Apartment fit
A Sloughi may be calm indoors, but apartment living requires long walks, soft resting places, and access to safe fenced running.
HoundMedium-Large
Morocco
MoroccoSloughi
Weight
45-65 lb
Height
24-29 in
Lifespan
10-15 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
The Sloughi is a North African sighthound, noble and athletic, with a smooth fawn-to-sandy coat and reserved temperament.
North African sighthound associated with Morocco and the MaghrebSmooth short coat, not a double coatAloof with strangers but loyal to familyNeeds secure sprinting space and prey-drive management
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Arabian Greyhound
NobleAloofLoyalSensitiveAthleticIndependent
Weight
45-65 lb
Height
24-29 in
Lifespan
10-15 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
Low
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Low
Grooming
1/5
First-time owner
No
Overview
The Sloughi is a North African sighthound associated with Morocco and the wider Maghreb, including Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. It was treasured by nomadic and hunting cultures for coursing game over open terrain. The breed is lean, elegant, and strong without exaggeration.
Unlike coated sighthounds, the Sloughi has an always-smooth, short, fine coat. Standard colors range from light sand through red sand or fawn, often with a black mask, black mantle, brindling, or black overlay depending on the standard. White markings are very limited.
Sloughis are often aloof with strangers and deeply attached to their own people. They need secure running space, careful prey-drive management, and gentle socialization. Health planning should include eyes, cardiac health, autoimmune concerns, bloat awareness, and sighthound-safe anesthesia conversations.
Temperament & Personality
NobleAloofLoyalSensitiveAthleticIndependent
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a noble, aloof, loyal companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, low barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Low
Colors
Light sand, Sand, Red sand, Fawn, Brindle, Black-masked fawn, Fawn with black mantle
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly4/5
Good with Kids3/5
Good with Dogs3/5
Good with Strangers1/5
Apartment Friendly3/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs1/5
Trainability2/5
Good fit if you want
- A family-friendly companion
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 4/5 exercise needs
- low shedding and coat upkeep
- low barking in daily life
Owner Fit & Everyday Behavior
Best for
- experienced sighthound owners
- homes with secure fenced sprint space
- people who prefer quiet elegant dogs
- families that can manage prey drive responsibly
Not ideal for
- homes expecting off-leash reliability
- owners wanting a highly social stranger-friendly dog
- families with unmanaged small pets
- cold homes without coat protection
Common challenges
- prey drive
- stranger reserve
- finding safe running space
- thin skin scrapes
- sighthound veterinary considerations
Barking & behavior
Sloughis are usually quiet and aloof. They should be socialized gently, with no pressure to greet strangers closely before they are comfortable.
Training style
Use gentle, patient, reward-based training. Build trust, recall foundations, leash manners, handling, and calm exposure to strangers without forcing social pressure.
Grooming & shedding
The short smooth coat needs only light brushing or wiping. Provide soft bedding, check thin skin for scrapes, and protect the dog from cold weather.
Care Guide
Exercise
Most Sloughis need long daily walks and regular safe sprinting in a secure fenced area. Off-leash freedom in open spaces is risky because prey drive and speed are central breed traits.
Grooming
The short smooth coat needs only light brushing or wiping. Provide soft bedding, check thin skin for scrapes, and protect the dog from cold weather.
Training
Use gentle, patient, reward-based training. Build trust, recall foundations, leash manners, handling, and calm exposure to strangers without forcing social pressure.
Nutrition
Feed for lean sighthound condition. Discuss cardiac exams, eye checks, autoimmune concerns, bloat risk, and anesthesia sensitivity with a veterinarian familiar with sighthounds.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
Low
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
1/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather2/5
Heat tolerance4/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Eye diseaseCardiac diseaseBloatAutoimmune diseaseAnesthesia sensitivity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sloughi a good apartment dog?
A mature Sloughi can be quiet indoors, but apartment life only works with long walks and secure running opportunities.
Does the Sloughi bark a lot?
Sloughis are usually quiet. They may alert, but they are not typically nuisance barkers.
Is the Sloughi good for first-time owners?
The breed is usually better for experienced sighthound owners because it is sensitive, reserved, fast, and prey-driven.
How much exercise does the Sloughi need?
Most adults need long daily walks and regular safe sprinting. Secure fencing is essential.
Is the Sloughi good with kids and other dogs?
Sloughis can be gentle with respectful children and compatible dogs. Small pets and running animals need careful management.
Does the Sloughi shed a lot?
No. The short smooth coat sheds lightly and is easy to maintain.
What is the biggest challenge of owning the Sloughi?
The biggest challenge is safe management of speed, prey drive, and stranger reserve without overwhelming this sensitive breed.
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