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English Setter vs Sloughi

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

English Setter vs Sloughi

People compare English Setters and Sloughis because they’re both lean, elegant, and move like they’re dancing on air. At a glance, they’re long-legged and regal. But that’s where the similarities end. One’s a social butterfly, the other a desert philosopher. The English Setter is the dog who’ll greet your kids, your neighbors, and the mail carrier like they’re long-lost friends. He’s built for family life. affectionate to the max, eager to please, and happy to join hikes, backyard games, or even dog training classes. He needs regular grooming and space to stretch his legs, but he adapts well if you’re active. If you’re gone all day or live in a small apartment, he’ll get lonely and might chew up your favorite shoes. The Sloughi, on the other hand, is more like a feline poet in dog form. He bonds deeply with his person but watches the world with quiet suspicion. He won’t bark much, but he will bolt after anything that moves. a squirrel, a leaf, a shadow. You need a 6-foot fence, no exceptions. He’s not a fan of chaos or kids under 10. Training him requires patience; he’s not stubborn, just thoughtful. He’d rather observe than perform. Here’s the real insight: the Setter wants to be part of your life. The Sloughi wants you to be part of his. Pick the Setter if you want a joyful, inclusive companion. Pick the Sloughi if you’re ready to earn his trust. and protect his peace. One costs less upfront but needs more grooming. The other costs more and needs more emotional space. Choose not by looks, but by who you are.

English Setter
Sloughi
23–27 in
Height
24–29 in
45–80 lb
Weight
35–50 lb
12–12 yr
Lifespan
10–15 yr
$1.2–3.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–4.0k
#94
AKC popularity
#192

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
English Setter Sloughi
Overlay

Where they diverge

Coat Grooming
Sloughi needs less grooming (2-point difference)
Sloughi
Drooling Level
Sloughi drools less (2-point difference)
Sloughi
Good with Strangers
English Setter is friendlier with strangers (2-point difference)
English
Affectionate w/ Family
English Setter is more affectionate (1-point difference)
English
Good with Young Children
English Setter is better with kids (1-point difference)
English
The verdict

Choose the English Setter if…

  • Active families
  • Hunters
  • Homes with a yard
  • You value coat groomingEnglish Setter scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Sloughi if…

  • Experienced sighthound owners
  • Active owners with running space
  • Those wanting a sensitive, loyal companion
  • You value energy levelSloughi scores higher here.
English Setter Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your English Setter home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Sloughi Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Sloughi home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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