Grooming the Sloughi

By Cindra Grooming Products — USA-Made Professional Grooming Essentials

The Sloughi is an elegant North African sighthound, bred for centuries by Berber and Bedouin peoples to course gazelle and other game across desert terrain. Lean, fast, and refined, the Sloughi carries one of the simplest coats in the Hound Group — grooming here is almost entirely about maintenance, not technique.

Coat

The Sloughi has a short, fine, close-fitting coat without feathering on the ears, tail, or legs — the breed standard specifically disqualifies coats with feathering. Colors include all shades of sand to fawn (light sand, sand-red, fawn) with or without brindling, sometimes with a black mask. The coat is naturally easy to maintain — there is genuinely little to do here beyond weekly brushing and occasional bathing.

Character

The Sloughi is a mild, dignified, devoted breed despite its athletic sighthound build — capable of great endurance in the field but never sharp or timid in temperament at home. They are reserved with strangers and form deep, loyal bonds with their families. Sloughis are sensitive and respond best to gentle, positive training methods; harsh correction is counterproductive with this breed. They have a strong prey drive typical of sighthounds and need a securely fenced area for off-leash activity. A graceful, gentle companion for owners who appreciate quiet devotion.

Recommended Cindra Products

  • Moisturizing Shampoo — gentle formula for the fine, close-fitting coat; supports skin health
  • Super Coat — diluted 90/10; finishing mist for added shine on the sand to fawn coat

Problems & Solutions

Problem Cause Solution
Cold sensitivity Very short, fine coat and lean build offer minimal insulation Provide a coat or sweater in cold weather; this desert-bred breed is not suited to cold climates without protection
Dull coat Infrequent brushing Weekly brushing with a rubber curry or hound glove restores natural sheen
Thin skin susceptible to scrapes Lean build with minimal fat padding Check the skin regularly for scrapes or abrasions after vigorous exercise; not a grooming task per se but worth monitoring

Hands-On Grooming Guide

Brushing

Brush weekly with a rubber curry brush or hound glove. This is minimal-effort work given the short, fine coat.

Bathing

Bathe every 4–6 weeks or as needed. Use Moisturizing Shampoo, rinse completely, and dry thoroughly. Finish with a light mist of Super Coat for shine.

Shedding

The Sloughi sheds lightly given its short, fine coat. Weekly brushing easily manages the minimal hair this breed produces.

Puppy vs. Adult

Feature Puppy Adult
Coat texture Similar to adult; minimal change with maturity Short, fine, close-fitting with no feathering
Grooming priority Build basic handling tolerance; cold-weather protection from a young age Weekly brushing; cold-weather clothing as needed

Quick Grooming Schedule

Task Frequency
Brushing Weekly
Bath Every 4–6 weeks
Nail trim Every 3–4 weeks
Ear check Weekly

Resources