Pet Wiki

Sloughi

Also called Arabian Greyhound, Berber Greyhound

A noble, somewhat aloof hound that is reserved with strangers but tender and deeply attached to its own people.

SizeLarge
Weight18 to 28 kg (40 to 62 lb)males 22 to 28 kg, females 18 to 24 kg12
Height61 to 72 cm (24 to 28 in)males 66 to 72 cm, females 61 to 68 cm31
Lifespan12 to 16 years2
CoatVery short, dense, fine coat
OriginNorth Africa; Morocco holds the FCI standard, and the breed is also found in Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.41
GroupSighthounds (FCI group 10)
Last checked2026-09-30
Recognised breedShort profile
gentle and loyal with its family
calm and clean indoors
swift, tireless hunter
532

Personality what they are like

A noble, somewhat aloof hound that is reserved with strangers but tender and deeply attached to its own people. It is sensitive and intelligent, responds best to gentle and patient training, and is calm and quiet at home after a good run.3152

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Sloughi. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

very short, dense, fine coat

A lean, elegant sighthound with long legs and very little body fat, covered in a fine, close, very short coat. It stands taller at the shoulder than it is long in the body.32

Colourslight sand to red sand (fawn), in all shadeswith or without black maskblack mantlebrindleblack overlay3

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs regular exercise including chances to sprint in a securely fenced area, plus daily walks and play. Has a strong chase instinct, so off-lead running is best kept to safe, enclosed spaces.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Very easy: an occasional brush keeps the short coat clean and shiny.2

Home where they are happiest

Enjoys home comforts and a soft bed, with access to secure outdoor space for running. Copes very well with hot, dry climates.31

Company who they like around

Bonds closely with its family and is alert and protective of its home. Early socialisation helps it relax with visitors and can help it live peacefully with cats and small pets.12

The story where it all began

The Sloughi has lived in North Africa for many centuries, with sighthound figures appearing in ancient rock art and Egyptian tomb images. Berber and Bedouin peoples kept it to hunt gazelle, hare and other game in the desert and to watch over camp. Its name is thought to be another pronunciation of 'saluki'.123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is nicknamed the 'Arabian Greyhound'.5

  2. 2

    The Sloughi was fully recognised by the FCI back in 1934, with Morocco responsible for its standard.4

  3. 3

    Its build is unusual: the dog is taller at the withers than the length of its body.2

  4. 4

    Nomads valued it for hunting gazelle across the desert and for guarding their tents.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed name 'Sloughi' comes from the Arabic word 'سلوقي' (Salūqī), which is also the root for the English word 'sighthound'.1

Name ideas for your new friend

SaharaZaraAmalRayanNoorKhalidLaylaSamirYasminRocketBreezeDune

A day in the life told by a Sloughi

This morning, I stretched out on the cool tiles after my humans left for work. The sun crept across the floor, and I followed it, napping in each warm patch. Later, we went to the big fenced field, I sprinted in wide circles, the wind streaming through my ears. My human laughed and called me a blur. Now we're curled on the sofa, my head on her lap. She strokes my back and whispers that I'm her gentle shadow. Life is good when you have a soft bed and a steady heart beside you.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 188, Group 10 (Sighthounds), Section 3 short-haired sighthounds; definitive recognition 8 Nov 1934; standard published 8 Jan 1998; country Morocco.4
American Kennel Club (AKC)
Full recognition 1 January 2016, Hound group.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Sloughi, and at what times?

Feed your adult Sloughi at least two meals a day at consistent times, as their stomach empties within a few hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.6

What should a Sloughi eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity level is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, so keep these far away. Always avoid alcohol, yeast dough, and raw bones too.7

How often should I bathe a Sloughi?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, but you can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or has skin issues. Their short coat dries quickly and doesn't need frequent washing.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Sloughi need brushing?

A weekly brush is enough to keep their short, fine coat shiny and remove loose hair. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every 7 days, which fits their low-maintenance coat perfectly.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Sloughi's nails, and how often?

Trim nails about every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut small amounts at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Sloughi need?

Your Sloughi needs daily walks and play, plus chances to sprint in a securely fenced area. They have a strong chase instinct, so off-lead running is best in safe, enclosed spaces. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily exercise.21 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Sloughi's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears every two weeks, gently wiping the outer ear, and never push anything into the ear canal.8 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Sloughi live?

Sloughis have a lovely long lifespan of 12 to 16 years, so you can enjoy many happy years together.2

Is a Sloughi good with children and other pets?

With early socialisation, Sloughis can be gentle and good with children and other pets, including cats. They are deeply attached to their family but reserved with strangers, so proper introductions help everyone feel comfortable.12

Can a Sloughi be left alone?

Sloughis bond closely with their family and are sensitive, so they may not enjoy long periods alone. How well they cope varies; ask a good breeder or your vet for advice tailored to your dog's personality.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Sloughi - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, origin, AKC recognition, weight, temperament, history
  2. Sloughi - DogTime dogtime.comused for lifespan, weight, grooming, exercise, fun facts
  3. FCI Standard No. 188 - Sloughi fci.beused for height, coat, colours, temperament, habitat
  4. SLOUGHI (188) - FCI breed nomenclature fci.beused for recognition, group, country
  5. Sloughi - American Kennel Club akc.orgused for nickname, temperament
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.