Origin
The Sloughi is an elegant, graceful hound that's often called an Arabian Greyhound. They are native to North Africa where they are as highly prized today and they were in days long past. They are a rare breed and were originally bred as sight, scent and sound hunting dogs. They are true hounds of the desert but are just at home in a family environment and as such make wonderful pets, although they are not the best choice for first time owners. These elegant hounds do that much better with people who are familiar with the Sloughi breed or similar type of high energy hound.
The Sloughi is one of the most ancient sight hounds on the planet with similar dogs having been found in the Sahara regions of North Africa during the Middle Ages. They are thought to have originated in Saudi Arabia, but there is much debate as to the true origins of the Sloughi. Throughout the ages, these elegant sight hounds have been highly prized not only for their good looks, but for their fast turn of speed and hunting skills. In their native lands, the Sloughi is considered to be as valuable as an Arabian Stallion and they are treated with the same respect as their masters.
The actual origins of this ancient breed remain unknown, however, with modern technology and the sophisticated DNA tests now available, it has been established that Sloughis are more like the Afghan Hound than they are a Saluki and that their ancestors were around thousands of years ago. Artefacts found on digs in Mesopotamia also revealed very similar looking hounds depicted on an ancient coin made around four to five thousand years ago. Similar looking dogs were also found on wall paintings in the ancient tombs of Egyptians pharaohs where they were depicted sitting under their master’s thrones. Even today, when a Sloughi dies they're passing is mourned by their Bedouin owners.
Sloughis were introduced to European dog shows a number of years ago, but it was only in the latter part of the 20th century that these elegant dogs became known here in the UK. Although the Sloughi is known to be an affectionate and extremely loyal family pet and companion dog, they have not enjoyed the same popularity as the Afghan. As such anyone wanting to share a home with one of these elegant sight hounds would need to go on a waiting list because so few pedigree puppies are bred and registered with The Kennel Club every year.
