Aug. 8 marks World Cat Day. Here, we take a look at regional breeds of our furry best friends, both cats and dogs.
The Egyptian mau is an elegant, spotted cat whose ancestry may date back 3,000 years to the cats whose images adorn the temples in ancient Egypt.
The Arabian Mau is indigenous to the Gulf and the breed is internationally recognized. It is a natural breed meaning that they are from the place they originated.
The Bahraini Dilmun is also a natural breed. Due to living in extreme heat, the breed has adapted a short fur coat, nocturnal behavioral traits, and an affinity for water.
The distinctive Saluki dog breed has been a hunting and guard dog for the desert people of the Arabian Peninsula for 5,000 years. It was originally bred in the Fertile Crecent.
The Sloughi is from the Maghreb region of North Africa and supposedly dates back to 8,000-7,000 BC. The dog’s original purpose was to hunt game.
The Aidi Atlas Mountain Dog hails from Morocco’s Atlas Mountain range. The breed’s original purpose was to protect people and livestock against predators.
