The March 2011 Issue of the ASLA Times

ASLA TIMES the American Sloughi Association, Inc . March/April 2011

AKC National Parent Club for the Sloughi. Table of Contents Message From the President

Editorial Dear ASLA Members and Friends, A Shark in The Gene Pool: Addisonʼs Disease and the Sloughi ...... 4 In this newsletter, we bring you the news of the dis- covery of the Addisonʼs disease in the Sloughi that, About Addisonʼs Disease in the Sloughi ...... 9 until January 2011, ASLA breeders had never heard about before in our precious breed. I have heard of AKC Meet the Breeds, November 2011 ...... 12 other breeders in the U.S. having dogs that died suddenly from routine surgery or from suspected kidney AKC & CAR Helping Pet Victims of Storms ...... 18 failure, and of course, now we know that those dogs might have had Addisonʼs disease that was not properly AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days 2011 . . . . .18 diagnosed.

AKC Changes to its Grand Champion Program . . . 19 As said already by our vice president, Erika Walsh, in the following pages, our Intissarʼs Daghar and Bandola The ASLA Store ...... 16 Kaheela de Moreau were very healthy as they had been all their lives, when we bred them. We had no reason to Photo Gallery ...... 20 know or to suspect that Daghar would become ill later. As of today, at 8 years old, Bandola is still healthy and Annual Dues ...... 2 in great shape.

Message from the President ...... 2 Some years after this breeding, Daghar became ill with IBD (irritable bowel disease like in humans), a different autoimmune disorder that Addisonʼs disease. Almost 2 years later, he passed away, after having been treated for that entire period of time. Our veterinarian did not check for Addisonʼs because Dagharʼs symptoms were more consistent with IBD. I asked for an autopsy but this clinic was not able to do it. So, we will never know Cover photograph: for sure. Dakhla in Morocco Breeder and Owner: Mohammed Soujaa However, Daghar certainly had the Addisonʼs gene and Photo © 2011 Karim Houmane Bandola has it too, knowing now that their son Dakir has this disease. Like the PRA, for a dog to have the disease, the 2 parents must carry the gene. Unfortu- nately, even with the disease being known in many oth- American Sloughi Association, Inc. (ASLA) er breeds, the gene has not been discovered yet for any P.O. Box 466 breed. So, we canʼt test our dogs before breeding them Como, TX 75431 as we do PRA as ASLA recommends for all breeding Telephone: 903.348.5792 candidates. We hope to be able to do that in the nearest www.sloughi-international.com possible future. [email protected] I will add that ASLA is not asking owners to spay or © 2009 American Sloughi Association. This entire publi- neuter the siblings and offspring of Dakir; that is the cation, including its texts, graphics and photographs, are decision of each owner. Bandola, Dakirʼs mother, has protected under applicable copyright laws and may not be been spayed. But it is mandatory for ASLA members to reproduced without expressed, written permission. not breed Dakirʼs siblings or offspring until a test is de- 2 veloped for the Addisonʼs gene or genes and those close relatives can be demonstrated not to carry the gene. Membership Dues 2011

If some of you in Europe, for example, have knowledge of the disease in our breed, please donʼt hesitate to talk Membership dues are as follows: about it and to tell us. We all should not hide the problem! Thatʼs the reason why Erika Walsh, Erica Tolar Individual Membership: $25.00 and I are talking openly about it. It is for the safety of Family Membership: $40.00 our wonderful breed and to better protect the Sloughi gene pool. Regular membership includes an electronic only subscription to the ASLA Times. For those who wish With Warm Regards, to receive a hard copy subscription, the prices are as Ermine Moreau-Sipière follows:

US subscription: $36.00 Foreign subscription: $48.00

2011 Specialty Contributions Membership dues and subscriptions can be sent in hard copy to ASLA, P.O. Box 466, Como, Texas, 75431. Members wishing to contribute to the 2011 ASLA Na- tional Specialty and Specialty Cluster may do so via Dues and subscriptions may also be submitted elec- check or money order to Attn: 2011 Specialty Fund, tronically via Paypal to [email protected]. Please ASLA, P.O. Box 466, Como, Texas, 75431. add an additional $1 to submit dues using Paypal. Donations can also be made via Paypal to [email protected]. If you use Paypal, please make sure to note that you wish for your contribution to be Advertising Rates applied to the 2011 Specialty fund.

ASLA Times welcomes your advertisements in color or black and white.

