Is a Sloughi good for first-time owners?

Sloughis are not the easiest first dog. Their independent streak rewards experienced handlers.

How much exercise does a Sloughi puppy need?

Adult Sloughis need 60–90 minutes/day. Puppies should get roughly 5 minutes of structured exercise per month of age, twice a day, to protect growing joints.

Hound group · Medium

Sloughi

"Arabian Greyhound" — graceful North African sighthound.

Low SheddingGentleReservedNoble

Puppy.College Rating65/ 100

Weight

35–50 lbs

Height

24–29 in

Lifespan

10–15 years

Exercise

60–90 minutes/day

Origin

Multiple regions historically

First-time owner

3/5

Overview

"Arabian Greyhound" — graceful North African sighthound.

The Sloughi is a medium breed in the Hound group, typically standing 24–29 in and weighing 35–50 lbs. Expect a lifespan of 10–15 years with good preventive care. Personality is best described as gentle, reserved, noble.

Breed history & origin

The Sloughi traces its origins to Multiple regions historically. Its original purpose — pursue game by sight or scent — shaped almost every physical and temperamental trait still visible in the breed today.

As a medium member of the Hound group, the Sloughi was selectively bred for independent decision-making, high stamina, and working drive. Modern owners describe them as gentle, reserved, noble — qualities deeply rooted in that working heritage.

The breed is recognised by all major kennel clubs in the Hound group, with a written standard codifying its silhouette, gait, and temperament.

Today the Sloughi thrives as a companion and tracking/lure-coursing dog. It remains one of the more recognisable breeds at North American dog shows and in homes across Canada and the United States, where its combination of gentle and working capability continues to draw new owners every year.

Like every purebred, the Sloughi carries genetic risks tied to its small founding gene pool. Conscientious modern breeders screen for the conditions listed in the health section below and breed for longevity, structural soundness, and stable temperament — the three pillars of a responsibly preserved breed.

Origin snapshot

Country of origin: Multiple regions historically
Era: Historic
Original purpose: Pursue game by sight or scent
Modern purpose: Companion and tracking/lure-coursing dog

Breed timeline

Historic
Sloughi develops in Multiple regions historically
20th century
Formal kennel club recognition in the Hound group
Today
Established as a companion and tracking/lure-coursing dog

Appearance

Male

Height

25–30 in

Weight

37–53 lbs

Female

Height

22–27 in

Weight

32–46 lbs

Coat length: Short
Coat texture: Tight single coat
Undercoat: None / minimal
Body: Well-proportioned athletic build

Temperament

Sloughis are gentle, reserved, noble. With early socialization and positive-reinforcement training in the critical 8–16 week window, they grow into well-adjusted adults that fit a wide range of households.

Exercise & activity

Adult Sloughis need 60–90 minutes/day, split between leashed walks and off-leash play. Under-exercised dogs of this breed are the #1 source of behaviour complaints — chewing, barking, and pulling.

Grooming & shedding

Wash-and-wear coat. A weekly brush and an occasional bath keeps a Sloughi tidy.

Minimal shedding — one of the cleaner breeds to live with.

Nutrition guide

Feed a high-quality all-life-stage or medium-breed puppy formula with balanced calories and DHA for brain development. Sloughi puppies thrive on 3 measured meals per day until 6 months, then 2 meals. Look for AAFCO statements naming "growth" or "all life stages," and skip filler-heavy grocery brands.

Puppy nutrition

Feed an AAFCO-approved all-life-stages puppy formula. 3 meals/day until 6 months, then 2/day.

Adult nutrition

Adult Sloughis do well on a high-quality kibble (≥ 25% protein, ≤ 15% fat) split into two meals. Free-feeding is the #1 cause of obesity in this breed.

Senior nutrition

From age 8, transition to a senior formula with glucosamine/chondroitin and reduced calories.

Daily calories (adult)

700–1,000 kcal/day

Common allergies: Most common triggers in this breed: chicken, beef, dairy, wheat. A novel-protein diet (duck, salmon, venison) helps if itching or GI issues persist.

