Breeding Sloughi

Complete Guide for Responsible Breeders

Breeding Sloughi requires specialized knowledge of this rare North African sighthound's unique health needs, critical anesthesia sensitivity, and careful gene pool management. With only 197th place in AKC popularity and full recognition achieved just in 2016, every breeding decision carries significant weight for the breed's future in North America.

Breed Overview

The Sloughi is an ancient North African sighthound bred by the Berber people for hunting game across desert terrain. Also known as the Arabian Greyhound, this noble breed has been a treasured companion of nomadic tribes for centuries, hunting gazelle, hare, fox, and jackal while guarding camps in harsh desert conditions. The breed's first documented appearance in Europe was in the mid-1800s, and after years in the AKC Foundation Stock Service, the Sloughi received full recognition in 2016.

The Sloughi currently ranks 197th in AKC popularity with stable registration trends, making it one of the rarest breeds in the registry. Like the Saluki, another ancient Middle Eastern sighthound that received AKC recognition decades earlier, the Sloughi faces the challenge of maintaining breed type and health within a very limited North American gene pool. This rarity demands that breeders approach every breeding with exceptional care and comprehensive health testing.

The American Sloughi Association serves as the AKC parent club, providing breed education, health resources, and breeder referrals for this distinctive sighthound.

Breed Standard Summary for Breeders

The Sloughi presents as a medium-sized, short-coated sighthound with a noble, elegant appearance that combines grace with power. The breed's overall impression is one of refinement without weakness, showcasing smooth, supple muscles built for exceptional speed and endurance across desert terrain.

Size specifications:

Males stand 26-29 inches at the withers and weigh 55-65 pounds. Females measure 24-27 inches tall and weigh 35-50 pounds. This significant sexual dimorphism is typical of sighthounds and should be preserved in breeding stock selection.

Critical structural priorities for breeding stock:

Balanced, slightly rectangular proportions are essential, with a build that is approximately 10:9 (length to height ratio). The Sloughi should never appear square or excessively long. The noble head features a flat skull and the breed's characteristic gentle, dark, melancholy expression that distinguishes it from other sighthounds. Moderate angulation in both front and rear assemblies allows for smooth, efficient movement. The topline should flow cleanly from slightly higher withers to a gently sloping croup.

Disqualifications that eliminate dogs from breeding consideration:

Any color not in accordance with the standard immediately disqualifies a dog. Solid white extending above the toes is a disqualification, as is white anywhere on the dog except the forechest. These color restrictions protect the breed's desert-adapted appearance and reflect centuries of selective breeding in North Africa.

Serious faults to avoid in breeding decisions:

Excessive angulation distorts the breed's characteristic moderate build and impairs the smooth, efficient movement required for desert running. A roach or sway back indicates structural weakness. The croup should never be higher than the withers, as this destroys the proper topline. Tails carried above the back signal incorrect carriage that deviates from breed type. Aggressive or overly shy temperament represents a serious fault, as the Sloughi should be reserved but never fearful or hostile.

What makes a Sloughi breeding prospect:

Look for balanced proportions with sound running gear, correct head type with the breed's gentle expression, desert-adapted coat in an acceptable color range, and the noble, dignified temperament that defines the breed. Movement should be smooth and efficient, covering ground effortlessly. The dog should exhibit the breed's characteristic reserved but confident demeanor.

Reproductive Profile

The Sloughi averages 6 puppies per litter, with typical litters ranging from 4 to 8 puppies. This moderate litter size is consistent with medium-sized sighthounds and reflects the breed's evolution for efficiency rather than prolificacy.

The Sloughi has a C-section rate of approximately 10%, which is excellent compared to many purebred dogs and indicates that natural whelping is the norm for this breed. This low intervention rate reflects the Sloughi's functional build, moderate puppy size, and natural birthing capabilities. However, the breed's critical anesthesia sensitivity makes even this low C-section rate a significant concern, and breeders must ensure that veterinarians are aware of sighthound-specific anesthetic protocols before any surgical intervention.

