Sloughi characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | Low | 10% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Low | 9% of breeds |
| Good with children | Medium | — |
| Grooming needs | Very Low | 12% of breeds |
| Shedding | Low | 26% of breeds |
| Barking | Very Low | 4% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | Medium | 38% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Low | 17% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Sloughi right for you?
The Sloughi is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. In terms of temperament, it is generally good with children when socialized and supervised and will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive. Day to day, the Sloughi needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Sloughi needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. With medium energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Sloughi to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Sloughi takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and sheds very little. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Sloughi learns steadily provided you stay consistent and is very quiet and rarely barks. It is very self-sufficient and content on its own for longer stretches, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Sloughi
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Sloughi genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Barking: Very low — the Sloughi is unusually quiet, one of the few breeds that rarely uses its voice. Only 4% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Friendliness: Low — the Sloughi is more reserved than most breeds. Only 9% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Trainability: Low — the Sloughi is less biddable than most breeds. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: Very low — the Sloughi needs unusually little coat maintenance. Only 12% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Sloughi actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Minimal coat work — an occasional wipe-down and little else. |
| Time alone | Copes with being alone better than most breeds, within reason. |
| Noise | Notably quiet. |
Where the Sloughi fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Depends | Medium child tolerance: fine with supervision and older children, less so with toddlers. |
| First-time owners | Poor fit | The combination of drive, independence and training difficulty is a lot for a first dog. |
| Homes with cats | Poor fit | Very high prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Good fit | Very high independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
Perfect for
- Experienced sighthound owners
- Warm climate living
- Quiet households
- Rare breed enthusiasts
Things to consider
- Very rare breed
- Aloof with strangers
- High prey drive
- Needs secure fencing
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Sloughi good with children?
- The Sloughi can be good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Does the Sloughi shed a lot?
- The Sloughi has low shedding.
- How much exercise does the Sloughi need?
- With medium energy, the Sloughi needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Sloughi live?
- The Sloughi typically lives around 13 years.
- Can the Sloughi live in an apartment?
- The Sloughi is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Sloughi easy to train?
- The Sloughi learns steadily provided you stay consistent. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Sloughi be left alone during the day?
- The Sloughi is very self-sufficient and content on its own for longer stretches. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.