Arabian Greyhound
Breed Description

The Arabian Greyhound is known by several names that reflect its rich North African heritage and wide geographical distribution across the Maghreb region. The most common alternative designation is "Sloughi," derived from the Arabic pronunciation and widely used in international cynological circles and breed registries worldwide.

In its native lands, this distinguished sighthound is often called the "Sloughi Moghrebi," which translates to "sighthound of the Maghreb," emphasizing its regional origins across Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Local Berber communities, who were instrumental in the breed's development, may use various Tamazight terms that reflect their cultural connection to these hunting companions.

Regional variations in naming include the "North African Greyhound," particularly in academic and historical contexts, and the "Maghreb Sighthound" in some European breed documentation. Occasionally, the breed may be referenced as the "Berber Greyhound," acknowledging the indigenous peoples who first developed and refined this remarkable coursing hound throughout centuries of desert life.

In French-speaking regions of North Africa and Europe, the breed might be called "Lévrier Arabe" or "Lévrier du Maghreb." These various names all refer to the same ancient breed, whose elegant form and hunting prowess have earned respect across cultures and continents throughout its long and storied history.

The Arabian Greyhound embodies the timeless elegance of the desert sighthound, combining remarkable athleticism with an air of noble dignity that speaks to centuries of selective breeding by nomadic peoples of North Africa. This medium to large-sized hound presents a silhouette of refined power, with every line of its construction designed for sustained speed across the challenging terrain of the Saharan landscape.

Standing majestically at 24 to 29 inches at the shoulder, the Arabian Greyhound displays the classic sighthound proportions with some distinctive variations that set it apart from its cousins. The breed's head is notably long and elegant, tapering gradually from a moderately broad skull to a fine, strong muzzle. The ears are set at eye level and hang gracefully close to the head, lifting slightly when the dog is alert, creating an expression of keen intelligence combined with gentle melancholy.

The Arabian Greyhound's coat is invariably short, fine, and lies close to the body, providing protection from the elements without compromising the aerodynamic efficiency essential for hunting. Color variations range from light sand and cream through various shades of fawn to deep mahogany red, often enhanced by a distinctive black mask that frames the face dramatically. White markings may appear on the chest, feet, and tail tip, but extensive white is generally discouraged in breed standards.

The body structure demonstrates perfect adaptation to desert coursing, with a deep chest providing ample lung capacity, a pronounced tuck-up at the abdomen creating the characteristic wasp-waisted appearance, and strong, well-muscled hindquarters that generate explosive acceleration. The tail is long and carried low with a slight upward curve at the tip, serving as a rudder during high-speed pursuit of game across uneven terrain.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC officially recognized the Arabian Greyhound in 2016 and classifies it within the Hound Group. The breed standard describes a robust yet elegant and racy pursuit dog with no exaggeration of length of body or limbs, muscle development, angulation, or curve of loin. Males should measure 26-29 inches at the withers, while females measure 24-27 inches, with weight proportional to height. The head is long and elegant, narrow with a well-defined stop, and the ears set at eye level hanging close to the head. The standard emphasizes the importance of proper pigmentation, requiring black noses and eye rims with dark eyes. The coat must be short and smooth throughout, with any fringe or feathering considered a disqualification. Movement should be supple, smooth, and effortless with long strides covering ground efficiently.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI Standard No. 188 establishes the Arabian Greyhound as a Group 10 Sighthound of medium to large size. The standard describes a short-haired oriental greyhound breed originating from North Africa, emphasizing nobility and dedication to its owner along with strong protective instincts and highly developed hunting abilities. The ideal height ranges from 66-72 cm for males (with 70 cm preferred) and 61-68 cm for females (with 65 cm preferred). Body length should be slightly less than height, creating a nearly square profile. The head must form an elongated, elegant triangle when viewed from above, with the skull being broadest and narrowing toward the nose. The coat is described as short, tight, and fine over the entire body, with accepted colors including all shades from light sand to mahogany, with or without black mask, but always with minimal white markings limited to chest, toes, and tail tip.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC does not maintain a separate standard for the Arabian Greyhound but recognizes the breed through its international registration programs. The organization emphasizes working ability and natural hunting instincts, encouraging preservation of the breed's original function as a coursing hound capable of hunting various game species across desert terrain. UKC documentation stresses the importance of maintaining the breed's natural alertness, territorial instincts, and capacity for both independence and close bonding with human families.

