Sloughi is known for its aristocratic looks and melancholic expression on its face. Like other sighthounds, this breed is also bestowed with agility and hunting abilities. The primarily job of the dog was to hunt jackals, gazelles, and desert hares. Sloughi forms unbreakable bonds with its owner. But it is not a good choice for novice dog owners because they tend to be independent and bossy and thus needs firm leader to handle it. As the dog is fond of running so provide it running opportunity in an enclosed area only. You need to provide soft padded bed to Sloughi to relax because the dog has less amount of fat in its body which could provide discomfort in relaxing on hard surface. They are naturally clean dogs which remain quiet and even nerved inside home. With strangers they are aloof and suitable for families with old children who know how to give personal space to dog. The dog is also touch sensitive; it gets startled when someone touches it unexpectedly.
Origin
It is an ancient breed and no valid documents of its existence are known. Experts believe that it is a 13th century breed and were companions of Berbers in Tunisia, Libya, Algeria and Morocco. The nomadic people used the dog in hunting fox, wild boar, gazelle and jackals. Today the dog is mostly found in Morocco and has become rare to rest of North Africa.
Sloughi Facts For Kids & Characteristics
- The dog belongs to North Africa and is a sighthound
- The primarily job of the dog was to hunt jackals, wild boars, fox and gazelle
- It needs cushioned surface to relax because of presence of low fat in its body
- The dog is not suitable for cozy apartments. You need to have yard where it can express itself
- Small animals and small children should be kept away from the breed
- It is affectionate and faithful to its family owner but aloof with strangers
- They live around 12 to 15 years of age
- They tend to be stubborn and possess alpha personality, not good choice for novice owners
- Grooming needs of the dog is low. It sheds moderately
- Like other sighthounds, the breed is sensitive to anesthesia
- Average cost of the puppy is $800 - $1000 USD
- They are 26.4-28.3 inches tall
- Weight of the dog is 25-30 kg
- They come in black, brindle, cream and fawn colors
- It is not a hypoallergenic breed.
Appearance
It is a medium sized dog with slender body. It has a close resemblance to Saluki and greyhound. Its body consists of well-defined bone which is covered with sleek muscles that has low fat. It has a long and well defined neck with elongated head. It has medium sized floppy ears. Tail of the dog is long and carried low. The dog’s middle two toes should be essentially longer than rest and the toes should be webbed shaped to facilitate it running even in desert sand. Overall expression on its face is kind mixed with melancholy.
Size and Weight
Male breed should be 26 to 29 inches tall and 55 to 65 pounds in weight. Female should be 24 to 27 inches tall at the shoulders and should weigh around 45 to 50 pounds.
Coat and Color
It has a single coat which should be fine in texture and smooth. The dog should not contain long hair or feathered kind of hair anywhere on its body. The dog comes in various shades of light sand to red sand color.
Temperament
- Personality - Sloughi disposition is that of a cat. They are reserved in nature and generally become “one person pet”. They will not show aggression until their owner is in risk or threatened by another human. The dog is suspicious of strangers. It gets along well with children who understand how to treat dog and meaning of personal space in dog’s language. They are proud and dignified dogs with aristocratic demeanor. It is important to sow the seeds of socialization early in its mind so that you can have a trustworthy house companion.
- Behavior - Sloughi is a sensitive dog. It should not be left outside. It thrives well in human environment. It doesn’t like rain, storm and thunder and often hides itself at those times. Similar is the case with fireworks. You should provide comfortable bed to the dog to avoid sore hip. The dog is hungry of owner’s love and care. One should give enough time to this breed.
- Activities requirement - The dog loves hunting and should occasionally be taken for hunting activities. If you do not want to raise it as a hunt dog make sure to provide it enough opportunity to run and bask in an open environment. The dog loves chasing and will chase anything moving.
- Training - Training should be done consistently without using harsh techniques because that can affect mental growth of the dog. They are moderately easy to train. Things that come naturally to the dog like hunting and agility related sports activities are readily learnt by them. It is important to get the dog exposed to many people and sound.
Feeding
A well-balanced diet is essential for optimum development of its health. It should be fed 250-300 grams of meat per day which should be supplemented with vegetables, flaxseed and fish oil. The dog loves fruits and considers it as a treat. Carrot, beans and cucumber are great for dogs.
Lifespan
The dog lives up to 12 to 15 years.
Health Issues
It is not a hypoallergenic breed. Like other purebred dogs, they are less prone to medical disorders. Few of the common health concerns of the dog include- osteosarcoma, progressive retinal atrophy, bloat, heart murmers and sensitivity to anesthesia and few drugs.
Grooming
The dog is extremely easy to groom. You can either rub its coat with towel or run soft brush on its coat to keep it healthy and tidy. While grooming you should check if mites and other parasites have climbed up its rib cage, ears and neck area. They do not contain doggie odor so bath if they become extremely dirty. Many owners also use dry shampoo on its coat. The breed is prone to dental problems so make sure you brush its teeth regularly. This will keep the bad breath at bay and gums and teeth healthy. Clean its ear with vet approved solution. Clip the nails monthly if they make sound while hitting on floor
Habitat
The dog thrives well in a large yard. The coat of the dog doesn’t allow it to live in cold temperature. The dog should be taken utmost care even in moderate winters.
Pet Names
- Jiggy
- Hosla
- Chirag
- Molly
- Kendall
Things To Consider Before Buying
Pros
- It is a calm and composed dog inside home
- The dog is easy to groom
- It is a healthy and hearty dog.
Cons
- The dog cannot be domesticated in cold temperature areas
- It is not adaptable to urban lifestyle
- It is not a hypoallergenic breed.
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