Sloughi Dog Breed: The Arabian Greyhound Found in Egyptian Tombs
Archaeologists once found a mummified dog inside an Ancient Egyptian tomb, preserved alongside its owner for the afterlife. That dog was a Sloughi dog breed, also known as the Arabian Greyhound, and the discovery proves this breed’s history stretches back thousands of years further than most dogs alive today.
Beyond the history, though, this is a real dog with a real personality, and one that doesn’t fit the loud, hyperactive stereotype many people expect from a sighthound.
History and Origin
The Sloughi holds a place of genuine honor among Bedouin tribes, where the dogs are decorated with talismans and treated as distinguished guests, not property. Trust me on this one: when a Bedouin visits with his Sloughi, the dog receives the same respect as any other honored guest, and tribe members will offer up their own blanket if the dog is cold.
For years, many books mistakenly described the Sloughi as simply a short-haired Saluki. In reality, the two breeds are only distantly related — the Sloughi shares closer bloodlines with the Azawakh, while the Saluki is more closely related to the Afghan Hound.
Physical Characteristics
This is a medium to large sighthound with a lean, muscular build and a short, low-maintenance coat that comes in several shades. Adult males stand 26 to 28 inches tall and weigh 44 to 60 pounds, with females running slightly smaller.
The overall look is noble and dignified — fast and elegant, but with real strength and muscle underneath, not the fragile appearance some sighthounds have.
Temperament and Personality
Sloughis are highly independent dogs with a strong, innate hunting instinct and enough stamina to keep pace with almost anything. Here’s the thing — without early socialization around cats and smaller animals, a Sloughi will treat them as prey rather than housemates.
This breed isn’t a great match for anyone with limited time, but in the right home, it becomes a devoted, deeply loyal family companion. Despite that strong prey drive, Sloughis are notably quiet, not the kind of hound that barks at every passing sound.
Care Guide
Diet and Nutrition
A properly balanced diet with all the core nutrient groups matters here, along with fresh water always available. Feed twice daily following your food’s specific guidelines, and check body condition regularly to keep this lean athlete at a healthy weight. Our full nutrition guide covers the fundamentals.
Exercise Requirements
Plan on two hours or more of exercise daily for an adult Sloughi. Once this breed picks up a scent trail, it will take off running, so only let it off-leash in securely fenced areas, and invest in solid recall training from the start.
Grooming Needs
This is about as low-maintenance as coat care gets. Sloughis are famously fastidious, often cleaning themselves like a cat when they get dirty, and a simple rubber grooming glove once a week is usually enough.
Training and Education
Independence is this breed’s defining trait, which makes training more of a negotiation than a command. Positive reinforcement and patience work far better than a heavy-handed approach, and consistency matters more than intensity.
Recall command should be a top priority given the strong prey drive. Early socialization with people, other dogs, and small pets makes a real difference in how this breed handles life outside the home.
Health and Longevity
The Sloughi is generally a robust, healthy breed. The main consideration to watch for is hereditary eye disorders, so a vet eye screening is worth scheduling.
This isn’t meant as medical advice, just a heads-up worth knowing before you commit. Ask your vet about eye screening at routine checkups. With good care, this breed often lives 12 to 16 years.
Is This the Right Sighthound for You?
A Sloughi suits an experienced owner with a securely fenced yard, real time for daily exercise, and patience for an independent, one-family dog. If you want a breed that’s eager to please every stranger it meets, this probably isn’t your match.
Curious about other historic sighthounds? The Afghan Hound shares a similarly ancient lineage with a very different coat, and the Canaan Dog is another breed with deep desert roots worth comparing. Browse the full dog breed library or try the Dog Breed Quiz to keep exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Sloughi the same as a Saluki?
No, though they’re often confused. The Sloughi has a short coat and is more closely related to the Azawakh, while the feathered-coat Saluki is more closely related to the Afghan Hound.
Is the Sloughi good with cats?
Only with early, careful socialization. Without it, the breed’s strong hunting instinct will treat cats and other small animals as prey.
Does the Sloughi bark a lot?
No, this is a notably quiet breed and not a natural watchdog, despite its alertness and strong instincts in the field.
How much exercise does a Sloughi need?
Plan on two hours or more daily. This breed has real stamina and needs a genuine outlet for that energy, ideally in a securely fenced space.
For a sighthound with genuinely impressive acceleration, the Whippet can out-accelerate a Greyhound over short distances despite a lower top speed.