Natural breeding is strongly preferred for the Sloughi. Fresh artificial insemination is acceptable when geographic distance between dogs makes natural breeding impractical, particularly given the breed's small North American population. Frozen semen is technically possible but less common due to the limited breeding pool and the preference for maintaining natural breeding behaviors.

Fertility challenges specific to the breed:

The Sloughi's limited gene pool presents the primary fertility challenge. With such a small North American population, finding suitable mates that balance pedigree, health testing, temperament, and geographic accessibility can be difficult. Seasonal breeding patterns typical of some primitive breeds may affect fertility timing, requiring careful monitoring of heat cycles. The small population demands meticulous planning to avoid unnecessary breedings and to maximize the genetic contribution of superior breeding stock.

Breeding Age and Timeline

Female Sloughis typically experience their first heat between 6 and 12 months of age, though considerable individual variation exists. This relatively broad window reflects the breed's primitive characteristics and less standardized reproductive maturity compared to heavily selected breeds.

Recommended breeding ages:

Females should not be bred before 18-24 months of age, ideally waiting until after the second heat and preferably at 24 months. This delay allows for complete physical maturity, completion of all required health testing, and evaluation of temperament and structure. Males should be at least 13-18 months old before being used at stud, ensuring physical maturity and the ability to complete health clearances.

Health testing timeline:

OFA requires a minimum age of 24 months for official hip evaluations and thyroid testing, which is the CHIC requirement age for the Sloughi. The advanced cardiac examination can be performed once the dog reaches physical maturity. Eye examinations through CAER must be current within 12 months of breeding. PRA DNA testing is a one-time test that can be done at any age, and many breeders test puppies to identify genetic status early.

Breeding career parameters:

The recommended maximum is 3 litters per female over her lifetime. This conservative limit reflects the small breeding population and the need to preserve each female's health while distributing genetic contributions across multiple individuals. Retirement age is typically 6-8 years, though some exceptional females in excellent health may contribute valuable genetics slightly longer.

Timeline from health testing through puppy placement:

Month 1-2: Complete all health testing (cardiac, eyes, thyroid, PRA DNA if not already done). Month 3: Confirm progesterone timing and breed. Months 4-5: Prenatal veterinary care and monitoring. Month 6: Whelping and neonatal care. Months 7-8: Puppy development, socialization, and evaluations. Puppies typically go home at 8-10 weeks.

Required Health Testing

The Sloughi CHIC program requires four specific tests that screen for the breed's most significant hereditary conditions. All breeding stock should complete these clearances before breeding, with results submitted to the OFA database.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test

Cost: $75 (one-time)

This DNA test identifies carriers and affected dogs for the autosomal recessive form of PRA found in Sloughis. The test screens for a specific mutation that causes progressive vision loss leading to blindness. Testing is essential to avoid producing affected puppies through carrier-to-carrier breedings. The test needs to be done only once in a dog's lifetime, as genetic status does not change.

CAER Eye Examination

Cost: $125 (annual, must be current within 12 months of breeding)

The Companion Animal Eye Registry examination by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist screens for Progressive Retinal Atrophy, cataracts, and other hereditary ocular abnormalities. This examination complements the PRA DNA test by identifying other eye conditions that may not have DNA tests available. The exam must be repeated annually to maintain CHIC qualification and should be current for all breeding stock.

OFA Thyroid Panel

Cost: $100 (one-time for registry, annual recommended through age 4)

The thyroid panel screens for autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism, which can affect metabolism, coat quality, fertility, and overall health. The panel measures T4, Free T4, T3, Free T3, and thyroid autoantibodies (TgAA). While one test is sufficient for CHIC, annual testing through age 4 is recommended as autoimmune thyroid disease can develop during young adulthood.

Advanced Cardiac Examination

Cost: $450 (one-time for registry, periodic screening recommended)

This examination by a board-certified veterinary cardiologist screens for cardiomyopathy and other congenital heart defects. The exam typically includes auscultation, echocardiogram, and electrocardiogram. This is the most expensive of the CHIC requirements but is essential given the serious nature of cardiac disease in sighthounds. While one exam qualifies for CHIC, periodic screening is wise, especially for breeding animals.

