Sloughi

The Sloughi, pronounced SLOO-ghee, is a smooth-coated sighthound from North Africa, often called the Arabian Greyhound. It looks like a lean, fine-boned Greyhound in desert sand colours, and it was bred to hunt by sight at speed.

It is also one of the hardest breeds to find in Australia. On 17 October 2026 the Dogz Online breeder directory listed a single Sloughi breeder and no puppies or older dogs anywhere in Australia or New Zealand. Most people who own one have waited years or imported.

The breed is recognised by Dogs Australia in the Hound group. For most families, a Greyhound or Whippet offers a similar gentle sighthound experience without the import.

Characteristics of the Sloughi

The Sloughi rates very low for grooming and high for sensitivity and prey drive, which makes it a devoted but specialist companion.

History of the Sloughi: An Ancient Hunting Hound of North Africa

The Sloughi developed across North Africa, particularly Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, where Berber and Bedouin peoples kept it to course hare, gazelle, fox and jackal. It was valued as a family hunting partner rather than a working kennel dog.

The breed is listed under the FCI with Morocco as its country of origin, and it gained American Kennel Club recognition in 2016. The Dogs Australia standard is based on the Kennel Club standard of 1994, last updated in 2008.

Numbers outside North Africa remain small. In Australia it survives through a handful of enthusiasts, and most dogs trace to imports.

Appearance of the Sloughi: Lean, Elegant and Desert Coloured

Size and Build

Under the breed standard published by Dogs NSW, dogs stand 66 to 72 cm and bitches 61 to 68 cm. The frame is lean and bony, with a deep chest and long legs built for speed.

Coat and Colours

The coat is short, fine and smooth. Colours run from light sand to red sand, with or without a black mask, mantle, brindle or black overlay.

Distinctive Features

Dark, melancholy eyes, drop ears and a long, wedge-shaped head give the breed a gentle, serious expression.

Gender Differences

Dogs are taller and heavier than bitches, often by several centimetres and several kilograms.

Temperament of the Sloughi: Loyal, Sensitive and Reserved

Core Personality Traits

The standard describes a dog that is loyal to its owner, affectionate with family and aloof with strangers. Sloughis are quiet, dignified and emotionally sensitive.

Social Behaviour

Expect a Sloughi to keep its distance from visitors. It is not aggressive, but it dislikes noise, rough handling and chaotic homes.

Working Instincts

Prey drive is extremely strong. A running cat, rabbit or kangaroo can trigger a chase at speeds no owner can match.

Common Behavioural Challenges

Anxiety from harsh handling, chasing and escaping are the main problems. A calm routine and secure fencing prevent most of them.

Intelligence and Trainability of the Sloughi: Perceptive and Independent

Intelligence and Learning Ability

Sloughis learn quickly but were bred to hunt on their own judgement, so repetitive obedience bores them.

Training Approach

Dogs NSW recommends positive reinforcement and sensitive, consistent owners. Raised voices or corrections shut a Sloughi down.

Early Socialisation

Gentle exposure to people, dogs and household noise helps a naturally reserved puppy grow into a confident adult.

Potential Training Challenges

Off-lead recall is never fully reliable in a sighthound. Run only in securely fenced areas.

Sloughi Family Life: Children, Pets and Home

Living with Children

Sloughis can be gentle with calm, older children who respect their space. Busy homes with toddlers are usually a poor match.

Living with Other Pets

Most enjoy another sighthound's company. Cats, rabbits and small pets are at real risk unless the dog is raised with them, and even then supervision is wise.

Household Environment

Indoors the breed is calm and clean. Outside it needs fencing of at least 1.8 metres, as many Sloughis can jump.

Lifestyle Compatibility

The breed suits quiet adult homes with sighthound experience and time for daily exercise.

Health of the Sloughi: Eyes, Immunity and Medication Sensitivity

Lifespan and Healthy Living

Sloughis generally live 12 to 15 years, according to the American Sloughi Association's health information. Published breed health data is limited because the population is small.

Common Health Conditions

Owners should be aware of the following. It is best to discuss any concerns with a veterinarian.

• Progressive retinal atrophy. An inherited eye disease that can lead to blindness. A DNA test is available.
• Autoimmune conditions. Including Addison's disease, symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy (painful nail loss) and lupus.
• Medication sensitivity. Like other sighthounds, Sloughis may react to anaesthesia, vaccines and worming treatments.

Genetic Health Testing

Ask for PRA DNA results on both parents, and ask whether any relatives have had autoimmune disease.