Never feed:

• Grapes & raisins
• Chocolate
• Onions & garlic
• Xylitol (peanut butter labels!)
• Cooked bones
• Macadamia nuts

Training guide

Housebreaking

Crate-train from day 1. Sloughi puppies can hold their bladder roughly (age in months) hours — set a timer and take them out after every nap, meal, and play session.

Crate training

Use a crate just large enough to stand and turn around. Never use it as punishment. Most Sloughis accept the crate within 2 weeks with kong-and-meal pairing.

Obedience

Sloughis have an independent streak. Keep sessions ≤ 5 minutes, very high-value rewards, and end on a win.

Socialisation

Critical window is 8–16 weeks. Aim for 100 new people, 50 new dogs, and 25 new environments before 4 months — vaccinated, controlled, positive exposures only.

Advanced training

Focus on rock-solid basics first; advanced sports work best from 18+ months with this breed.

Common mistakes to avoid

×Skipping puppy class because the dog ‘seems fine’
×Using punishment for fear-based behaviour (escalates it)
×Repeating the cue word — say it once, then enforce
×Free-feeding (kills food motivation for training)

Health database

Lifespan: 10–15 years. Below are the conditions vets most commonly screen for in this breed — for education only, always consult your veterinarian.

Hip dysplasia risk

Lower than average

Elbow dysplasia risk

Low

Eye disease risk

Standard screening recommended

Cancer risk

Average

Dental risk

Average

Annual vet cost

$500–$900 CAD

Common health concerns

▸Dental disease
▸Obesity (over-feeding)
▸Patellar luxation

Recommended screening

▸Patella evaluation
▸CERF / OFA eye exam
▸Cardiac auscultation
▸Annual blood panel

Educational only — always consult your veterinarian.

Living requirements

Apartment: Not ideal
House: Yes — ideal
Urban: Challenging
Rural / farm: Strong
Cold weather: Average — needs a jacket below freezing
Hot weather: Tolerant
Barking level: Above average
Separation anxiety: Average
Escape risk: Average
Space: Apartment OK with daily exercise

Cost of ownership (Canada)

Reputable Canadian breeders typically charge $1,800–$3,500 for a Sloughi puppy. Plan for $2,000–$3,400 in annual cost of ownership covering food, vet visits, insurance, training, and grooming.

Puppy purchase

$1,800–$3,500

Annual all-in

$2,000–$3,400

Insurance

$45–$90 / month CAD

Pros & cons

Pros

+Low shedding — easier on furniture and allergies
+Great hiking, running, and adventure companion

Cons

−Not well-suited to apartment living without a yard
−Better matched to adults-only or older-kid households

Ideal owner profile

Active / outdoorsy owners

Fun facts

1.Sloughis live 10–15 years on average with good preventive care.
2.Adults stand 24–29 in and weigh 35–50 lbs.
3.Daily exercise needs: 60–90 minutes/day.
4.Classified in the Hound group.

Sloughi vs popular breeds

Trait	Sloughi	Labrador Retriever	Golden Retriever	German Shepherd	French Bulldog	Poodle (Standard)
Size	Medium	Large	Large	Large	Small	Large
Lifespan	10–15 years	11–13 years	10–12 years	9–13 years	10–12 years	10–18 years
Energy	4/5	5/5	4/5	5/5	2/5	4/5
Trainability	3/5	5/5	5/5	5/5	3/5	5/5
Family-friendly	3/5	5/5	5/5	4/5	4/5	5/5
Apartment	2/5	2/5	2/5	2/5	5/5	3/5
Shedding	2/5	4/5	4/5	5/5	3/5	1/5
Exercise	60–90 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day	20–40 minutes/day	60–90 minutes/day

Frequently asked

Sloughi — 30 questions answered.

Are Sloughis good family dogs?+

Sloughis score 3/5 for family friendliness. They tend to suit adults or older children better than busy toddler households.