Additional recommended testing:

Hip Dysplasia Evaluation through OFA costs approximately $200 and screens for hip joint malformation. While not required for CHIC, hip evaluation is prudent given the breed's athletic demands and the low-to-moderate prevalence of hip dysplasia in the population.

Total estimated health testing cost per dog: $950 for the CHIC requirements, or $1,150 if including the optional hip evaluation.

Hereditary Health Conditions

The Sloughi's gene pool harbors several hereditary conditions that breeders must understand and screen for when making breeding decisions. Fortunately, DNA testing has dramatically reduced the prevalence of the breed's most serious eye disease.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Prevalence: Rare, under 5% due to DNA testing

Inheritance: Autosomal recessive

DNA test available: Yes

This degenerative eye disease causes progressive vision loss beginning with night blindness and eventually progressing to complete blindness. Clinical signs include dilated pupils, reluctance to move in dim light, and bumping into objects. The disease typically begins at 2-4 years of age and progresses through age 4 and beyond. The availability of a DNA test has allowed breeders to identify carriers and avoid carrier-to-carrier matings, dramatically reducing the incidence of affected dogs. Carriers (one copy of the mutation) can be safely bred to clear dogs without producing affected puppies.

Cardiomyopathy

Prevalence: Rare to moderate

Inheritance: Likely polygenic

DNA test available: No

Cardiomyopathy encompasses various heart muscle diseases that can cause exercise intolerance, coughing, difficulty breathing, collapse, and sudden death. The typical age of onset is 3-7 years. The likely polygenic inheritance makes genetic prediction difficult, emphasizing the importance of the advanced cardiac examination for all breeding stock. Dogs with diagnosed cardiomyopathy should be removed from breeding programs, and close relatives should be monitored carefully.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Prevalence: Low to moderate

Inheritance: Polygenic

DNA test available: No

Autoimmune thyroiditis leads to hypothyroidism as the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Clinical signs include weight gain, lethargy, coat changes, cold intolerance, and behavior changes. The disease typically manifests between 2-5 years of age. The OFA thyroid panel detects both early autoimmune changes (elevated thyroid autoantibodies) and established hypothyroidism. Dogs with autoimmune thyroiditis should not be bred, and annual testing through age 4 helps identify dogs developing the condition.

Symmetric Lupoid Onychodystrophy (SLO)

Prevalence: Rare

Inheritance: Suspected autoimmune/polygenic

DNA test available: No

SLO causes painful toenail loss, typically affecting multiple nails simultaneously. Secondary bacterial or fungal infections can complicate the condition. Age of onset is variable but often occurs in middle age. The suspected autoimmune and polygenic nature makes breeding recommendations complex. Dogs with SLO should generally be removed from breeding programs, though the rarity of the condition and small gene pool may require case-by-case evaluation of affected dogs' overall genetic value.

Hip Dysplasia

Prevalence: Low to moderate

Inheritance: Polygenic

DNA test available: No

Hip dysplasia involves malformation of the hip joint that can lead to arthritis, lameness, difficulty rising, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and pain on hip manipulation. Radiographic changes may appear earlier than clinical signs, with signs often visible between 6 months and 2 years. The polygenic inheritance means that even dogs with excellent hips can produce affected offspring if paired poorly. OFA hip evaluations help breeders select against dysplasia, though the condition is not as severe a problem in Sloughis as in many large breeds.

Anesthesia Sensitivity

Prevalence: 100% (all Sloughis)

Severity: High (potentially fatal)

All sighthounds, including Sloughis, have critical sensitivity to certain anesthetic agents, particularly thiobarbiturates. This sensitivity stems from the breed's very low body fat percentage and altered drug metabolism. Like the Greyhound and other sighthounds, the Sloughi requires modified anesthetic protocols using safer agents and careful dosing based on lean body mass. Any veterinarian performing surgery on a Sloughi must be informed of this sensitivity and use sighthound-safe protocols. This is not a hereditary disease but rather a breed-wide physiological characteristic that demands awareness.

Color and Coat Genetics

The Sloughi's color palette reflects its desert origins, featuring warm earth tones that provided camouflage in North African terrain. Understanding the breed's color genetics helps breeders produce puppies that meet the standard while avoiding disqualifying patterns.

