly loving family member.<ref name="Temperament – American Sloughi Association" />  
The Sloughi is a primitive hunting breed that bonds extremely closely with its owner or family from an early age. They are unlikely to be exceedingly shy or aggressive. A well bred and well socialized Sloughi is a stable, attentive, and exceedingly loving family member.<ref name="Temperament – American Sloughi Association" />  



Revision as of 11:35, 26 February 2022

Sloughi
Other namesUskay (Oska), Berber Greyhound
Arabian Greyhound
Sloughi Maghribi
OriginNorth Africa
Traits
Height Males 66-72 cm
Females 61-68 cm
Weight Males 22-28 kg
Females 18-24 kg
Life span average 12-15 years
Kennel club standards
Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog (domestic dog)

The Sloughi /ˈslɡi/,[1] or Arabian Greyhound (Arabic: سْلُوڭِي)[2], is an ancient breed of domesticated dog, specifically a member of the sighthound family. It originates from North Africa and is presently found in Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Libya and Egypt.[3][4][5]

History

Arabian Greyhound circa 1915

The Sloughi has existed for centuries in North Africa. The Sloughi was and still is used for hunting in its native countries, and also is a reliable guard dog. The Sloughi received full recognition by the American Kennel Club as of January 1, 2016 when it became eligible to compete in the AKC Hound Group.[6]

Appearance

The sloughi should not to be confused with the smooth Saluki, nor to be confused with the smooth Afghan Hound. The Sloughi is a medium-large, short-haired, smooth-coated, athletic sighthound developed by the Berbers in North Africa (in the area including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya) to hunt game such as hare, fox, jackal, gazelle, and wild pigs.[7][8] 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, but is also a dog with class and grace. The attitude is noble and somewhat aloof, and the expression of the dark eyes is gentle and melancholy.[7][9]

The Sloughi's head is long and elegant with drop ears. The body and legs show defined bony structure and strong, lean muscles. The skeletal structure is sturdy. The topline is essentially horizontal blending into a bony, gently sloping croup. The tail is long and carried low with an upward curve at the end.[10][11]

Temperament

File:Sloughi Algerian Stamp 1983.jpg
Sloughi on Algerian Stamp (1983)

The Sloughi is a primitive hunting breed that bonds extremely closely with its owner or family from an early age. They are unlikely to be exceedingly shy or aggressive. A well bred and well socialized Sloughi is a stable, attentive, and exceedingly loving family member.[12]  

The American Sloughi Association standard states that, “The Sloughi is a dog with class and grace. The attitude is noble and somewhat aloof.”[12]

Because of their origins as the hunters and guardians of Sahara nomads and bedouins, the Sloughi is reserved with strangers and takes a while to warm up to new friends. The Sloughi also expects reserve from people they meet, and may not appreciate those who are too familiar.[12]

Improperly socialized Sloughis can be shy and it is critical that breeders consider temperament in their breeding decisions and that puppies receive appropriate socialization from an early age so that they mature into well adjusted adults. Their socialization must include not only new people, but new situations, environments and other dogs.[12]

Sloughis that are accustomed to children are excellent with children. As with all breeds, children need to be taught to respect dogs and not to mistreat them.

They require ample daily exercise in order to meet their physical, emotional and mental needs. This is not a breed that is well suited to apartment life without a planned regimen of daily exercise that includes galloping freely.

Sloughis have been bred for millennia to course game and as a result have extremely high prey drive. They can be wonderful with cats, small dogs and other animals if they are introduced at an early age and learn that these other pets are not prey.

The Sloughi's character is also tender and intelligent and they are sensitive to correction. They must be trained with methods that are also intelligent and sensitive. Heavy-handed or corporal training methods are not effective for any breed, but they are especially deleterious to the character of sighthounds.[12]

Health

Only a few genetic conditions have been confirmed in the breed. These include certain autoimmune disorders, such as Addison's disease and irritable bowel syndrome and progressive retinal atrophy. The Sloughi is one of the breeds for whom a genetic test for progressive retinal atrophy has been developed to with a simple blood test. Like all sighthounds, the Sloughi is very sensitive to anesthesia, and can be sensitive to vaccines, worming, and other medications—so these routine treatments should be spaced apart instead of given all at once. The breed tends to enjoy excellent health into old age.[13]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Sloughi". Encarta. Microsoft Corporation. 1997–2008. Archived from the original on 2009-11-01. Retrieved 2008-12-05.
  2. ^ also known as the Slughi Maghribi, Uskay, Berber Greyhound and by other names.
  3. ^ Gibeault, Stephanie (29 Dec 2016). "The Sloughi is a Cherished Dog of North Africa – American Kennel Club". American Kennel Club. Retrieved 8 Jan 2022.
  4. ^ Fernandez, Amy (2 Jan 2009). "The Sloughi – An Ancient Hound Whose DNA Predates Christ". Canine Chronicle. Retrieved 8 Jan 2022.
  5. ^ "FCI entry for "Sloughi"" (PDF).
  6. ^ American Kennel Club | http://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/sloughi/ | Retrieved=5 Jan 2016
  7. ^ a b "Sloughi Dog Breed Information". American Kennel Club.
  8. ^ "Ocerico Sloughis – Top Winning AKC Sloughis".
  9. ^ "ShowSight Presents The Sloughi". www.showsightonline.com.
  10. ^ http://cdn.akc.org/Sloughi.pdf?_ga=1.74360786.1380922360.1452568928
  11. ^ Haddam H.Y. et al. Morphological characterization of an Algerian Sighthound known as The Sloughi raised in the Wilaya of Tlemcen, Northwest of Algeria.Genetics and Biodiversity Journal 74-86 Vol 5 (1) 2021 [1]
  12. ^ a b c d e "Temperament". July 3, 2017.
  13. ^ http://cdn.akc.org/Marketplace/Health-Statement/Sloughi.pdf