Levrier Marocain
Breed Description

The Levrier Marocain is known by several names that reflect its geographic origins and characteristics. Most commonly, it is called the Arabian Greyhound, though this name can be somewhat misleading as the breed originates from the Berber peoples of North Africa rather than Arabian cultures. In its native region, it is known as the Sloughi Moghrebi, meaning "sighthound of the Maghreb," which more accurately reflects its North African heritage. German documentation may refer to the breed as Arabischer Windhund, while other European sources use Arabian Sighthound. The term Sloughi is also widely used, particularly in international breeding circles and kennel club registrations. Some historical texts reference the breed simply as the North African Greyhound or Maghreb Sighthound. In Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, where the breed has its strongest presence, local dialect variations of the name exist, but all refer to the same noble desert sighthound that has served the nomadic tribes of the region for countless generations.

The Levrier Marocain embodies the essence of desert nobility, combining elegant proportions with the functional anatomy necessary for survival in harsh North African environments. This medium-sized sighthound presents a picture of refined athleticism, with males typically standing 26 to 29 inches at the shoulder and weighing 55 to 65 pounds, while females measure 24 to 27 inches and weigh 45 to 50 pounds. Their lean, muscular build reflects centuries of selective breeding for speed, endurance, and the ability to hunt gazelle across vast expanses of desert terrain.

The breed's most striking feature is its noble head carriage and distinctive expression. The skull is elongated and refined, with a barely perceptible stop between the forehead and muzzle. The muzzle itself is long and elegant, tapering to a dark nose that provides the enhanced scenting ability crucial for desert hunting. Their eyes are large, dark, and deeply expressive, often described as having a melancholy or contemplative quality that speaks to the breed's ancient wisdom and reserved nature.

The Levrier Marocain's ears are distinctive triangular drops, set high on the head and folding close to the skull when at rest. When alert, the ears lift slightly, creating an attentive expression that demonstrates the breed's constant awareness of its surroundings. This ear carriage, combined with their noble head shape, creates an unmistakably aristocratic appearance that has captivated admirers for generations.

The body structure reflects the breed's sighthound heritage with modifications for desert survival. The neck is long and elegant, providing the reach necessary for effective coursing, while the topline shows a slight arch over the loin that transitions into a moderately sloped croup. The chest is deep but not overly broad, housing the efficient cardiovascular system required for both explosive sprints and sustained endurance. The abdomen shows the characteristic tuck-up of sighthounds, creating the sleek silhouette that reduces wind resistance during high-speed pursuits.

The Levrier Marocain's coat is one of its most practical features, adapted perfectly for the extremes of desert climate. The hair is short, smooth, and fine, lying close to the body to provide protection from both scorching sun and cold desert nights while allowing for rapid heat dissipation during exercise. The coat requires minimal grooming but provides maximum efficiency for the breed's original purpose as a hunting companion in challenging terrain.

Coat colors in the Levrier Marocain range from pale cream and fawn to deep red and sandy tones, often with darker shading on the ears and muzzle. Many individuals display a black mask that enhances their expressive features, while others show subtle brindling or darker overlay markings. Small white markings may appear on the chest or feet, but extensive white markings are not typical of the breed. The color variations reflect the natural camouflage that aided their ancestors in desert hunting.

