Dog breed profile
Sloughi
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Sloughi is a tall, elegant sighthound originating from North Africa, particularly Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, where it was traditionally used to hunt hare, gazelle and other game. Most adults stand around 61 to 72 centimetres tall and weigh approximately 18 to 28 kilograms. The breed has a narrow head, deep chest, tucked abdomen, long legs and a short, smooth coat.
Common colours include sand, fawn, red or brindle, sometimes with a dark mask or black overlay. Sloughis are typically sensitive, dignified, independent and reserved with strangers. They often form deep but understated bonds with their families and may prefer calm, predictable households. Their hunting ancestry gives them exceptional speed, endurance and a strong visual prey drive. They may pursue cats, rabbits, birds or wildlife with little warning and can cover considerable distances rapidly. A functionally built Sloughi should show balance and comfortable movement rather than an exaggerated interpretation of the physical features for which the breed is known.
Sloughis are intelligent but may not respond with the eager obedience of breeds developed for close human direction. Harsh handling can cause fear, withdrawal or loss of trust. Indoors, properly exercised adults are often quiet and relaxed. This breed generally suits patient owners who can provide secure running space, gentle training, soft bedding and responsible management around smaller animals. The Sloughi's typical calm, gentle, independent qualities are most constructive when household rules are predictable and desirable behaviour receives regular reinforcement.
Appearance is only one part of deciding whether a Sloughi is a suitable long-term companion. People choosing a Sloughi should meet mature examples where possible, because adult energy, confidence and handling needs may be less obvious in an appealing puppy.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
The Sloughi requires daily walks and regular opportunities to sprint within a large, securely fenced area. Off-leash exercise should not occur near roads, livestock or wildlife because movement may trigger immediate pursuit. Fencing should be high and secure, as Sloughis can accelerate quickly and may jump or exploit weak points. Training should use positive reinforcement, gentle handling and short, varied sessions. Recall should be practised, but physical management remains essential. Build the Sloughi's weekly routine around several forms of movement rather than repeating one route, and include lower-intensity recovery after unusually demanding activity.
The short coat requires weekly brushing and occasional bathing. The breed has little body fat and may need warm clothing and padded bedding during cold or wet weather. Routine hygiene for the Sloughi includes regular tooth brushing, short nails and checking the ears for irritation.
Food should maintain a lean but healthy body condition, and unexplained weight loss should be investigated. Meals should be divided, and strenuous exercise avoided immediately before and after feeding because the breed is deep-chested.
Regular veterinary examinations should monitor heart health, eyes, thyroid function, joints and general mobility. Play with rough or heavily built dogs should be supervised to reduce injury risk. Secure management around cats, rabbits and other small animals is important. Owners should establish the Sloughi's normal appetite, breathing, movement, sleep and social behaviour so a persistent departure from that baseline can be investigated promptly. Care requirements for a senior Sloughi should be reviewed as mobility, senses and recovery change; shorter sessions, better footing and easier access can preserve independence without removing enrichment. Seek veterinary advice promptly if a Sloughi develops breathing difficulty, collapse, severe pain, repeated vomiting, inability to urinate, sudden weakness or a rapidly worsening change in behaviour.
Conditions linked to this breed
General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Pancreatitis
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