

The Sloughi is an elegant, sensitive, and aloof sighthound—bred by North African nomads to hunt game over long distances in a sprint and to guard the campsite. His bond with you is deep, yet he remains incorruptibly reserved toward strangers.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Deutscher Windhundzucht- und Rennverband e.V. (DWZRV)
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Sloughi fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
10–15 yrs
Shoulder height
61–72 cm
Weight
15–28 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Sloughi, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Sloughi — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
Outside, the Sloughi is an arrow-fast hunter whose gaze constantly scans the horizon—inside, he transforms into a heat-loving cat that burrows deep into your sofa cushions. You aren't getting a dog that wants to please you at any cost, but a proud, independent desert dweller whose loyalty you must earn through pure respect.
The Sloughi, often referred to as the Arabian Greyhound, is an elegant and majestic breed that turns heads. He belongs to FCI Group 10, the greyhounds. Its slender lines, deep chest and muscular hind legs give it a lofty appearance that speaks of grace and strength. With his dark, almond-shaped eyes and large, high-set ears, he radiates a mysterious aura. There is no distinction between performance and show lines in the Sloughi, as the breed has traditionally been bred for function rather than appearance.
The Sloughi is a dog that will enchant you with its calm and dignified nature. If you are looking for a loyal companion who values your company but also needs his own space, the Sloughi could be the perfect dog for you. Its roots as a hunting dog in the deserts of North Africa have given it a high degree of independence. The Sloughi is usually reserved around strangers and needs time to build trust. However, that doesn't mean it's not people-oriented. On the contrary, Sloughis are very loyal to their owners and form deep bonds. The Sloughi is not known to be a boisterous or overly playful dog, but he does enjoy moderate activity and mental stimulation. Because of his hunting instincts, it is important to give him enough exercise, preferably in a safe, fenced area. His passion for hunting can cause him to prey on small animals, so it's important to take this into account if you already have other pets or live in an area where there is a lot of wildlife. Although the Sloughi loves to learn, his independent nature sometimes makes him difficult to train. It's important to be patient and use positive reinforcement to get the best out of this beautiful breed. When it comes to being alone, the Sloughi doesn't typically show separation anxiety, but like all dogs, it's important to train this gradually and make sure he feels safe in his surroundings. If you are looking for a guard dog, you should know that although the Sloughi is alert, it is not one of the breeds that barks a lot. He will protect you through his presence and alertness rather than loud barking.
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
A fun fact about the Sloughi is that it is often referred to as the "Arabian Greyhound" and is highly valued in the Arab world for its speed, grace and hunting skills.
Sloughis are passionate hunters. They are rather suspicious of strangers. This passion for hunting is difficult or impossible to control by humans. Sloughis need lots of exercise and activity.
The Sloughi is not necessarily suitable as a city dog. He needs lots of exercise and a safe space to run in. A house with a large garden would be ideal. Sloughis are generally gentle and can get along well with children, but it is always important to monitor interactions, especially with very young children. Sloughis can get along with other pets such as cats if they are raised together from an early age, but their hunting instinct can be a problem if they are not properly socialized.
Gets on well with different people and varying routines.
Fine with calm, respectful children — not small tornadoes.
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Sloughis are intelligent and independent dogs that require patient and consistent training. They respond best to positive reinforcement. Because they were originally bred as hunting dogs, they have a strong hunting instinct and it is important to take this into account when training them. It might be wise to offer them alternatives such as tracking or coursing. Sloughis require regular exercise, but it is important not to overdo it as they can be prone to joint problems. Ball games should be moderate to reduce the risk of a "ball junkie." It is also important to teach a Sloughi how to deal with frustration and develop impulse control. This can be achieved by teaching them to remain calm and wait for commands before taking an action.
Sloughis require a balanced diet that helps them maintain their lean and muscular build. A diet based on high-quality proteins and containing the right amount of nutrients is ideal. In terms of care, the Sloughi is relatively easy to care for. He has short, fine fur without an undercoat. The coat sheds minimally, and an occasional brushing is enough to keep it clean and healthy. Because Sloughis have no undercoat, they are vulnerable to cold. In Germany it is advisable to put a coat on them in the colder months to keep them warm.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Robust
Health grade
The Sloughi is considered a very healthy breed, yet there is a genetic risk for the hereditary eye diseases retinal atrophy - rod-cone dysplasia 1 as well as retinal atrophy - rod-cone dysplasia 1a, which can lead to blindness. The Deutsche Windhundzucht- und Rennverband e.V. (DWZRV) therefore prescribes a genetic test for retinal atrophy - rod-cone dysplasia 1 as mandatory for breeding approval. A health-oriented breeder additionally tests their breeding animals for retinal atrophy - rod-cone dysplasia 1a and mates carriers only with demonstrably clear partners. Before purchasing a puppy, have the genetic test results of both parent animals presented to you for these two forms of retinal atrophy.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
You should inform your veterinarian about the sighthound-typical sensitivity to anesthesia and protect your dog from getting chilled in wet, cold winters due to their lack of undercoat.