Color Advertising:

Full Page, print ready: $40.00 Half Page, print ready: $30.00 Quarter Page, print ready: $20.00

Black and White Advertising:

Full Page, print ready: $20.00 Half Page, print ready: $15.00 2011 ASLA Calendars are On Sale Now! Quarter Page, print ready: $10.00

ASLA offers a 20% discount on 5 issues of .Please visit the ASLA Store to order your 2011 advertising, purchased together. Sloughi calendar: www.cafepress.com/americansloughi For assistance with your advertisement, please contact . Erika Walsh at [email protected]. 3 Multi BIS and BISS GRCH Dakir Kaheela de Moreau February 12, 2011 A Shark in the Gene Pool: Addison’s Disease and the Sloughi

By Erika N. Walsh Until now, the Sloughi has been a relatively healthy lowest range. To confirm the diagnosis, we returned on breed in this country. However, in February of this Monday and my veterinarian administered the ACTH year, a silent predator lurking in the recessive genes response test which confirmed that Dakir has atypical of our gene pool called Addisonʼs disease stepped Addisonʼs disease. out of the shadows and into the spotlight. This is the first known case of Addisonʼs disease to ASLA. More can be read about Addisonʼs disease elsewhere in this issue. In atypical Addisonʼs, the dogʼs electrolytes Because Addisonʼs disease is recessive, it can remain remain normal and it lacks only cortisol. Most atypical hidden for generations, only revealing itself when two Addisonian dogs become fully Addisonian over time carrier Sloughis who are phenotypically healthy, are and regular testing is necessary to determine when mated and the stealth recessive meets up with its mate, adjustments must be made to its medications. producing a Sloughi that will be affected by Addisonʼs disease, a potentially fatal affliction that requires We were lucky. We were lucky because Dakir was medication and management for life. not in Addisonian crisis (cardiac arrest) by the time I took him to the vet. We were lucky because my vet On November 23, 2010, we tragically lost our beloved was tenacious about diagnosing Dakirʼs problem. And BIS CH Djordan Kaheela de Moreau to an accident. we were lucky because I had the support of Dakirʼs Shortly after Djordanʼs death, his litter brother, Multi breeder, Ermine Moreau-Sipière and the Chair of the BIS/BISS GRCH Dakir Kaheela de Moreau, lost his ASLA Health Committee, Erica Tolar, DVM, DACVO, appetite, became depressed, and generally was failing behind us 100%. Dakir is now on a regular course to thrive. We thought he was suffering from the loss of of prednisone, which keeps him happy and keeps his his brother. appetite up. He was later diagnosed as also having irritable bowel disease, and he takes medication for Dakir went for his regular, annual vet check up in that as well. He will be medicated for life, but on his early December. At that time, he weighed in at 68 lbs. medications, he leads a relatively normal life. His depression continued into January and at the end of January, he stopped eating entirely on a Friday. I It is no secret that Dakir was bred by the Moreau-Sipière immediately made an appointment for him to see my vet family. At the time that Ermine bred Dakirʼs parents, the following morning. The changes in his appearance she had no reason to know, or even to suspect, that were drastic: he had grayed throughout his entire body, there was a problem. Both parents were healthy and was moving like a dog well beyond his 5 and 1⁄2 years, vibrant without health complications at the time of the and he had lost a significant amount of weight. breeding. There is no known history of Addisonʼs in their bloodlines, and indeed, no one in ASLA had ever By January 29th, Dakir was down to 53 lbs. My vet heard of Addisonʼs disease in our breed before January did a full blood panel which came up with nothing out of this year. of the ordinary. He did a full set of radiographs, which showed that his heart was slightly undersized, but were Upon learning of Dakirʼs confirmed diagnosis, Ermine otherwise unremarkable. At that point, he began to was in immediate agreement that we had to make the suspect Addisonʼs