Sloughi
Quick Summary
Noble sighthound ideal for experienced owners seeking elegant, athletic companion. Requires secure space and understanding of independent nature. Best for active households.
Contents
Weight Range
35-50 lbs
♂ Male: 35-50 lbs
♀ Female: 35-50 lbs
Height Range
61-74 inches
♂ Male: 26-29"
♀ Female: 26-29"
Life Expectancy
10-15 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #52
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Hound Group
Originally bred for Desert hunters of North Africa, dating back several millennia, these swift sighthounds excelled at pursuing game like hares and gazelles across vast sandy terrains
Popularity
#192
Less common breed
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 26"-29" |
| Female Height | 26"-29" |
| Male Weight | 35-50 lbs |
| Female Weight | 35-50 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 1/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include $2000-3000 for purebred puppy. Monthly expenses around $150 for quality food and basic care. Annual veterinary costs average $500-800, plus emergency fund recommended.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Dignified and reserved in nature, displaying moderate energy levels with bursts of athletic ability. Shows deep loyalty to family while maintaining an independent spirit. Generally quiet and clean, with strong hunting instincts.
Social Needs
Moderate social requirements with strong bonds to family members. Can be aloof with strangers and selective with other dogs. Tolerates alone time well when properly exercised and trained.
Breed Overview
Sloughi dogs embody elegance with their lean, muscular build and graceful movement. These noble sighthounds feature a smooth coat, long limbs, and expressive dark eyes that convey their characteristic dignified demeanor. Standing tall with a deep chest and refined bone structure, they possess the classic desert hound silhouette with their distinctive drooping ears and long, curved tail.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Elegant and graceful appearance
- ✓ Low grooming requirements
- ✓ Athletic and agile
- ✓ Loyal to family
- ✓ Quiet and clean
Cons
- ✗ Strong prey drive
- ✗ Independent nature
- ✗ Requires secure fencing
- ✗ Reserved with strangers
- ✗ Sensitive temperament
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Reserved, Graceful, Noble |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Independent |
| Grooming Needs | Weekly Brushing |
| Shedding | Infrequent |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 60-90 minutes of daily exercise including long walks and opportunities to run in secured areas. Activities should include sprinting sessions and agility training, maintaining a moderate to high intensity level suitable for their athletic nature.
Diet & Nutrition
Requires 2-3 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Special attention needed for lean protein content and weight maintenance. Prone to sensitivity, so consistent diet quality is essential.
Feed 2-3 cups premium dry food daily, split into two meals. Choose high-protein formulas suitable for sighthounds. Monitor weight closely as breed should maintain lean build. Fresh water always available.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Best suited for homes with secure, fenced yards. Thrives in spacious environments that allow for running. Adapts well to warm climates but needs indoor comfort and protection from extreme weather.
Requires access to secure, fenced area for exercise. Minimum yard space recommended is 1/4 acre. Adapts to indoor living when exercise needs are met. Fencing must be tall and secure due to jumping ability.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Ancient breed from North Africa, particularly Morocco's Atlas Mountains region. Valued by nomadic tribes for hunting and companionship, these dogs developed their distinctive athletic build and heat tolerance through centuries of desert living.
Historical Purpose
Desert hunters of North Africa, dating back several millennia, these swift sighthounds excelled at pursuing game like hares and gazelles across vast sandy terrains.
Fun Fact
Sloughis can reach speeds of up to 40 mph and were historically used to hunt gazelles in the Sahara.
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Requires secure fencing due to prey drive and speed. Sensitive to anesthesia and medications. Weekly grooming sufficient but regular exercise essential.