Responsible breeders mandatorily test breeding dogs for retinal atrophy - rod-cone dysplasia 1 as well as additionally for retinal atrophy - rod-cone dysplasia 1a in order to reliably rule out hereditary blindness.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 is the core standard: the tests Deutscher Windhundzucht- und Rennverband e.V. (DWZRV) requires, plus further tests from the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Core standard. Tests marked “Club standard” are required by Deutscher Windhundzucht- und Rennverband e.V. (DWZRV) for breeding approval; the others are part of the recommended health standard for this breed. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Sloughi costs around ~€180 per month (€90 – €330, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,950 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (12.5 years) it comes to about ~€29,270.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€170 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€180
In the first year
~€4,950
Across the dog's life
~€29,270
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,500 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.

Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageThe Sloughi has its roots in North Africa and has been valued as a hunting dog for centuries in countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. It was traditionally kept by nomads and Bedouins who used it to hunt gazelles, hares and other fast prey. The Sloughi is so intertwined with the culture of North Africa that it is often seen as a symbol of pride and independence. The breed is believed to have existed since at least the 8th century, but some historians believe the Sloughi is even older and may have existed as early as the time of ancient Egyptian civilization. The Sloughi was recognized as a separate breed by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1935. In the 1970s, the Sloughi found its way to Europe and the USA, where it slowly but steadily gained popularity.
The Sloughi was used as a hunting dog for hunting gazelles and other wild animals in the deserts of North Africa.
Morocco
Antike
At home, many owners describe the Sloughi as a remarkably low-key, almost catlike housemate. Indoors, these dogs spend many hours a day curled up on the sofa or on soft beds and radiate a deep calm. With its closest people, it is considered very affectionate, sensitive and cuddly. At the same time, owners stress that the Sloughi prefers a calm, structured household; hectic routines, loud commotion or rambunctious toddlers noticeably stress this sensitive breed.
A recurring theme is the breed's strong reserve toward strangers. Familiar visitors are usually accepted in a friendly way once the dog has gotten used to them, but many Sloughis completely ignore unfamiliar people outdoors or move away from being touched. Owners also report a natural alertness: the Sloughi doesn't bark for no reason, but it notices changes in its surroundings immediately and reliably announces them, or places itself protectively in front of its family.
Sources:forum.hundund.demit-tier.deedogs.dezoomalia.deagila.de
Owners agree in their training reports that the Sloughi can't be compared with classic working breeds. Centuries of breeding for independent decision-making mean it has no inborn urge toward blind obedience. Owners repeatedly stress that pressure, harshness or loud reprimands are completely counterproductive with this breed; they quickly lead this proud dog to refuse entirely or lose trust.
Experience shows that cooperation can only be achieved through a deep, trusting bond, patience and positive reinforcement. Many owners describe how a Sloughi understands cues perfectly well but weighs whether they make sense at the moment it is asked to carry them out. Owners therefore single out early, gentle socialization as especially important, to give the dog confidence in everyday situations and around environmental triggers without trying to break its proud character.
Owners consistently describe walking a Sloughi as a management task shaped by its very strong drive to chase by sight. As an original desert hunter, it reacts to the slightest movement on the horizon, whether a hare, a deer or a running cat. Once triggered, the dog switches into hunting mode in a flash and hardly responds to being called.
For this reason, nearly all owners report that letting a Sloughi off-leash in areas with lots of wildlife or poor visibility is barely responsible, if at all. To still meet its big need to sprint and move, many owners turn to securely fenced runs with high fences, sighthound racetracks or lure coursing events. Owners also point out the breed's sensitivity to weather: with a very short coat and low body fat, many Sloughis get cold quickly in cold, wet weather and need protective coats during the colder months.
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Sloughi is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Sloughi is 10-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Sloughi grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Sloughi can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Sloughi comes in these colors: Fawn, Red, Brindle, Black, White, Blue, Chocolate. Colors that fall outside the breed standard are marked as such on the breed page.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Sloughi.