Sloughi
Complete Breed Guide
"I thought the cat was a toy... Honest!"
Quick Facts About Sloughis
Hound
35–50 lbs
24–29"
No
Overview
Sloughis are fast runners who love the chase. They were originally bred as hunting dogs in Africa and are clearly built for speed. Sloughis are independent but like being around people and are especially affectionate with their owners.
Sloughis were first bred by nomadic people in Africa to hunt, and they still love the thrill of the chase. They have tight skin and tend to look skinny, although they are actually very healthy. Sloughis are independent-minded, but they do crave human companionship and develop deep bonds with their families.
Temperament and Behavior
Sloughis were bred to run at high speeds on the wide open plains of Africa. They love to chase other animals and will bolt off if given the chance. Sloughis are affectionate toward their immediate families but are more wary of strangers and unfamiliar situations. It’s important to socialize these dogs from a young age to prevent them from becoming too shy.
Coat & Grooming
Sloughis have a short coat that is usually dark brown in color but occasionally shows up an amber color. They are average shedders and may be good dogs for those with mild dog allergies. Sloughis have a short, easy-care coat that only needs a weekly brushing to stay in good condition.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
Sloughis become very attached to their families and have a very difficult time adjusting to new situations. For this reason, you should only select this breed if you plan on keeping the dog for life. Sloughis can live in many different types of homes, as long as they aren’t forced to live out in the backyard. They can learn to get along with other animals if they are raised together but may always see your cats as something fun to chase, or worse, eat. Sloughis are independent, so they’re not the best companions for a child, but they do tend to get along well with children they are raised around.
Exercise & Activity
Sloughis were born to run. Given any opportunity, this breed will run off after anything that catches their attention, making it imperative to keep them on a leash unless they are in a safe, enclosed area. Sloughis are naturally gifted athletes when it comes to lure coursing, a doggie sport where dogs chase a mechanical lure. After a solid half hour or so of exercise every day, your Sloughi will be happy to hang out with you in your house and dream about the next time you take them out for a good romp.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
Sloughi FAQs
Common questions about the Sloughi breed, answered by our editorial team.
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