AKC-accepted colors and patterns:

The breed standard accepts all shades from light sand/cream through red sand to mahogany red fawn. These colors may appear with or without brindling (dark striping over the base color). Black masks, black ears, dark overlay, and black mantles (black and sand or black and brindle patterns) are all acceptable. This generous color range reflects the natural variation that existed in desert-bred Sloughis.

Disqualifying colors:

Solid white extending above the toes immediately disqualifies a dog from showing or breeding. White is acceptable only on the forechest as a small spot or marking. Any color outside the cream-to-mahogany range is a disqualification. These restrictions maintain the breed's desert-adapted appearance and prevent the introduction of non-traditional color patterns.

Relevant genetic loci:

The E (Extension) locus controls the distribution of black pigment and determines whether a dog can express a black mask or dark overlay. The K (Dominant Black) locus affects whether the brindle pattern can be expressed over the fawn base color. The A (Agouti) locus controls fawn and sable patterns that are characteristic of the breed.

Health-linked color considerations:

The Sloughi has no known health conditions linked to specific color genes, which is fortunate and reflects the breed's natural color palette. The limited color range and absence of dilute colors (blue, lilac) or merle patterns means breeders do not need to screen for color dilution alopecia or merle-associated health issues.

Breeding for color:

The genetic complexity tier for Sloughi color genetics is low. The breed's natural color range means that virtually any color-to-color breeding produces acceptable puppies. Breeders should focus on structure, health, and temperament rather than targeting specific colors, as the standard accepts a broad palette. The primary concern is avoiding white markings beyond the small forechest marking allowed by the standard.

Selecting Breeding Stock

Selecting superior Sloughi breeding stock requires evaluation of conformation, health testing, temperament, and pedigree with an awareness of the breed's limited gene pool and the need to preserve genetic diversity while improving quality.

Conformation priorities:

The balanced, slightly rectangular build (10:9 ratio) is fundamental to breed type. A Sloughi should never appear square like a Whippet or excessively long like some Afghan Hounds. The noble head with flat skull and gentle, melancholy expression distinguishes the Sloughi from other sighthounds and must be preserved. Moderate angulation in front and rear assemblies allows for the smooth, efficient movement required for endurance running across desert terrain. Sound structure capable of sustained running is non-negotiable, as the breed was developed for practical hunting work.

Common faults to select against:

Too heavy or coarse build destroys the breed's elegant appearance and impairs movement efficiency. Excessive angulation is a widespread fault in modern sighthounds that should be rigorously avoided. Short, cobby body proportions eliminate the breed's characteristic rectangular silhouette. Tails carried over the back signal incorrect carriage and temperament issues. Lack of the breed-specific gentle, melancholy expression indicates incorrect head type.

Temperament evaluation:

The Sloughi should exhibit a reserved but gentle nature. Aloofness with strangers is acceptable and typical of the breed, but fearfulness, excessive shyness, or aggression are serious faults. Look for calm confidence and devotion to family members. Evaluate temperament in multiple contexts: with strangers, with other dogs, in novel environments, and during handling. Avoid breeding fearful or overly submissive individuals, as temperament problems are difficult to remedy and compromise the dog's quality of life.

Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) targets:

The Sloughi population maintains an average COI of 3.5%, which is excellent for a rare breed and reflects careful breeding practices by preservation breeders. The target COI for individual breedings should remain under 5.0% to preserve genetic diversity. Given the small North American population, maintaining low COI requires thoughtful pedigree analysis and sometimes the use of imported dogs or frozen semen from international lines.

Stud dog selection:

Stud fees typically range from $500 to $1,000, reflecting the breed's rarity and the investment in health testing and showing. When selecting a stud, prioritize health testing completion, structural correctness, proven temperament, and pedigree diversity relative to the bitch's line. The limited breeding population means that popular sires can quickly become overused, so breeders should resist the temptation to breed repeatedly to the same successful male.

