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
how to spot oneSloughi coat and colours
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
Comes inlight sand to red sand (fawn), in all shadeswith or without black maskblack mantlebrindleblack overlay3
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
how busy a day looksSloughi exercise needs
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
where they are happiestSloughi at home
Enjoys home comforts and a soft bed, with access to secure outdoor space for running. Copes very well with hot, dry climates.31
who they like aroundSloughi with people and other pets
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 hands-on bitsSloughi grooming and care
Very easy: an occasional brush keeps the short coat clean and shiny.2
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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
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
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
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
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
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?
Sloughis are gentle with their family but reserved with strangers. Like all sighthounds they have a strong urge to chase, so they are not safe with cats or small pets unless raised with them from an early age, and even then supervision is wise. A Sloughi that accepts its own cat may still chase other cats and small animals outdoors. With older, calm children they can be good companions.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.
what to watchSloughi health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Sloughi. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
An inherited eye disease that slowly leads to blindness; a DNA test lets breeders avoid it. Wikipedia names PRA as the breed's main known inherited condition, with a test available. ↗
Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Sloughi costs
Running costs for a Sloughi, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Sloughi legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Sloughi in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
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
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.
where it all beganSloughi history
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
Standard no. 188, Group 10 (Sighthounds), Section 3 short-haired sighthounds; definitive recognition 8 Nov 1934; standard published 8 Jan 1998; country Morocco.4
Saluki
Azawakh
Greyhound
Polish Greyhound