Sloughi
also known as Berber Greyhound, Sloughi Moghrebi
History
The Sloughi, also known as the Arabian Greyhound or the Arabian Sighthound, is a breed of dog that is known for its elegance, speed, and endurance. The breed has a long and fascinating history, dating back to ancient times in the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East.
The origins of the Sloughi are uncertain, but it is believed that the breed has been in existence for thousands of years, with the earliest depictions of the breed appearing in ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian art. The Sloughi was primarily used for hunting, as well as for guarding and companionship.
The breed was not officially recognized by any kennel club or organization until the 1970s. The breed was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1976, and later by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1995 and the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2016.
The breed name "Sloughi" is derived from the Arabic word "slughi", which means "hunting dog". The breed is often referred to as the "Arabian Greyhound" or the "Arabian Sighthound" due to its resemblance to the greyhound and its use as a hunting dog in the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East.
Despite its ancient origins, the Sloughi is not a well-known breed outside of North Africa and the Middle East. However, in recent years the breed has gained popularity in Europe and the United States as a companion and show dog.
Breed Information
Is Sloughi a purebred?
Purebred
How do you pronounce the Sloughi name? How do you say Sloughis?
SLOO-ghee (i.e. with the stress on the 'sloo')
What were Sloughis originally used for?
hunting small prey
How Long Do Sloughis Live? What is average life expectancy for a Sloughi? How long can Sloughis live?
12-15 years
The average Sloughi lifespan is somewhere between 12-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.
Sloughi Height & Weight
How big is a full grown Sloughi?
| Height | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 26-29 inches (66 - 73.7 cm) | 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) | 9.0 inches (22.9 cm) | 11.0 inches (27.9 cm) |
| Female | 24-27 inches (61 - 68.6 cm) | 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) | 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) | 9.0 inches (22.9 cm) |
| Weight | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 6 months | 12 months | 18 months | |
| Male | 55-65 pounds (25 - 29 kg) | 6.0 pounds (3 kg) | 8.5 pounds (4 kg) | 11.0 pounds (5 kg) |
| Female | 45-50 pounds (20 - 23 kg) | 5.0 pounds (2 kg) | 7.5 pounds (3 kg) | 8.5 pounds (4 kg) |
Do Sloughis get fat easily?
The Sloughi is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.
Are Sloughis Hypoallergenic?
No
Unfortunately, the Sloughi is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.
What is a Sloughi personality? What are Sloughi dogs best known for?
Alert
Intelligent
Independent
Sweet
Faithful
Sensitive
Playful
Are Sloughis heavy shedders? How Much Does a Sloughi Shed?
Sloughi dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Sloughi. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.
What is the watchdog ability of a Sloughi dog?
The Sloughi dog is one of the best choice if you want a good watchdog. This breed will keep watch over you and your family at all times. This breed takes this task seriously and will typically perform its guarding duty with little to no training. This dog will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen its skills.
Breed History
Where do Sloughis come from?
North Africa
What are Sloughis descended from?
sight hound
When were Sloughis first bred? How old is the Sloughi breed?
ancient times
What Breed Group is a Sloughi?
Hound
Sighthound & Pariah (UKC)
Sloughi Appearance
How many puppies can a Sloughi have in a litter? How many puppies can a Sloughi have in her first litter?
12-15 puppies per pregnancy
A Sloughi can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.
Sloughis may struggle to adapt to new living environments and lifestyle changes as they prefer familiar and consistent surroundings.
Sloughi Health Issues
Do Sloughis have a lot of health problems?
The Sloughi is a breed of dog that is known to have a higher frequency of health issues compared to other breeds. These issues can range from minor to serious, and regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential in order to identify and address any potential problems as early as possible.
What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Sloughi?
Hypothyroidism
What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Sloughis?
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Bloat
Anesthesia Sensitivity/Allergy
What are the occasional tests recommended for Sloughi breed?
Thyroid Tests
X-Rays
Eye Examination
Allergy Tests
Sloughi Needs and Activities
Do Sloughis have a lot of energy?
Sloughis are high-energy dogs, thus an active lifestyle suits them well.
Do Sloughis need socialization? How social are Sloughis?
Sloughis have average social needs compared to other breeds. They are known to be less active and independent than other breeds, and they are content with spending time alone and with their human family.
How much exercise should Sloughis get?
The Sloughi dog requires a moderate amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people who have a moderate amount of time to devote to their pet and enjoy regular physical activity themselves. They also make great family pets as they have the energy to keep up with children and the temperament to be great companions.
How much sleep should a Sloughi have? Do Sloughis sleep a lot?
Sloughis are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.
Does a Sloughi drool a lot?
The Sloughi is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.
How much does it bark?
Sloughi dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.
Do Sloughis exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?
These dogs are known for being extremely protective and make excellent guard dogs. They possess a strong instinct to defend their territory and owners and have a high level of vigilance and alertness.
Are Sloughis mouthy?
What is the likelihood of a Sloughi running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?
Do Sloughi dogs have a high prey drive?
What level of grooming should be provided for a Sloughi?
The Sloughi is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.
Costs
Sloughi Characteristic
How intelligent is a Sloughi?
Sloughis has average obedience intelligence. But, they're also independent thinkers. The Sloughi is a breed with an exceptionally high IQ and may get into mischief if left to their own devices.
How sensitive is a Sloughi dog?
This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.
Are Sloughi dogs affectionate?
Do Sloughi do well in apartments? Are Sloughis good indoor dogs?
The Sloughi is an apartment-friendly dog breed. They can do perfectly well in apartments providing they are sufficiently exercised and taken out and about as part of their owner's daily lifestyle.
Are Sloughis good with kids? Are Sloughis good around children?
Sloughis are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.
Are Sloughis good for elderly?
Are Sloughis good with cats? How friendly Sloughis are toward cats?
Sloughis are not cat friendly dogs.
Do Sloughi dogs get along with other dogs? Are Sloughis OK with other dogs?
Sloughis are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.
How do Sloughi dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?
Are Sloughis friendly with strangers?
Sloughis are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Sloughis are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Sloughis will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.
Do Sloughis like to play? Are Sloughis playful?
Sloughis have an average level of playfulness. The Sloughis, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.
Are Sloughi easily trained?
Sloughi dogs are usually easy to train, but may require consistency to fully obey commands.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Quiet
If you're looking for a quieter dog, this breed could be a good option as they are known for being relatively peaceful. - Maintain a healthy weight
The risk of overweight in Sloughis is generally low to average. - Independent
Sloughis are independent dogs that do not require a lot of attention. - Affectionate
Sloughis are affectionate dogs that bond well with their owners. - Apartment Friendly
Sloughi make great apartment companions. - Good with children
Sloughis are good with children and make great family pets.
Cons
- High energy
Sloughis are high energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. Without enough exercise, they can become bored and destructive. - Not cat-friendly
It is unlikely that a Sloughi will be comfortable around cats. - Not Hypoallergenic
Sloughis may not be the best choice for those with allergies, as they may cause allergic reactions. - Not suitable for office environment
A Sloughi may not be the best choice for a dog to have in an office setting. - Not suitable for first-time dog owners
Sloughis require a confident and experienced owner who can provide proper training and socialization. - Prone to certain health issues
Sloughis are prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia and bloat.