THE STANDARD OF THE SLOUGHI
The Kennel Club Standard 2002
copyright the Kennel Club
UNITED KINGDOM
Interim April 2002 

This is a breed which emanates from the deserts and mountains of North Africa, having existed there for many centuries as a typical working sight-hound. Like many hunters he tends to be a trifle stand-offish with strangers, but is affectionate to those he knows and trusts.

The name Sloughi dates back to the Middle Ages and the dog may have as one of his ancestors a type of wolfhound which existed centuries ago in North Africa, particularly the Sahara Desert region, and which, in turn, originated as far away as Saudi Arabia.  Though the breed has been on the European show scene for a number of years, it is only since the latter part of the twentieth century that the Sloughi has been known in Britain.

He has never gained great popularity in Great Britain but makes a pleasing and striking pet with a quiet, clean nature.  He loves to run and needs plenty of exercise.

Another breed which is easy to keep clean, his tough, fine coat is most frequently sable or fawn, but he is also seen as brindle, white or even black with tan points.

A tall dog, he has long, thin oval feet, supporting his none too broad or deep chest, on long, well muscled legs.

General Appearance
Elegant, racy yet strong, without coarseness. A dignified hound with fine skin marked by its muscular leanness. Capable of sustained effort over long distances. 

Characteristics
Quiet, of dignified bearing. Noble, haughty and extremely expressive with the instincts of a hunting hound. 

Temperament
Loyal to owner, affectionate with family, aloof with strangers. 

Head and Skull
Long, refined, an elongated wedge showing strength but not excessively angular. Skull flat, fairly broad. Clearly rounded at back of skull and curving smoothly into sides. Slightly marked frontal bone and pronounced occiput. Muzzle refined without exaggeration, about equal in length to skull. Slight stop. Nose and lips black. 

Eyes
Large, dark, oval, set slightly obliquely. Expression gentle, rather sad and wistful. In light-coated hounds, lighter eyes permissible. 

Ears
Not too large, triangular in shape but with rounded tips; flat. Usually folding down and carried close to head, set level with, or slightly above eye but may be carried away from the skull or sometimes even thrown backwards. 

Mouth
Jaws strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws. 

Neck
Strong yet very elegant in proportion to body. Moderately long with good arch. Skin slightly loose, making fine pleats under throat. 

Forequarters
Shoulder blades long and set obliquely onto body. Flat bone and well muscled. Upper arm of moderate length. Pasterns supple and strong. 

Body
Chest not broad. Prominent sternum. Slightly sprung ribs giving fairly flat appearance, reaching almost to point of elbow. Reasonably well ribbed back with definite tuck up. Loin short, broad and muscular, and slightly arched. Topline almost level. Relatively short croup, obliquely set. Pin bones prominent. 

Hindquarters
Strongly muscled. Fairly flat appearance with moderate angulation, Second thigh long and well-developed. Hocks well let down. 

Feet
Lean, elongated hare foot, fairly well arched. 

Tail
Fine and well set on without fringes or long hair. Strong curve at end which preferably reaches to point of hock. Set in line with croup as a continuation of topline. When moving never carried higher than level of back. 

Gait/Movement
Free, smooth, effortless gait, head carriage not too high. Without exaggerated extension. 

Coat
Fine and short. Undercoat may grow during winter. 

Colour
Colour ranges from light sand to red sand (fawn), with or without black mask, black mantle, black brindling or black overlay. Excessive white undesirable. 

Size
Height at withers: dogs 66-72 cms (26-28¼ ins), bitches 61-68 cms (24-26¾ ins). 

Faults
Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog. 

Note
Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.