Sloughi at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 20–27 kg
- Life expectancy
- up to 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog. Not assessed yet: Typical adult height, Barking.
Is the Sloughi right for you?
Like every breed, the Sloughi is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
- You have, or would like, another dog.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
How would the Sloughi fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Sloughi
The Sloughi is a smooth-coated, light-framed sighthound with a noble, dignified bearing. It is elegant and racy, yet strong and muscular, and clearly built to run. Typically aloof with strangers, it is loving, affectionate and even a little silly with its own family.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
Moderate
Sheds a moderate amount, varying by dog and season.
- Trainability
Independent
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Strong chase instinct
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
- Suits first-time owners
Experienced owners
Best with an experienced owner.
- Barking / vocality
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
The breed comes from the North African countries bordering the Mediterranean: Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and Libya. Desert dogs were lighter in frame than those used in the mountains. Revered by Bedouin tribesmen, Sloughis were used for coursing hare and larger game such as gazelle and wild pigs, and were prized for their speed and endurance.
The breed probably reached Europe after the French occupation of Algeria, becoming known first in the Netherlands and France. It was recognised by the UK Kennel Club in 1972 and is still rare. Although it looks rather like a Saluki, it is more closely related to the Azawakh.
Sloughi temperament
Sloughis are sensitive dogs, though they should not be nervous. They are intelligent and quick witted, and when raised carefully they make devoted companions.
They tend to be reserved with strangers. They are not a guarding breed, but they will make it clear if they distrust an unwelcome visitor. They usually get on well with other dogs. As hunting dogs that use scent as well as sight, they have a strong instinct to chase small animals.
Size and appearance
The Sloughi is a large breed with a very slim body. It carries no natural fat under the skin, a cooling adaptation to desert conditions. Adults typically weigh around 20–27 kg.
The coat is short and smooth. Breed standard colours are sand and brindle, with or without a black mask, and black mantle with sand or brindle points.
How much exercise does a Sloughi need?
Adult Sloughis need at least two hours of exercise a day, including free running in a secure space. They are endurance runners rather than sprinters, so a couple of short strolls will not be enough.
They suit country or rural suburban homes rather than city flats. A large, well-fenced garden is important, along with access to safe, enclosed places away from livestock where they can run off the lead.
Training a Sloughi
Sloughis can be trained, but they do not enjoy training for its own sake, and motivating them takes real effort. A patient, relaxed owner with realistic expectations usually does best.
- Use patience, persistence and high-value food rewards.
- Use furry toys on ropes to give them an outlet for chasing.
- Start early, hard work on recall.
- Socialise them young with livestock and cats, but do not trust them with unknown cats or small furry animals.
Sloughi grooming
The short coat is easy to care for, and a weekly groom with a rubber grooming mitt is usually enough. Sloughis are clean dogs that dislike being dirty and will wash themselves like a cat. Their fine skin can tear easily, so a quick daily check of the legs and body for cuts and grazes is sensible.
Living with a Sloughi
For a family that understands sighthounds and sensitive dogs, the Sloughi can make an excellent pet. They are tall, bouncy and slow to mature, so families with young children should think carefully. Homes with older children and teenagers who respect a dog's space may find them a loyal companion. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Best with an experienced owner.
Sloughi health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The Sloughi is generally a healthy, robust breed. The Royal Kennel Club recommends that breeders prioritise genetic diversity.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited disorder in which part of the eye gradually wastes away, which can lead to blindness.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Sloughi home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Sloughi cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Sloughi home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically up to 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Sloughi
If you have decided the Sloughi suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Sloughi
Sloughis do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Sloughis looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no Sloughi adverts at the moment.
Find Sloughi adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
Similar breeds you may want to consider
Rhodesian Ridgeback
Loyal, gentle, clever, protective, athletic, courageous and stubborn.
View breed guide
Sloughi FAQs
Is the Sloughi good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Sloughi live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Sloughi need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Sloughi shed?
Moderate shedding.
How much grooming does the Sloughi need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Sloughi easy to train?
Can be independent-minded; patient training helps. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Sloughi be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Is the Sloughi good with cats?
Often has a strong instinct to chase small animals. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Sloughi live?
Typically up to 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Sloughi get?
Adults typically weigh 20–27 kg.