Sloughi
The Good
- Low maintenance grooming requirements
- Generally healthy breed with few genetic issues
- Quiet and well-mannered house companions
- Excellent running and exercise partners
- Loyal and devoted to their families
The Real
- Strong prey drive requires careful management
- Can be aloof and reserved with strangers
- Needs significant daily exercise and space to run
- May not suit first-time dog owners
- Sensitive to harsh training methods
Gallery
Breed Overview
Meet the Sloughi (pronounced SLOO-ghee), often called the "Arabian Greyhound" - a breed that's like having a piece of ancient North African desert elegance in your Australian home. These magnificent sighthounds are built like four-legged athletes, with the grace of a dancer and the speed of a cheetah when they get going.
What strikes you first about a Sloughi is their almost regal bearing. They carry themselves with a quiet dignity that's quite different from your typical bouncy Labrador. Their coat comes in beautiful shades ranging from light sand to rich mahogany red-fawn, sometimes with striking brindle patterns or black markings that make each dog unique.
In Australian homes, you'll find the Sloughi is a bit of a contradiction - they're incredibly athletic outdoors but surprisingly calm and gentle inside. Think of them as the strong, silent type who's absolutely devoted to their family but takes time to warm up to strangers. They're not the dog who'll greet every visitor like a long-lost friend, but once you've earned their trust, you've got a loyal companion for life.
These dogs do best with experienced owners who understand their independent nature. They're not high-maintenance in terms of grooming or fussing, but they do need owners who can provide consistent exercise and respect their somewhat cat-like personality. If you're looking for a unique, elegant companion who'll turn heads at the local dog park, the Sloughi might just be your perfect match.
History
History
The Sloughi's story reads like something from an ancient adventure novel, though the exact details are lost in the mists of North African history. What we do know is that these elegant hounds have been racing across desert sands for at least 800 years, possibly much longer.
Originally bred by nomadic tribes in North Africa - particularly in what we now call Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, and Algeria - the Sloughi was the ultimate desert hunting companion. These dogs were prized for their ability to hunt gazelles, foxes, jackals, and even wild pigs across the harsh, unforgiving terrain of the Sahara and surrounding regions. Imagine the skill it took to develop a dog that could not only survive but thrive in such extreme conditions!
The breed's journey to Europe began in the late 19th century, where they became particularly popular in France. However, like many breeds, the two World Wars nearly spelled disaster for the Sloughi. Their numbers dropped so dramatically that dedicated breeders had to work tirelessly to save the breed from extinction.
The first Sloughi arrived in America in 1973, but they remain one of the rarer breeds you'll encounter. In Australia, they're even more uncommon, making them quite special when you do spot one. Today's Sloughis in Australia and around the world can trace their lineage directly back to those original North African desert dogs - a living link to an ancient way of life.
This rich heritage explains so much about the modern Sloughi's character: their independence, their incredible athleticism, and their somewhat reserved but deeply loyal nature.
Traits & Characteristics
Sloughi characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Here's some good news - Sloughis are generally robust, healthy dogs that can live well into their teens with proper care. Their desert heritage has given them strong constitutions, though like all purebred dogs, there are a few health considerations Australian owners should be aware of.
The main concern with Sloughis is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an eye condition that can lead to vision problems. Responsible breeders will test for this, so always ask to see health certificates when looking for a puppy. Regular eye checks with your Australian vet are also wise, especially as your dog ages.
One unique aspect of Sloughis is their sensitivity to anaesthesia and certain medications. This is common among sighthound breeds, so it's crucial to find a vet who's familiar with these dogs or at least aware of their sensitivities. Always mention your dog's breed when discussing any medical procedures or treatments.
Australian owners should also be aware that Sloughis can be sensitive to vaccines. This doesn't mean skipping vaccinations - they're essential in our climate with various tick-borne diseases and other risks - but your vet might recommend a modified schedule or specific protocols.
Regular health maintenance is straightforward: keep up with routine vet visits, maintain their dental health with regular brushing, and watch their weight. These athletic dogs can become overweight if not exercised properly, which puts strain on their joints and overall health. With good care, many Sloughis live happy, healthy lives well into their early teens.
Feeding a Sloughi is refreshingly straightforward compared to some breeds, but their athletic build and active nature do require some consideration. Think of them as the marathon runners of the dog world - they need quality fuel but aren't typically food-obsessed like some breeds.
A high-quality commercial dog food appropriate for their life stage works well for most Sloughis. Look for foods with good protein content to support their lean muscle mass, but avoid anything too rich that might upset their relatively sensitive digestive systems. Many Australian owners find success with premium kibble or a combination of quality dry food with occasional fresh additions.
Portion control is important because Sloughis can be prone to weight gain if they're not getting enough exercise. An overweight sighthound loses much of their natural grace and athleticism, plus it puts unnecessary strain on their joints. Most adult Sloughis do well with two measured meals per day rather than free-feeding.
Here's something interesting about sighthounds - they often have what looks like a "tucked up" belly, which is completely normal for their body type. Don't mistake this lean appearance for being underweight. Your vet can help you determine if your dog's weight is appropriate for their build.
During hot Australian summers, you might notice your Sloughi eating less, which is normal. Just ensure they're staying hydrated and maintain their regular meal schedule. Some owners find their dogs prefer eating during the cooler parts of the day, which makes perfect sense given their desert origins.
