Page 23 - The Sloughi Review - Issue 7
P. 23
T H E S L O U G H I R E V I E W 2 3
Fifth: Angulation, both front and rear, is If an untrained or unstable animal attempts
always moderate. It is difficult to ascertain to bite or menace, they should be excused,
'open angulation' as mentioned in the AKC for everyone's safety, but that is up to the
Standard, but shoulders should be flat- judge's discretion. Sloughis are intelligent,
bladed and well-laid back, with about a 110 quick and can be difficult to stack when
degree angle. Rear angulation is moderate, new to the ring, but should have basic
and the breed should never be set up as a manners. Any exhibit, according to AKC
Whippet, overstretched in the rear. It is just direction, should tolerate a light exam
not correct nor desirable. easily and without negative reactions. They
are sensitive by nature, as are most
Sloughis are not a glamorous breed. They sighthounds.
are a 'plain Jane' in the sighthound world,
and 'flash' or 'showiness' are lovely to look Fifth, Color seems to be another confusing
at, but it should only be considered an asset aspect of the breed for most judges - it is
if the animal is exceptional in all other my most constant question about the breed
respects. when speaking with judges!
Being a "What You See Is What You Get" Almost any color is permissible, except
breed, there is little need to have a heavy white, parti-color, liver or blue.
hand during the exam. Other than dentition, White markings should be minimal at best,
you can visually assess Sloughis fairly easily. and white tips of toes are of minimal
Young Sloughis may be nervous or flighty, as importance in the evaluation. A small white
they get used to the show scene, and most marking on the chest is acceptable, and if
will need some gentle handling while young the quality of the animal is superior, it
to provide a positive show experience, should be rewarded, NOT penalized.
otherwise, there is little one needs to
change when examining the breed, if you are If one is not sure if a dog is cream or white,
used to judging sighthounds. take a piece of paper, perhaps a business
It is my personal experience that many card, and hold it against the dog. That is
judges approach Sloughis like a time bomb, the easiest way to determine 'true' white
ready to explode at any moment, due to dogs, which are, in fact, extremely rare.
incorrect information. Some may be
somewhat primitive, but are not feral, and as What one does not wish to see is anything
such, one need not 'announce their arrival', approaching the white socks or the "Irish"
'approach with caution from the side' or any markings of the Azawakh.
of the other ridiculous notions that float
about the show world.
