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Discover everything about Sloughi
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Sloughi?
At a glance
Sloughi overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
Progressive retinal atrophy (rcd1a-PRA) is the only significant hereditary disease in the Sloughi, but it is exceptionally well-controlled through targeted genetic testing within the breeding association. Since typical large-breed issues like hip dysplasia (HD) are rarely a concern for this athletic sighthound, the breed is considered extremely robust and long-lived. When purchasing a puppy, buyers should primarily ensure that the parents have a clear rcd1a status.
Lifespan
10–15 yrs
Height
61–72 cm
Weight
15–28 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, fine, without undercoat
- Origin: Morocco
Typical coat colors
- Sand colored to reddish brown
- often with a black mask
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Sloughi, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Sloughi right for you?
The Sloughi is an elegant, sensitive, and aloof sighthound—bred by North African nomads to hunt game over long distances in a sprint and to guard the campsite. His bond with you is deep, yet he remains incorruptibly reserved toward strangers.
Perfect for you if:
- You have access to securely fenced areas where he can live out his explosive sprints—as a sighthound, he needs this space without endangering wildlife.
- You lead with quiet, confident consistency and avoid loud commands or pressure, as this sensitive breed will immediately shut down if treated harshly.
- You appreciate a calm, almost cat-like companion in the house who seeks close physical contact with his family but has no interest in constant visitors.
- You understand independent hunters and do not expect blind obedience on the training field.
Less ideal if:
- You expect him to remain reliably recallable at the sight of a fleeing hare—a sighthound is genetically programmed to trigger on movement stimuli in milliseconds and hunt independently.
- You want an 'everybody's darling' who lets everyone pet them at a café and plays boisterously with strange dogs at the dog park.
- You live in the middle of a loud, overstimulating city without quick access to quiet, expansive nature.
The real vibes check
Outside, the Sloughi is an arrow-fast hunter whose gaze constantly scans the horizon—inside, he transforms into a heat-loving cat that burrows deep into your sofa cushions. You aren't getting a dog that wants to please you at any cost, but a proud, independent desert dweller whose loyalty you must earn through pure respect.
Breed Profile
The Sloughi, often referred to as the Arabian Greyhound, is an elegant and majestic breed that turns heads. He belongs to FCI Group 10, the greyhounds. Its slender lines, deep chest and muscular hind legs give it a lofty appearance that speaks of grace and strength. With his dark, almond-shaped eyes and large, high-set ears, he radiates a mysterious aura. There is no distinction between performance and show lines in the Sloughi, as the breed has traditionally been bred for function rather than appearance.
- Height
- 61 - 68 cm (Female), 66 - 72 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 15 - 23 kg (Female), 20 - 28 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 10 - 15 years
- Character
- Graceful, reserved, loyal
- Coat
- Short, fine, without undercoat
- Coat Color
- Sand colored to reddish brown, often with a black mask
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
History
The Sloughi has its roots in North Africa and has been valued as a hunting dog for centuries in countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. It was traditionally kept by nomads and Bedouins who used it to hunt gazelles, hares and other fast prey. The Sloughi is so intertwined with the culture of North Africa that it is often seen as a symbol of pride and independence. The breed is believed to have existed since at least the 8th century, but some historians believe the Sloughi is even older and may have existed as early as the time of ancient Egyptian civilization. The Sloughi was recognized as a separate breed by the F"d"ration Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1935. In the 1970s, the Sloughi found its way to Europe and the USA, where it slowly but steadily gained popularity.
Original Use
The Sloughi was used as a hunting dog for hunting gazelles and other wild animals in the deserts of North Africa.
