The star of November’s profile is a Sloughi Hound named EVA.
COAT:
The Sloughi coat is always smooth, short and fine with no undercoat and no “doggy odour” The sleek coat repels dirt. A low shedder, requires minimal grooming of once a week with a soft brush to keep the coat soft and silky. Colours are all shades of light dessert sand (cream) to mahogany red as well as brindle and black.
HEIGHT:
Males 26-29 inches (66-74cm). Females 24-28 inches (61-71cm).
WEIGHT: Males 55-65 pounds (25-29kg). Females 45-50 pounds (20-23kg).
LIFESPAN: Approximately 12-15 years.
TEMPERAMENT:
The Sloughi is intelligent and alert with a sensitive, affectionate nature. Loyal and devoted to it’s owner, but meets strangers with caution and can appear rather aloof. Can live with family cats but not cat-friendly outside the home. Sociable and playful with dogs of all sizes and good with children. Hates noise, and will shut down with harsh treatment. Responds to firm but fair training.
CLASS:
Hound.
HEALTH:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (night blindness) has been reported in this breed. This condition has been controlled with careful breeding in Europe and United States with a small blood test. Otherwise this robust dog tends to enjoy excellent health into old age.
HISTORY:
One of the oldest of all domestic dog breeds, there is evidence of Sloughi dogs engraved on earthenware dated back to 3000 BC. The Sloughi is believed to have been developed by the nomadic Berber tribes in the deserts of North Africa, bred for speed, stamina and it’s superior hunting talents, the Sloughi was also used as a guard dog to protect the tribe and livestock. Today the Sloughi is still a working dog, used for hunting and guarding livestock from jackals, just as it has done for centuries past.
Viewpoint of dogs owner, Carole McNamara.
My Sloughi story began in January 2010, when my dog was waiting for a new home due to her owner’s serious health problems. At that time she was called Zeeva, and her nickname was Queen of Sheba, no doubt due to her elegant Sloughi looks and aloof expression. Her pet name is now Eva, still known as the Queen of Sheba.
A Sloughi is best suited to experienced dog owners, as outdoors, the Sloughi is not for the faint-hearted and safety is a constant concern. If Eva picks up a scent she will take off at breathtaking speed, so off-lead running is restricted to large secure areas, and well away from traffic. After an anxious wait, Eva will always find her way back to me, but it can be a little stressful for me until she is back safely at my side. Back home indoors, after stretching those long legs, Eva is calm and relaxed, she enjoys her home comforts, keeping warm and cosy in front of an open fire or reclined on a soft sofa in the bay window in the sunshine.
Since moving in with me I have seen Eva’s confidence grow, although she is still a little shy with strangers. We are always together, and enjoy long country walks which keeps us both fit and healthy. Eva fills my days with fun, days that are shared with my other rescue dog Tess, she is a 2-year old Golden Retriever. Eva has also helped me cope after a major bereavement 3 years ago. Whilst nothing can replace the loss of a loved one, my dogs get me outside meeting new people, and making new happy memories.
I was lucky to have found Eva, and if she could talk, I believe Eva would agree she is very happy to have found me!
