Sloughi
Other names: Arabian Greyhound

Devoted to its family yet aloof towards strangers, lean yet strong, and independent yet sensitive - the Sloughi is truly a dog of contradictions! This North African sighthound is athletic and elegant, built for speed and capable of hunting all kinds of game. In a family environment however, the Sloughi makes a quiet, loyal and affectionate companion - providing you can meet its high exercise needs, that is.
Key facts about the Sloughi
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Origins and history
The Sloughi comes from North Africa as far back as the 13th century, where it was originally bred by the Berbers across Libya, Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. It’s believed to have been the dog of choice for Egyptian royals and Berber kings, due to its sheer agility and capability of hunting large game. The breed didn’t reach Europe until the late 19th century and the USA until 1973, and is now, unfortunately, a very rare breed.
FCI breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 10 - Sighthounds
Section
Section 3 : Short-haired Sighthounds
Physical characteristics of the Sloughi
Adult size
Female : Between 24 and 27 in
Male : Between 26 and 28 in
Weight
Female : Between 42 and 49 lb
Male : Between 44 and 55 lb
Coat colour
Black, brindle, fawn, red, sand, with or without black marks or brindling.
Type of coat
Short, fine, dense. An undercoat grows in cold weather conditions.
Eye colour
Amber to dark brown.
Description
The Sloughi is medium-sized (though definitely on the larger size of medium-sized breeds) with a distinctively lean and athletic appearance. While the body and legs both appear rather thin and boney, both are actually surprisingly strong and robust. Overall, this lean and athletic frame gives the breed a noble, elegant appearance. The head is long with a wedge-shaped muzzle, while the eyes are round and dark yet expressive. The ears are triangular in shape, of a medium size and fold downwards either side of the face.
Good to know
While the true origins of the Sloughi remain a mystery, many are convinced the breed is closely related to the Afghan Hound.
Temperament
Behaviour of the Sloughi
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Is the Sloughi right for you?
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Compatibility
Price
Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £60 to £110 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Grooming
The Sloughi has the ultimate easy-care coat, requiring just a weekly rough brush to smooth off dirt and grime - simple! Bathing should only be carried out when absolutely necessary, such as when the Sloughi is visibly dirty, as over-bathing may dry out the dog’s skin.
Shedding
The Sloughi is a low-moderate shedder.
Nutrition of the Sloughi
Feed the Sloughi lean meat, rice and vegetables according to its expenditure needs. This dog shouldn’t run on a full tummy.
Health of the Sloughi
Life expectancy
They are generally healthy and long-lived, but are prone to a few health issues, as most pure-breeds are. Their life expectancy is 14 years of age.
Strong / robust
This is an athletic, hardy and robust breed with significant stamina, who can get hurt when they run.
Withstand heat
The Sloughi comes from the desert and thrives in warm climates.
Withstand cold
Although the coat will naturally thicken in cold weather, the breed isn’t suited to cold climates and should always be provided with adequate shelter.
Tendency to put on weight
An adequately exercised Sloughi is highly unlikely to develop weight problems.
Common illnesses
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart murmur
- Severe reactions to medications and vaccines