If you're looking for a low-maintenance breed in the grooming department, the Sloughi is your dream dog. Their short, smooth coat is about as easy-care as it gets, which is perfect for busy Australian families or anyone who'd rather spend time exercising their dog than brushing them.
A weekly brush with a soft bristle brush or hound glove is usually all that's needed to keep their coat looking sleek and remove any loose hair. During shedding seasons, you might want to brush them twice a week, but even then, it's a quick five-minute job. Their fine coat means they don't mat or tangle, and they rarely develop that typical "doggy" smell that some breeds are prone to.
Baths are only needed occasionally - maybe once every few months or when they've gotten into something messy during a bush walk. Over-bathing can actually strip their coat of natural oils, so less is definitely more with Sloughis.
The areas that need regular attention are the usual suspects: ears, teeth, and nails. Check their ears weekly for any signs of infection, especially if you've been to the beach or they've been swimming. Their teeth should be brushed regularly with dog-specific toothpaste - this is particularly important as they age.
Nail trimming should be done regularly, as overgrown nails can be uncomfortable for such an active breed. If you can hear their nails clicking on your tiles, it's time for a trim. Many Sloughis are quite good about nail care if you start them young and take it slowly.
In Australia's harsh sun, some owners apply dog-safe sunscreen to their Sloughi's nose and ear tips, especially if they have lighter-coloured markings.
Training a Sloughi requires understanding their unique personality - they're intelligent and capable but definitely have their own ideas about how things should be done. Think of them as the thoughtful, independent student who excels when treated with respect but shuts down completely with harsh methods.
These dogs respond best to positive, patient training approaches. Forget about dominance-based methods or harsh corrections - they simply don't work with Sloughis and can actually make them more withdrawn. Instead, use treats, praise, and consistency to build a partnership with your dog. They're perfectly capable of learning commands and house rules; they just prefer to do it on their own terms.
Exercise is where Sloughis really shine, but it needs to be the right kind. They're sprinters rather than marathon runners, so they need opportunities for short bursts of high-intensity running followed by longer periods of rest. A securely fenced yard is essential because their prey drive is incredibly strong - a rabbit or cat running past can trigger an instant chase response that overrides all training.
Daily walks are important, but the real magic happens when they can run freely in a safe, enclosed space. Many Australian owners find success with dog parks that have secure fencing, though you'll need to supervise interactions with smaller dogs that might trigger their prey drive.
Lure coursing is an excellent sport for Sloughis, and there are clubs across Australia that offer this activity. It's like watching them come alive as they chase the mechanical lure around the course - pure poetry in motion.
Who is an ideal owner?
The perfect Sloughi owner is someone who appreciates elegance and independence in their canine companion. If you're looking for a dog who'll hang on your every word and follow you around like a shadow, this might not be your breed. But if you want a dignified, loyal companion who brings a touch of ancient grace to your life, you could be perfect for each other.
Experienced dog owners tend to do best with Sloughis because they understand that not all dogs express affection the same way. These dogs are devoted to their families but show it through quiet companionship rather than exuberant displays. They're the type who'll choose to lie near you rather than on you, and who observe the world with those beautiful, melancholy eyes.
Active individuals or families work well with Sloughis, but the exercise needs to be consistent and appropriate. Weekend warriors who want to take their dog on long bush hikes will find a willing companion, but city dwellers who can provide regular exercise and mental stimulation can also make it work.
Sloughis can adapt to various living situations across Australia - from Brisbane apartments to Perth suburbs - as long as their exercise needs are met. They're generally good with children who respect their space, though they're not typically the rough-and-tumble playmate that some families might want.
The ideal owner also needs to be patient with socialisation and understand that their Sloughi might never be the life of the party at the local dog beach. That's perfectly fine - they bring their own special brand of companionship that's deeply rewarding for the right person.
Interesting facts about the Sloughi
Interesting Fact
The Sloughi comes in many beautiful colour variations, with sand and black mask being most common, but they can also be found in all shades of sand with or without black masking, brindling, or mantling
Interesting Fact
European and American Sloughis (including those in Australia) descend from dogs imported directly from Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, and Algeria, maintaining their authentic bloodlines
Interesting Fact
In December 2003, the American Kennel Club approved Sloughis as eligible for companion events like obedience, tracking, and agility, recognising their versatility beyond just their hunting heritage
Interesting Fact
Their big, dark eyes are often described as having a "melancholy" expression, giving them an almost philosophical appearance
FAQ
Sloughis can be wonderful family dogs, but they're best suited to families with older children who understand how to respect a dog's space. They're gentle and patient but aren't typically the rough-and-tumble playmate that some families might expect. Early socialisation is key to helping them become comfortable family members.
Sloughis need a good amount of daily exercise, but it's more about quality than quantity. A couple of decent walks plus opportunities to run freely in a secure area will keep them happy. They're sprinters rather than endurance athletes, so short bursts of high-energy activity followed by rest periods work perfectly.
While a securely fenced yard is ideal, Sloughis can adapt to apartment living if their exercise needs are consistently met. They're actually quite calm indoors and don't require constant activity. The key is ensuring they get proper exercise and mental stimulation regardless of your living situation.
Grooming is wonderfully simple with Sloughis - a weekly brush with a soft bristle brush or hound glove is usually sufficient. They only need baths occasionally, maybe every few months unless they've gotten dirty. Regular attention to ears, teeth, and nails is more important than coat care with this breed.