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SLOUGHI |
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While several
of the gazehounds claim the distinction of being the world's oldest breed,
the point may be moot. "Breeds" as such did not exist in those,
ancient times, and types tended to mold and change over the years and
with transitions to other environments. The Sloughi, however, is certainly
one of the oldest types, fand is still being used in the same
area in which he began. The breed is found throughout the Sahara in what
are now portions of Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya. Due to its modern
presence and promotion there, the breed was declared by the FCI to be
of Moroccan origin, although it is still often called the Arabian Greyhound.
There are rock
engravings of dogs manifesting the Sloughi/gazehound type found in North
Africa that date back to the Neolithic Period (8000-6000 BC). The old
Berber culture of the Sahara worked hounds of this type. As civilizations
arose, these dogs were in demand by the wealthy for organized hunting.
Supposedly the Sloughi was Tutankhamen's favorite dog and many were depicted
in paintings and artifacts found in his tomb. Hannibal was accompanied
by Berber cavalry when he crossed the Alps and, since these horsemen were
never without their hunting dogs, Sloughis (as well as the previously
mentioned Ibizans) may well have been introduced to southern Europe at
that time. Crossed with native scenthounds, these dogs would account for
some of the sighthound characteristics seen in the hounds of Italy.
But their main
role was as dogs of the desert tribes. They have lived for literally thousands
of years with their nomadic masters, chasing down desert game and guarding
the encampments. Their long webbed toes enabled them to grip the hot desert
sands while running.
The Moslem
culture generally denigrated the dog as "unclean," especially
the detested pariah dog. One of the greatest fears for people of these
areas was the fate of non-burial after death, with their bodies being
eaten by the scavenging pariahs. But the gazehounds had become an exception
to the hatred of dogs. These sighthounds were highly valued and shared
their masters' tents.
Such was the
bond between Sloughi and nomad that these beloved dogs are, even to
the present time, treated like members of the family—at least male members
of the family! The birth of a Sloughi litter is cause for celebration
among friends, treated with the same joy as the birth of a son. Sugar
or a lamb, the traditional funeral offerings, are brought as solace
when a Sloughi dies. Photo albums are kept of the dogs and their ancestors
and shown to friends. One modern enthusiast describes the usual scene
of a Sloughi and his master comfortably relaxing in the
living room, while the wife and daughters are stuck working in the kitchen!
In the mountains,
the brindle color camouflaged the Sloughi; in the desert, the coloring
was like that of sand. Saluki and Sloughi enthusiasts debate whether
or not they are the same breed. Saluki owners dismiss the Sloughi
as a smooth-coated member of their breed, while Sloughi fanciers insist
their dogs have distinct differences. The Sloughi is larger and heavier
boned.
Sloughis are quiet, sensitive
dogs that bond strongly and early with their masters. This trait
makes it very difficult for them to change homes as adults. Their
gentle manners and fastidiousness make them welcome in the home,
which is where they must be to satisfy their great need for human
companionship. They do need adequate outlets for their energy, and
a place for regular gallops or long walks is necessary. Digging
can be a problem, as they once dug holes to the cooler sand for
relief from the heat. The breed
is not numerous, but enthusiasts in both Morocco and abroad are
keeping the Sloughi from slipping away to extinction. The CRCN (Club
for National Dog Breeds) in his homeland has published a standard,
holds exhibitions, and in other ways promotes this old, native breed.
The Sloughi has found enthusiasts in several European countries
and Great Britain, with a few appearing in the USA as well. Sloughis
may be seen competing in Continental dog shows.
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