Hunting with Sloughi

The sloughi holds a privileged status within Moroccan society, symbolising loyalty, nobility, and bravery. This breed receives exceptional care, with family members vying to provide it with the utmost comfort and attention, from food to kennel arrangements. Alongside falcons, owning a sloughi historically represented wealth, prestige, power, and influence. In line with Morocco’s ancient traditions, breeders raise and train the sloughi for hunting, ensuring it meets specific characteristics in terms of appearance, size, height, weight, tail, teeth, feet, and coat. For example, its tail is typically curled at the tip. Hunting with sloughi was a widespread practice among several Moroccan tribes, with hunts led by the sheikh rma (leader of hunters), who assigned tasks to participants. The participants would flush game out of hiding, allowing the sloughis to give chase, creating a lively and competitive atmosphere. Due to recent legal and administrative restrictions, activities involving the sloughi have been curtailed, and the breed is no longer used for hunting. However, sloughi owners have adapted by participating in alteative activities, such as competitions, exhibitions, and festivals, to celebrate this noble breed.