Sloughi
A lean, elegant North African sighthound, the Arabian or Berber greyhound. Deeply bonded but reserved and sensitive, with a powerful chase instinct and a quiet, dignified manner.
Sloughi scorecard
Overview
The Sloughi is a lean, elegant North African sighthound, sometimes called the Arabian or Berber greyhound, traditionally kept by the peoples of Morocco and the wider Maghreb for hunting by sight across open country. Standing a tall 61–72 cm and weighing a deceptively light 16–28 kg, it is a refined, racy dog of smooth lines, with a fine short coat, a long elegant head and the deep chest and tucked-up loin of a true coursing hound. It is recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale and can be registered with the UK Kennel Club on its imported breed register, though it remains very rare in Britain.
The Sloughi is a quiet, clean and dignified dog that bonds deeply with its family while remaining reserved and sensitive with strangers. Calm and devoted indoors, it is at the same time a powerful, fast hound with a strong chase instinct, so it must be exercised safely. Its low grooming needs and gentle home manner appeal to many, but its aloofness and prey drive mean it suits an owner who understands and respects the sighthound character.
Good to know — a Sloughi needs plenty of space and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Sloughi is an ancient sighthound long associated with North Africa, where for centuries it was prized by Berber and Arab peoples for hunting game such as hare, gazelle and other quarry across desert and open terrain. Bred for speed, endurance and keen eyesight, it was regarded as a valued companion as well as a working hound, held in particular esteem within its traditional cultures.
The breed was recognised internationally by the FCI as a distinct sighthound, separate from other Mediterranean and Middle Eastern types. It remains relatively uncommon worldwide and is genuinely rare in the United Kingdom, where it is kept by a small number of sighthound enthusiasts and seldom seen by the general public.
Temperament & family fit
At home the Sloughi is calm, gentle and devoted, forming a deep, quiet bond with its family and often choosing to be close to its people without being demonstrative or boisterous. It is typically a clean, undemanding housemate with a soft, sensitive nature, and it tends to bark very little, making it a notably quiet breed indoors.
With strangers it is characteristically reserved and aloof rather than openly friendly, and it can be shy or wary without good early socialisation. As a true sighthound it carries a strong prey drive and an instinct to chase moving things at speed, which can override its usual gentleness outdoors. Its sensitivity means it does not cope well with harsh treatment or chaotic, high-pressure environments.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Sloughis are intelligent and capable but independent and highly sensitive, so training must be gentle, patient and reward-based; harsh corrections damage trust and are counterproductive with such a soft breed. Building a calm, positive relationship and using motivation rather than pressure brings out the best in them, and early, careful socialisation helps to ease their natural reserve with people and unfamiliar situations.
The defining management challenge is the chase instinct. Recall can be unreliable when prey is in sight, and a Sloughi at full stretch is extremely fast, so off-lead exercise should be limited to large, securely fenced areas where it cannot run into roads or after wildlife. A long-line and well-fenced spaces allow it to enjoy freedom safely while respecting an instinct that cannot be trained away.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Sloughi typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Grooming could hardly be simpler. The Sloughi's fine, short, smooth coat sheds little and needs only an occasional wipe-over or light brush to keep it gleaming, with baths required only rarely. Routine care — nail trimming, dental hygiene and ear checks — completes its modest grooming needs, making it one of the lowest-maintenance breeds in this respect.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Sloughi
Feed a complete, quality diet appropriate to the dog's age and activity, bearing in mind that a fit, healthy Sloughi is naturally lean, with ribs lightly visible — this slim, racy condition is correct and should not be mistaken for being underweight. Adjust portions to maintain that athletic build and avoid overfeeding. As a deep-chested breed, measured meals and avoiding strenuous exercise close to mealtimes are sensible precautions.
A large breed
An adult Sloughi typically weighs 16–28 kg, so a healthy Sloughi eats a fair amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A large breed is usually done growing at 15–18 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 12–15 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Sloughis sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through an hour and a half of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
Joint support is worth looking for
Their size and frame put more load through the joints than a smaller dog carries, so a food with joint support on the label is worth reading for — and keeping them lean does more for their joints than any supplement.
