Slugs or sluggi are an ancient breed of greyhounds famous for their fantastic speed. Dogs were used to hunt hares, gazelles and even wild boar. Watching a servant at work is a great pleasure; the animal is swift and maneuverable, like a cheetah. Currently, the Slugi (Arabian greyhound) participates in greyhound racing.
History of the origin of the Slugi breed
Slugi is one of the oldest greyhounds. Proof of this is the surviving images of their ancestors on stone bas-reliefs of ancient Egypt and rock paintings in Tunisia, which are thousands of years old. At the beginning of the 20th century, mummies of slugs were found in Egypt.
The purity of the breed was preserved by the special isolation of the Bedouin nomadic tribes. Together with nomads, dogs spread to the North African region.
- Arabian greyhounds came to Europe in the 19th century during the French colonization of North Africa.
- The French general M. Doma attracted attention to the breed. In his books, he described the new greyhound as a hardy and strong dog.
- At home I was shocked by the conditions in which the dogs were kept. The Bedouins treated them like family members.
- They lived under the same roof with people, they were decorated with luxurious clothes and jewelry, fed with choice meat, and their deaths were mourned.
By the beginning of the 20th century, the Slugi breed was on the verge of extinction due to territorial wars in North Africa and the subsequent World War I. The rabies epidemic has thoroughly wiped out the Arabian greyhound breeding stock.
In the 60s of the last century, targeted work began to restore the breed. To this day, the Arabian Greyhound is considered rare in the West. You can find them in European countries, mostly in Germany and France and in the USA. An incredibly rare breed in Russia. The price of a Slugi dog is from 30 to 60 thousand rubles.
How to choose a puppy
When looking for the right Saluki puppy, you will have to follow the same principles as when choosing any other dog. In particular, communicate more with breeders, visiting kennels to assess the conditions of keeping greyhounds. If before the transaction the seller hints that if you are dissatisfied with the puppy, the animal will not be accepted back, this means that the person makes money from the dogs and he does not care what fate awaits his charges.
Be sure to meet the kids' parents. Don't limit yourself to reading pedigrees and assessing temperament characteristics, but also check the age of the litter's mother. If the bitch is less than 2 or more than 9 years old, it is pointless to count on healthy and promising offspring. You should not buy puppies from multidisciplinary nurseries whose owners simultaneously breed two or more breeds. If a breeder raises and exhibits for sale representatives of various breed groups, this characterizes him as an incompetent “breeder” engaged in the sale of low-quality “products”.
When compiling this article, materials from the following sites were used:
- https://dogs-fan.club/slyugi-arabskaya-borzaya/
- https://sobakopedia.ru/porody/slyugi/
- https://lapkins.ru/dog/salyuki/
- https://dogipedia.ru/slyugi/
Appearance of the dog
The photo of the slug shows that it is an elegant greyhound with long limbs, thin skin and well-developed muscles. Characterized by a short, soft dog. Its color is predominantly yellowish-brown.
May be black or brindle. Deep chest and pronounced abdominal line. The tail is long and thin. The muzzle is long. Ears are drooping. The expression of the dark eyes is gentle and melancholy.
These are tall dogs. In accordance with the standards, the height of males is from 66 to 72 cm, females from 61 to 68 cm. Weight is 20-27 kg.
The following signs are considered disadvantages:
- Light eyes;
- Spotted color;
- White “star” on the chest;
- White "stockings";
- Tough and rough dog;
- "Fringe" on the limbs or tail.
The breed was recognized by the FCI only in 1935. Morocco was recognized as the breed's patron country. The largest breeding population was located in this country. The standard was approved in 1980, and was revised again in 1998.
Magyar agar
Magyar Agar is a Hungarian breed that continues to form and develop. It can hunt small animals and burrowing animals, it is distinguished by endurance, fast speed, and often leaves its owner for several kilometers. Another feature is overcoming various obstacles, ingenuity, and the use of innate instincts. The pet is also characterized by playfulness, excitement, kindness and sociability. They are easy to learn, but not emotional.
Dog character
Emotional playful dog. Be wary of strangers. However, in the family circle it is a responsive and affectionate animal. Loyal to her master. It painfully endures the change of owner or his loss. Treats children well.
- Slugs can be fairly calm pets, but they have a pronounced hunting instinct that they need to realize.
- Greyhounds are strong, playful dogs with an athletic build and require regular exercise.
- Lack of daily exercise has a negative impact on your dog's physical and mental health.
- Begins to feel sad and may develop depressive states.
They can be good running partners. It is ideal to keep a servant in a country house, where there is an opportunity to walk the dog in safe, spacious areas.
They also need to run at full speed in open space. They will really enjoy dog sports - chasing a mechanical hare, for example.
Azawakh
The Azawakh appeared in Europe in the Azawakh Valley, and was used by nomads from the Middle East as a hunter, protector and added status. The pet can hunt any medium-sized game, performs well in fields or plains, and can easily tolerate heat. Its peculiarity is its high and strong paws, so it can even catch up with lions. The Azawakh is characterized by wild, detached behavior; the pet is closed to itself, not sociable and cannot be kept at home.
