Sloughi Breed Guide
The Sloughi, often called the “Arabian Greyhound,” is an elegant, athletic, and loyal sighthound that hails from North Africa. Renowned for its grace and speed, the Sloughi has been a trusted companion of nomadic tribes for centuries, excelling in hunting and guarding. Despite their independent spirit, these sensitive and affectionate dogs form strong bonds with their families and thrive in a calm, loving home.
The Basics
- Category: Hound
- Size: Medium to large
- Exercise Needs: 1-2 hours per day
- Grooming: Minimal (occasional brushing)
- Coat Length: Short and smooth
- Shedding: Low to moderate
- Lifespan: 10–14 years
A Brief History: The Sighthound of the Sahara
The Sloughi’s origins trace back thousands of years to North Africa, particularly Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya. This ancient breed was cherished by Berber tribes for its hunting prowess, speed, and endurance, often chasing game like gazelles, hares, and foxes.
Highly valued by their owners, Sloughis were treated with great respect, often sleeping inside tents and sharing in the family’s daily life. Today, they remain a symbol of cultural heritage in their native regions and are increasingly recognised as graceful and devoted companions worldwide.
Personality: Sensitive, Loyal, and Independent
Sloughis are gentle and affectionate with their families, forming deep bonds with those they trust. While they’re reserved and sometimes aloof with strangers, they’re not aggressive, reflecting their calm and composed nature.
As a sighthound, the Sloughi has a strong prey drive and a love for chasing, so secure spaces and leashed walks are essential. They’re intelligent but independent thinkers, meaning training should be positive, patient, and consistent.
Exercise: Built for Speed and Endurance
Sloughis are active dogs that need regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Aim for 1-2 hours of activity daily, including long walks, runs, or playtime in a securely fenced area.
Given their sighthound heritage, they excel in activities like lure coursing or agility, which tap into their natural instincts. Despite their athleticism, Sloughis also enjoy lounging at home and can be surprisingly low-energy indoors after exercise.
Grooming: Simple and Easy to Manage
The Sloughi’s short, smooth coat is low-maintenance, requiring only occasional brushing to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny. Baths are rarely needed unless they’ve rolled in something unpleasant.
Their ears should be checked and cleaned regularly, and their nails trimmed as needed. As with all breeds, routine dental care is essential to keep their teeth and gums healthy.
Health: Supporting Your Sloughi
Sloughis are generally a healthy and robust breed, but they can be prone to a few health concerns:
- Hip dysplasia: A condition affecting mobility in some larger breeds.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A genetic eye condition that can lead to vision loss.
- Sensitivity to anaesthesia: Common in sighthounds due to their lean bodies.
Routine vet visits, a balanced diet, and regular exercise will help ensure your Sloughi remains in excellent health.
Fun Facts About Sloughis
- Ancient Art: Sloughis are often depicted in ancient North African rock art, showcasing their long history.
- Quiet Companions: Unlike many breeds, Sloughis are generally quiet and rarely bark, adding to their serene presence.
- Sighthound Speed: These graceful runners are capable of reaching impressive speeds, rivalling other sighthounds like Greyhounds.
Living with a Sloughi: Calm, Elegant, and Loyal
Life with a Sloughi is both rewarding and peaceful. These pooches thrive in calm and loving environments where they can form close bonds with their families. While they’re affectionate, they also appreciate their personal space, making them well-suited to homes that respect their independent streak.
Sloughis are adaptable and can live in apartments or larger homes, provided they get sufficient exercise. Early socialisation and consistent training will help them grow into confident and well-mannered companions.
Best Food for Sloughis
As a sighthound originally bred for hunting in North Africa, Sloughis require a nutritious, well-balanced diet to support their lean muscle mass, joint health, and overall vitality. They can also be notoriously fussy eaters, making palatability just as important as nutrition. That’s where Scrumbles comes in! Our recipes are packed with high-quality and easily-digestible protein, making them not only lip-licking but supporting their long, active limbs too. Every recipe also focuses on gut health for sensitive stomachs, with added pre, pro, and postbiotics. AKA hello pretty poops!
All our recipes are suitable for all breeds and lifestages from 8 weeks, so you can take your pick from the bunch. To start you off, here are a few top picks:
- Scrumbles Salmon Dry Food: A nutritious option for active Sloughis with a larger kibble size suited to medium and large breeds.
- Scrumbles Gnashers Dental Treats: Ideal for maintaining strong, healthy teeth, containing an active ingredient which has been shown to reduce plaque by 80%.
- Scrumbles Salmon Chonks Treats: A tasty treat packed with 78% Salmon while also supporting their sensitive stomachs.
Is the Sloughi Right for You?
The Sloughi might be your perfect match if:
- You’re looking for an elegant, loyal, and calm companion.
- You lead an active lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities.
- You’re ready to provide consistent training and regular exercise.
They might not be the best fit if:
- You prefer a highly social or overly clingy breed.
- You’re not prepared to manage their high prey drive.
- You don’t have access to secure spaces for exercise and running.
In conclusion, the Sloughi is an elegant and noble breed, known for its loyalty, intelligence, and speed. While they form deep bonds with their families, they retain a strong independent streak and require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training to stay well-balanced. If you’re ready to provide them with the exercise, care, and companionship they need, a Sloughi will reward you with unwavering devotion, quiet affection, and an adventurous spirit.