Show quality versus breeding quality:

In a rare breed like the Sloughi, virtually all breeding stock should be show quality or very close to it. The small gene pool cannot afford to produce pet-quality litters from mediocre stock. Breeding animals should earn conformation championships or come very close, demonstrating that they represent breed type accurately. However, a dog that wins extensively but carries serious health issues or poor temperament should not be bred based solely on show success.

Whelping and Neonatal Care

The Sloughi typically whelps naturally with minimal intervention, reflecting the breed's functional structure and moderate puppy size. However, the critical anesthesia sensitivity shared by all sighthounds makes advance planning essential for the rare occasions when surgical intervention becomes necessary.

Natural whelping versus C-section:

Natural whelping is the norm for Sloughis, with only approximately 10% of litters requiring C-sections. This low intervention rate reflects the breed's balanced structure, lean build, and moderate puppy size. The breed does not suffer from the extreme structural features (brachycephalic heads, narrow pelvises, massive puppy size) that necessitate routine C-sections in some breeds. First-time mothers may require assistance due to inexperience, but complications are rare.

Critical anesthesia sensitivity:

The Sloughi's low body fat percentage and altered drug metabolism create life-threatening sensitivity to certain anesthetic agents, particularly thiobarbiturates. This sensitivity affects 100% of Sloughis and all other sighthounds. Before breeding, establish a relationship with a veterinarian experienced with sighthounds or ensure your veterinarian understands sighthound-safe anesthetic protocols. Propofol and isoflurane are generally safer options than thiobarbiturates. Dosing must be calculated on lean body mass, not total body weight. Even with proper protocols, recovery from anesthesia is prolonged in sighthounds, requiring extended monitoring.

Birth weight expectations:

Male Sloughi puppies typically weigh 14-16 ounces at birth, while females weigh 12-14 ounces. These moderate birth weights reflect the breed's medium size and allow for natural delivery in most cases. Puppies significantly below or above this range may face increased health risks and require closer monitoring.

Daily weight gain targets:

Healthy Sloughi puppies should gain 5-10% of body weight daily during the first two weeks. A 14-ounce male puppy should gain approximately 0.7-1.4 ounces per day, roughly doubling birth weight in the first week. Consistent daily weighing identifies puppies falling behind, allowing for early intervention through supplementation or medical care.

Tail, dewclaw, and ear practices:

The Sloughi breed standard calls for a natural dog with no cosmetic alterations. Dewclaws are not removed, tails are not docked, and ears are not cropped. This natural presentation aligns with the breed's desert origins and modern preferences for unaltered dogs.

Breed-specific whelping considerations:

Sloughi dams may require assistance with first litters due to inexperience rather than physical inability to whelp. Have experienced breeders or veterinary assistance available but avoid over-intervention. The breed's lean build and active nature mean that pregnant bitches should maintain moderate exercise throughout pregnancy, with restrictions only in the final week. Monitor carefully for dystocia signs (prolonged contractions without puppy delivery, green discharge before first puppy, exhaustion), but remember that most Sloughis whelp efficiently when left to work naturally.

Puppy Development Milestones

Sloughi puppies follow a predictable growth pattern from birth through placement, with critical developmental windows that require attentive socialization and handling.

Growth curve:

Sloughi puppies grow steadily from birth through 8 weeks, with males averaging 1.0 pound at birth and reaching approximately 15.5 pounds by 8 weeks. Females average 0.85 pounds at birth and reach approximately 13.5 pounds by 8 weeks. This consistent growth rate makes monitoring for health problems straightforward. Puppies should gain weight every day during the neonatal period. Stalls or losses in weight indicate problems requiring immediate attention.

Critical socialization window (3-14 weeks):

The period from 3 to 14 weeks represents the critical socialization window when puppies most readily form positive associations with new experiences. Sloughi puppies require extensive, positive exposure to people, other animals, environments, sounds, and handling during this window. Given the breed's naturally reserved temperament, thorough socialization is essential to produce confident adults. Under-socialized Sloughis may develop excessive shyness or fearfulness that compromises their quality of life and ability to function in the modern world.

Weaning age:

Weaning typically begins at 4 weeks with the introduction of moistened puppy food, allowing puppies to gradually transition from dam's milk to solid food. Complete weaning occurs by 6 weeks, though puppies continue to learn social skills from the dam and littermates. The weaning process should be gradual to avoid digestive upset and to allow the dam's milk production to decrease naturally.

