Hound group
Sloughi
A sensitive North African sighthound — devoted to its people, reserved with the world.
Sloughis are elegant, short-coated sighthounds from North Africa, bred by Berber and Bedouin peoples to hunt hare, gazelle and jackal. They are gentle and affectionate with family, reserved with strangers and sensitive to harsh treatment.
- Height
- 24–29 in61–74 cm
- Weight
- 35–50 lb16–23 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–16 years
- Size
- Large
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)
Coat: Short, tight, fine coat. Colours: Light sand to mahogany red fawn, With or without black mask, mantle or brindling.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Sloughis are loyal, gentle and quietly affectionate. They bond closely with their family and are often reserved or wary with strangers.
They are highly sensitive and do not respond to harsh handling. Their prey drive is intense, and they need secure fencing and calm socialisation.
Living with a Sloughi
Exercise
Daily walks plus regular sprints in a secure, fenced area. Most are calm and quiet indoors once exercised.
Grooming
Minimal: occasional brushing and regular nail care. Light shedding; provide a coat in cold weather.
Training
Sensitive and independent; gentle, positive training and early socialisation are essential.
Kids & other pets
Good with considerate children in their own family; unsafe with small pets.
Time alone
Tolerates moderate alone time but prefers its people and a warm bed.
Home fit
Can manage in an apartment with committed daily exercise; a house with outdoor space is easier.
Is a Sloughi right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Sloughi matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Sloughi typically lives 12–16 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Progressive retinal atrophy
An inherited form (rcd1a) occurs; a DNA test is available.
Autoimmune disease
Autoimmune conditions have been reported in the breed.
Anaesthesia sensitivity
Lean sighthounds metabolise some drugs differently; choose an experienced vet.
Ask a breeder for
- Eye examination
- DNA test for rcd1a-PRA
- Cardiac examination
Sources: OFA health testing guidance: Sloughi; American Sloughi Association. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $1,500–$3,000 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Food, medication and anaesthesia are dosed by weight, so every vet visit costs more for a big dog.
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
Sloughis have been bred in North Africa for centuries, valued as hunting companions and treasured by their owners. They are distinct from the Saluki, with a shorter coat and more angular build.
The breed was little known outside North Africa until the 20th century. The AKC recognised the Sloughi in 2016.
Did you know?
- The Sloughi is sometimes called the Arabian Greyhound.
- Sloughis are distinct from Salukis, despite similar histories.
- In North Africa, Sloughis were traditionally treated as members of the family.
Library guides for Sloughi owners
Training
Come (Recall)
High chase drive makes a reliable recall essential.
Exercise & Play
Fetch
A fast way to meet a high exercise need.
Exercise & Play
Tug of War
An energy outlet that also builds impulse control.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Sloughi.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Sloughi breeder about health screening.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Sloughi vs Saluki?
- Sloughis have a short coat only and a more angular, muscular build; Salukis often have feathering.
- Are Sloughis good family dogs?
- For calm, experienced homes, yes. They are devoted but reserved with strangers.
- Do Sloughis shed?
- Very little.