Sluga training
The Arabian Slughihound is difficult to train. The dog is sensitive, even shy, but at the same time independent and willful. The best results are achieved by attentive and sensitive owners. Greyhounds do not respond well to harsh training methods. They do better with positive reward methods with treats.
Puppies need socialization to gain courage and better adapt to the society of people and relatives. The dog also has guard skills, so it does not make contact with strangers.
How much does it cost and where can I buy it?
The cost of Arabian greyhound puppies is quite high - starting from 40,000 rubles.
Slugs are not very common outside of Morocco, so purchasing a puppy of this breed is quite difficult. Today there are no official single-breed kennels in Russia, although greyhound breeders are increasingly starting to work with this breed. Therefore, even if you don’t buy it right away, it is possible to reserve the baby you like, but, most likely, outside your city
Sluga's food
Dogs need a balanced diet. They tend to be overweight. Therefore, it is better to use properly selected factory feed. Another option would be to prepare it at home under strict veterinarian recommendations. Clean water should always be available. It is necessary to keep the dog's weight under control.
Whippet
The Whippet, originally from England, has always been used as a hunting dog, working on hare and small game. The dog feels good in temperate climates and hunts in forests or on plains. Features are strong paws and great speed. He also uses his senses and keen eyesight and learns quickly. The pet can live in an apartment, but subject to long walks (at least two hours), it is distinguished by mobility and sociability.
Dog care
Short soft wool does not require close and complex care. Weekly brushing with a soft brush or glove will help keep your dog in good condition.
Slugs do not have a characteristic dog smell. They shed moderately.
- There is no need for frequent baths. Bath only if heavily soiled.
- Even in this case, experts recommend using dry shampoo.
- The dog's skin is predominantly dry and frequent water treatments will only do harm.
- Trim nails as needed. Excessively long ones cause discomfort.
Feeding
Dogs of this breed are picky and do not eat everything that falls into their bowl. And if they do not require special care, then the owner will have to approach the issue of feeding as seriously as possible.
The slue's diet should consist of a variety of foods that are sources of energy - meat, offal, fish, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, eggs and cottage cheese. Also, these dogs can be fed with ready-made premium or super-premium food, which is suitable for representatives of this breed.
It is advisable to adhere to certain rules:
- give food to the dog at the same time;
- the animal must have a strictly designated place for eating;
- You cannot feed the dog between meals (the exception is activities during which the dog receives a well-deserved treat), much less give food from your own table.
In addition, you should discuss with your veterinarian the issue of introducing supplementary food in the form of preparations with vitamins and minerals. Slugs are very clean and if you follow the recommendations, your pet will eat calmly and carefully. If fed incorrectly, the greyhound will gain excess weight, its mood and general well-being will worsen.
Health
Generally, dogs of this breed are in good health. But it is worth checking your ears regularly for infection. Brush your teeth with a special toothpaste for dogs. Experts recommend checking for a disease such as retinal atrophy. Regular control of parasites will provide the dog with a long healthy life of up to 12-16 years.
They do not tolerate frost. To avoid hypothermia, they need insulation when walking in winter.
Breeding
To breed these dogs, you need to find the right and purebred representatives. This is not so easy, especially if your place of residence is far from Morocco. However, it’s worth a try, for this you definitely need to:
- Review the dog's documentation, pedigree and vaccinations.
- Stay with the dog, observe how it reacts to people, whether it is aggressive, this can affect the offspring. Not only genetics works here, but also the first time mother and baby are together.
If the species offered has defects or uneven coloration, it is not a pure breed.
Application of the breed
In North African countries, greyhounds are still used for hunting, often for hare. Excellent hunters while pursuing prey are able to reach high speeds - up to 60 km/h.
Dogs also perfectly protect herds of livestock from jackals and other predators.
- Dog breeders value Arabian greyhounds for their endurance and high performance.
- The peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the back do not allow them to carry their hind limbs far forward when running, but gives them more maneuverability on sharp turns.
- Slugi dogs are an excellent breed for racing.
In Europe and America, dogs are wonderful companions and family pets.
Unique qualities of Arabian greyhounds
Surprisingly, these animals do not use their sense of smell when hunting, relying only on vision.
Ancient dog owners taught them not to bite prey during a hunt, but only to wound it, so the meat was stored longer under the hot, drying heat of the desert.
Photos of the Slugi dog breed
Lifespan
Greyhounds are in good health and do not cause problems with diseases to their owners. Their life expectancy is up to 15 years.
Estrus
- age of onset of the first estrus in a female is 6-12-14 months;
- duration of estrus is 20-22 days, sometimes up to a month;
- frequency of estrus – 1-2 times a year with an interval of 6-9 months;
- signs of estrus – swelling of the dog’s external genitalia, spotting;
- frequent urination - having to walk more often than usual;
- psychological signs - a change in the dog’s behavior - from aggressive to lethargic;
- perhaps there is a change in appetite and the dog drinks more water;
- often bitches begin to shed before going into heat;
- lick the loop intensively.