Other Organizations

Various national kennel clubs worldwide have adopted standards consistent with FCI guidelines while accommodating regional preferences. The Moroccan Kennel Club maintains particularly detailed standards as the breed's country of patronage, emphasizing traditional type and working ability. European organizations including the Kennel Club (UK), Canadian Kennel Club, and Australian National Kennel Council follow similar standards with minor regional adaptations. Breed-specific organizations such as the American Sloughi Association provide extensive educational materials and breeding guidelines that supplement official standards with practical guidance for maintaining breed type, health, and temperament. These organizations emphasize the importance of understanding the breed's cultural significance and maintaining connections to its North African heritage while adapting to modern companion dog roles.

The Arabian Greyhound traces its origins to the ancient civilizations of North Africa, where archaeological evidence suggests that dogs of similar type have existed for thousands of years. Neolithic rock paintings found in Algeria depict slender, elegant hounds with drooped ears hunting alongside human figures, providing tantalizing glimpses of the breed's prehistoric ancestors. These ancient artistic representations, dating back over 8,000 years, demonstrate the long association between humans and swift hunting dogs in the North African region.

The breed's development is intrinsically linked to the nomadic Berber peoples of the Maghreb, who inhabited the vast regions of what are now Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya long before Arab expansion into North Africa. These indigenous peoples, who called themselves Amazigh meaning "free people," recognized the value of fast, enduring dogs capable of hunting the diverse game animals that inhabited the transitional zones between the Sahara Desert and Mediterranean coastal regions.

During the medieval period, the Arabian Greyhound gained prominence throughout the Islamic world as Arab traders and conquerors encountered these remarkable hunting dogs. The breed's reputation spread along caravan routes that connected North Africa with the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa, leading to cultural exchanges that enriched the breed's gene pool while maintaining its essential characteristics. Historical accounts from the 13th century, including writings by Moroccan scholar Al Mansur, provide some of the earliest detailed descriptions of these prized hunting companions.

The social status of the Arabian Greyhound in traditional North African society cannot be overstated. These dogs were considered members of the family rather than mere hunting tools, sleeping in their owners' tents and sharing the protection and comfort afforded to valuable possessions. The famous proverb stating that "the bark of a Arabian Greyhound brings good fortune to the home" reflects the deep spiritual and practical significance these dogs held in nomadic culture.

European colonial expansion into North Africa during the 19th and early 20th centuries brought the first systematic Western attention to the Arabian Greyhound. French military officers and colonial administrators, encountering these dogs during campaigns and administrative duties, were impressed by their speed, endurance, and striking appearance. Some of the earliest exports to Europe occurred during this period, though the breed remained largely unknown outside of North Africa and a small circle of European enthusiasts.

The breed faced significant challenges during the turbulent 20th century as traditional nomadic lifestyles declined due to political changes, urbanization, and modernization throughout North Africa. The devastating effects of two world wars, followed by independence movements and political instability, disrupted traditional breeding practices and threatened the Arabian Greyhound's survival in its homeland.

Dedicated preservation efforts began in earnest during the 1960s as European and American dog enthusiasts recognized the breed's unique qualities and historical significance. Careful importation programs, often involving complex negotiations with North African breeders and government officials, gradually established breeding populations in Europe and North America while maintaining genetic connections to foundation bloodlines from the breed's native regions.

