Page 25 - THE SLOUGHI REVIEW ISSUE 14

T H E S L O U G H I R E V I E W 2 5

Sexual dimorphism

Male traits were larger for height at withers, height at rump, head length, head width,
muzzle circumference, head circumference, forearm circumference, weight, waist
circumference, thigh circumference, neck length and body length. Males being larger and
stronger than females is common among other breeds of dogs as well.

Regional differences

Western Sloughis had larger neck length, tail length and chest circumference than the
other 2 regions.

Central Sloughis had greater height at rump, forearm circumference, muzzle length, thigh
circumference and wrist circumference than the other regions.

Eastern Sloughis had larger waist circumferences.

Across all 3 regions head length, head width, ear length, body length, muzzle
circumference, head circumference and weight were similar.

The authors think these different sub-populations could be the result of differences in
environment and different game breeders are selecting the Sloughis for: tall dogs for
large game (wild boar, jackal, African golden wolf), smaller dogs for small game (hare).

Regression calculations, body indices

Regressions calculations between weight and all body measurements were statistically
significant. Differences were found between the sexes for index of massiveness, with
females larger. Females had a larger format index as well. Female body length was similar
to height at withers, females being more blockish than males. For all the remaining
indices, differences were not apparent.