Labrador Retriever versus Sloughi. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Labrador Retriever Versus Sloughi: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Labrador Retriever and for the Sloughi. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Labrador Retriever or the Sloughi.

Labrador Retriever versus Sloughi: Overview

Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi are similar in size. The Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Labrador Retriever belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

On the other hand, the Sloughi belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Labrador Retriever versus Sloughi: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Labrador Retriever to the Sloughi based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi

Factor Labrador Retriever Sloughi
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 16 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 1/5
Height 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder 24 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight 55 to 80 pounds 40 to 63 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1290 No Data
Price Range $850 – $1500 No Data
Temperament Score 92.2 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Exam by a veterinarian with Board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Cardiology
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination by a board certified ACVO Ophthalmologist- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 1 189

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Labrador Retriever in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Sloughi. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Labrador Retriever is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Sloughi is 79 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Sloughi is a better pet than the Labrador Retriever. So, you should get the Sloughi!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi

    Below is a list of where the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi are most different:

  • Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Sloughis adapt well to apartment living.
  • Labrador Retrievers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets. However, Sloughis have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Labrador Retrievers gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them. However, Sloughis are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • The Similarities Between the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi

    The Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi are most similar:

  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Labrador Retriever versus Sloughi

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi.

    Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Labrador Retrievers are 21 to 24 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Sloughis weigh 40 to 63 pounds when fully grown. Sloughis are 24 to 29 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Labrador Retriever versus Sloughi

    The lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Labrador Retrievers is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Sloughis is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Sloughis is 14.0 years.

    Sloughis live longer than Labrador Retrievers.

    Temperament of the Labrador Retriever Versus the Sloughi

    The Sloughi has a better temperament than the Labrador Retriever.

    This is because the temperament score for the Sloughi is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Labrador Retriever is 92.2 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 92.2 percent, the Labrador Retriever has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Sloughi has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi by measuring the temperaments of 842 Labrador Retrievers and 3 Sloughis.

    The Popularity of Labrador Retriever versus Popularity of Sloughi

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Labrador Retriever is more popular with dog owners than the Sloughi. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Labrador Retriever is 1 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Sloughi is 189 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Labrador Retriever

    Popularity of Labrador Retriever

    Popularity of Sloughi

    Popularity of Sloughi

    Year Labrador Retriever Popularity Rank Sloughi Popularity Rank
    2013 1 no data
    2014 1 no data
    2015 1 no data
    2016 1 185.0
    2017 1 188.0
    2018 1 192.0
    2019 1 191.0
    2020 1 189.0

    Health Problems of Labrador Retriever versus Health Problems of Sloughi

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Labrador Retriever is prone to more genetic health problems than the Sloughi.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Labrador Retriever than for the Sloughi.

    8 health tests are recommended for Labrador Retriever while 6 tests are recommended for the Sloughi.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Labrador Retrievers and in Sloughis.

    Labrador Retriever Health Problems

    Labrador Retrievers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Labrador Retriever puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Labrador Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Labrador Retriever breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Labrador Retrievers for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Centronuclear Myopathy
  • D Locus (Dilute) DNA Test
  • EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Labrador Retrievers here.

    Sloughi Health Problems

    Sloughis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Sloughi puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Sloughi puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Sloughi breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Sloughis for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Exam by a veterinarian with Board certification by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Specialty of Cardiology
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination by a board certified ACVO Ophthalmologist- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Sloughis here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Labrador Retriever versus Sloughi

    Labrador Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Sloughis can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Labrador Retrievers shed more than Sloughis?

    Labrador Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Sloughis shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Labrador Retriever or the Sloughi

    Labrador Retrievers drool moderately.

    Sloughis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Labrador Retriever or the Sloughi?

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Sloughis are very easy to groom.

    Does the Labrador Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Sloughi?

    Labrador Retrievers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Sloughis have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Labrador Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about Sloughis?

    Labrador Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Sloughis are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Sloughis Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Labrador Retrievers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Sloughis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Labrador Retriever vs. Sloughi

    Labrador Retrievers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Sloughis have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Labrador Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Sloughis Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Labrador Retrievers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Sloughis can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Labrador Retriever or the Sloughi?

    Labrador Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Sloughis get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Labrador Retrievers good family dogs? What about Sloughis?

    Labrador Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Sloughis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Labrador Retrievers and Sloughis?

    Labrador Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Sloughis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Labrador Retriever Easier to Train than the Sloughi?

    Labrador Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Sloughis are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Labrador Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the Sloughi?

    Labrador Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Sloughis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Labrador Retriever or the Sloughi?

    Labrador Retrievers are OK for new dog owners.

    Sloughis are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Labrador Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Labrador Retriever that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Labrador Retriever:

  • Golden Retriever (75 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Sloughi vs Golden Retriever.
  • Aussiedoodle (73 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Sloughi vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Flat-Coated Retriever (77 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Sloughi vs Flat-Coated Retriever.
  • Shiloh Shepherd (79 percent match with Labrador Retriever). Here is our comparison of the Sloughi vs Shiloh Shepherd.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Sloughi

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Sloughi that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Sloughi:

  • Bracco Italiano (78 percent match with Sloughi). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Ibizan Hound (79 percent match with Sloughi). Here is our comparison of the Labrador Retriever vs Ibizan Hound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Labrador Retriever and how the Sloughi compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Labrador Retriever and of the Sloughi to other breeds:

    Labrador Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Labrador Retriever versus Giant Schnauzer     Labrador Retriever versus Afador     Labrador Retriever versus Basset Hound     Labrador Retriever versus Bichon Frise     Labrador Retriever versus Norwich Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Chorkie     Labrador Retriever versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Azawakh     Labrador Retriever versus Sheepadoodle     Labrador Retriever versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Labrador Retriever versus American Water Spaniel     Labrador Retriever versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Labrador Retriever versus Goldador     Labrador Retriever versus Canaan Dog     Labrador Retriever versus Saint Berdoodle     Labrador Retriever versus Schipperke     Labrador Retriever versus Aussiedoodle     Labrador Retriever versus Schipperke     Labrador Retriever versus Great Pyrenees     Labrador Retriever versus Belgian Sheepdog     Labrador Retriever versus Golden Retriever     Labrador Retriever versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Labrador Retriever versus Irish Setter     Labrador Retriever versus Affenpinscher     Labrador Retriever versus Weimaraner     

    Sloughi Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Sloughi versus Norwegian Lundehund     Sloughi versus Black Mouth Cur     Sloughi versus Akbash     Sloughi versus Dogo Argentino     Sloughi versus Australian Shepherd     Sloughi versus Bergamasco Sheepdog     Sloughi versus Australian Cattle Dog     Sloughi versus Scottish Deerhound     Sloughi versus Stabyhoun     Sloughi versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Sloughi versus Dalmatian     Sloughi versus Yorkipoo     Sloughi versus Havanese     Sloughi versus Lagotto Romagnolo     Sloughi versus Havanese     Sloughi versus Mal Shi     Sloughi versus Borzoi     Sloughi versus Cocker Spaniel     Sloughi versus Standard Poodle     Sloughi versus Irish Water Spaniel     Sloughi versus Chinese Crested     Sloughi versus Papillon     Sloughi versus Shichon     Sloughi versus Pug     Sloughi versus Miniature Poodle     

    Conclusion: Labrador Retriever versus Sloughi. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Labrador Retriever and the Sloughi better suits you and your family.