Modern DNA analysis has provided fascinating insights into the Arabian Greyhound's genetic heritage, confirming its ancient origins and revealing relationships with other African breeds. These studies have shown that the breed is genetically distinct from Middle Eastern sighthounds like the Saluki, despite superficial similarities, and shares closer relationships with other African dogs including the Azawakh and certain African indigenous breeds.

Today, the Arabian Greyhound represents both a living link to ancient North African culture and a testament to the dedication of breed enthusiasts worldwide who have worked to preserve this remarkable sighthound. While still relatively rare compared to more common breeds, stable populations now exist across several continents, ensuring the breed's future while maintaining its essential character and connection to its storied past.

The Arabian Greyhound was developed specifically as a coursing hound capable of hunting diverse game species across the varied landscapes of North Africa, from the harsh Saharan desert to Mediterranean coastal plains. This functional specialization required dogs with exceptional speed, endurance, and intelligence, as they often worked far from their human partners in pursuit of fleet-footed prey including gazelles, wild boar, hares, and various antelope species.

Traditional hunting methods with the Arabian Greyhound involved close cooperation between dog, hunter, and often falcons in a sophisticated system that demonstrated the breed's intelligence and trainability. The dogs learned to work in coordination with hunting birds, allowing falcons to knock down or disorient prey while the hounds provided the ground pursuit necessary to secure the quarry. This multi-species hunting partnership required dogs with exceptional impulse control and the ability to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate targets.

The breed's hunting style differs significantly from pack hounds, as Arabian Greyhounds typically worked individually or in small groups, making independent decisions about pursuit strategies based on terrain, weather conditions, and prey behavior. This autonomy required highly developed problem-solving abilities and confidence, as dogs might pursue game over several miles of difficult terrain before returning to their human companions.

Beyond their primary hunting role, Arabian Greyhounds served as camp guardians for nomadic peoples, using their acute senses and natural wariness of strangers to provide early warning of approaching dangers. Their territorial instincts and loyalty to their human families made them valuable protectors of livestock, supplies, and family members during vulnerable periods such as nighttime rest stops or while camps were being established in unfamiliar territory.

The breed's function extended to serving as companions and status symbols within North African society, where ownership of fine Arabian Greyhounds indicated wealth, good taste, and connection to traditional cultural values. These dogs participated in ceremonial hunts, racing competitions, and social gatherings that reinforced tribal bonds and demonstrated the skills of both dogs and their handlers.

In contemporary settings, the Arabian Greyhound's hunting instincts remain strong, making them successful in lure coursing, straight racing, and other performance events that simulate their original function. Many modern Arabian Greyhounds retain the drive and ability to hunt, though this is typically channeled into organized sporting activities rather than subsistence hunting.

The breed has adapted successfully to companion roles while maintaining their essential character, serving as loyal family dogs that provide both security and companionship. Their natural reserve with strangers makes them effective watchdogs, while their gentle nature with family members creates strong emotional bonds that reflect centuries of close relationships with human partners.

Modern breeding programs emphasize maintaining the Arabian Greyhound's functional capabilities even when dogs are destined for pet homes, recognizing that physical and mental health depend on preserving the traits that enabled the breed's success in its original environment. This includes maintaining proper structure for athletic performance, preserving hunting instincts that provide mental stimulation, and ensuring the temperament traits that made these dogs successful partners in traditional nomadic society.

Arabian Greyhound behavior reflects the breed's ancient heritage as both an independent hunter and devoted family companion, creating a complex personality that combines dignity, intelligence, and deep emotional sensitivity. These dogs demonstrate remarkable ability to assess situations and respond appropriately, showing confident independence when working or exploring while displaying gentle submission and affection within their family groups.

The breed's natural reserve with strangers stems from centuries of serving as both hunting partners and property guardians for nomadic peoples. This wariness is not fear-based but rather represents careful evaluation of unfamiliar people and situations. Arabian Greyhounds typically observe new individuals from a distance, gradually accepting those who demonstrate appropriate respect for the dog's space and dignity while remaining permanently suspicious of people who attempt to force interaction or show aggressive behavior.