and sent blood to the lab to check his issue of Addisonʼs disease known. She was adamant cortisol level. He gave him a shot of dexamethasone that we advise the owners of Dakirʼs offspring, and and we went home to await results. Dakir was not his siblings that these dogs should be removed from noticably better that night, but he did eat some chicken, breeding consideration. I am grateful to her for rising cut into small pieces and only if I hand fed it to him. to the occasion and putting the welfare of the Sloughi ahead of anything else. Dakirʼs cortisol test came back with a level in the 5 Dr. Tolar has issued a position statement on behalf of editorial. the ASLA Health Committee to the owners of these dogs confirming this position. ASLA and the good and ethical breeders who are members of this organization are at an important There are multiple reasons to remove all of these dogs crossroads for our breed right now. We can choose to from the gene pool. First, if Addisonʼs is an autosomal be frank and honest and put our efforts into eradicating recessive, as the current research suggests that it is, it Addisonʼs disease from our gene pool. Or we can means that all of Dakirʼs offspring are carriers. follow in the wake of so many other breeds before us and turn a blind eye to the information we have. It also means that every littermate of Dakir has a 75% chance of being a carrier. The former may result in diminishing the prevalence of Addisonʼs disease the way we have been successful In addition, Dakirʼs sire developed irritable bowel in diminishing the prevalence of Progressive Retinal disease (IBD) late in his life, long after he was done Atrophy. The latter is a foolʼs game that is akin to breeding. Dakir has also been diagnosed as having allowing sharks to circle our gene pool and devour IBD. Another D litter male (who has been neutered) the health of this ancient and treasured breed. It is has had serious and chronic health problems his entire incumbent upon us to make the right decision. life. Siblings of Dakir:: The gene or genes that cause Addisonʼs disease in the Sloughi have not been identified. We cannot yet test Dahman Kaheela de Moreau (neutered) to see what Sloughis are carrying the disease and what Dahshur Kaheela de Moreau Sloughis are affected by the disease, and for this reason, Dakarai Kaheela de Moreau (neutered) likely carriers should not procreate. Dante Kaheela de Moreau Darlah Kaheela de Moreau (spayed) Breeding Sloughis who are likely carriers would Djordan Kaheela de Moreau (deceased) demonstrate a reckless disregard for the health and Dimah Kaheela de Moreau welfare of this breed that we are charged with protecting Djenali Kaheela de Moreau (spayed) and preserving. It is simply not worth the risk. Offspring of Dakir: Sadly, it is apparent that some breeders outside of ASLA have likely known that the disease is in our gene pool. It Ocerico Alinghi is tragic that those individuals have not been forthright Ocerico Anisette with this information, to the enormous detriment of the Ocerico AʼOnyx at Catalyst breed. Ocerico Arianna Ocerico Arion (neutered) We will not make that mistake in ASLA. There is no ZaʼalBasha Nuri al Baida shame in discovering that there is a disease in our breed of which we were not aware and for which we could Plumed Serpentʼs Barchan not select against in the past. There is only shame in Plumed Serpentʼs Bahima (spayed) knowing that the risk exists and choosing to ignore it, Plumed Serpentʼs Bakkarra (spayed) for that is how serious diseases become entrenched and Plumed Serpentʼs Bashir can decimate the health of an entire breed. Plumed Serpentʼs Bellerophon Plumed Serpentʼs Beshaari ASLAʼs official position is that no siblings, parents, or children of Dakir should be bred due to the high Dakirʼs parents: likelihood of passing Addisonʼs disease. Breeders who choose to breed those Sloughis will be in violation of Intissarʼs Daghar (deceased) our Code of Ethics. The list of the Sloughis affected Bandola Kaheela de Moreau (spayed) by this position statement appear at the end of this 6 At right, Dakir on October 14, 2010, still black, shiny and vibrant.

