Breed History:

The Sloughi, often referred to as the Arabian Greyhound, is an ancient sighthound breed originating from North Africa, particularly Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Bred by the Berber and Bedouin tribes, the Sloughi was highly prized for its speed, endurance, and sharp vision—ideal traits for hunting game such as hare, wild boar, and gazelle across desert and mountainous terrain.

This noble breed has a long and storied history, appearing in ancient carvings and artwork. It was cherished not only for its hunting prowess but also for its loyalty and companionship. Revered in its native regions as a member of the family, the Sloughi was often protected and esteemed, rarely sold to outsiders. Its calm, dignified nature and elegant form continue to earn admiration today among sighthound enthusiasts worldwide.

Size – Medium-Large

Life Expectancy: 12–16 years

Breed Appearance:

The Sloughi is a lean, muscular sighthound with a short, smooth coat and a distinctly elegant, athletic frame. Its refined, wedge-shaped head, long legs, and deep chest contribute to its image of speed and stamina. The coat comes in shades of sand, fawn, or brindle, sometimes with a black mask.

Unlike many other sighthounds, the Sloughi has a reserved and thoughtful expression, with dark, large, oval eyes that radiate intelligence and depth. Its appearance reflects both grace and strength, traits essential to its heritage as a desert hunter.

Breed Type – Family/guard:

The Sloughi is a loyal and devoted family companion known for its affectionate nature with trusted humans and reserved demeanour with strangers. Though not aggressive, it can be aloof and cautious around unfamiliar people, making it a quiet yet vigilant presence in the home.

It thrives in a calm, respectful household and is deeply attached to its family, often forming strong bonds with one or two people. While not ideal as a traditional guard dog, its alertness and sensitivity to its surroundings make it a natural watchdog. With proper socialisation, it can coexist well with other pets, although its hunting instincts remain strong.

Training:

Training a Sloughi requires a gentle, patient approach. This breed is highly intelligent but retains an independent mindset, which can present challenges to novice dog owners. Harsh discipline or repetitive training methods can cause the Sloughi to disengage or become distrustful.

Positive reinforcement—treats, praise, and play—works best to build trust and responsiveness. Early socialisation is essential to help the Sloughi become confident and well-adjusted in various environments. Although it may not seek out training games like other breeds, the Sloughi can learn effectively with a calm, consistent handler who respects its sensitive temperament.

Health & Care:

The Sloughi is generally a healthy and long-lived breed, benefiting from a robust genetic heritage. Its lean frame and short coat contribute to its overall hardiness, though it can be prone to certain hereditary conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and autoimmune disorders.

Routine vet care, a high-quality diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial. Due to its low body fat and thin skin, the Sloughi is more sensitive to cold and may require protection in cooler climates. Its smooth coat is easy to maintain, but care should be taken to check for cuts, ticks, or skin irritation after outdoor activity.

Living Conditions:

Accustomed to wide, open landscapes, the Sloughi is best suited to homes with space for exercise and quiet relaxation. It appreciates a secure, fenced area where it can stretch its legs safely. While adaptable to indoor living, the Sloughi needs a calm, predictable environment and may not do well in loud or chaotic households.

This breed enjoys companionship but also values its alone time, often retreating to a quiet spot to rest. It is not a high-maintenance pet but requires daily mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom. Apartment living is possible if exercise needs are met consistently and the environment remains tranquil.

Exercise:

As a sighthound, the Sloughi requires regular exercise to maintain its health and happiness. Though not hyperactive, it enjoys daily walks, short sprints, or playtime in a secure area. Off-leash running should only be allowed in safely enclosed spaces due to its strong prey drive.

Mental stimulation, such as problem-solving games or tracking activities, also benefits the breed. The Sloughi has bursts of energy but typically settles down after exercise, enjoying quiet rest indoors. Caution should be taken in hot or very cold weather, as the breed is sensitive to extreme temperatures.

Grooming:

The Sloughi’s short coat is extremely low-maintenance and requires only occasional brushing to remove dead hair and maintain shine. Shedding is minimal, and the breed is known for its cleanliness and lack of doggy odour.

Bathing is needed only when dirty, using a mild shampoo. Regular ear cleaning, dental care, and nail trimming should be part of its grooming routine. Because of its fine skin, it’s important to check for abrasions or ticks after outdoor adventures, particularly in wooded or brush-filled areas.

Advantages:

• Elegant, low-maintenance coat with minimal grooming needs

• Loyal, affectionate, and deeply bonded with its family

• Quiet and reserved, making it a peaceful house companion

• Intelligent and thoughtful, capable of learning with the right approach

• Long lifespan and generally good health

• Suited to owners seeking a calm, dignified dog with a noble presence

Disadvantages:

• Can be aloof with strangers and wary in unfamiliar environments

• Independent nature may be challenging for inexperienced owners

• Sensitive to harsh training methods or loud, chaotic households

• Strong prey drive makes off-leash activities risky without proper fencing

• Not ideal for cold climates without protective gear

• Requires regular exercise and mental engagement despite its calm indoor demeanour