Sloughi

History of the Sloughi

The Sloughi developed in the Maghreb region of North Africa, where open plains and desert edges shaped a dog made to move efficiently for long stretches.

For generations, it lived alongside Amazigh and Arab communities and was valued as both a hunting partner and a loyal camp companion. Its job was to spot game at a distance and pursue it with speed, often across rugged ground and changing temperatures.

Because hunting success depended on keen eyesight, soundness, and courage, breeding choices tended to favor athletic, clear headed dogs with a strong bond to their handler.

In traditional hunts, the Sloughi worked primarily by sight, tracking quick movement and reacting in an instant. It was used on quarry such as hare and similar fast, agile game, and in some places it also coursed larger desert animals when conditions allowed.

Handlers often traveled on foot or horseback, reading the land and choosing moments when the dog could safely run. That partnership rewarded a dog that could think for itself, stay focused under pressure, and return to the human for direction when the chase ended.

Unlike many working dogs kept at a distance, Sloughis were frequently treated as treasured household members in their communities. They might rest close to the family, share shelter during harsh weather, and receive careful attention to diet and cleanliness.

Stories and poetry from the region reflect a deep respect for the breed’s dignity and courage, with some lines maintained as prized possessions.

This close living arrangement also reinforced the Sloughi’s preference for a small circle of trusted people and its tendency to be reserved, not pushy, with strangers.

As lifestyles changed across North Africa, fewer families relied on coursing to provide food, and modern transportation and land use altered where and how dogs could work.

Periods of conflict and disease also reduced numbers in some areas, and strict rules around dog keeping in certain communities limited casual ownership.

Even so, dedicated hunters and breeders continued to preserve the Sloughi’s functional structure and clear, steady temperament.

Outside the region, the breed remained relatively uncommon, which helped it keep a distinct type but also meant that healthy, well raised puppies were not widely available.

Today, Sloughis can still be found in parts of their homeland, and some also live as companions in other countries where enthusiasts value their history and athleticism.

Many modern owners channel the breed’s instincts into activities like lure coursing style games, running beside a bike at an easy pace, or structured play in secure fields.

Because the gene pool is comparatively small in many areas, responsible breeding and careful placement matter.

Prospective owners often benefit from patience in their search and a willingness to support ethical breeders or reputable rescues that understand the breed’s need for both exercise and emotional security.