The breed's movement is perhaps where their desert heritage is most apparent. The Levrier Marocain demonstrates a floating, effortless gait that covers ground efficiently while conserving energy. Their stride is long and elastic, with powerful rear drive and smooth front extension that allows them to maintain speed over long distances. This gait, developed over centuries of desert hunting, enables them to pursue fleet-footed prey across challenging terrain while maintaining the stamina necessary for success.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC recognizes the Levrier Marocain in the Hound Group and describes it as a medium-sized, short-coated, smooth sighthound displaying the dignity and grace typical of the oriental sighthound family. The general appearance should be that of a dog whose bearing is noble and somewhat aloof, whose movement is effortless and whose expression is gentle and melancholy. The head is long, elegant, and lean with a skull that is fairly broad between the ears, well chiseled under the eyes. Eyes are large, dark, and well placed in the skull. Ears are triangular with rounded tips, of medium size, falling close to the head. The body is nearly square with a topline that rises slightly over the loin. The coat is smooth and soft with colors ranging from light sand to mahogany red, with or without a black mask, black ears, or dark overlay. Height for males is 26-29 inches, females 24-27 inches. The temperament should be reserved with strangers but never shy or aggressive.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI Standard No. 188 describes the Levrier Marocain as a medium-sized, short-coated hunting sighthound. The general appearance is that of a lean, elegant, and noble dog with a slightly rectangular body outline. The head is elongated with a flat, fairly broad skull. The stop is barely marked. Eyes are large, dark, and slightly oval with a gentle, melancholy expression. Ears are triangular, rounded at the tips, and hang close to the head. The neck is elegant and well-muscled. The body shows a topline that rises slightly over the loin with a broad, moderately sloping croup. The coat is fine and smooth, lying close to the body. All shades of fawn are accepted, from light sand to mahogany red, with or without a black mask, black ears, brindling, or dark shading. Males measure 66-72 cm (26-28 inches), females 61-68 cm (24-27 inches). The gait should be supple and elastic with long strides.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC classifies the Levrier Marocain in the Sighthound and Pariah Group. The standard emphasizes the breed's function as a desert hunting hound, describing a dog of moderate size with a lean, muscular build designed for speed and endurance. The head should be long and refined with dark, expressive eyes and high-set, drop ears. The body is slightly longer than tall with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs. The hindquarters are powerful with well-developed thighs. The coat is short and smooth with minimal grooming requirements. Colors include all shades of fawn and sand, often with darker points. The breed should display a floating, effortless gait that demonstrates its hunting heritage. Temperament should be dignified and somewhat reserved, showing loyalty to family while maintaining independence characteristic of desert-bred sighthounds.

Other Organizations

The Kennel Club (UK) and various European breed clubs generally follow the FCI standard with minor regional variations. The breed is also recognized by the American Sighthound Field Association for coursing activities and the International Sloughi Association, which maintains breed registries and promotes responsible breeding practices worldwide. All major registries emphasize the breed's desert heritage, noble temperament, and functional sighthound anatomy. Common across all standards is the requirement for the characteristic gentle, melancholy expression, the flowing gait, and the reserved but not shy temperament that defines the breed's character.

The history of the Levrier Marocain stretches back into the mists of antiquity, making it one of the world's most ancient dog breeds. Archaeological evidence suggests that sighthounds similar to the modern Levrier Marocain existed in North Africa over 3,000 years ago, with artifacts depicting smooth-coated, lop-eared hunting dogs found on ancient pottery fragments and tomb paintings throughout the Maghreb region.

The breed's development is inextricably linked with the nomadic Berber tribes of the Sahara Desert, who valued these hounds not only for their hunting prowess but also for their loyalty and protective instincts. Unlike many breeds whose origins involve deliberate human intervention, the Levrier Marocain evolved naturally through centuries of survival in one of the world's harshest environments, creating a dog perfectly adapted to desert conditions.

Historical records suggest that the Levrier Marocain's ancestors may have arrived in North Africa through ancient trade routes connecting the region with Egypt and the Middle East. Some theories propose that early versions of the breed accompanied the expansion of various civilizations across the northern Sahara, while others suggest indigenous development within the isolated mountain and desert regions of the Atlas Mountains and surrounding areas.

The Berber peoples, who called themselves the Amazigh or "free people," developed the breed over countless generations through careful selection for specific traits essential to desert survival. These nomadic tribes required hunting companions capable of pursuing gazelle, antelope, and other swift desert game across vast expanses of challenging terrain. The harsh environment naturally selected for dogs with exceptional endurance, heat tolerance, and the ability to conserve water and energy during long hunts.