Origin
Morocco
Date
Antike
Character & Temperament
The Sloughi is a dog that will enchant you with its calm and dignified nature. If you are looking for a loyal companion who values your company but also needs his own space, the Sloughi could be the perfect dog for you. Its roots as a hunting dog in the deserts of North Africa have given it a high degree of independence. The Sloughi is usually reserved around strangers and needs time to build trust. However, that doesn't mean it's not people-oriented. On the contrary, Sloughis are very loyal to their owners and form deep bonds. The Sloughi is not known to be a boisterous or overly playful dog, but he does enjoy moderate activity and mental stimulation. Because of his hunting instincts, it is important to give him enough exercise, preferably in a safe, fenced area. His passion for hunting can cause him to prey on small animals, so it's important to take this into account if you already have other pets or live in an area where there is a lot of wildlife. Although the Sloughi loves to learn, his independent nature sometimes makes him difficult to train. It's important to be patient and use positive reinforcement to get the best out of this beautiful breed. When it comes to being alone, the Sloughi doesn't typically show separation anxiety, but like all dogs, it's important to train this gradually and make sure he feels safe in his surroundings. If you are looking for a guard dog, you should know that although the Sloughi is alert, it is not one of the breeds that barks a lot. He will protect you through his presence and alertness rather than loud barking.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
A fun fact about the Sloughi is that it is often referred to as the "Arabian Greyhound" and is highly valued in the Arab world for its speed, grace and hunting skills.
What Awaits You
Sloughis are passionate hunters. They are rather suspicious of strangers. This passion for hunting is difficult or impossible to control by humans. Sloughis need lots of exercise and activity.
Housing & Care
The Sloughi is not necessarily suitable as a city dog. He needs lots of exercise and a safe space to run in. A house with a large garden would be ideal. Sloughis are generally gentle and can get along well with children, but it is always important to monitor interactions, especially with very young children. Sloughis can get along with other pets such as cats if they are raised together from an early age, but their hunting instinct can be a problem if they are not properly socialized.
- Family Friendly
Gets on well with different people and varying routines.
Family-friendly - Child Friendly
Fine with calm, respectful children — not small tornadoes.
Better with older children - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
Sloughis are intelligent and independent dogs that require patient and consistent training. They respond best to positive reinforcement. Because they were originally bred as hunting dogs, they have a strong hunting instinct and it is important to take this into account when training them. It might be wise to offer them alternatives such as tracking or coursing. Sloughis require regular exercise, but it is important not to overdo it as they can be prone to joint problems. Ball games should be moderate to reduce the risk of a "ball junkie." to avoid. It is also important to teach a Sloughi how to deal with frustration and develop impulse control. This can be achieved by teaching them to remain calm and wait for commands before taking an action.
Nutrition & Care
Sloughis require a balanced diet that helps them maintain their lean and muscular build. A diet based on high-quality proteins and containing the right amount of nutrients is ideal. In terms of care, the Sloughi is relatively easy to care for. He has short, fine fur without an undercoat. The coat sheds minimally, and an occasional brushing is enough to keep it clean and healthy. Because Sloughis have no undercoat, they are vulnerable to cold. In Germany it is advisable to put a coat on them in the colder months to keep them warm.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
A
Robust
Health grade
Progressive retinal atrophy (rcd1a-PRA) is the only significant hereditary disease in the Sloughi, but it is exceptionally well-controlled through targeted genetic testing within the breeding association. Since typical large-breed issues like hip dysplasia (HD) are rarely a concern for this athletic sighthound, the breed is considered extremely robust and long-lived. When purchasing a puppy, buyers should primarily ensure that the parents have a clear rcd1a status.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should inform your veterinarian about the sighthound-typical sensitivity to anesthesia and protect your dog from getting chilled in wet, cold winters due to their lack of undercoat.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the parents' eyes, heart, and thyroid checked and will provide you with detailed information about the specific medical needs of sighthounds.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Sloughi
Sabine M., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde, seit 2021)
Als wir uns für einen Sloughi entschieden haben, wussten wir, dass wir uns keinen typischen 'Will-to-Please'-Hund ins Haus holen. Im Alltag zeigt sich mein Rüde als unglaublich würdevoller, fast schon asketischer Begleiter. In der Wohnung ist er absolut sauber, ruhig und schläft gefühlt 20 Stunden am Tag – er verhält sich da fast wie eine Katze. Er sucht extrem unsere Nähe, ist anhänglich und verschmust, aber Fremden gegenüber bleibt er absolut distanziert und reserviert.
