Page 125 - THE SLOUGHI REVIEW Issue 15

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I have a very firm opinion on this, which I do not wish to conceal in the interest of the quality
of our dogs - whatever their name may be. I believe that it will not only be sensible but also
advantageous to include selected imported animals in the FCI breeds. They bring with them
qualities, especially in character and intelligence, but also in physical performance, some of
which have already diminished considerably in the current Western breeding practice, which
is largely focussed on "beauty". It is not in the interest of our dog breed (no matter which
one!) to ignore or deny this fact. At some point we will have to realise that the special
characteristics, which is why we keep Salukis or Sloughis in the first place, cannot be
maintained in the long term through show selection. Then we will have to resort to some
form of performance selection. By then at the latest, the genetic material of the original
Salukis will prove to be of irreplaceable value. Due to developments that are linked to so-
called economic progress, the long-term survival of the original breed in quality is at least
severely threatened. So now is the time to save valuable genetic material by incorporating
selected imported specimens into our breeds. Such integrations have also taken place time
and again in the past and, if handled with the appropriate care, certainly contribute not only
to the quality but also to the genetic diversity of the breeds. This diversity, which could also
be referred to as "genetic depth", is known to be decisive for the extent to which a population

(e.g. a dog breed) can be influenced or improved by breeding measures.
When integrating them, we must be aware that the "Saluki" and "Sloughi" breeds are new
European creations. The fact that the Sloughi was subsequently "re-naturalised" to Morocco,
does not change this historical fact. However, representatives of the original race, the
"Saluqi", are included. In my opinion, the only feasible way - apart from careful selection
according to quality, of course - is to incorporate only those specimens that meet the
respective standard.

Objectively speaking, you will have to realise that there is very little difference in standard
between "Saluki" and "Sloughi" - from a coat point of view. Among short-haired "Saluqi" there
will be specimens that could just as easily be categorised as "Sloughi" as "Saluki". However,
this should not be irritating, as both FCI breeds originated to a certain extent as "offshoots" of
the same, very old and widespread original breed. There is nothing to be said against this kind
of categorisation either from a genetic or breeding point of view. Whether positive results are

visible straight away depends, of course, on the right choice of animals to be integrated. This
can and must– within the guidelines just mentioned - be determined by the skill of the
individual breeder. And that is also correct.

7. in view of the sometimes rather unobjective polemics that have spread around
this topic, I must perhaps provide some information about my personal situation. I do not
currently own a dog and am not involved in the breeding process in any way, except perhaps
if someone feels like taking my ideas or advice into consideration. Financial
aspects have never been relevant as I have a different and sufficiently rewarding job and
share the Bedouin view that you should give a Saluqi as a gift but not sell it.