Within Berber society, the Levrier Marocain held an elevated status that distinguished it from other domestic animals. These hounds were considered members of the family, often sleeping in tents with their human companions and receiving the same care and attention as children. The breed's importance in tribal culture was such that only chiefs, nobility, and successful hunters were typically permitted to own them, creating an association between the dogs and social status that persisted for centuries.

The isolation of North African tribes helped preserve the breed's genetic integrity and distinctive characteristics over millennia. Unlike many breeds that experienced significant changes through crossbreeding with other types, the Levrier Marocain remained relatively pure due to the geographic barriers of the Sahara Desert and the cultural practices of its guardians, who valued the breed's proven abilities and carefully guarded their bloodlines.

The first documented European encounter with the Levrier Marocain occurred during the colonial period, when French and Spanish explorers and administrators began documenting the indigenous peoples and their customs. Early written descriptions emphasized the breed's beauty, speed, and the reverence with which local populations treated these remarkable dogs. European observers were struck by the contrast between the harsh desert environment and the elegant, refined appearance of these sighthounds.

The breed's introduction to Western breeding programs began in earnest during the early 20th century, when European enthusiasts recognized the unique qualities of the Levrier Marocain and began efforts to establish breeding populations outside of Africa. However, obtaining breeding stock proved challenging due to the cultural significance of the dogs to their original owners and the political complexities of the colonial period.

World War II and subsequent political upheavals in North Africa disrupted many early breeding programs and made it difficult to maintain consistent contact with source populations in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. The breed's survival outside of its native range depended on the dedication of a small number of enthusiasts who recognized the importance of preserving these ancient bloodlines for future generations.

The modern renaissance of the Levrier Marocain began in the 1960s and 1970s, when increased stability in North Africa allowed for renewed contact between Western breeders and traditional tribal keepers of the breed. This period saw the establishment of formal breed registries, the development of written standards, and the beginning of organized breeding programs aimed at preserving the breed's essential characteristics while adapting it to contemporary living conditions.

Today, the Levrier Marocain represents a living link to ancient hunting traditions and desert cultures, carrying within its genes the accumulated wisdom of countless generations of natural selection and careful tribal stewardship. While the breed remains relatively rare compared to more popular sighthounds, dedicated enthusiasts around the world work to ensure that this remarkable piece of canine history continues to thrive and inspire future generations of dog lovers.

The Levrier Marocain was developed primarily as a hunting companion for the nomadic Berber tribes of North Africa, where its function extended far beyond simple prey capture to encompass multiple roles essential for desert survival. These remarkable sighthounds served as the eyes and legs of their human partners, using their exceptional vision and speed to locate and pursue gazelle, antelope, ostrich, and other swift desert game across vast expanses of challenging terrain.

The breed's hunting style reflects the harsh realities of desert survival, where successful hunts often meant the difference between feast and famine for nomadic families. Levrier Marocains were trained to work in small packs or pairs, using their natural intelligence and pack cooperation to outmaneuver prey that might outrun a single dog. Their strategy involved sustained pursuit rather than explosive sprints, wearing down fleet-footed gazelle through relentless pressure and tactical positioning until the prey could be captured or driven toward waiting hunters.

Beyond hunting, the Levrier Marocain served as an essential guardian for the camps and herds of its nomadic owners. The breed's natural alertness and territorial instincts made them excellent sentries, capable of detecting approaching threats long before human senses could perceive danger. Their presence around camps deterred both human raiders and predatory animals that might threaten livestock or steal valuable resources in the harsh desert environment.

The protective function of the Levrier Marocain was particularly important during the vulnerable nighttime hours when camps were most susceptible to attack. These dogs developed the ability to distinguish between legitimate travelers, potential threats, and the various nocturnal animals that shared their desert habitat. Their deep, resonant bark could alert the entire camp to danger while their physical presence served as a deterrent to all but the most determined threats.

In contemporary times, the Levrier Marocain's function has evolved to encompass companion roles while retaining the essential characteristics that made them valuable to their original owners. Modern enthusiasts often participate in lure coursing events that simulate the breed's original hunting purpose, allowing these dogs to exercise their natural instincts in controlled environments that showcase their speed, agility, and pursuit drive.