Below, Dakir on February 12, 2011. He has grayed throughout his body and looks much older. Since that time, and with the help of his prescriptions, he has regained the weight lost and the spark has returned to his eye. ASLA 20111 Sloughi Specialty News

The 2011 ASLA National Specialty Show and Sloughi Specialty Cluster will be held:

October 7-9, 2011 Saint Charles, Illinois

ASLA 2011 AKC Sanction Match*: October 7, 2011 Judge: Pending ASLA 2011 National Specialty: October 8, 2011 Judge: Robert Frost ASLA 2011 Midwest Specialty: October 9, 2011 Judge: Penny Swan

For more information, see future issues of the ASLA Times or visit the ASLA web site at www.sloughi-international.com

Please contact the co-chairs of our Specialties Committee for more information or to offer your help with any of the ASLA Sloughi Specialty Shows or Sanction Matches.

Ermine Moreau-Sipière [email protected] Erika N. Walsh [email protected]

*Approval pending

8 About Addisons Disease in the Sloughi

By Erica Tolar, DVM, DACVO and Erika N. Walsh

Introduction should treat it appropriately.

In February 2011, for the ﬁrst time, the American When an animal undergoes stress, its adrenal glands Sloughi Association (ASLA) became aware that Ad- produce more cortisol, which helps them deal with the disonʼs disease exists in the American gene pool with stress. Because Addisonian dogs cannot make enough the diagnosis of atypical Addisonʼs Disease of GRCH cortisol, they cannot deal with stress, so the signs wors- Dakir Kaheela de Moreau. en when stressed. Stressors may include any change in the dogʼs day-to-day routine, such as being boarded or Although this is the ﬁrst time that ASLA has encountered having houseguests, surgery, vaccinations, the intro- this disease in our breed, it is apparent that Addisonʼs duction of a new vet, or any other change, depending disease, and other autoimmune diseases in Sloughis, upon the individual Sloughiʼs temperament and sensi- have been known to breeders outside of ASLA for some tivity. Any stressor may precipitate or worsen signs of time. Unfortunately, information on those cases has Addisonʼs disease. not been forthcoming, much to the detriment of our beloved breed. Symptoms of Addisonʼs disease can be vague, which is why the disease is referred to as the Great Pretender. Only through full disclosure and discussion can we The signs of Addisonʼs disease may be severe and ap- hope to keep the Sloughi healthy, and ASLA commends pear suddenly, or may occur intermittently and vary in those breeders and owners who have been forthright severity. Symptoms may include depression, weak- and honest about the existence of this serious disease. ness, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased urine production (polyuria), dehydration, weak pulses What is Addisonʼs Disease? and sometimes a slow, irregular heart rate. Routine lab- oratory tests often show a low blood sodium and high Addisonʼs (hypoadrenocorticism) is an endocrine dis- blood potassium. Loss of water, in vomit and diarrhea, ease caused by a lower than normal production of glu- can lead to dehydration. Severe dehydration increases cocorticoid hormones, such as cortisol, by the adrenal waste products in the blood (creatinine and blood urea glands. The adrenals are small glands that are located nitrogen = BUN) that are normally eliminated by the near the kidneys. The center of the adrenal gland is kidneys. Addisonʼs disease is often confused with pri- called the medulla, which produces mineralocorticoids, mary kidney disease and is most often misdiagnosed as and the outer part of the gland is the cortex. The cor- Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD), and also as kidney fail- tex is the portion of the gland that is of concern in Ad- ure. Some dogs with Addisonʼs disease can also have disons disease as it produces corticosteroids. Adrenal low blood sugar. hormones are necessary allow us to adapt physiologi- cally to stress, and control salt, sugar and water balance Sick dogs often show a pattern of changes in their white in the body. blood cells (WBCs) called a stress leukogram. This pattern of changes in the WBCs is caused by cortisol. The Atypical Addisonʼs is a condition where there is no absence of a stress leukogram in a sick dog may be a ACTH produced by the pituitary gland. ACTH is clue to consider Addisonʼs disease. what stimulates the adrenal glands to produce gluco- corticoids. The medulla or center portion of the gland Increased blood potassium can cause life-threatening continues to function appropriately so the mineralocor- abnormalities in the heart rhythm. These abnormalities ticoids are not effected. Addisonʼs is a serious and po- can cause the heart rate to be slow and irregular and can tentially fatal disease and Sloughi breeders and owners be seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG).