Go-home age:

Sloughi puppies should remain with the breeder until 8-10 weeks of age. This timing allows for complete weaning, initial socialization, first vaccinations, and preliminary structural evaluations. Some breeders prefer to keep show prospects longer for more thorough evaluation, particularly for assessing movement and proportions as the puppy develops.

Structural evaluation timing:

Preliminary evaluations occur at 8-10 weeks when puppies are ready for placement, allowing breeders to match puppy structure and temperament to appropriate homes (pet versus show). More serious structural evaluation occurs at 6-9 months when proportions, angulation, and movement patterns become clearer. Remember that sighthound puppies often go through awkward growth stages and may not reach their full potential until physical maturity at 14-18 months.

Achievement of adult size:

Sloughis reach full adult height and weight between 14-18 months, which is typical for medium-sized breeds. Males may continue to develop muscling and mature expression through age 2. This extended development means that evaluating breeding quality requires patience and multiple assessments as the dog matures.

Developmental milestones by week:

Weeks 0-2 (Neonatal): Eyes and ears closed, limited mobility, complete dependence on dam. Daily weight gain critical.

Weeks 3-4 (Transitional): Eyes and ears open, begin walking, first teeth emerge. Start introductions to gentle handling and novel stimuli.

Weeks 5-7 (Primary socialization): Rapid learning period, exploration of environment, play with littermates. Maximum socialization efforts with people, sounds, surfaces, gentle dogs.

Week 8 (Placement readiness): First vaccinations, preliminary structure evaluation, ready for placement to pet homes. Continued socialization in new home essential.

Weeks 9-12: Continued socialization in new homes, second and third vaccinations, early training. Monitor growth and development.

Breeding Economics

Breeding Sloughi requires significant financial investment in health testing, veterinary care, and puppy rearing, with modest returns due to the breed's rarity and limited demand. Breeders must approach Sloughi breeding as a preservation effort rather than a profit-oriented business.

Pre-breeding costs:

Health testing per dog costs approximately $950 for the CHIC requirements (PRA DNA, annual CAER eye exam, OFA thyroid, advanced cardiac examination). Most serious breeders also pursue optional testing like hip evaluations, adding another $200. Stud fees range from $500-$1,000, reflecting the rarity of the breed and the stud owner's investment. Progesterone testing to pinpoint optimal breeding timing costs approximately $250 for serial testing. Total pre-breeding investment reaches $1,700-$2,200 before the bitch is even bred.

Prenatal and whelping costs:

Prenatal veterinary care including ultrasound confirmation, health monitoring, and pre-whelping exam costs approximately $400. Natural whelping with veterinary support costs approximately $300, including the dam's post-whelping examination. Emergency C-sections cost $2,500 or more, though the Sloughi's 10% C-section rate means most breeders avoid this expense most of the time. However, the critical anesthesia sensitivity makes any C-section a higher-risk, higher-cost procedure, as it requires a veterinarian experienced with sighthound protocols.

Puppy rearing costs:

Veterinary costs per puppy average $175, including first vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and health examinations. With an average litter of 6 puppies, total puppy veterinary costs reach $1,050. Food and supplies for the dam during pregnancy and lactation, plus puppy food through placement, cost approximately $400. AKC registration costs approximately $30 per puppy, totaling $180 for a 6-puppy litter.

Total cost for a typical natural whelping litter:

Health testing: $950

Stud fee: $750

Progesterone testing: $250

Prenatal care: $400

Whelping (natural): $300

Puppy vet care (6 puppies): $1,050

Food and supplies: $400

Registration: $180

Total cost (natural): $4,280

Total cost (C-section): $6,480

Revenue potential:

Sloughi puppies typically sell for $1,750 for pet-quality dogs with spay/neuter contracts and $2,000 for show-quality prospects with full registration. With an average litter of 6 puppies and a typical mix of pet and show placements, average litter revenue approximates $10,500.