The breed's natural coursing ability makes them excellent competitors in organized sighthound sports, where they demonstrate the same flowing gait and sustained speed that served them well in desert hunts. Their intelligence and trainability allow them to excel in various dog sports that challenge both their physical abilities and mental acuity, providing outlets for their natural drive and energy in modern settings.

Many Levrier Marocains today serve as therapy dogs, where their calm, gentle nature and intuitive understanding of human emotions make them valuable companions for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, or emotional challenges. Their natural reserve and dignity, combined with their deep loyalty to trusted humans, create an ideal temperament for therapeutic work that requires both sensitivity and reliability.

The breed's function as a family guardian continues in modern homes, where their natural protective instincts and excellent judgment make them effective watchdogs without the aggressive tendencies that might make them unsuitable for family life. They maintain their ancestors' ability to assess situations carefully and respond appropriately, alerting their families to genuine concerns while remaining calm and controlled in routine situations.

Some modern Levrier Marocains work in search and rescue operations, where their endurance, intelligence, and ability to cover large areas efficiently make them valuable team members. Their desert heritage provides them with exceptional heat tolerance and the ability to work effectively in challenging environmental conditions that might overwhelm other breeds, making them particularly suitable for search operations in arid or difficult terrain.

The breed's contemporary function also includes education and conservation efforts, where individual dogs serve as ambassadors for their ancient heritage and the cultures that created them. Through appearances at dog shows, breed demonstrations, and educational events, these living representatives of North African culture help preserve knowledge about traditional hunting practices and the deep relationship between nomadic peoples and their canine companions.

The behavioral characteristics of the Levrier Marocain reflect thousands of years of adaptation to desert life and close partnership with nomadic peoples, creating a unique temperament that combines independence with deep loyalty, reserve with affection, and primitive instincts with remarkable intelligence. Understanding these behavioral traits is essential for anyone considering this magnificent breed as a companion.

Perhaps the most defining behavioral characteristic of the Levrier Marocain is their natural dignity and reserve, particularly with strangers. These dogs do not approach new people with the enthusiastic friendliness typical of many breeds, but rather assess newcomers with careful observation before deciding whether to accept them. This reserved nature should not be mistaken for shyness or fearfulness; rather, it represents the discriminating judgment that served their ancestors well in determining friend from foe in the harsh desert environment.

With their families, however, Levrier Marocains display profound devotion and affection that runs as deep as their desert roots. They form intense emotional bonds with their human companions, often selecting one family member as their primary focus while maintaining loving relationships with all household members. This loyalty manifests in subtle ways, such as positioning themselves where they can observe family activities, following their favorite person from room to room, or simply offering quiet companionship during daily routines.

The breed's hunting heritage strongly influences their behavior around small animals and their response to movement. Levrier Marocains possess powerful prey drive that can trigger chase responses when they observe rapid movement from smaller creatures. This instinct is not aggressive or malicious but represents the natural hunting behavior that ensured survival for countless generations. Owners must understand and manage this trait through proper training, socialization, and environmental management.

Intelligence in the Levrier Marocain manifests differently than in breeds developed for close working partnerships with humans. These dogs possess excellent problem-solving abilities and situational awareness, but they also retain a level of independence that can be mistaken for stubbornness. They think before acting, evaluate situations carefully, and make decisions based on their own assessment of circumstances rather than blindly following commands.

The territorial behavior of the Levrier Marocain reflects their historical role as camp guardians and property protectors. They naturally establish and defend territory, though this protection is typically expressed through alerting and deterrent behavior rather than aggression. They excel at distinguishing between normal activity and potential threats, making them excellent watchdogs who alert their families to genuine concerns without excessive false alarms.

Social behavior within the family unit shows the breed's capacity for deep emotional connection combined with respect for personal space. Levrier Marocains often enjoy physical contact with their families but on their own terms, appreciating gentle affection while maintaining their dignity. They rarely demand attention but deeply appreciate when it is offered, responding with quiet contentment and increased bonding.

