Sloughi
Also called Arabian Greyhound, Berber Greyhound
From North Africa; Morocco holds the FCI standard, and the breed is also found in Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
FCI standard gives no weight; figures from Wikipedia. DogTime gives 40-63 lb overall.
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.43
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.4253
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.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very easy: an occasional brush keeps the short coat clean and shiny.3
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.42
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.23
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'.234
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is nicknamed the 'Arabian Greyhound'.5
- 2
The Sloughi was fully recognised by the FCI back in 1934, with Morocco responsible for its standard.1
- 3
Its build is unusual: the dog is taller at the withers than the length of its body.3
- 4
Nomads valued it for hunting gazelle across the desert and for guarding their tents.2
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.1
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Full recognition 1 January 2016, Hound group.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Sloughi. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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?
Furry Diary'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 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Sloughi need brushing?
A weekly brush is enough to keep their short, fine coat shiny and remove loose hair. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 7 days, which fits their low-maintenance coat perfectly.3 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary's plan includes daily exercise.32 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary 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.3
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.23
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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- SLOUGHI (188) - FCI breed nomenclature fci.beused for recognition, group, country
- Sloughi - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, origin, AKC recognition, weight, temperament, history
- Sloughi - DogTime dogtime.comused for lifespan, weight, grooming, exercise, fun facts
- FCI Standard No. 188 - Sloughi fci.beused for height, coat, colours, temperament, habitat
- Sloughi - American Kennel Club akc.orgused for nickname, temperament
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.