Buying or Adopting a Sloughi

Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]

The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)

The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)

The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)

Is a Sloughi the right breed for you?

Sloughi Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find

Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family.

Are YOU the right owner for a Sloughi?

Can you provide what this breed needs?

• Someone home most of the day
• Fenced yard (6-8 feet high, not an electronic/underground fence)
• No young children in the household
• No very small dogs in the household
• No cats in the household
• Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
• Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Sloughi stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
• "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as lure coursing, a dog sport for sighthounds; challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
• An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
• A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
• An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Sloughis are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
• Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Sloughi to lots of people and other animals
• Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Sloughi, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say

Which sex? What age?

Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?

Where can you buy or adopt a Sloughi?

Sloughis are exceedingly rare in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Sloughis rank 185th! Very difficult to find. All of the other sighthound breeds are more popular.

Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
I'm not aware of any Sloughis available from a Dog Rescue group, but you might inquire of the breed's national club.

Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
I've never heard of a Sloughi found at a shelter.

Buying From a Dog Breeder
Your only source for a puppy is a show breeder, who breeds Sloughis to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You'll almost certainly go on a waiting list.

Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – At least ONE PARENT of a Sloughi puppy should have:

• a DNA test proving they are Normal/Clear of a severe hereditary eye disease called PRA.

If a seller can't show you that certificate, the puppies are at higher risk to go blind.

Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
I've never seen a Sloughi in a pet shop. Which is good, because I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!

Which puppy?

Choosing the Right Sloughi Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Sloughi puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.

AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Sloughi puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?