Exercise behavior in the Levrier Marocain reflects their sighthound heritage and desert origins. They require opportunities for free running and high-speed exercise but can be surprisingly calm and sedentary when their physical needs are met. Many owners are amazed by their dog's ability to transform from a powerful, fleet-footed athlete during exercise periods to a serene, almost cat-like companion during quiet indoor time.

The breed's response to training requires understanding their independent nature and pride. Levrier Marocains respond best to training methods that respect their intelligence and dignity while providing clear, consistent guidance. They learn quickly when motivated but may choose not to comply if they perceive training methods as harsh or disrespectful. Positive reinforcement techniques that build partnership rather than dominance typically achieve the best results.

Environmental behavior shows the breed's adaptability to various living situations while maintaining certain requirements for mental and physical stimulation. Levrier Marocains can adjust to apartment living if provided with adequate exercise opportunities, but they truly thrive when given access to secure outdoor spaces where they can observe their territory and exercise their natural instincts safely.

The emotional sensitivity of the Levrier Marocain manifests in their response to household atmosphere and family dynamics. These dogs are acutely aware of tension, stress, or changes in routine, often responding with increased vigilance or subtle behavioral adjustments. Their sensitivity makes them excellent companions for individuals who appreciate a dog that shares and responds to human emotions while maintaining their own distinct personality and perspective.

The integration of a Levrier Marocain into family life requires understanding the unique dynamics this ancient breed brings to household relationships. These dogs approach family membership with the same dignity and selectivity that characterized their relationships with nomadic tribespeople, creating bonds that are profound and meaningful while maintaining their essential independence and pride.

Within the family structure, Levrier Marocains often establish a hierarchy based on their own assessment of family members rather than accepting imposed relationships. They typically form the strongest bond with one primary person while maintaining respectful, affectionate relationships with other household members. This selective bonding reflects their heritage as personal companions to tribal chiefs and hunters, where intense loyalty to one individual was essential for effective partnership in dangerous desert environments.

The breed's relationship with children requires careful consideration and proper introduction. Levrier Marocains can develop wonderful relationships with respectful children who understand the dog's need for space and dignity. They rarely tolerate rough handling or chaotic play but can become gentle, protective companions for children who approach them with appropriate respect. Their natural grace and careful movement make them unlikely to accidentally knock over small children, though supervision is always recommended during interactions.

Adolescent family members often find the Levrier Marocain's independent spirit appealing, appreciating a companion who offers loyalty without demanding constant attention. Teenagers may discover that these dogs make excellent confidants, providing silent companionship during emotionally turbulent periods while respecting the need for solitude when desired. The breed's natural dignity resonates with young people seeking authentic relationships rather than demanding emotional neediness.

Adult family members typically appreciate the Levrier Marocain's mature approach to household dynamics. These dogs rarely create drama or demand attention through disruptive behavior, instead offering quiet companionship and steady presence that enhances rather than dominates family life. Their capacity for independent contentment makes them ideal for busy households where constant interaction may not be possible.

The breed's protective instincts manifest differently than in traditional guard dog breeds, focusing on assessment and alerting rather than confrontation. Levrier Marocains position themselves strategically within the home to observe family activities and monitor for potential threats, providing security through vigilance rather than aggression. Their deep bark and imposing presence when alert often deter unwanted visitors without requiring physical intervention.

Elderly family members often find the Levrier Marocain's calm presence particularly comforting. The breed's natural sensitivity to human emotions allows them to provide companionship that matches the energy and needs of senior family members. Their moderate exercise requirements and generally quiet indoor behavior make them suitable companions for less active households while still offering the security of a large, alert dog.

Multi-generational households can benefit from the Levrier Marocain's ability to adapt their behavior to different family members' needs and preferences. These dogs seem to intuitively understand when to be playful with energetic family members and when to offer quiet companionship to those seeking peaceful interaction. Their flexibility in social situations helps maintain household harmony across different generations and activity levels.