Weight matters more than usual here
A long back or a heavy frame makes every extra kilo count twice. Weigh portions rather than eyeballing a scoop, and reduce the food rather than the walks if the waist starts to disappear.
How much should a Sloughi weigh?
Adult 16–28 kgfully grown at 15–18 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 1.8–3.2 kg | 11% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 3–5.2 kg | 19% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 5.9–10.4 kg | 37% |
| 12 months | Adolescent | 11.9–20.8 kg | 74% |
| 15–18 months | Fully grown | 16–28 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a large breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Sloughi
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Sloughi's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Field & Trial Skinner S Field Trial Light Senior
A lower-fat dry food for older, overweight or less active dogs, including working breeds
From£9.85
Autarky Complete Grain Free Adult Turkey
Grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, with turkey and a marine-algae joint care package
£12.79
Autarky Grain Free Tasty White Fish & Potato Complete
Grain-free dry dog food built around white fish meal rather than poultry
£12.99
Lily's Kitchen Lily S Kitchen Dog Lovely Lamb
Complete lamb-led dry dog food offered in two practical bag sizes
From£25.15
Burns Adult Large/Giant Breed Chicken and Brown Rice
Complete large-breed dry dog food with 23% chicken and brown rice
£59.99
Burgess Greyhound and Lurcher Chicken
Complete adult dry food formulated for the specific build of greyhounds and lurchers
£35.35
Naturo Senior Rice Poultry Variety 6pk
Six 400g trays across three recipes for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin
£10.29
Naturo Senior Dog Turkey with Rice and Vegetables 7pk
Turkey at 65% in a senior wet tray, with brown rice, vegetables and added joint support
£11.99
Vitalin Adult Dog Pork with Apple
Complete dry food for adult dogs of any age, led by pork, with citrus extract for dental support
From£11.99
Sloughi health & costs
Before bringing a Sloughi home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Sloughi is generally a healthy, hardy sighthound of natural, functional build, with a typical lifespan of around 12–15 years. Like other sighthounds it has a lean physique, low body fat and a distinctive physiology, which means it can be unusually sensitive to certain anaesthetics and medications — owners should ensure their vet is aware that sighthound-specific protocols may be appropriate. Because the breed is rare, formal UK health data is limited.
Responsible breeders may screen for conditions known in sighthounds, and prospective owners should ask about the health of the parents. Day to day, protecting this thin-coated dog from cold, maintaining a correct lean weight, keeping up dental and parasite care and attending regular veterinary checks support a long, healthy life. As a deep-chested breed, awareness of the signs of bloat is also worthwhile.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Anaesthetic and drug sensitivity — like other sighthounds, the Sloughi's lean build and low body fat can affect how it processes certain anaesthetics and drugs, so sighthound-aware veterinary care is advised.
- Progressive retinal atrophy and other eye disorders — inherited eye conditions are worth discussing with breeders.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) — a life-threatening emergency in deep-chested dogs; owners should learn the signs and feed measured meals.
- Sensitivity to cold — the fine coat and low body fat mean the breed feels cold easily and may need a coat in winter.
- Exercise and chase-related injury — the breed's speed and prey drive mean cuts, strains and trauma can occur if it is not exercised in safe, secure areas.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Sloughi; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Sloughi puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Sloughi
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Quiet, clean and very low grooming
- Calm and devoted indoors
Things to consider
- Strong prey drive, must be exercised safely
- Sensitive and aloof with strangers
Compare the Sloughi
See how the Sloughi measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
More breeds like the Sloughi
Same breed group
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Whippet
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Greyhound
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Similar temperament
Bull Terrier
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Basenji
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Saluki
An ancient, graceful sighthound — gentle and quiet at home, but with an enormous prey drive and a will of its own.
Kazakh Tazy
A Central Asian sighthound bred to course hare, fox and gazelle across the steppe. Affectionate with family but independent and aloof, with a powerful prey drive and need to run.
Similar size, different type
Labrador Retriever
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German Shepherd
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Boxer
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Sloughi and a Saluki?
Both are ancient Middle Eastern and North African sighthounds, but they are distinct breeds. The Sloughi is a smooth, short-coated hound from Morocco and the wider Maghreb, sometimes called the Arabian or Berber greyhound. The Saluki, by contrast, often carries feathering on its ears, tail and legs. The Sloughi has a fine, close coat throughout and a notably racy, lean outline.