Preventative Health Care

Tell every vet the dog is a sighthound before anaesthesia, and discuss spacing vaccines and treatments. Keep up year-round parasite and paralysis tick prevention.

Caring for the Sloughi: Comfort, Warmth and Safety

Daily Care Routine

A walk, a safe sprint and soft bedding cover most needs. Sloughis have little padding over their bones and dislike hard floors.

Living Environment Requirements

Secure, high fencing and a quiet indoor space are essential. Never leave gates open around a sighthound.

Climate Sensitivity

As a desert breed it copes with heat better than most, but still check safe temperatures for dogs in Australia before exercise. Its thin coat means cold nights call for a coat.

Caring for Senior Sloughis

Older dogs need warmth, softer bedding and shorter outings, with regular checks on eyes and weight.

Grooming of the Sloughi: Minimal Effort

Coat Maintenance

A weekly rub with a rubber mitt is enough. A standard grooming routine for short-haired dogs suits the breed well.

Bathing

Bathe only when dirty, using a mild shampoo, and dry well in cool weather.

Ear, Nail and Dental Care

Trim nails every few weeks, check ears weekly and brush teeth several times a week.

Skin Protection

The fine coat tears easily on wire and sticks, so check for nicks after off-lead runs.

Exercise Needs of the Sloughi: Sprints and Steady Walks

Daily Exercise Requirements

Dogs NSW suggests about 40 minutes a day. Most adults do best with a daily walk plus a few safe sprints each week.

Activities Sloughis Enjoy

Lure coursing, fenced free runs and long sniff walks suit the breed's instincts.

Exercise by Life Stage

Avoid forced running in puppies while bones grow. Adults are athletic, and seniors still enjoy gentle walks.

Heat, Wildlife and Tick Safety

Exercise early or late in summer, keep the dog leashed near kangaroos, wallabies and livestock, and check daily for paralysis ticks.

Feeding the Sloughi: Keeping a Sighthound Lean

Nutritional Requirements

A complete, balanced diet for active medium to large dogs suits most Sloughis.

Feeding by Life Stage

Puppies need three to four meals daily, then two meals a day from around six months.

Portion Control and Weight Management

A fit Sloughi shows the last ribs and hip bones. That is normal for a sighthound, not a sign of hunger.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid chocolate, grapes, sultanas, onion, garlic, macadamias, xylitol and cooked bones.

Sloughi Price in Australia: Scarcity and Import Costs

Puppy Purchase Price

There is no Australian Sloughi price to report. With one breeder listed and no puppies advertised on 17 October 2026, prices are set privately, and most buyers must wait or import.

Import Costs

Imported dogs must complete at least 10 days in post-entry quarantine at Mickleham, Victoria, and the government quarantine fees alone run to well over $1,000, before permits, testing, flights and the purchase price.

Ongoing Costs

Long-Term Financial Commitment

RSPCA NSW puts ongoing dog costs from about $1,260 a year. Over 12 to 15 years, the import is usually the largest single cost.

Buying Advice for a Sloughi: Waiting, Importing or Choosing Another Sighthound

Choosing a Responsible Breeder

Contact Dogs Australia state bodies and the listed breeder, and expect a long wait. Use questions to ask a dog breeder to assess any local or overseas kennel.

Health Checks Before Purchase

Ask for PRA results, registration papers and vaccination records, and plan carefully with the breeder if importing.

Questions to Ask the Breeder

• Are both parents PRA DNA tested, and can I see the results?
• Has any relative had Addison's disease, lupus or nail disease?
• Is the puppy registered with a recognised kennel club?
• Who manages import permits, testing and quarantine?
• How have the puppies reacted to vaccines and worming?

Rare Breed Scam Awareness

Any Sloughi "available now" in Australia deserves suspicion. Learn how to spot a puppy scam online before paying anything.

Is the Sloughi Right for You? A Rare Sighthound for Patient Owners

Lifestyle Compatibility

The Sloughi suits quiet, experienced homes with secure fencing. It rarely suits busy family life.

Time and Care Commitment

Expect daily exercise and close companionship for 12 to 15 years.

Grooming and Health Awareness

Grooming is minimal; medication sensitivity and eye testing need attention.

Ideal Owner Profile

A patient sighthound lover, ready to wait or import.

Find Sloughi Puppies for Sale

Sloughi litters are very rare, so browse puppies for sale across Australia and consider the sighthounds below.