Sloughis: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em

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.

If you want a dog who...

Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.

• You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Sloughis have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
• If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can't tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
• Finally, you can avoid some negative traits by training your Sloughi to respect you and by following the 11-step care program in my book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy.

More traits and characteristics of the Sloughi

If I was considering a Sloughi, I would be most concerned about...

1. Providing enough running exercise in a safe area. Sloughis don't need miles of running, but they do need regular opportunities to vent their energy through all-out galloping a few times a week. Otherwise they will become 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.

2. Providing enough socialization. Standoffish by nature, Sloughis need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become skittishness and timidity, which are difficult to live with.
3. 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 other creatures that run. A Sloughi can seriously injure or kill your neighbor's cat or toy dog. You must take great care to supervise and control your sighthound around smaller animals.
4. Emotional sensitivity. Be honest.... is there tension in your home? Are people loud or angry or emotional? 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.
5. The independent temperament. Like all sighthounds, Sloughis are not eager to please you. They are independent thinkers who look out for their own best interests. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.

   In other words, you must teach your Sloughi to respect you. A dog who respects you will do what you say and will stop what he's doing when you tell him "No." Read more about Sloughi Training.