9 The most common cause of Addisonʼs disease is im- X-rays of dogs with Addisonʼs disease do not show any mune-mediated (autoimmune). Other autoimmune specific abnormalities. The heart, vena cava and aorta disorders include, but are not limited to, thyroiditis, lu- may appear smaller than normal due to dehydration. pus, and irritable bowel disease. Autoimmune diseases Rarely megaesophagus can be seen. This is thought to arise from an overactive immune response of the body be due to muscle weakness. against substances and tissues normally present in the body. In other words, the body actually attacks its own Addisonʼs Disease can only be confirmed by an ACTH cells. The immune system mistakes some part of the response test -- administration of this hormone should body as a pathogen and attacks it. It is incumbent upon stimulate production of adrenal hormones. In dogs with responsible Sloughi breeders to understand the connec- Addisons disease there will be no elevation in cortisol tion between genetics and autoimmune disease. because the adrenal glands are not able to respond to the ACTH. In atypical Addisons disease the electro- The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a large lytes, sodium and potassium, are often normal so in this genomic region or gene family that encodes MHC mol- case an ACTH response test and clinical suspicion by ecules. MHC molecules play an important role in the the veterinarian are critical in the diagnosis. Addisonʼs immune system and autoimmunity by helping the body Disease will be missed unless the treating veterinarian to understand self versus non-self and helping the body specifically looks for it. to determine if foreign material is present inside of a cell. Heritability of Addisonʼs Disease The MHC are positioned closely to one another on a In a study of 11,384 Portugese Water Dogs, Addisonʼs single chromosome, which virtually ensures that they disease was shown to be inherited as an autosomal re- will be inherited as a haplotype without the usual recessive disorder.[i]-[ii] The heritability of Addisonʼs combination of genes that are normally distributed into has been studied on other breeds as well. These include the sperm and eggs. A haplotype is a combination of al- the Bearded Collie, in which Addisonʼs has also shown leles at different places on a chromosome that are trans- to have a high degree of heritability. [iii] In standard mitted together. Every mammal has two MHC haplo- poodles, the heritability of hypoadrenocorticism was types: one from its father and one from its mother. The estimated to be 0.75 and complex segregation analyses MHC are polymorphic, meaning that each have many suggested the disease was influenced by an autosomal different alleles. The high number of alleles involved recessive locus. [iv] Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers makes it likely that most individuals in a random breed- appear to have an autosomal recessive mode of inheri- ing population will have different combinations of tance as well.[v]-[vi] Familial predisposition to hypo- MHC genes. adrenocorticism has been suggested in Leonbergers, Labrador Retrievers, and other breeds. [vii] This genetic diversity is important to the health and survival of a breeding population since the more diverse The ASLA Health Committee Chair, Erica Tolar, DVM, the complexity of the MHC, the higher the higher the DACVO and ASLAʼs vice president, Erika Walsh, have ability of the animalʼs immune system to conquer an ar- consulted with Anita Oberbauer, DVM, the leading re- ray of pathogens. Ideally, each haplotype a dog has will searcher on Addisonʼs Disease in dogs. Dr. Oberbauer differ from the other, and its ability to combat disease is has stated that, “. . . there is definitely a genetic com- thereby increased. ponent [to Addisonʼs disease] although a specific gene or set of genes has not been identified. It appears, as is Survivors of epidemics have the ideal combination of the case for most genetic disorders in dogs and other MHC alleles to combat that particular disease. Even eukaryotes, that the inheritance is recessive and both if the same epidemic occurs repeatedly over time, it sire and dam would contribute to the expression of the becomes less virulent because the individuals in the disease.” population with MHCs lacking that ideal combination will perish and be removed from the gene pool. High Genes and Autoimmune Disease MHC diversity helps to ensure the survival of a species. Therefore, MHC complexity is imperative to the health 10 of a species. evaluation of Addisonʼs disease in the Portuguese Water Dog. BMC Vet Res 2006 Vol 2 (1) pp. 15.

The prevention of immune-mediated disease must be a [iii] Oberbauer AM, Benemann KS, Belanger JM, et al: Inheri- high priority for Sloughi breeders so that a high degree tance of hypoadrenocorticism in bearded collies. Am J Vet Res of MHC heterozygosity is maintained through reduced 2002 Vol 63 (5) pp. 643-647. inbreeding the removal of individuals with chronically impaired immune systems from breeding consider- [iv] Famula TR, Belanger JM, Oberbauer AM: Heritability and complex segregation analysis of hypoadrenocorticism in the stan- ation. dard poodle. J Small Anim Pract 2003 Vol 44 (1) pp. 8-12.

When making breeding decisions, Sloughi breeders [v] Hughes AM, Nelson RW, Famula TR, Bannasch DL: Clinical should avoid crosses that increase coefﬁcients of in- features and heritability of hypoadrenocorticism in Nova Scotia breeding (COI) above that of the parents and should Duck Tolling Retrievers: 25 cases (1994-2006). J Am Vet Med As- soc 2007 Vol 231 (3) pp. 407-12. seek to reduce it when possible. Responsible breeders are aware of their dogsʼ COIs and the resulting COIs [vi] Burton S, DeLay J, Holmes A, et al: Hypoadrenocorticism in from potential breeding combinations. young related Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers. 1997 Vol 38 (4) pp. 231-234. Treatment of Addisonʼs Disease [vii] Smallwood LJ, Barsanti JA: Hypoadrenocorticism in a family of leonbergers. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1995 Vol 31 (4) pp. There are two stages of treatment for Addisonʼs disease; 301-5. in-hospital treatment and long-term treatment. Very sick dogs with Addisonʼs disease require intravenous ﬂuids, cortisol-like drugs and drugs to neutralize the effects of potassium on the heart.