Net analysis:

With a natural whelping, gross revenue of $10,500 minus costs of $4,280 yields a net of $6,220. However, this calculation excludes the breeder's time (whelping attendance, puppy care, socialization, placement screening), showing expenses (earning championships costs thousands), website and marketing costs, and the breeder's initial purchase price of the breeding bitch. It also excludes costs of breedings that fail to produce puppies, health issues requiring veterinary care, and the inevitable puppy that stays with the breeder longer than expected.

When these hidden costs are included, most Sloughi breeders operate at a loss or break even. Breeders who breed Sloughis for profit inevitably cut corners on health testing, socialization, or puppy care. Responsible Sloughi breeding is a labor of love undertaken to preserve this rare and ancient breed.

Breeder Resources

The American Sloughi Association serves as the AKC parent club and primary resource for Sloughi breeders. The organization maintains breed education materials, health databases, breeder referrals, and connections to the international Sloughi community. Their website at https://sloughi-international.com/ provides access to breed standards, health information, and event calendars.

AKC Breeder Programs:

The AKC Breeder of Merit program recognizes breeders who demonstrate a commitment to health testing, titling, and responsible breeding practices. Requirements include health testing all breeding stock, earning AKC titles, and maintaining proper record-keeping. The AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program emphasizes Health, Education, Accountability, Responsibility, and Tradition, recognizing breeders who go beyond the basics to advance their breed.

Recommended reading:

The Sloughi: A Complete Guide by M-D Crapon de Caprona provides comprehensive coverage of breed history, standard interpretation, and care. Sloughi Standard Commentary, published by the American Sloughi Association, offers detailed guidance on interpreting the breed standard for breeding and judging purposes. These resources are essential for anyone seriously committed to breeding Sloughis.

Online communities:

The American Sloughi Association Facebook Group connects Sloughi owners, breeders, and enthusiasts for advice, event announcements, and community support. The Sloughi Fanciers mailing list provides a forum for in-depth discussions of breeding, health, and showing. Given the breed's rarity, these communities are invaluable for connecting with experienced breeders who can provide mentorship.

International connections:

Because the North American Sloughi population is small, many American breeders maintain connections with European breeders to access genetic diversity and obtain frozen semen from outstanding international dogs. The Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) standard provides additional perspective on breed type, as the breed originated in countries using FCI standards.

Health databases:

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) maintains the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) database for Sloughis, recording health testing results and providing transparency about the breed's health status. Breeders should register all health testing results with OFA to contribute to breed-wide health knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many puppies do Sloughis typically have?

Sloughi litters average 6 puppies, with typical litters ranging from 4 to 8 puppies. This moderate litter size is consistent with medium-sized sighthounds. First-time mothers may have slightly smaller litters (4-5 puppies), while experienced dams in their prime may produce 7-8 puppies. The breed's limited gene pool and conservative breeding practices mean that every puppy represents significant value to the breed.

Do Sloughis need C-sections?

Sloughis have a C-section rate of approximately 10%, which is excellent compared to many purebred dogs. Natural whelping is the norm, reflecting the breed's functional structure, lean build, and moderate puppy size. However, any C-section in a Sloughi requires special attention due to the breed's critical anesthesia sensitivity. Veterinarians must use sighthound-safe anesthetic protocols and avoid thiobarbiturates, which can be fatal to sighthounds.

What health tests are required for breeding Sloughis?

The Sloughi CHIC program requires four health tests: PRA DNA test (one-time, $75), CAER eye examination (annual, $125), OFA thyroid panel (one-time for CHIC, $100), and advanced cardiac examination by a veterinary cardiologist ($450). Total cost for CHIC requirements is approximately $950 per dog. Many breeders also pursue optional hip evaluations through OFA ($200). All results should be submitted to the OFA database for transparency.

How much does it cost to breed Sloughis?

A typical Sloughi litter with natural whelping costs approximately $4,280, including health testing ($950), stud fee ($750), progesterone testing ($250), prenatal care ($400), whelping ($300), puppy veterinary care for 6 puppies ($1,050), food and supplies ($400), and registration ($180). Emergency C-sections add approximately $2,200 to this total. These costs exclude showing expenses, the breeder's time, and the initial purchase of the breeding bitch.