The integration of other pets into a household with a Levrier Marocain requires careful planning and gradual introduction. Their strong prey drive means that small pets may trigger chase responses, though early socialization and proper management can help establish peaceful coexistence. They often coexist well with other dogs of similar size, particularly if raised together, though their independent nature means they rarely form pack-like relationships with canine housemates.

Daily family routines benefit from the Levrier Marocain's appreciation for consistency and predictability. These dogs thrive when household schedules provide regular exercise periods, feeding times, and opportunities for observation and patrol. Their natural rhythm often synchronizes with family activities, making them unobtrusive participants in daily life who contribute security and companionship without demanding constant accommodation.

The emotional atmosphere of the household significantly impacts the Levrier Marocain's behavior and well-being. These sensitive dogs respond to family stress, excitement, or changes with subtle behavioral adjustments that demonstrate their deep connection to their human companions. Families who provide stable, respectful environments typically discover the full depth of affection and loyalty that these remarkable dogs can offer to those who earn their trust and respect.

The health profile of the Levrier Marocain reflects both the advantages of ancient genetic diversity and the specific considerations that accompany sighthound physiology. As one of the world's most ancient breeds, developed through natural selection in harsh desert environments, the Levrier Marocain generally enjoys robust health and longevity when provided with appropriate care and management tailored to their unique characteristics.

The breed's desert heritage has created dogs with exceptional heat tolerance and efficient metabolism, traits that contribute to their overall hardiness and ability to thrive in various climates. Their lean body structure and efficient cardiovascular system, developed for sustained running in challenging terrain, provide them with the physiological foundation for an active, healthy lifestyle well into their senior years.

Life expectancy for the Levrier Marocain typically ranges from 10 to 15 years, which is excellent for a medium-sized breed and reflects the genetic health benefits of their ancient lineage and natural development. Many individuals remain active and alert well into their teens, maintaining the graceful movement and keen awareness that characterizes the breed throughout their lives.

The relatively small gene pool outside of North Africa requires careful attention to breeding practices to maintain genetic diversity and health. Responsible breeders emphasize health testing and genetic screening to identify and avoid potential hereditary issues while preserving the breed's essential characteristics. This careful approach to breeding has helped maintain the health advantages that natural selection provided over millennia.

Like all sighthounds, Levrier Marocains require special consideration regarding anesthesia and medications due to their low body fat percentage and unique metabolism. Veterinarians unfamiliar with sighthound physiology should be educated about these special requirements to ensure safe medical care. The breed's lean build means they process anesthetics differently than breeds with higher body fat percentages, requiring adjusted dosages and careful monitoring.

Exercise requirements for optimal health include daily opportunities for free running and high-speed activity, balanced with periods of rest and relaxation. The breed's cardiovascular system is designed for both explosive sprints and sustained endurance, requiring exercise that accommodates both aspects of their physical capabilities. Inadequate exercise can lead to behavioral issues and physical deconditioning that impacts overall health and well-being.

Nutritional needs of the Levrier Marocain reflect their active metabolism and lean build. High-quality protein sources support their muscular development and energy requirements, while appropriate fat levels provide sustained energy without promoting excessive weight gain. The breed's efficient metabolism means they typically require less food than might be expected for their size, making portion control and quality nutrition essential for maintaining optimal body condition.

Environmental health considerations include protection from extreme cold due to their short coat and lean build, though their desert heritage provides excellent heat tolerance. Indoor climate control and appropriate bedding help ensure comfort across seasonal temperature variations. Their thin skin and short coat also require protection from sun exposure during extended outdoor activities to prevent sunburn and heat-related stress.

If you're looking to adopt a Levrier Marocain, consider contacting these sighthound rescue organizations that work with various breeds in this group:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Levrier Marocains waiting for their forever homes.

Important Note: Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting. The Levrier Marocain is a rare breed, so specific breed rescues may not exist. However, the sighthound rescue organizations listed above have experience with various breeds in this group and may be able to assist with Levrier Marocain placement or provide guidance on breed-specific resources.