Are Sloughis good for first-time owners?+

Sloughis rank 3/5 for first-time owners. Consider a puppy class and a trainer mentor before bringing one home.

How much exercise does a Sloughi need?+

How much does a Sloughi puppy cost in Canada?+

Reputable Canadian breeders charge $1,800–$3,500 for a well-bred Sloughi puppy. Adoption through breed-specific rescues runs $400–$900.

What's the annual cost of owning a Sloughi?+

Plan for $2,000–$3,400 CAD per year covering food, vet care, insurance, training, and grooming.

Do Sloughis shed a lot?+

Minimal shedding — one of the cleaner breeds to live with.

Are Sloughis hypoallergenic?+

No — Sloughis shed dander and hair like most breeds. ‘Hypoallergenic’ is a myth; severity varies by individual.

How long do Sloughis live?+

Typical lifespan is 10–15 years. Lean body weight and routine vet care add years.

What health problems are Sloughis prone to?+

Most commonly: Dental disease, Obesity (over-feeding), Patellar luxation. Buy from a breeder who screens for these and provides documentation.

Are Sloughis good apartment dogs?+

Not ideal — Sloughis prefer a yard or open space.

How often should I groom my Sloughi?+

Wash-and-wear coat. A weekly brush and an occasional bath keeps a Sloughi tidy.

How smart is a Sloughi?+

Sloughis rank 3/5 for trainability — in the average range. They learn best with short, motivated sessions.

Are Sloughis good with kids?+

Sloughis do best with respectful older kids. Supervise all dog-child interactions regardless of breed.

Are Sloughis good with cats and other dogs?+

Varies by individual — early socialisation and slow introductions are essential.

Can Sloughis be left alone?+

Yes — most Sloughis handle moderate alone time when properly conditioned.

Do Sloughis bark a lot?+

Yes — Sloughis are vocal. Early ‘quiet’ training and enrichment reduce nuisance barking.

How big do Sloughis get?+

Adults typically stand 24–29 in and weigh 35–50 lbs.

What should I feed a Sloughi puppy?+

Feed an AAFCO-approved all-life-stages puppy formula. 3 meals/day until 6 months, then 2/day.

How many calories does an adult Sloughi need?+

Roughly 700–1,000 kcal/day for an average-activity adult. Active or working dogs need 20–40% more.

When does a Sloughi stop growing?+

Around 12–15 months.

How do I housebreak a Sloughi?+

Crate-train from day 1. Sloughi puppies can hold their bladder roughly (age in months) hours — set a timer and take them out after every nap, meal, and play session.

Do Sloughis do well in cold weather?+

Average — needs a jacket below freezing

Do Sloughis tolerate hot weather?+

Tolerant

Are Sloughis good guard dogs?+

Yes — natural protective instincts and an imposing presence make them good watchdogs.

Do Sloughis like water and swimming?+

Varies by individual; start in shallow water with a flotation vest.

Can Sloughis do agility or dog sports?+

Possible, but recall and focus take longer to develop in this breed.

Are male or female Sloughis better?+

No meaningful temperament difference at the breed level — individual personality, socialisation, and training matter far more than sex.

Should I get pet insurance for a Sloughi?+

Strongly recommended. Expect $45–$90 / month CAD for accident & illness coverage.

What questions should I ask a Sloughi breeder?+

Health clearances on both parents (hips, elbows, eyes, cardiac as applicable), the right to return the dog at any age, contract terms, references from previous puppy buyers, and a meet-and-greet with the dam.

Where can I adopt a Sloughi in Canada?+

Start with breed-specific rescues on Petfinder.ca and the Canadian Kennel Club's breed club referrals, then check provincial humane societies.

What's the difference between Canadian, American, and European Sloughi lines?+

Bloodlines differ in size, structure, and working drive. North American show lines are typically larger and calmer; European working lines are leaner and drivier. Ask the breeder which lines they breed and why.

Sloughi curriculum