The Sloughi /ˈsluːɡi/,[1] or Arabian Greyhound (Arabic: سلوقي),[2] is an ancient breed of domesticated dog, specifically a member of the sighthound family.

[6] The word sloughi is likely a Berber pronunciation of the Arabic saluki, the similarly-looking and -behaving Arabian sighthound; the two breeds likely share a common ancestor.

The Sloughi was accepted into the FCI in 1998, receiving recognition by the American Kennel Club as recently as January 1, 2016, and being able to compete in the AKC Hound Group.

However, much in the same vein as these related breeds, the Sloughi was traditionally bred for coursing and to pursue such game as hare, fox, jackals, gazelle and other antelope, deer, or terrestrial birds (such as sand grouse), among other small or mid-sized animals.

[10][11] The Sloughi is an ancient breed, treasured in North Africa for its natural prey drive, coursing skills, speed, agility, and endurance over long distances.

[10][12] In places where they are still used as coursing sighthounds, their appearances can vary by locality, based on breeding situations, hybridisation and unique climatic or environmental adaptations.

The attitude is noble and somewhat aloof.”[13] Because of their origins as the hunters and guardians of Sahara nomads and bedouins, the Sloughi is reserved with strangers and takes a while to warm up to new friends.

The Sloughi is also noted for its primitive instincts, for unlike other sighthound breeds it is highly alert and territorial which made them prized by the Berbers, not only as hunters, but as fearless watch dogs.