The Sloughi is a medium to large-sized dog built for speed. These are lean and leggy sighthounds that usually stand at a height of 24-29 inches. Their bodies are covered with short, fine coats that can range from sandy to dark fawn color. They also feature a long head, broad skull, and large, dark ears that hang down.
Sloughis love comfort. Ensure that you give them soft beddings and access to your sofa where they can lay down if they want to. They are excellent family dogs who can get along well with your children and other pets. However, they can be very stubborn, making them not the best choice for first-time dog owners.
Sloughi Breed Statistics
| Dog Breed Group | Hound |
| Breed Size | Medium to Large |
| Height | 26-29 inches (male); 24-27 inches (female) |
| Weight | 45-70 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
Sloughi Breed Ratings
| Energy level | |
| Exercise needs | |
| Requires attention | |
| Playfulness | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Grooming | |
| Friendly with family | |
| Friendly with kids | |
| Friendly with strangers | |
| Friendly with other dogs | |
| Prey Drive |
Sloughi History
Sloughis are ancient dogs native to North Africa. However, the exact origin of these dogs is lost in history. What is known is that these dogs were originally bred by the Berber people.
They are the sighthounds of the Berber people originally found in Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, and Algeria. They were also favored hunting companions by Egyptian nobles, Berber kings, and nomadic chieftains.
These dogs were mainly used for hunting hares, foxes, wild pigs, and gazelles for thousands of years. But they are more than just hunting companions because they also share tents with their owners, which makes them so attached to people.
It was around the 19th century when the dogs first arrived in Europe. Years later, in 1935, they were recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale. Unfortunately, World War II broke off, and the breeding program paused.
It wasn’t until the 1960s when Europeans resumed breeding. By 1973, the first of the breed was imported to the US, but it wasn’t until 2016 when the American Kennel Club finally recognized the breed.
Today, they are considered an uncommon dog breed in the US, and their numbers continue to decline as their hunting service was no longer needed as much as before.
Sloughi Temperament
Sloughis are reserved, graceful, and noble dogs. These are known to be one-person or one-family dogs. They are affectionate, loving, and love forming strong bonds with their owners, a personality innate in them.
They are also known to be good with children and pets that grew up with them. Just make sure to keep close supervision to toddlers as these are touch-sensitive dogs.
These are very sensitive dogs, and they don’t handle stress well. They are best in stable households with very little tension. And as much as possible, make them feel comfortable by providing soft beds.
As much as they love lounging around, they are hunting dogs. They need to be exercised, and it would be best if you are also active. Just make sure to keep them on a leash when walking them around, so they don’t chase running creatures they’ll see.
You should also ensure that you have high, secured fences, so they don’t run away too far. A large space is also important so they can expel a lot of energy running around.
Although these dogs love their owners, they can be wary of strangers but not to the point of being aggressive. Early socialization is needed to make them more well-rounded dogs and to create a more stable temperament.
Training is essential, but it can also be challenging. Sloughis are independent-thinkers, and they can be sensitive to correction. Never treat them harshly, but encourage them with lots of positive reinforcements instead.
Sloughi Care Requirements
- Nutrition: Sloughis don’t have special dietary requirements. All they need is high-quality and well-balanced meals, so they remain healthy and happy. What you need to watch is the number of calories you feed them in a day. You don’t want your dog to get overweight, as this would make them more susceptible to diseases. Regardless of whether you’re preparing a home-cooked meal or giving commercially manufactured food, always choose products of high-quality. You should also note the ingredients your dog is allergic to and make sure to stay away from those. If you want to be sure of what to give your dog, it’s always best to ask your veterinarian’s advice. He would be able to formulate the best meal plan fit for what your dog needs. This is usually based on your dog’s age, activity level, and metabolism.
- Grooming: Sloughis have short and smooth coats that shed infrequently. They are straightforward to maintain and would only need weekly brushing and occasional baths to remain neat and clean. Ears should be cleaned regularly to prevent ear infection, and you must never forget to trim the nails. Overly long nails will cause pain and discomfort to your dog, and you wouldn’t want that.
- Exercise: The Sloughi is a balance between a calm and active dog. They are well-mannered indoors, but they have high prey drive when they go outdoors. These dogs don’t require strenuous exercises, but they need to be exercised every day to remain happy and fit. Take him out on walks if you can but always keep them on a leash. If you have a securely fenced yard, then you can let him run on his own. Letting him participate in canine sports such as lure coursing is also a great way to stimulate these dogs’ minds and bodies.
- Health: Sloughis are generally healthy dogs with a long lifespan. But like any other dog breeds, they can also be susceptible to a couple of diseases. As dog owners, knowing what conditions may affect your dog will help you understand what to do if they acquire it. For these dogs, here are the diseases commonly found:
- Anesthesia Sensitivity
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Bloating
- Addison’s Disease
- It would be best if your dog takes some screening tests to be aware of the presence of some diseases at an early stage. You can also meet at least one of your dog’s parents to know what health conditions your dog might acquire. Closely monitor your dog’s behavior, too, and if you notice any changes, take him immediately to the vet for a check-up.
- Lifespan: The life expectancy of Sloughis is 12-14 years.
Famous Sloughis
- Taguire el Sian: The first Sloughi to enter the United States
Fun Facts about Sloughis
- Sloughis are ancient dogs that originated from North Africa.
- These dogs were used for hunting large and small games.
- They were treasured by the Berber and Bedouin people for their amazing hunting skills.
- They used to accompany Egyptian nobles, Berber kings, and nomadic chieftains in hunting.
- They have cat-like personalities in terms of cleanliness.
- They are one of the rarest Greyhound breeds in the world.
- They were fully recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2016.
Check Out Other Hound Dog Breeds:
Afghan Hound, American English Coonhounds, American Foxhound, Basenjis, Basset Hound, Beagle, Black and Tan Coonhound, Bloodhound, Bluetick Coonhound, Borzois, Cirnechi dell’Etna, Dachshund, English Foxhound, Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens, Greyhound, Harrier, Ibizan Hound, Icelandic Sheepdogs, Irish Wolfhound, Norwegian Elkhound, Otterhound, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, Pharaoh Hounds, Plotts, Portuguese Podengo, Redbone Coonhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, Treeing Walker Coonhound, Whippet