At what age can you breed a Sloughi?

Female Sloughis should not be bred before 18-24 months of age, ideally waiting until after the second heat and preferably at 24 months. This timing allows for physical maturity and completion of OFA health testing, which requires a minimum age of 24 months. Male Sloughis should be at least 13-18 months old before being used at stud. Females should retire from breeding by 6-8 years of age, with a maximum of 3 litters over their lifetime.

How much do Sloughi puppies cost?

Sloughi puppies typically cost $1,750 for pet-quality dogs sold with spay/neuter contracts and limited AKC registration. Show-quality prospects with full registration typically sell for $2,000. The breed's rarity (197th in AKC popularity) and the significant investment in health testing, proper socialization, and veterinary care justify these prices. Puppies priced significantly below this range should raise concerns about health testing and breeding practices.

What are the most common health problems in Sloughis?

The most significant health concerns are anesthesia sensitivity (affects 100% of Sloughis and all sighthounds), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (rare, under 5% due to DNA testing), cardiomyopathy (rare to moderate prevalence), autoimmune thyroiditis (low to moderate), and hip dysplasia (low to moderate). The availability of DNA testing for PRA has dramatically reduced the incidence of this previously serious problem. The critical anesthesia sensitivity requires that all veterinarians treating Sloughis use sighthound-safe protocols.

Is breeding Sloughis profitable?

Breeding Sloughis is rarely profitable when all costs are considered. With natural whelping, a 6-puppy litter generates approximately $10,500 in revenue against $4,280 in direct costs, yielding a $6,220 gross margin. However, this excludes showing expenses (often thousands of dollars to earn championships), the breeder's extensive time investment (whelping, socialization, placement), marketing costs, the bitch's purchase price, and failed breedings. Most responsible Sloughi breeders operate at break-even or a loss. The breed is preserved by dedicated enthusiasts, not commercial operations.

Why is anesthesia sensitivity such a concern in Sloughis?

Sloughis, like all sighthounds, have very low body fat percentages and altered drug metabolism that create life-threatening sensitivity to certain anesthetic agents, particularly thiobarbiturates. This affects 100% of the breed. Improper anesthetic protocols can cause prolonged sedation, respiratory depression, or death. Veterinarians must use sighthound-safe agents (propofol, isoflurane), dose based on lean body mass rather than total weight, and provide extended monitoring during recovery. Breeders must ensure that veterinarians understand these requirements before any surgery, including emergency C-sections.

How do you manage genetic diversity in such a rare breed?

The Sloughi's small North American population requires careful genetic management. Maintain COI targets under 5.0% through pedigree analysis and diverse pairings. Consider importing frozen semen from outstanding European dogs to access new bloodlines. Avoid overuse of popular sires, even if they win extensively. Breed the best to the best, but ensure pairings bring together different genetic lines. The American Sloughi Association can provide pedigree analysis assistance. Every breeding decision affects the breed's limited gene pool, so plan carefully and breed only the best examples.

What makes Sloughi temperament unique among sighthounds?

Sloughis are characteristically reserved with strangers but deeply devoted to their families. This aloofness is not shyness or fearfulness but rather dignified assessment. Unlike some sighthounds that are more outgoing, the Sloughi maintains a noble, somewhat standoffish demeanor with unfamiliar people while showing warm affection to trusted family members. Proper socialization during the 3-14 week critical period helps Sloughis develop appropriate confidence without eliminating their natural reserve. Temperament evaluation should select for calm confidence and distinguish between acceptable reserve and unacceptable fearfulness.

What is the difference between a Sloughi and a Saluki?

While both are ancient Middle Eastern/North African sighthounds, the Sloughi and Saluki have distinct differences. The Sloughi has a short, smooth coat, while Salukis can have smooth or feathered coats. The Sloughi has a more rectangular build (10:9 ratio), while the Saluki is more square. The Sloughi's expression is characteristically melancholy and gentle, distinct from the Saluki's more refined, exotic look. The breeds also have different genetic backgrounds, different health testing requirements, and different breeding populations. They are separate breeds despite their shared sighthound heritage.