Die größte Herausforderung ist und bleibt jedoch sein enormer Jagdtrieb. Ein unbeschwertes Ableinen im Wald oder auf freien Feldern ist schlicht unmöglich, da er als Sichtjäger sofort auf jede Bewegung reagiert. Wir nutzen daher regelmäßig eingezäunte Ausläufe und bieten ihm die Möglichkeit zum Coursing, damit er seine Kraft und Ausdauer kontrolliert ausleben kann. Man muss sich bewusst sein, dass diese Rasse eine konsequente, aber extrem feinfühlige Führung braucht – mit Härte erreicht man bei seiner sensiblen Natur gar nichts.
Dorit K., Halterin aus Bayern (Hündin, seit 2018)
Ich habe meine Hündin damals vom Züchter übernommen und die erste Zeit war eine echte Geduldsprobe. Als Welpe und Junghund hatte sie extreme Probleme mit der Stubenreinheit und schien anfangs überhaupt nicht zu begreifen, was wir von ihr wollten. Sie hat sich regelrecht versteckt, um im Haus ihr Geschäft zu verrichten, obwohl wir nie geschimpft, sondern draußen überschwänglich gelobt haben. Windhunde sind in ihrer Entwicklung manchmal sehr speziell und reagieren extrem sensibel auf Stress oder Veränderungen im Tagesablauf.
Was man bei dieser Rasse auch unbedingt auf dem Schirm haben muss, ist die Gesundheit. Wir mussten uns früh mit dem Thema Erbkrankheiten auseinandersetzen und haben gezielt darauf geachtet, dass die Elterntiere auf Progressive Retinaatrophie (PRA) getestet wurden. Zudem reagiert meine Hündin sehr empfindlich auf Futter und wir mussten wegen Allergien lange nach der richtigen Ernährung suchen. Wer sich einen Sloughi anschafft, sollte also unbedingt auf eine verantwortungsvolle Zucht und eine feinfühlige Aufzucht achten.
Nobby W., Halter aus Nordrhein-Westfalen (Rüde, seit 2015)
Als erfahrener Windhundhalter fasziniert mich der Sloughi durch seine ganz besondere, fast melancholische Aura. Er ist im Haus ein absolut angenehmer, sauberer Mitbewohner, der eine extrem enge Bindung zu seiner Familie aufbaut. Man darf ihn allerdings nicht mit anderen Rassen vergleichen. Er hat eine enorme Eigenständigkeit und einen ausgeprägten Jagdtrieb, weshalb ein verlässlicher Rückruf im Freilauf harte Arbeit ist und oft gar nicht hundertprozentig funktioniert.
Eine unterschätzte Herausforderung im Alltag ist auch die Ignoranz der Umwelt. Da der Sloughi sehr schlank und hochbeinig ist, wird man draußen oft schief angeschaut oder mit Vorurteilen konfrontiert – manche Leute verwechseln ihn sogar mit ganz anderen Rassen wie Dobermännern oder vermuten fälschlicherweise Krankheiten hinter der athletischen Statur. Wer sich für diese wunderbare, ursprüngliche Rasse entscheidet, muss also nicht nur dem Hund gerecht werden, sondern auch ein dickes Fell gegenüber den Kommentaren anderer Spaziergänger mitbringen.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Sloughi
Is a Sloughi the right dog for me?
The Sloughi is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Sloughi live?
The average life expectancy of a Sloughi is 10-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Sloughi need?
Sloughi grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Sloughi good for families with children?
The Sloughi can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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