Within their families, Arabian Greyhounds display profound loyalty and affection, often choosing one family member as their primary bond while remaining devoted to the entire household. This bonding pattern reflects their historical role as personal hunting companions to individual nomadic hunters, creating relationships based on mutual trust and understanding rather than simple obedience.

The breed's prey drive remains exceptionally strong, manifesting as intense focus on small moving objects, animals, or even people engaged in rapid movement. This instinct can create challenges in multi-pet households or urban environments where the dog may fixate on cats, squirrels, joggers, or cyclists. However, proper socialization and training can help Arabian Greyhounds learn to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate targets for their hunting attention.

Arabian Greyhounds demonstrate remarkable intelligence in problem-solving situations, often surprising their owners with creative approaches to obtaining desired objects or accessing restricted areas. This intelligence comes with a strong independent streak that can make traditional obedience training challenging, as these dogs prefer to understand the reasoning behind commands rather than blindly following directions.

The breed's energy levels fluctuate dramatically between periods of intense activity and extended rest, reflecting their adaptation to desert hunting where conservation of energy between pursuits was essential for survival. Modern Arabian Greyhounds maintain this pattern, often spending most of their day in calm, restful behavior punctuated by brief periods of explosive activity when exercise opportunities arise.

Territorial behavior remains strong in most Arabian Greyhounds, manifesting as careful monitoring of their environment and immediate alerting to unusual sounds, sights, or smells within their perceived domain. This awareness extends beyond simple property boundaries to include areas the dog considers under their protection, potentially including walking routes, favorite parks, or even family vehicles.

The breed shows remarkable sensitivity to human emotions and environmental changes, often detecting illness, stress, or emotional upset in family members before obvious symptoms appear. This sensitivity requires considerate handling, as Arabian Greyhounds can become stressed or anxious in households with frequent conflict, unpredictable schedules, or high-pressure atmospheres.

Social behaviors with other dogs depend heavily on early socialization experiences, as Arabian Greyhounds can be dominant with unfamiliar dogs while showing appropriate deference to established pack leaders. Their interactions often involve subtle body language and spatial relationships that reflect their sophisticated social intelligence developed through centuries of cooperation with both humans and other dogs in hunting situations.

The Arabian Greyhound establishes complex and deeply meaningful relationships within human families, drawing upon centuries of evolution as cherished companions to nomadic peoples who treated these dogs as valued family members rather than mere working animals. This heritage creates modern dogs that seek genuine partnership and emotional connection with their human families while maintaining their natural dignity and independence.

Family hierarchy recognition comes naturally to Arabian Greyhounds, who quickly assess the dynamics within their new households and position themselves appropriately within the existing structure. These dogs typically show particular respect for family leaders who demonstrate consistent, calm authority while forming special bonds with individuals who provide training, exercise, and daily care. However, their loyalty extends to all family members, creating protective instincts that encompass the entire household unit.

Interaction with children requires careful consideration of both the child's behavior and the dog's individual temperament. Arabian Greyhounds generally appreciate respectful children who understand appropriate ways to interact with dogs, often becoming gentle protectors and companions for youngsters who treat them with consideration. However, the breed's natural reserve and sensitivity to chaotic environments can make them less suitable for families with very young children who engage in unpredictable or rough play.

The breed's integration into family routines reflects their intelligence and desire for predictability, as Arabian Greyhounds typically memorize household schedules and prepare for anticipated activities. They often position themselves near doors before walk times, seek out family members who typically provide meals, or settle into evening rest positions as bedtime approaches, demonstrating their attention to family patterns and desire to participate in daily life.

Arabian Greyhounds require families who understand and respect their need for physical comfort, as these dogs naturally seek warm, soft resting places and may claim favorite furniture or bedding as their personal territory. Families who accommodate this need by providing appropriate dog beds, blankets, or access to furniture typically find their Arabian Greyhounds more relaxed and content than those who restrict the dog's comfort choices.

