Page 6 - THE SLOUGHI REVIEW SPECIAL ISSUE 4

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Many years ago in France, I inherited a book full of beautiful dog breeds engravings. I was

told later by my mother that it was her father who had carefully collected them each time
he received the Journal des Eleveurs (Breeders journal) from l’Acclimatation, and had them
bound into a book. They were all signed by P. Mahler.

I also have the re-edition of the books by de Bylandt about canine breeds of the world,
originally published in 1904. In it, I saw the Sloughi “Pipo” which was missing in my

grandfather’s book. At the time, I was writing “The Sloughi 1852-1952” and was looking for
vintage illustrations of the breed. Although I did in the end find it, I discovered lately that
it is indeed a rare print of this breed.

Alex le Grand, Borzoi sighthound, 2nd prize Paris show, 1896

Over the years, one thing led to another and I myself started collecting these old prints
that date back to the end of the 1800s and the beginning of 1900s. I found books entirely
illustrated by this artist. I discovered more and more about his profuse art, and what an

accomplished Animalier (animal artist) he was, illustrating dog breeds and winning
champions, but also wildlife and other domestic animal (horses, cattle, livestock, poultry,
cats etc). Several medals won in shows were designed by him as well for French
associations.