How big does a Sloughi get?
The Sloughi is a tall, lean sighthound standing around 61–72 cm at the shoulder, yet it is deceptively light at roughly 16–28 kg. Its refined, racy build, deep chest and tucked-up loin are typical of a true coursing hound. A fit Sloughi is naturally slim, with ribs lightly visible, which is correct condition and should not be mistaken for being underweight.
Are Sloughis good apartment dogs and are they quiet indoors?
Indoors the Sloughi is calm, clean and dignified, and it tends to bark very little, making it a notably quiet housemate. However, it is an athletic coursing hound that needs daily walks plus the chance to gallop in a safe, enclosed space, so it suits a settled home with access to secure running areas rather than a busy, confined flat alone.
Do Sloughis get along with cats and small pets?
Generally no. As a true sighthound the Sloughi carries a strong prey drive and an instinct to chase moving things at speed, which can override its usual gentleness. This makes it a poor match for homes with rabbits, cats or other small pets. Careful socialisation helps, but the chase instinct cannot be trained away, so secure management is essential.
How much grooming does a Sloughi need?
Very little. The Sloughi's fine, short, smooth coat sheds lightly and needs only an occasional wipe-over or light brush to keep it gleaming, with baths required only rarely. Routine care such as nail trimming, dental hygiene and ear checks completes its modest needs, making it one of the lowest-maintenance breeds for coat care.
What is the typical lifespan of a Sloughi?
The Sloughi is generally a healthy, hardy sighthound of natural, functional build, with a typical lifespan of around 12–15 years. Because the breed is rare, formal UK health data is limited, so prospective owners should ask breeders about the health of the parents and choose dogs from carefully managed lines.
Are there any special health considerations with Sloughis?
Like other sighthounds, the Sloughi has a lean physique, low body fat and a distinctive physiology that can make it unusually sensitive to certain anaesthetics and medications, so make sure your vet knows sighthound-specific protocols may apply. As a deep-chested breed, awareness of bloat is also worthwhile. Protecting this thin-coated dog from cold and keeping it at a correct lean weight support a long life.
Does a Sloughi need a coat in winter?
It often helps. The Sloughi's fine coat and lean frame offer little insulation against cold, wet British weather, so a dog coat can be welcome on chilly outings. Care should be taken in winter conditions, and a warm, settled home environment suits this thin-coated hound best.
Are Sloughis good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Sloughis tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Sloughi need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Sloughi needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Sloughis shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Sloughis easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Sloughis are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Sloughis bark a lot?
Very quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Sloughis good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Sloughis suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Sloughi really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Breed information and finding a breed: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/
- Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) — Breed nomenclature and standards: https://www.fci.be/en/Nomenclature/
- PDSA — Choosing the right dog and dog wellbeing advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/
- Blue Cross — Dog care and behaviour advice: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/
Recommended for your Sloughi
Matched to a Sloughi's size and their typical need for enrichment & mental stimulation, no-pull walking kit, a cosy bed.
Plaid Fleece-Lined Dog Harness & Lead Set
A cosy fleece-lined checked dog harness with a matching lead and a little treat pouch.
£9.99
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls
Hollings Choice Cuts Pure Beef Curls: 100g bag, with declared composition and analysis
£3.49
Reflective Two-Tone Dog Harness and Lead Set
A bright two-tone step-in dog harness with a matching lead. Adjustable straps and quick-release buckles give a snug fit, while reflective trim keeps your dog visible on darker walks.
£7.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
Plush Snuffle Foraging Mat
A roll-up plush snuffle mat with cute animal designs. Hide treats in the folds and let your pet sniff and forage to find them - a rewarding enrichment game that beats boredom and slows feeding.
£13.99
Plush Bee Cat Harness and Lead Set
A soft plush cat harness with a 3D bee charm and a matching lead, adjustable at neck and chest, made for kittens, cats and very small dogs on gentle outings.
£7.99
Knitted Strawberry Neck Warmer Scarf Collar
A soft knitted neck-warmer with a ruffled trim, gingham bow and a sweet strawberry motif. Slips comfortably around a small dog's or cat's neck to keep them cosy and looking charming on cooler days.
£7.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.