You can notice the approach of estrus while walking your dog. Behavior can change, often the dog becomes active, playful and disobedient, or, on the contrary, looks unhappy and lethargic. The bitch makes frequent marks - scent “lures” for male dogs, and urination occurs more frequently. The loop becomes more and more swollen; when pressed, you can see a discharge of light pink or dull pink color. If you notice changes in the dog's behavior, do not be lazy and check the dog every day for the onset of heat by dabbing the bitch's loop with a napkin or toilet paper. Pinkish discharge will be the beginning of estrus - mark this day in your dog’s notebook.
The course of the dog's first heat.
- The first heat in dogs is not the same as the next one.
- It may be shorter or longer than the usual estrus period.
- The bitch has either only weak manifestations of estrus, or, conversely, very heavy discharge.
- The first heat may suddenly stop, and then after some time begin again.
- There may be mucous discharge from the loop, a smell that attracts males, and the estrus itself will begin after some time.
- Try not to miss the start time of the first, and subsequently the second estrus, in order to correctly determine the intervals between estrus and know their timing and duration.
Precautions during estrus. If you are not interested in getting puppies from a dog, you need to take precautions during heat:
If you are not interested in getting puppies from a dog, you need to take precautions during heat:
- walk your dog ONLY on a leash: even the most obedient dog these days can simply run away, not paying attention to commands;
- do not allow male dogs to mount the dog: if sexual intercourse begins, it is almost impossible to separate them;
- during a walk, literally DO NOT take your eyes off the dog, even when buying bread in a tent, eliminate or minimize contact with male dogs;
- there is a danger of the dog catching a cold in the cold season, the best way to protect yourself is not to walk for a very long time in cold weather and use dog clothes;
- If your dog lives freely on your territory, then from the moment the estrus begins, lock the dog in an enclosure.
Childbirth
In order to be prepared for childbirth, you need to prepare the following things:
- clean old rags that you don’t mind throwing away are required for bedding the dog;
- threads;
- basin for placenta;
- scissors;
- scales;
- antiseptic spray (required for treating the umbilical cord);
- a box with a heating pad for puppies;
- notebook;
- pen and scales.
It is advisable to call a veterinarian for the birth. The signal for the onset of labor is the release of colostrum from the mammary glands and their swelling. Before the process begins, the dog behaves restlessly, looks for a secluded place, and may scratch the bed, trying to create a cozy nest. At this moment, you can notice the swelling of the loop, from which thick mucus is released. Usually the birth of representatives of the breed goes well. Newly born puppies are weighed, weak ones are marked with a ribbon in order to artificially supplement them.
Basic moments
- In the countries of Central Asia, the ancestors of Afghan hounds were used as hunters and shepherds. Modern representatives of the breed are gradually losing their working skills, increasingly turning into decorative pets.
- Caring for a dog's coat is labor-intensive and requires primary grooming skills, or serious financial costs if you entrust the job to a professional.
- Compared to other hunting breeds, Afghan hounds are difficult to train. What prevents them from becoming excellent students is their natural stubbornness and constant desire for independence.
- In everyday life, Afghan hounds are affectionate and playful creatures, but their pride is easily hurt. In addition, they quickly become attached to their own owner, jealous of other pets.
- Both young and mature Afghans love to chase some small animal. At the same time, cats that grew up in the same territory as a dog are not threatened with such “repression.”
- Afghan Hounds are excellent runners, capable of covering vast distances in a matter of minutes, so coursing is their forte.
- Today's greyhounds are very different from their relatives living in Afghanistan. For example, dogs of the Western world have lost some of their breed characteristics, including the “saddle” on the back, which has become less pronounced, and prominent eyebrows. At the same time, they acquired a more stylish “outfit” that the aboriginal Afghan hounds never had.
- In the homeland of Afghan hounds, in Central Asia, they are called Tazi, which translates as “fast-moving.”
- Afghan hounds have a low pain threshold, due to which even a minor wound causes suffering to the animal.
The Afghan Hound is a proud “society lady” who cannot stand familiarity, but loves pleasant communication and active games. This is one of the most intelligent breeds, representatives of which you will never see arguing with other dogs over a bone or fighting with their own owner for the status of head of the house. At the same time, as soon as the Afghan hound points at the game, it immediately forgets about its own high position, turning into a swift and ruthless hunter from whom not a single animal can hide.
Mating
Now let's talk about mating an Arabian greyhound. The animal’s body is most prepared for bearing offspring and giving birth at the age of 2 years. You shouldn't take your dog before. A good time for conception begins on the 11th day of estrus, when spotting appears. This period lasts no more than 6 days. Before breeding a bitch, you need to walk her, but you don’t need to feed her. The bitch is brought to the male for mating. This is an important condition for successful mating. First, the animals are introduced and given time to sniff. The dogs can even run and play during the process. You should not interfere with animals in this matter. If the bitch is ready to conceive, mating will definitely occur. During this process, the dogs stand in the castle for 20 minutes to 1 hour, and they cannot be split. After a day, the mating should be repeated.
