The 60-second version of the Sloughi: what they're like, what they need, and whether one would suit your home — written for Australian owners.
Sloughi at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed group | Hound |
| Weight | 20–27 kg |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years |
| Energy | Moderate — sprint, then rest |
| Coat | Very short, fine, sand to brindle |
| Grooming | A quick weekly rub-down |
| Shedding | Very low |
| Good with kids | Gentle; sensitive and reserved |
| Puppy price (AU) | $2,000–$3,500 |
| Insurance (AU) | ~$50–$85/month |
Living with a Sloughi in Australia
The Sloughi is the Saluki’s short-coated North African cousin — a noble, ancient sighthound treasured by Berber hunters for millennia. They’re sensitive, quiet and deeply bonded to their families while remaining aristocratically reserved with strangers. Among the lowest-maintenance of all sighthounds: no doggy odour, minimal grooming, moderate exercise. In Australia they’re genuinely rare — expect waitlists and interstate travel — but devotees say the Sloughi’s quiet nobility is unmatched.
Health watch-outs
A robust desert breed:
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — DNA-testable; ask breeders.
- Anaesthesia sensitivity — the sighthound standard.
- Otherwise very healthy — long-lived and hardy.
Budget at a glance
- Puppy price: typically $2,000–$3,500 from a registered breeder — much lower offers are often scams.
- Insurance: around $50–$85/month — see our pet insurance cost guide for what shapes premiums.
- One of the cheapest sighthounds to keep — rarity is the only real cost.
Is a Sloughi right for you?
Great fit if you… ✅
- Experienced sighthound connoisseurs
- Quiet, adult households
- Owners wanting a low-maintenance athlete
Think twice if… ⚠️
- Very rare in Australia
- Sensitivity and reserve need gentle, experienced handling
Keep exploring
🍖 Best food: See our dog food picks — chosen for Australian conditions and budgets
🛡️ Insurance: What pet insurance costs in Australia — breed-by-breed premium guidance