Sloughi

Sloughi key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

12-15 years

Size

Height 61-72cm / Weight 18-28kg

Diet

High-quality large-breed dog food. Feed twice daily by age.

Temperament

Noble and reserved. Very attached to its master and will defend when needed.

Exercise

60+ min walk daily. Regular opportunities to run in a safe area.

Coat Care

Fine short coat. Easy care with weekly brushing.

Origin

Morocco

Notes

Lean body is sensitive to cold; provide winter protection. Strong chase instinct toward small animals.

About Sloughi

Meet the Sloughi, an elegant North African sighthound — reserved with strangers, yet deeply devoted to family. Learn its temperament, care needs, and what to know before adoption.

7 things to know before welcoming a Sloughi

1. 1Strong Chase Instinct

   As a sighthound, the Sloughi has a powerful instinct to chase anything that moves quickly, including small animals and cats. Always keep them on a leash outdoors and make sure any yard is securely fenced to prevent them from bolting after prey.

2. 2Reserved with Strangers

   Sloughis tend to be wary of unfamiliar people and can take time to warm up, but they form deep, loyal bonds with their own family. Early socialization as a puppy helps them adapt more comfortably to new people and environments.

3. 3Sensitive to Cold

   With a short coat and very little body fat, Sloughis are quite sensitive to cold weather. Dress them in a warm coat during winter walks or when they're outdoors, and keep an eye on their body temperature.

4. 4Bursts of Energy, Then Rest

   Sloughis need regular opportunities to run at full speed, but indoors they're happy to lounge quietly for much of the day. Try to set aside time for safe, secure off-leash runs so they can release that energy.

5. 5Gentle Training Approach

   Sloughis are sensitive dogs that can shut down under harsh corrections or raised voices. Positive, reward-based training builds trust and tends to bring out the best in them, though patience is key.

6. 6A Naturally Lean Build

   A visibly lean physique, with ribs and hip bones faintly showing, is the healthy standard body type for this sighthound breed. Monitor their condition regularly and avoid overfeeding to keep them from gaining excess weight.

7. 7Feeding by Life Stage

   A high-quality large-breed dog food is the foundation of their diet, with feeding frequency adjusted by age — adult Sloughis are typically fed twice a day. Reassess portion sizes as their activity level changes over time.

Frequently asked questions about Sloughi

Q.Is the Sloughi a good choice for first-time owners?

A.The Sloughi is generally considered a breed for intermediate-level owners, given its sensitive temperament and strong prey drive. It suits people who already have some experience with dog training and exercise management.

Q.How much exercise does a Sloughi need?

A.Like other sighthounds, Sloughis need regular chances to run at full speed, but they're calm and settled indoors the rest of the time. Off-leash runs in a securely enclosed area are a great way to meet this need.

Q.Is grooming difficult, and does the Sloughi shed a lot?

A.Thanks to its short coat, grooming is relatively simple and doesn't require much brushing. That said, owners should pay attention to keeping them warm in cold weather due to their low body fat.

Q.Can a Sloughi live well with children or other pets?

A.Sloughis are affectionate with their family, but their strong chase instinct means care is needed around small animals or cats. When living with children, it helps to teach them how to interact respectfully with the dog's temperament.

Q.What is the Sloughi's lifespan, and what health considerations should owners know?

A.The Sloughi's average lifespan is around 12 to 15 years. Because of their lean build and low body fat, daily attention to things like cold protection and maintaining a healthy weight is important.

Useful tools for Sloughi care

Learn more about Sloughi in the encyclopedia

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