The breed's response to family guests and visitors reflects their natural protective instincts combined with their inherent courtesy toward respectful individuals. Arabian Greyhounds typically observe new people carefully before deciding whether to accept them into their social circle, a process that can take several visits to complete. Families who understand this pattern and allow their dogs time to adjust to new people generally achieve better results than those who attempt to force social interactions.

Exercise requirements significantly impact family dynamics, as Arabian Greyhounds need regular opportunities for free running and high-speed exercise that may not be compatible with sedentary lifestyles or urban living situations. Families who successfully integrate these dogs into their lives typically adjust their own activity levels and recreational choices to accommodate their dog's physical and mental stimulation needs.

The breed's emotional sensitivity means they serve as barometers for family harmony, often becoming stressed or withdrawn when household tensions are high while displaying increased affection and playfulness during peaceful periods. This responsiveness can actually help families recognize and address conflicts that might otherwise go unnoticed, as the dog's behavior provides insight into the overall emotional climate of the home.

Long-term family relationships with Arabian Greyhounds typically deepen over time as mutual trust and understanding develop. These dogs often become more affectionate and relaxed as they age, transitioning from primarily functional partnerships to profound emotional bonds that enrich the lives of all family members. Successful long-term relationships require families who appreciate the breed's unique combination of independence and devotion while providing the structure and leadership these dogs need to feel secure and valued within their human pack.

The Arabian Greyhound generally enjoys robust health due to centuries of natural selection in harsh desert environments that eliminated dogs with significant genetic weaknesses. This background of functional breeding has created a breed with fewer hereditary problems than many other purebred dogs, though certain conditions do occur and require attention from responsible breeders and owners.

The breed's desert heritage has endowed them with remarkable tolerance for heat and dry conditions, though they may struggle in cold, wet climates without adequate shelter and protection. Their short, single coat provides minimal insulation against cold temperatures, making them unsuitable for outdoor living in temperate or cold regions. Conversely, their natural heat tolerance should not be taken for granted in extreme conditions, as all dogs require adequate shade, water, and climate-controlled rest areas during hot weather.

Longevity in the Arabian Greyhound typically ranges from 12 to 15 years, with many individuals maintaining excellent health and activity levels well into their senior years when provided with appropriate veterinary care, nutrition, and exercise management. This lifespan compares favorably to many large dog breeds and reflects the Arabian Greyhound's generally sound genetic foundation.

The breed's athletic build and high activity level require careful attention to orthopedic health, particularly during the growth period when excessive exercise or improper nutrition can contribute to developmental problems. Adult Arabian Greyhounds benefit from regular exercise that maintains muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness while avoiding repetitive high-impact activities that might stress joints over time.

Nutritional considerations for Arabian Greyhounds include maintaining optimal body condition to support their athletic lifestyle while avoiding excess weight that could stress their cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. High-quality protein sources support muscle development and maintenance, while appropriate fat levels provide energy for their active metabolism. Special attention should be paid to feeding practices that prevent bloat, including avoiding large meals before exercise and using elevated feeding stations when appropriate.

The breed's sensitivity to anesthetics and certain medications, common among sighthounds, requires veterinary professionals who understand these special considerations. Pre-anesthetic blood work and careful drug selection and dosing help minimize risks during surgical procedures or emergency treatments.

Preventive health care should include regular veterinary examinations, appropriate vaccination schedules, parasite prevention programs, and dental care to maintain overall health throughout the dog's life. Early detection and treatment of health problems typically result in better outcomes and lower treatment costs than waiting until conditions become severe.

Mental health considerations are particularly important for this intelligent and sensitive breed, as inadequate mental stimulation or inappropriate living conditions can contribute to stress-related health problems. Providing appropriate outlets for natural behaviors, maintaining consistent routines, and ensuring adequate social interaction contribute significantly to overall health and wellbeing.

If you're looking to adopt an Arabian Greyhound, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Arabian Greyhounds waiting for their forever homes.