Sloughi: temperament, size, care and health

About the Sloughi

The Sloughi (pronounced SLOO-ghee) is a medium-large sighthound with a fine, smooth coat, a long head and a body that is lean without looking frail. Dogs stand between twenty-four and twenty-nine inches tall. The coat is short and tight, in shades from light sand to red fawn, sometimes with a dark mask or brindling, and the deep, almond-shaped eyes give a soft and thoughtful expression.

The breed comes from North Africa, notably Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, where Berber and Arab families kept the dog as a hunting partner and as a member of the household. It was traditionally used to course hare, fox and gazelle in open country. Compared with its desert relatives, the Sloughi has a slightly heavier frame and is known for its refined, dignified bearing and for the closeness it forms with its owner.

Temperament and family life

A Sloughi is quiet, sensitive and deeply attached to its family. Indoors it is calm and clean and spends much of its time lying nearby, and it is gentle with those it knows. It is reserved with strangers and can be slow to accept new people. It is rarely noisy, and it is not typically aggressive. Early and thorough socialization prevents shyness from becoming fearfulness.

It is usually a good companion for older, thoughtful children but is not a rowdy playmate, and it can be hurt by rough handling. With other dogs it is usually peaceable, though same-sex tension is possible. The prey drive is strong, and small animals that run will be chased; a Sloughi raised with a cat may accept it. The breed dislikes isolation and harsh voices.

Exercise and training

The Sloughi needs a daily walk and regular chances to run at full speed in a secure, high-fenced space. After exercise it rests happily. Never let it off leash in open ground, because it can reach great speed and has a hunter's focus. Lure coursing is well suited to the breed.

Training should be kind, patient and consistent. The dog is intelligent and learns fast, but it is sensitive and shuts down under pressure or harshness. Short sessions with food and praise work, and trust must be earned. Socialization to varied people, places and sounds should begin early. Recall cannot be fully relied upon. Provide a warm, soft bed.

Grooming and shedding

The coat requires almost no grooming. A weekly rub with a soft brush or a rubber mitt keeps it in good condition, and baths are needed only occasionally. Shedding is light and the hairs are fine.

The thin coat and low body fat mean the Sloughi needs a coat in cold and wet weather, and it needs a soft bed to protect against pressure sores. Nails should be trimmed, teeth brushed and ears checked occasionally.

Health

The Sloughi is generally a healthy and long-lived breed, although the population is small and the gene pool limited. Progressive retinal atrophy, a hereditary eye disease, occurs and can be tested for. Others are heart conditions, dental disease and skin that tears easily. As with other sighthounds, the low body fat means the dog can react unusually to some anesthetics. Breeders typically test eyes and may check hearts. What is written here about the Sloughi is general, and only a veterinarian can advise on an individual dog.

History

The breed is generally traced to the Maghreb in North Africa, where nomadic and settled peoples have kept the dogs for centuries and have prized them as hunters and family members. The American Kennel Club recognized the Sloughi in 2016.

Is the Sloughi right for you?

A Sloughi suits a calm adult household with a secure yard and an owner who values a quiet, devoted and reserved companion. It is a poor choice for a home with small pets that cannot be separated, for people who want a gregarious dog or for those who cannot offer gentle handling.

The Azawakh is a leaner, more guarded dog from the Sahel, and the Saluki is similar in build with a feathered coat. For an easier sighthound, look at the Whippet or the Greyhound.