Long-term treatment involves the administration of hormones in one of two forms; either a daily pill or a shot that is given about every 25 days. Because dogs with Addisonʼs disease cannot produce more cortisol in response to stress, stress should be minimized when- ever possible or stressful events (e.g. boarding, surgery, travel, etc.) should be supplemented with oral prednisone.

If your Sloughi has been diagnosed with Addisonʼs disease, you should speak to your veterinarian about the appropriate course of treatment to keep your Sloughi feeling well and eating well.

A diagnosis of Addisonʼs disease need not be a death sentence for a Sloughi. However, the disease can only be managed through proper diagnosis and treatment. An Addisonian Sloughi with proper treatment and ex- cellent veterinary care can continue to live a long life.

[i] Chase K, Sargan D, Miller K, et al: Understanding the genetics of autoimmune disease: Two loci that regulate late onset Addisonʼs disease in Portuguese Water Dogs. Int J Immunogenet 2006 Vol 33 (3) pp. 179-184.

[ii] Oberbauer AM, Bell JS, Belanger JM, Famula TR: Genetic

11 AKC Meet the Breeds: The World’s Largest Gathering of Cats and Dogs November 19-20, 2011

American Kennel Club Joins Forces with The Interna- TICA President Vickie Fisher. “This year kids can pre- tional Cat Association to Feature More Dogs & Cats and tend theyʼre in the wild and pet a Toyger cat that resem- Expanded Event Space at 2011 AKC Meet the Breeds bles a tiger but has the same sweet nature as a domestic kitten or play with a Cymric cat, the bunny rabbit of the Attention all pet lovers, it will be raining cats and dogs feline world.” once again this November when the American Kennel Club® (AKC) returns to the Jacob K. Javits Convention * More than 210 dog and cat breed booths individu- Center in New York City on November 19th & 20th to ally decorated that allow doggie devotees and feline host the third annual AKC Meet the Breeds® event. fans to interact with dogs, cats, puppies and kittens and learn about their history and unique attributes directly The 2011 event promises to be bigger and offer even from the experts. more canine and feline fun for the entire family. This * Top experts in every pet-related ﬁeld including year, the AKC will join forces with The International breeding, training, grooming, nutrition and ﬁrst aid. Cat Association (TICA), the worldʼs largest genetic reg- Get to know some of the cat and dog specialists who istry of purebred cats, to showcase even more breeds of will be available to answer your questions and help you cats and expand the event space to 160,000 square feet identify the best breed for you. to accommodate enhanced breed booths and activities for spectators. * More than 100 vendors selling unique dog and cat items so you can spoil your favorite Fido or Fluffy. Ev- Sponsored by PetPartners, Inc. a leading pet healthcare ery imaginable canine and feline product will be avail- provider, AKC Meet the Breeds is the worldʼs larg- able just in time for your holiday shopping. est showcase of dogs and cats and offers pet lovers a unique opportunity to play with some of the countryʼs * Demonstration rings allow attendees to watch dogs rarest dog and cat breeds while educating themselves race against the clock in the fast-paced sport of Agil- about responsible pet ownership and choosing the right ity, see dogs show off their Rally, Flyball, and Frisbee pet for their lifestyle. skills, observe simulated hunting tests and view law en- forcement K9s in action. “The AKC is happy to once again offer the public the opportunity to play with and literally ʻmeetʼ thousands * Games and giveaways at vendor booths including of dogs and cats, including some of the rarest breeds free samples and activities for kids. most people have only read about,” said AKC Meet the Breeds Spokesperson and AKC Assistant Vice Presi- dent Gina DiNardo. “AKC Meet the Breeds will allow animal lovers to play with a 200 pound Mastiff dog that is larger than most New York City kitchens and pet a hairless Xolo puppy all while learning about the char- acteristics of more than 160 dog breeds.“

“We are excited to join forces with the AKC this year and offer animal lovers in the tri-state area the rare opportunity to meet more than 50 breeds of cats including the Bengal, the most popular breed in TICAʼs world, during the 2011 AKC Meet the Breeds event,” said 12 Litter Planned for late 2011

Multi BISS Dune des Sources de l’Oum-Er-Rbia X Multi BIS/BIMC CH Asalah Laila-Tiaba, SC

This litter will combine Asalah’s Czech, German and Libyan bloodlines with Dune’s 100% Moroccan heritage. Both parents are imports and are Optigen DNA tested Normal.

