Page 53 - THE SLOUGHI REVIEW Issue 15

T H E S L O U G H I R E V I E W 5 3

The modern idea of eugenic selection according to the appearance of dogs, and also
according to a certain use, is questionable in the case of historical dog breeds. Does
feathering on the ears and tail occur automatically, sometimes more, sometimes less or
rather spontaneously? Or do the ears sometimes become smaller, sometimes larger,
depending on need or through selection by humans? And why should this be the case?

We have already seen that having such a specialised dog is a matter of luxury. A dog, like
any other domestic animal, is the result of the possibilities of the respective region and
cultural society.

Specialisation, however, means having resources to spare, it is a luxury. But this luxury
will not be found in a cultural community such as the Bedouin, as Ibn Khaldun describes
in several places. So if a Bedouin has the luxury of being able to look after a dog at all, it
must be useful or be able to provide for himself. However, we find this is the case among

the Berbers and the Tuareg. The former live sedentary and semi-nomadic lives, the latter
are nomadic (see Sloughi Review No. 13).

Historically, there has always been a fantasy to improve a given dog breed. However, it
would be difficult to breed a Saluki from a Spitz that can also be used as a herding dog.

Modern designer dog breeds have largely failed. They were not stable in phenotype and
characteristics.

This evidence of the "domesticated sighthounds" continues with the basic types from
Egypt, the Tesem and the Sloughi according to Przezdziecki's reading. This book has a
considerable influence on the breeding process and reflects a colonial attitude, as Dr.
John Burchard describes it.

DIALOG WITH HANS PETER OECHSLIN, FROM 20 FEBRUARY 2018 TO THE END OF

2024, THE EAR OF THE SLOUGHI, SMOOTH MIXED TYPES

First of all, it is important to note that this conversation was uncritical. Every view of
things has its justification, which cannot be without errors.

Oechslin's approach is based on a purely uniliteral functional point of view. This will

conflict with the idea of a breeding according to a standard and with zoological items of
ecological landraces.

But let us read what he tells us, the quotes are presented in a chronologically correct
sequence. Without anger and fervour.