Sloughi

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Sloughi is a member of the sighthound family which originated in North Africa. Pronounced as 'SLOO-ghee' (i.e. with the stress on the 'sloo'), the dog is found in Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. The Sloughi is also known to be called as Slougui, Arabian Greyhound, Arabischer Windhund, Sloughi Moghrebi, Arabian Sighthound and Levrier Marocain.

This dog requires daily exercise as well as involved with the family's activities to keep them happy and well-balanced dogs. They should always be walked on a leash. They get along well with children and other animals if they were introduced at an early age. They should never to left unsupervised with unfamiliar animals as their chase instincts can instantly kick in. The dog is very easy to groom for their short coated hair. Keep them looking at its best by brushing them occasionally.

Color

The dog's coat colors can come in all shades of Light Sand (Cream) to Mahogany Red Fawn. It can be with or without brindle or with or without Black markings like Black mask, Black ears, dark overlay and Black mantle without invasive White markings. White markings small to medium on the dog's chest or toes are allowed along with White anywhere on the body caused by scars or aging.

Coat

The Sloughi's coat is always smooth. It is short, fine and tight all over the body. Having short coats, these dogs are usually presented in shows in natural condition. Otherwise, any other coat characteristics besides short, tight and smooth and/or any feathering are unacceptable.

Personality

These dogs are affectionate, sensitive, dignified, gentle, loving and proud. They can sometimes be aloof due to its aristocratic carriage, detached demeanor and dignified expression. These dogs are very affectionate to their humans. If they are socialized early with children and other house pets, they can get along with them.

Care

The dog's coat is short without an undercoat. They don't have that distinct doggy odor unless the dog is wet. When the fur dries, dirt and mud falls off on its own. As a desert hound, these dogs need protection during the cold and wet climates. Grooming should be fairly easy. Use a rubber brush or grooming glove to pick up dead hairs from the dog's body. They are average shedders. These dogs are generally healthy but they can be prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Given proper nutrition, sufficient exercise and regular visits to the veterinarian, this dog should live up to about 10-15 years on the average.

Training

Training of the Sloughi, like other Sighthounds, should be done with positive reinforcement, gentleness, firmness and consistency as these dogs can be difficult to train. The dog should be trained by an experience trainer to be able to earn the trust and respect of the dog. Early socialization and obedience training will benefit both the dog and owner.

Activity

These dogs enjoy running daily especially young dogs. As highly energized dogs, they are wonderful jogging partners to satisfy their daily walks or runs. They love it when they can go off leash; however, it should only be done in a securely fenced yard as their hunting instincts could kick in anytime. Although a normal fence can not stop a Sloughi when chasing their prey. Lots of these dogs are recorded involved in traffic accidents each year but if allow to go off leash 3-4 times a week will most likely spend their time resting when indoors. These dogs can become attached to their humans that they do not like being separated from them. This can be an advantage when they are allowed to go off leash, they can chase their prey but they will always return to their owners. They are calm and quiet when indoors. They would prefer a nice comfortable area to sleep on and call their own safe place.