Sloughi

For North African Arabs, the ordinary dog is considered impure and negligible, and is called "kelb", while the Sloughi, much like the Saluki further east, is accepted in close contact with humans and is called "El Hor" (noble or pure) in Arabic. An old Algerian saying goes: "Where there is a Sloughi and a date palm, the Arabs have settled." This breed is very ancient, it resembles and behaves similarly to other Middle Eastern greyhound breeds, these breeds probably share a common ancestor. Saharan rock art tells us about the origin of the Sloughi: archaeologists discovered in very ancient rock paintings of Tassili n'Ajjer (in Algeria) the representation of Sloughi-type dogs, which can be considered as the ancestor of this animal. The Euro-Mediterranean Foundation Anna Lindh for Dialogue between Cultures notifies that in the rock art of Tunisia, in Ousselat, various domestic animals such as cattle, goats, and sheep are represented, all guarded by a well-known domestic dog: the Sloughi. In 1998, researchers Michel Capdérou and François Soleihavoup declared about the rock art of the Lahsi and Oued Dermel stations in the Saharan Atlas, that the dogs depicted there are "so well drawn that one easily recognizes, with their characteristic tail, long and raised in an arc, the "Sloughis" or greyhounds of the Sahara.". The Sloughi is a distinct breed from Asian greyhounds with which it is often confused, such as the smooth or long-coated Saluki, or the smooth or long-coated Afghan Hound. Recent genetic studies prove this, as does the fact that the Sloughi always has short hair.

The main qualities of the Sloughi, according to breeders, are hunting instinct, courage, speed, endurance, and intelligence. According to an Arab saying: "when a Sloughi sees a gazelle picking a blade of grass, he catches up with it before it finishes chewing."

The characteristics described in the standard allow for a quick assessment of a subject's quality: square proportions, length of legs, slightly raised tail, length of muzzle, depth of chest, nostalgic look, always short coat, etc. Average speed: approximately 55 km/h over 300 meters.

The Sloughi is largely unchanged since ancient times, and therefore retains robust genetic health. Only a few genetic disorders have been noted in the breed, particularly progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Fortunately, the Sloughi is one of the breeds in which this condition can be tested with a small blood sample, and breeders are currently working to eliminate PRA from the genetic heritage. Like all greyhounds, the Sloughi is very sensitive to anesthesia, and may be sensitive to vaccines, vermifuges, and other medications, so these routine treatments should be spaced out rather than given all at once. Otherwise, the breed tends to enjoy excellent health in old age.