SloughiCharacteristics, history, training and care

Sloughi. · Sabine.schlenkrich / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Cropped and resized.

The Sloughi (Arabian or Berber greyhound) is a short-haired sighthound from North Africa, bred for centuries to hunt hares, foxes, jackals, gazelles and wild boar. The FCI standard says that most Sloughis today live in Morocco, which is responsible for the standard. It describes it as noble and aloof, but very attached to its owner, whom it will defend if need be; a hardy hunter that also enjoys the comforts of home.

Quick facts

Common name	Sloughi (Arabian Greyhound, Berber Greyhound)
Scientific name	Canis lupus familiaris
Country of origin	Morocco
Official recognition	FCI, definitively since 8 November 1934 (group 10, sighthounds; standard no. 188); also recognised by the AKC
Lifespan	10–15 years, according to the AKC
Size (males)	66–72 cm at the withers; 18–29 kg according to the AKC
Size (females)	61–68 cm at the withers
Coat type	Very short, dense, fine
Common colours	Light sand to red sand, with or without a black mask, mantle or brindling
Energy level	High
Suited to an apartment?	Only with plenty of running
Temperament	Noble, aloof, attached to its owner, protective if need be
Tendency to aggression	Low
Good with children	Moderate
Good with other animals	Moderate; chases small animals
Genetic predispositions	Progressive retinal atrophy

Primary category:Dog breeds
Explore this animal's categories:
Dog breeds Large dog breeds Low-drool dog breeds Low-maintenance dog breeds Quiet dog breeds Sighthound breeds

History and origin

The FCI standard says the Sloughi has existed for many centuries in North Africa and has a single, short-haired variety. Wikipedia says the name is another pronunciation of the Arabic word “saluki” and that the two breeds probably share a common ancestor. Neolithic rock paintings in Algeria and paintings in Egyptian tombs show slender dogs with drop ears, a sign of ancient origins.

The AKC says it was developed in the area of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya to hunt hares, foxes, jackals, gazelles and wild boar, and that it was valued for its speed, agility and stamina over long distances. Wikipedia adds that it is still used for hunting in North Africa.

How the breed developed

Neolithic – Slender dogs in rock paintings in Algeria.
Centuries ago – A valued hunter in North Africa.
8 November 1934 – The FCI recognises the breed.
1998 – The current FCI standard.

Breed rating

Feature	Stars
Training and intelligence	★★★☆☆
Easy to train	★★★★☆
Intelligence	★★★★☆
Independence	★★★☆☆
Stubbornness	★★★★☆
Behaviour and temperament	★★★☆☆
Affectionate with family	★★★☆☆
Friendly with children	★★★☆☆
Good with other dogs	★★★☆☆
Good with cats and other animals	★★☆☆☆
Loyalty	★★★★☆
Tendency to be aggressive	★★★☆☆
Tendency to bark	★★★★★
Needs and care	★★★☆☆
Shedding	★★★☆☆
Needs frequent grooming	★★★☆☆
Activity and lifestyle	★★★☆☆
Energy level	★★★☆☆
Daily exercise needs	★★★★☆
Suited to apartment life	★★☆☆☆
Health and longevity	★★★☆☆
Life expectancy	★★★★☆
Predisposition to genetic diseases	★☆☆☆☆
Working abilities and uses	★★★☆☆
Good companion dog	★★★★☆
Good companion dog	★★★★☆

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

Physical characteristics

The standard says that its bearing, fine tissues and lean muscles give it the look of a very elegant, “racy” dog. The AKC describes it as an athletic, medium-to-large sighthound with a long, refined, wedge-shaped head and large, dark eyes.

General appearance

The coat is very short, dense and fine, always smooth. The AKC says it is shown in natural condition, and feathering on the ears, tail or legs disqualifies it.

Feature	Sloughi
Size	Large
Height at the withers	males: 66–72 cm; females: 61–68 cm
Weight	18–29 kg (AKC)
Coat	Very short
Eyes	Large, dark
Type	Sighthound

The standard accepts all shades from light sand to red sand (fawn), with or without a black mask, black mantle, black brindling or black overlay.

Training and socialisation

The standard describes it as noble and aloof, but very attached to its owner, whom it will defend if need be. It has a hunter's instinct and can sustain effort, but it also appreciates the comforts of home.

Like any sighthound, it is sensitive and responds better to gentleness and rewards than to harshness. Its chasing instinct is strong, so the recall is never reliable in open spaces.

Tips for effective training

Be gentle. It is sensitive.
Keep it on a lead. It chases anything that moves.
Socialise it early. It is reserved with strangers.
Let it run in a safe place. It needs to sprint.

Activity needs and lifestyle

It is a hardy sighthound, made for hunting over long distances. It needs daily walks and, several times a week, free running in a large, securely fenced area or lure coursing.

Activity	How often	Why it matters
Walks	daily	Fitness
Free running in a fenced area	several times a week	Sighthound instinct
Lure coursing	occasionally	Simulated hunting

Tips for a balanced life

The fence must be high.
In winter it may need a coat.
Do not let it off the lead near roads.

Care and health

Coat and skin care

The very short coat is easy to look after: brushing with a rubber mitt once a week. The AKC recommends checking the ears regularly and brushing the teeth often.

Common health problems

The AKC says the Sloughi is generally healthy, and responsible breeders test their dogs for:

Condition	Description	Common symptoms
Progressive retinal atrophy	Gradual degeneration of the retina	Poor night vision, then blindness

Other care

Ask for the test for retinal atrophy.
Check the ears regularly.
Brush its teeth often.

Diet and nutrition

The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

Dog's weight	Calories per day (neutered)	Calories per day (not neutered)	Dry food per day (approximate)
18 kg	980 kcal	1,100 kcal	240–310 g
23 kg	1,180 kcal	1,320 kcal	300–380 g
29 kg	1,400 kcal	1,570 kcal	350–450 g

Do not let it run right after a meal.
Split the food into two meals a day.
In a sighthound, the last ribs may be slightly visible; this is normal.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Reproduction and development

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months, but in large breeds it can be delayed until about two years. The body also reaches its adult form later than in small breeds.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.