Saluki vs Sloughi: full comparison
| Trait | Saluki | Sloughi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Energy level | Medium | Medium |
| Trainability | Low | Low |
| Friendliness | Medium | Low |
| Good with children | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming needs | Medium | Very Low |
| Shedding | Low | Low |
| Barking | Very Low | Very Low |
| Protectiveness | Low | Medium |
| Adaptability | Low | Low |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | 13 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Key differences at a glance
- The Saluki has noticeably higher grooming than the Sloughi.
Size and living space
The Saluki is a large and powerful breed that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. By comparison, the Sloughi is a large and powerful breed that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The Saluki thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. The Sloughi thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The Saluki wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and drops very little hair. The Sloughi takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and drops very little hair. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.
Temperament, training and family life
The Saluki learns steadily provided you stay consistent, is very quiet and rarely barks and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The Sloughi learns steadily provided you stay consistent, is very quiet and rarely barks and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Saluki is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas Sloughi will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Saluki and Sloughi are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, Saluki has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
- For first-time dog owners, Saluki has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Saluki and Sloughi are an even match — either can work well.
- For allergy sufferers, Saluki and Sloughi are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Saluki if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.
Choose the Sloughi if you prefer lower grooming upkeep or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Saluki or the Sloughi better for families with children?
- Both the Saluki and the Sloughi are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Saluki or the Sloughi?
- The Saluki and Sloughi shed a similar amount (low).
- Which is easier to train, the Saluki or the Sloughi?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is Saluki or Sloughi bigger?
- Saluki and Sloughi are a similar size (Large).
- Which barks more, Saluki or Sloughi?
- Both bark a similar amount (very low).
- Which is better for apartment living, Saluki or Sloughi?
- For apartment or apartment living, Saluki and Sloughi are an even match — either can work well.