Page 30 - THE SLOUGHI REVIEW Special Edition 5
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T H E S L O U G H I R E V I E W 3 0
To his master, the Sloughi gives the best of himself with all his sensitivity and his strength
of attachment. The master is the one who raised, maintained and initiated him, then used
him for hunting. He opposes a more, or less, marked indifference to anyone other than
this master, and if he unfortunately happens to change hands, he risks suffering to the
point of confining himself to a fierce reserve, or even to the point of prostration and
withering away.
He can never forget the one to whom he devoted his first and unalterable veneration
without reservation, even if he is separated from him, and he will know how to recognize
him, without hesitation, after years and years of distance.
On this subject, let us be allowed to quote the informed opinion of this old “blédard”* that
is Captain Coget:
“I protest, he declares, against the stupid saying that the Sloughi is stupid. Those who have
such an opinion of the Sloughi do not know him and have probably never owned one. I must
say, however, that this dog only caresses his first master to whom he remains attached. He
does not forget the one who raised and caressed him at a young age. If he changes owners,
he appears rather indifferent to his second owner.”
Living among horses that he finds when resting, walking or hunting, the Sloughi greatly
enjoys their company. He knows how to recognize the best steed of the crew, the fastest,
with the surest foot. He seeks him out by predilection, follows him in preference to
others and out of play, likes to frolic familiarly after him with a joyful and spirited grace.
When hunting, the Sloughi demonstrates an intelligence, an instinct, a cunning, which are
further served by his prodigious faculties of take-off, speed and flexibility in movements.
The reflexes are lightning-fast and inconceivably precise. His style is admirable in its
breadth, vigor, accuracy and elegance. His role is threefold: he must first spot the prey,
then pursue and reach it; finally seize it, carry it and slaughter it.
*Expert of the backcountry
