Sloughi

The Sloughi is one of the oldest sighthound breeds in existence, an ancient North African dog of remarkable elegance and athletic capability developed over many centuries across the Maghreb region - principally Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Libya - by Berber and Arab nomadic peoples to hunt gazelle, hare, jackal and other swift prey across the varied terrain of North Africa, from open desert to scrubland and semi-arid plains. The breed is distinguished from the closely related Saluki by its shorter, smoother coat, its somewhat more angular and less ornamented appearance, and its very specific North African origin. The Sloughi has been present in North Africa for an extraordinarily long period - images resembling the modern breed appear in ancient Egyptian art and in prehistoric rock paintings from the Sahara region - and the breed has been held in high cultural regard by the peoples of the Maghreb, where it was traditionally treated as a valued family member rather than merely a working tool. The Sloughi is registered by the Kennel Club in the Hound Group and is rarely seen in the United Kingdom.

The Sloughi is a medium-sized, lean and powerfully built dog of great visual refinement. The head is long and refined, the chest deep, the abdomen sharply tucked up, and the overall build is the classic sighthound silhouette of a dog engineered for explosive speed and sustained pursuit. The coat is short, smooth, dense and fine. Colour ranges from light sand to fawn, brindle and black overlay in various combinations. Adults typically stand 60 to 70 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh 20 to 27 kilograms.

The character is gentle, sensitive and deeply bonded to its own household while remaining reserved and aloof with strangers and unfamiliar people. The Sloughi is not a dog that warms quickly to new people - it forms close and lasting attachments to its own family and is content within that circle, but the traditional sighthound independence and reserve make it unsuitable for households seeking a demonstratively sociable dog. The sensitivity of the breed is significant: harsh handling, raised voices or stressful environments have a disproportionate impact and the breed requires a calm, patient and understanding home.

Secure containment is a non-negotiable requirement of Sloughi ownership. The breed should never be exercised off-lead in any area that is not securely fenced.

Health is generally good. PRA testing and awareness of sighthound anaesthesia sensitivity are the primary considerations.

Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-tested breeders range from £700 to £1,500. Monthly running costs average £70 to £120. The Sloughi Association is the primary resource for breed information, health guidance and responsible breeder contacts.

Gentle, reserved and deeply sensitive. Devoted to its own family but aloof with strangers - not unfriendly but not demonstratively sociable. Bonds closely with its own household. Strong prey drive. Sensitive to harsh handling. A dog of quiet elegance and considerable personal dignity, requiring a calm and understanding home.

Intelligent but deeply independent with thousands of years of hunting without close human direction. Recall is unreliable near prey in open spaces. Positive reinforcement works well in controlled environments. Early and thorough socialisation is essential given the sensitive, reserved character. Patience and gentleness are required - force produces shutdown.

Needs daily exercise including opportunities to run at full speed in a safely enclosed area. The breed is a sprint athlete - short bursts of high-speed running are natural. On-lead walking must be combined with secure off-lead running. An under-exercised Sloughi becomes restless and stressed.

The Sloughi is generally considered a healthy breed with relatively few hereditary conditions given the long history of natural selection. Progressive Retinal Atrophy has been documented. Sensitivity to anaesthesia is common to many sighthound breeds and veterinary teams should be informed. The Sloughi Association maintains breed health information.

Feed a high-quality complete food for an active medium breed. The Sloughi is naturally lean - some rib visibility is normal and correct for the breed. Do not overfeed. Two meals daily. Monitor weight carefully in both directions.

The short, smooth coat requires minimal maintenance - a weekly wipe-down with a damp cloth or hound glove. The Sloughi is clean, tidy and very low-maintenance in terms of coat care. Nails require regular trimming given the light exercise on hard surfaces.

Purchase price from a KC-registered, health-tested breeder: £700 to £1,500. The breed is rare in the UK. Monthly running costs: £70 to £120.

Suits patient, experienced owners who appreciate an elegant, independent sighthound. Secure fencing is non-negotiable - the Sloughi cannot be trusted off-lead in open spaces. Sensitive and reserved - not a boisterous family dog. Rare in the UK. Requires understanding of the sighthound character and its particular needs.