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 considerations
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.
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:
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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/
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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.