| Sloughis: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Sloughi personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Sloughi, including these excerpts:
"Possessed of a noble, melancholic expression, this elegant, graceful aristocrat is known for his quiet dignity and loyalty. The Sloughi bonds closely (in a subtle way) with his owner and doesn't change that allegiance easily.
Aloof and cautious with strangers, he tends to hang back to observe and to avoid being touched. However, he is more territorial than most sighthounds. Some Sloughis should not be taken lightly if truly threatened.
Indoors, he is a creature of comfort who prefers soft beds on which he can lounge and survey his domain. However, this composure assumes that he has had a good daily run, for he is a consummate athlete who needs a good deal of exercise.
You'll need a large fenced area -- and Sloughis are agile jumpers, so fences should be six feet high -- because he is too fast to be allowed off-leash. Another reason for leashes and fences is his deeply ingrained chasing instinct, which is triggered by the slightest movement, such as leaves blowing or little creatures scurrying.
Sloughis are independent thinkers who need firm boundaries or they will take advantage, but they are very sensitive to correction. Train calmly, and coax with food and games. A verbal correction is more effective than a physical one.
Many sighthounds are touch-sensitive, startling when touched unexpectedly and uncomfortable when cuddled excessively."
History
An ancient breed from North Africa, the Sloughi ran down hare, fox, gazelle, and jackal across open terrain. The native peoples kept him in their tents and treasured him as part of their family.
Size
24-29 inches and 40-65 lbs |
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Sloughis
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- There are energetic Sloughis, and placid Sloughis.
- Hard-headed Sloughis, and sweet-natured Sloughis.
- Serious Sloughis, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Sloughis, and Sloughis who love everyone.
| If you acquire a Sloughi puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed...
- Is tall, slender, and elegant
- Has a sleek easy-care coat in earthone shades
- Is extremely athletic and graceful -- can run swiftly and jump great heights
- Carries himself in a calm, dignified manner
- Is polite with strangers, yet more alert and more territorial than other sighthounds
A Sloughi may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- Providing a safe enclosed area where he can gallop
- Shyness or suspiciousness when not socialized enough
- Emotional sensitivity to stress and abrupt changes in schedule
- Strong instincts to chase other living creatures that run
- Slowness to learn and an independent "what's in it for me?" attitude toward training -- can be very stubborn
- Slowness to housebreak
A Sloughi may not be right for you.
| If I were considering a Sloughi... |
My major concerns would be:
- Providing enough running exercise. Sloughis don't need miles of running, but they MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy through all-out galloping a few times a week. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by destructive chewing.
| Sloughis need access to a large fenced area -- fenced because these independent dogs are likely to take off and not come back. If there is a dog club in your area, get your Sloughi involved in lure coursing (chasing a mechanized lure around a track or across an open field). This is an appropriate outlet for the full-speed galloping behaviors that are "hardwired" into his genes. |
- Providing enough socialization. Standoffish by nature, Sloughis need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become shyness or suspicion, which are difficult to live with.
- The independent temperament. Sloughis are not Golden Retrievers. They are independent thinkers who don't particularly care about pleasing you. Most Sloughis are stubborn and can be manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
| To teach your Sloughi to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Sloughi Training Page discusses the program you need. |
- Chasing other animals. Most people do not realize just how fast and agile sighthounds are -- or how strong their instincts are to chase and seize fleeing creatures. They could seriously injure or kill your neighbor's cat or toy dog. In today's society, the legal liabilities should be considered.
- Emotional sensitivity. Be honest...is there tension in your home? Are people loud or angry or emotional? Are there arguments or fights? Sloughis are extremely sensitive to stress and can end up literally sick to their stomachs if the people in their home are having family problems. Sighthounds are peaceful, sensitive dogs who need a peaceful, harmonious home.
| If you have small children, I do not recommend Sloughi puppies. First, young Sloughis (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people. Second, the temptation to chase and nip running children is a risk with young Sloughis. Finally, even Sloughi adults may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness may be the result. |
- Housebreaking. Sloughis tend to resist being told what to do, and housebreaking is no exception. Expect four to six months of consistent crate training.
| If you're considering an adult Sloughi... |
There are plenty of adult Sloughis who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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Copyright © 2000-2006 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author. |
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