Inquiries invited on this exciting litter!

Rachel McCoy 5735 Via Cervantes Riverside, California 92506 (951) 682-8369 [email protected] Multi BISS Dune des Sources de l’Oum-Er-Rbia

(Saphir x Fellouja) Bred by Mohammed Soujaa, Meknès, Morocco, and imported by Erika N. Walsh Best in Specialty Show, 2010 ASLA National Specialty Best in Specialty Show, 2010 ASLA Summertide Specialty Show Optigen tested Normal for PRA Dune is always owner handled Erika N. Walsh Dune will be bred in 2012 to 708.612.3647 Multi BIS/BISS U-GRCH Fantasyʼs Starry Night [email protected] (“Ancora”). Limited reservations available. www.sloughi.us 14 Ocerico Sloughis and Moreau-Sipière International Sloughis Proudly Announce the Arrival of: Ain Zafir Ejaz

Bred by Ain Zaﬁr Sloughis, Norway and imported by Erika N. Walsh and Ermine Moreau-Sipière Ejaz will be handled by Erika Walsh. Watch for Ejaz in the ring in 2011! Optigen tested Normal for PRA

Erika N. Walsh Our males are not offered at public stud at this time. 708.612.3647 [email protected] www.sloughi.us 15 ASLA Merchandise

Please visit the ASLA Store for great gift ideas and custom Sloughi merchandise. The ASLA Store can be found on line at Cafe Press at the following URL:

www.cafepress.com/americansloughi

The wonderful, artistic items you will ﬁnd there include:

Clothing and apparel items with Sloughi artwork on them Cups, mugs, beer steins, water bottles and travel cups with Sloughis on them Dog bowls, book bags, clocks, jewelry boxes Bumper stickers, pins, stationery, cards, buttons and stickers with beautiful Sloughis Coasters, journals, tiles, and hats, all with Sloughis on them Magnets, calendars, Christmas ornaments And much, much more!

100% of the proceeds go to the American Sloughi Association.

Please support ASLA by visiting the ASLA Store!

2011 ASLA CALENDARS ARE ON SALE NOW!

16 Over Thirty Years of Outstanding Sloughis. Our Sloughis are behind nearly every top winning Sloughi in the US, including but not limited to the following Best in Show and Best in Specialty Show winners: Multi BIS/BISS GRCH Dakir Kaheela de Moreau BIS CH Djordan Kaheela de Moreau Multi BIS/BISS/BIMC GRCH Fantasyʼs Starry Night BIS CH Naib el Heurr de la Cite du Guerrier BISS CH Salim Kaheela de Moreau Elan BIS CH Salima Kaheela de Moreau BIS CH Talal Kaheela de Moreau Elan BIS CH Tayeb Kaheela de Moreau BOSS CH Ullan Kaheela de Moreau BISS Vitana Kaheela de Moreau BISS/BIMC CH Fantasyʼs Argos de Moreau

Moreau-Sipiere International Sloughis the Moreau-Sipiere Family [email protected] www.sloughi.com P.O. Box 425 Como, Texas 75341 17 AKC and CAR Support Pet Victims of the Storms in Southern States

The American Kennel Club and AKC Companion Animal families who need it for their own pets. With the groupʼs dog Recovery are assisting animal organizations in need after the food supply depleted, AKC and AKC CAR donated $2500 recent devastating tornadoes in Alabama and the South via for food, crates and other animal supplies that the shelter the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund. will purchase locally.

Nearly $15,000 in supplies and funds has been donated to * Hale County, located 30 miles south of Tuscaloosa, was seven different organizations so far. Read more about our hit by two massive tornadoes. As more pets begin to reap- efforts: pear after the storm, Hale County Animal Shelter expects to be inundated with strays. AKC and AKC CAR supplied * Donations of crates, ﬂea/tick prevention, bedding, col- more than $1000 worth of vaccinations to ensure the health lars and leads, wormer, nutritional supplement, shampoo and of the animals that come into their care. Shelter contact Dee more have been shipped to the Alabama SPCA, Humane So- Sullins was thrilled, saying, “This is just frosting on the cake ciety of West Alabama, Walker County Humane Society and for us!” Catoosa Citizens for Animal Care (GA). With the recent tornadoes and ﬂooding along the Missis- * Members of the Tuscaloosa Kennel Club recently deliv- sippi, and with hurricane season beginning soon, all com- ered supplies to the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter on be- panion animal owners are in our thoughts. If you know half of AKC and AKC CAR, including crates, bowls, leashes of AKC clubs or other dog organizations in need of assis- and collars and dog food. tance, we encourage you to contact us at 212-696-8228 or [email protected]. * The Marion/Winston Animal Shelter, supporting Hack- leburg and Guin, Alabama, is currently feeding 40 dogs, 8 cats and 20 horses, as well as supplying food to local area

AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days 2011

Each year, the American Kennel Club® calls on its more by August 1, 2011. The first 500 organizations who confirm than 5,000 affiliated dog clubs and all other pet-related or- the details of their event will receive a complimentary re- ganizations from around the country to participate in AKC source-filled packet including posters, brochures, giveaways Responsible Dog Ownership Days. The nationwide initia- like pencils and stickers, a RDOD Media Idea Kit, and many tive educates the public about the importance of being a re- more materials to assist them in putting together an enter- sponsible dog owner and celebrates the deep bond between taining and informative event. All events will be listed on the humans and their canine companions. AKC web site, searchable by state, beginning July 1.

“More than 550 organizations across the U.S. held AKC Motel 6 is a proud nationwide sponsor of AKC RDO Days Responsible Dog Ownership Day events last year, inviting and will support community events, as well as attend AKCʼs local community members to take part in Meet the Breeds, ﬂagship event in Raleigh North Carolina on September 24th. AKC CAR microchip clinics, AKC Canine Good Citizen® The Flagship and community events regularly include ac- testing and more,” said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. tivities such as the AKC Canine Good Citizen® program, “We encourage more organizations to join us in 2011 to help sponsored by The Hartford, Obedience/Agility/Rally dem- us spread this important message in a very fun way!” onstrations, AKC Companion Animal Recovery microchip ID clinics, breeder referral and rescue information, rafﬂes, Events can be held anytime during the month of September. games and many more entertaining and educational events. Sign up at www.akc.org/rdod and create an “Event Account” 18 AKC Announces Achievement Levels to Grand Champion Program

The American Kennel Club® is pleased to announce a new enhancement to the Grand Champion program – Grand Championship judging will remain the same: Achievement Levels. Beginning May 11th, in conjunc- all Champions of Record entered in the Best of Breed/ tion with the implementation of the 2011-2012 AKC Variety competition will be eligible to compete for Point Schedule, Grand Champions will have the ability Grand Championship points at no additional entry fee, to earn the Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum designa- and points will be awarded, at the judgeʼs discretion, tions at AKC all-breed, group and specialty shows. to Best of Breed/Variety, Best of Opposite Sex, Select Dog and Select Bitch. Points are calculated using the The Bronze Grand Championship will require 100 same AKC Point Schedule as is used for Championship points, the Silver Grand Championship will require 200 points. Once a dog completes the Grand Championship points, the Gold Grand Championship will require 400 title, points will continue to accrue as it reaches the points and the Platinum Grand Championship will re- Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels; there is no quire 800 Grand Championship points. reset. If a dog has already accrued 100 or more Grand Championship points since the beginning of the Grand Upon reaching each level, owners will receive a spe- Championship program, the Bronze, Silver, Gold and cial recognition medallion and certiﬁcate, and the AKC Platinum designation will be awarded retroactively. website will be updated monthly with the names and For assistance with determining point totals, view our breeds of all Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum dogs. Grand Championship Point Counting Document

“We are happy to highlight the highest achievers in For more information about the new AKC Grand Cham- the Conformation ring with the creation of the Grand pion Achievement Levels, visit www.akc.org/grand- Championship Achievement Levels,” said Robin Stan- championship or contact [email protected]. sell, AKC Vice President of Event Operations. “Many exhibitors brought their Champions back into the rings The Sloughi will not be eligible to compete for cham- to complete the Grand Championship or continued pionship or grand championship titles from the AKC showing when they normally would have stopped after until it achieves full recognition. Please help support obtaining a Championship title. The Achievement Lev- the Sloughi and ASLA by getting your Sloughi out to els give them an opportunity for continued recognition compete in AKC events! and achievement.”

The online GCH Breed Lists will be expanded from the top 25 to 100 dogs including Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum level designations. To keep up-to-date with the competition, a new Top 100 All-Breed Grand Champions list will be featured at www.akc.org/grand- championship/

19 Photo Gallery

Dart enjoying the spring time in Kentucky.

20 Photo Gallery