Sloughi
Also known as: Arabian Greyhound
The Sloughi is an ancient North African sighthound of great elegance and speed, deeply bonded to its family and reserved with strangers. Originating from North Africa, this large-sized hound breed has earned a loyal following among Australian pet owners thanks to its distinctive appearance and reliable temperament. With a typical lifespan of 12—16 years, the Sloughi stands 61—72 cm at the shoulder and weighs between 18—28 kg. Whether you live in a bustling city apartment or a sprawling rural property, understanding this breed’s unique needs will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your household.
About the Sloughi
The Sloughi is an ancient North African sighthound of great elegance and speed, deeply bonded to its family and reserved with strangers. Originating from North Africa, this large-sized hound breed has earned a loyal following among Australian pet owners thanks to its distinctive appearance and reliable temperament. With a typical lifespan of 12—16 years, the Sloughi stands 61—72 cm at the shoulder and weighs between 18—28 kg. Whether you live in a bustling city apartment or a sprawling rural property, understanding this breed’s unique needs will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your household.
History
An ancient sighthound from the Maghreb region of North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya). Used by Berber and Bedouin peoples for hunting gazelle, hare and wild boar in the desert. One of the rarest breeds in the world. Known for their speed and endurance.
Temperament & Personality
The Sloughi is widely regarded as noble, faithful, sensitive, reserved, alert and gentle. These personality traits make them well-suited to Australian families who value a noble companion. Around the home, Sloughis tend to form strong bonds with their primary carers while remaining faithful with visitors and strangers. With proper socialisation, this breed can get along well with older children who understand how to interact respectfully with dogs. Early introductions are important. Their sensitive disposition also means they respond best to owners who understand and respect their temperament rather than trying to force them into a mould that doesn’t suit them.
Training & Socialisation
The Sloughi is eager to please and generally straightforward to train. Early socialisation is critical—exposing your puppy to a wide variety of people, animals, sounds and environments between 8 and 16 weeks of age will help prevent behavioural issues later. In Australia, many local councils require dogs to be responsive to basic commands and well-socialised in public spaces. Puppy preschool classes are widely available across Australian cities and regional centres, and they provide an excellent foundation. Use positive reinforcement techniques—treats, praise and play—rather than punishment-based methods. Consistency is key: set clear household rules from day one and ensure all family members follow the same approach.
Care & Health
Extremely rare—finding a breeder is very challenging. Sensitive to anaesthesia—inform your vet. A reserved breed that bonds deeply with family.
Living Conditions
The Sloughi is best suited to homes with a securely fenced yard. Apartments are generally not ideal for this breed unless you commit to multiple daily exercise outings. In Australia’s varied climate, be mindful of heat—provide shade, fresh water and avoid exercising during the hottest parts of the day, particularly in summer.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- North Africa
- Life Span
- 12—16 years
- Size
- large
- Hair Shed
- little
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Good with Kids
- medium
- Exercise Needs
- high
- Feeding Cost
- $20–$25 p/w
- Colours
- Sand, fawn, red, brindle, black mantle.
Exercise
Exercise needs: high
High exercise needs with opportunities to sprint. Daily walks of 45—60 minutes plus regular running in a securely fenced area. Excellent at lure coursing.
Health Considerations
Recommended Insurance for Sloughi
Responsible Sloughi ownership includes preparing for potential health challenges.
- ■Progressive Retinal Atrophy — typical treatment cost: $1,000–$3,000
- ■Sensitivity To Anaesthesia — typical treatment cost: $1,000–$5,000+
- ■Bloat — typical treatment cost: $2,000–$5,000 (emergency surgery)
- ■Hypothyroidism And Autoimmune Disorders — typical treatment cost: $1,000–$5,000+
A comprehensive pet insurance policy can help cover the cost of diagnostics, surgery and ongoing treatment for these conditions. Many Australian providers offer plans starting from around $30–$60 per month for larger breeds, with annual benefit limits of $10,000–$25,000.
🛡️ Don’t wait until it’s too late
Pre-existing conditions are never covered. Insuring your Sloughi while they’re young and healthy gives you the broadest coverage at the lowest premium.
Protect your Sloughi with the right insurance plan →Grooming
Very low-maintenance coat. Weekly wipe-down. Minimal shedding. One of the easiest breeds to groom.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Minimal shedding keeps your home cleaner
- Impressive presence and natural deterrent
- Distinctive appearance that turns heads
- Loyal and devoted to their family
Considerations
- Requires significant daily exercise commitment
- Can be challenging with other pets
- Higher food and veterinary costs than smaller breeds
- May be prone to breed-specific health issues
- Not always readily available from Australian breeders
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Sloughi cost in Australia?
Is the Sloughi good with children?
How much exercise does a Sloughi need?
What health problems are common in Sloughis?
Does the Sloughi shed a lot?
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