The Sloughi Community

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.