Page 148 - THE SLOUGHI REVIEW - ISSUE 13

T H E S L O U G H I R E V I E W 1 4 8

The breeding selection of the Sloughi according to the standard of the FCI or other
umbrella organisations is based on this natural breed, but modern selection according to
phenotype follows other selection criteria: Individual traits or characteristics are
preferred over others.

But this contradicts the original idea of Charles Darwin, who spoke of “natural selection”
when he thought about the origin of species! The fundamental mistake of modern

breeding is that this natural selection no longer takes place in some breeds and as a result
some modernly bred breeds have to fear for their entire existence, because selection for
a few characteristics first of all makes the animals and plants more efficient, but also
more susceptible to diseases.

As Boldareff notes for the Borzoi, different types of dogs were bred in the vast
landscapes, but they correspond to a common basic type. Even if imports from North
Africa are repeatedly crossed in, the breeding result corresponds to other specifications
than those of natural breeding selection. Selection favours an ideal type, which is
arbitrarily determined, and neglects all other types.

Male Sloughi showing the correct lean muscles of the breed as well as a
rare combination of most of the black markings of the breed: black
mantle, brindle, black mask. Ch. Thamin Shi‘Rayân © de Caprona