The Arabian Greyhound makes its debut at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show next week, but the breed will be introduced by the name we best know it: The Sloughi.  This reserved, graceful, and incredibly beautiful sighthound hails from the north African countries of Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Algeria, and its claim to fame is as a long distance runner with enormous stamina and tremendous hunting ability in open spaces.

Those unfamiliar with the Sloughi may mistake it for other sighthounds, but compared to the Greyhound, the Sloughi is more square than a rectangle and has more tuck-up. Because of its straighter topline, the Sloughi doesn’t flex its back as much as the Greyhound. Its ears are also longer and drop to each side of its head instead of being folded, and its forehead is larger, as well. All things being equal, a fit Greyhound appears to be much more muscular than a fit Sloughi which will be leaner.

Compared to Salukis and Afghan hounds, the Sloughi is less angulated in the rear, but more angulated than the Azawakh. Like the Azawakh, the Sloughi is leggier than both the Saluki and Afghan Hound, and is usually bigger and appears more powerful than either Salukis or Azawakhs. It also has smaller ears than the three other breeds.

We’ve heard two pronunciations for the breed: Slow-ee, and Slooo-gee.

Image from Pinterest and happily credited upon receipt of information.