DogMatchUp

Russell Terrier vs Sloughi

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Russell Terrier
Toy

Russell Terrier

Terrier Group

Sloughi
Medium

Sloughi

Hound Group

Quick Comparison

Size

Russell Terrier Toy
Sloughi Medium

Lifespan

Russell Terrier 12-14 years
Sloughi 10-15 years

Exercise Needs

Russell Terrier 5/5
Sloughi 3/5

Grooming Needs

Russell Terrier 3/5
Sloughi 3/5

Breed Overview

Russell Terrier Overview

Russell Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive V-shaped ears and alert expressions. Their strong, flexible bodies feature a balanced proportion between height and length. The predominantly white coat may have tan or black markings, remaining harsh and weather-resistant. These agile terriers move with purpose and precision, displaying the athletic build essential for their historical hunting abilities.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Size: Toy
Temperament: Alert, Inquisitive, Lively

Sloughi 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.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Reserved, Graceful, Noble

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: Russell Terriers are more energetic than Sloughis, requiring more daily exercise.
  • Grooming: Russell Terriers require less grooming attention compared to Sloughis.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Russell Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Sloughis.
  • Trainability: Russell Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Russell Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Sloughis adapt better to apartment living, while Russell Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Russell Terrier and Sloughi, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature Russell Terrier Sloughi
Size Toy Medium
Life Expectancy 12-14 years 10-15 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Terrier Group Hound Group

Physical Characteristics

Feature Russell Terrier Sloughi
Height
10-12 inches
25-30 cm
24-29 inches
61-74 cm
Weight
9-15 lbs
4-7 kg
35-50 lbs
16-23 kg
Coat Type Medium coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Medium Short
Shedding Occasional Infrequent

Temperament & Behavior

Feature Russell Terrier Sloughi
Temperament Alert, Inquisitive, Lively Reserved, Graceful, Noble
Energy Level
5/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
2/5

Compatibility

Feature Russell Terrier Sloughi
Good with Children
3/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
3/5
3/5
Apartment Friendly
3/5
3/5

Temperament & Personality

Russell Terrier Temperament

Alert Inquisitive Lively

The Russell Terrier is known for being alert, inquisitive, lively, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

Sloughi Temperament

Reserved Graceful Noble

The Sloughi is characterized by being reserved, graceful, noble, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.

Temperament Comparison

When comparing the Russell Terrier and Sloughi, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

Russell Terrier
3/5
Sloughi
2/5

Good with Children

Russell Terrier
3/5
Sloughi
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Russell Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

Sloughi

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

Russell Terrier

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

Sloughi

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

ENERGY LEVEL

Russell Terrier

Low High

Rating: 5/5

Sloughi

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

Russell Terrier

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 3/5

Sloughi

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

GROOMING NEEDS

Russell Terrier

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Sloughi

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Care & Maintenance

Russell Terrier Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

5/5

Russell Terriers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.

Grooming Requirements

3/5

With their medium coat coat, Russell Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.

Sloughi Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Sloughis need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.

Grooming Requirements

3/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Sloughis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.

Health & Lifespan

Russell Terrier Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 12-14 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Patellar Luxation
  • Lens Luxation
  • Deafness
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Glaucoma

Sloughi Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 10-15 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Cardiac Issues
  • Bloat
  • Sensitivity

Pros & Cons

Russell Terrier

Pros

  • Highly energetic and playful
  • Compact size suits various homes
  • Intelligent and trainable
  • Low grooming requirements

Cons

  • High exercise needs
  • Strong prey drive
  • Can be stubborn
  • May be vocal

Sloughi

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

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the Russell Terrier and Sloughi, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.