The ancient Sloughi, nicknamed the “Arabian Greyhound,” is a lean, swift coursing hound who hunted a variety of game in North African deserts. A classic sighthound, the Sloughi is regally aloof with strangers and gentle with loved ones.
People who adore the Sloughi describe it as affectionate, dignified, sensitive, gentle, loving and proud. To others, the Sloughi may appear aloof due to its dignified expression, detached demeanor and aristocratic carriage. Some breed enthusiasts liken the Sloughi’s disposition to that of a cat. These are quiet dogs that develop deep bonds with their owners. Many become one-person pets. If raised properly with children and other companion animals, Sloughis can get along with them quite well. Still, they probably should not be left unattended with smaller pets, simply because their prey drive is so strong. Sloughis are reserved by nature and may not be completely comfortable in the company of strangers, although they typically tolerate their presence. It would be highly unusual for a Sloughi to act aggressively towards a human unless its owner was threatened or it was otherwise directly provoked. Like most dogs, Sloughis should be socialized with people and other animals starting early in life, to give them the best start at becoming trustworthy household companions.
The Sloughi should do well on a high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval. Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to getting overweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
The Sloughi’s short, smooth, and fine coat requires very little in the way of maintenance. Weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush or a hound glove should keep it smooth and sleek. An occasional bath can help to keep the hound clean-smelling. The ears should be regularly inspected and cleaned if needed. The nails should be trimmed regularly as needed, as overly long nails can cause the dog discomfort.
Sloughis are generally healthy dogs, and responsible breeders test their stock for health conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy. A Sloughi’s ears should be checked regularly for signs of infection, and the teeth should be brushed often, using a toothpaste formulated for dogs. Regular visits to the vet for checkups and parasite control help to ensure the dog a long, healthy life.
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:
Read the Official Breed Club Health Statement.
Like many breeds developed in antiquity around the Mediterranean basin, the Sloughi’s origins are—in the inevitable words of canine historians—“lost in the mists of history.” We do know that Sloughi-type hounds were favored hunting companions of Egyptian nobles, Berber kings, and nomadic chieftains who kept packs of tough but graceful hounds that could course game across vast expanses of desert. It’s theorized that Berber cavalrymen who accompanied Hannibal during his famous crossing of the Alps might have introduced the Sloughi to Europe.