Azawakh characteristics
| Trait | Rating | How common |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | 32% of breeds |
| Energy level | Medium | — |
| Trainability | Low | 10% of breeds |
| Friendliness | Low | 9% of breeds |
| Good with children | Medium | — |
| Grooming needs | Very Low | 12% of breeds |
| Shedding | Very Low | 7% of breeds |
| Barking | Medium | 41% of breeds |
| Protectiveness | High | 22% of breeds |
| Adaptability | Low | 17% of breeds |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | — |
| Hypoallergenic | No | — |
“How common” is the share of the 321 breeds we score that sit in the same band. Ratings describe the breed, not any individual dog.
Is the Azawakh right for you?
The Azawakh is a large and powerful breed that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. In terms of temperament, it gets on with children when raised around them and is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home. Day to day, the Azawakh thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play, which is the single biggest factor in whether it will suit your routine.
Exercise and daily routine
The Azawakh thrives on daily walks plus a bit of active play. With medium energy and very high athleticism, a consistent daily routine keeps this breed physically and mentally satisfied. Skipping exercise is the most common cause of problem behaviour, so match the Azawakh to a lifestyle you can realistically maintain.
Grooming, shedding and upkeep
The Azawakh is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. It is not considered hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers should spend time around the breed first.
Temperament and training
The Azawakh takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency and gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it. It is highly self-reliant and content alone for extended periods, so plan for company or gradual alone-time training if you work away from home. Early socialization and positive, reward-based training bring out the best in this breed.
What stands out about the Azawakh
Most breed descriptions call everything “loyal and intelligent”. These are the ratings where the Azawakh genuinely differs from the rest of the catalogue — the things worth knowing before you commit.
- Shedding: Very low — the Azawakh sheds far less than most breeds. Only 7% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Friendliness: Low — the Azawakh is more reserved than most breeds. Only 9% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Trainability: Low — the Azawakh is less biddable than most breeds. Only 10% of breeds we score share this rating.
- Grooming needs: Very low — the Azawakh needs unusually little coat maintenance. Only 12% of breeds we score share this rating.
What a week with a Azawakh actually costs you
| Exercise | About an hour a day of walking and play suits it. |
|---|---|
| Coat | Minimal coat work — an occasional wipe-down and little else. |
| Time alone | Copes with being alone better than most breeds, within reason. |
| Noise | Average for a dog — it will bark at the door and at things it dislikes. |
Where the Azawakh fits — and where it does not
Each verdict below comes from the ratings in the table above, so you can check the reasoning rather than take it on trust.
| Household | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment living | Depends | Size alone rules out small flats, though the temperament can suit one. |
| Families with young children | Depends | Medium child tolerance: fine with supervision and older children, less so with toddlers. |
| First-time owners | Poor fit | The combination of drive, independence and training difficulty is a lot for a first dog. |
| Homes with cats | Poor fit | Very high prey drive. Introductions need managing, and a bolting cat triggers exactly the instinct this breed was selected for. |
| Long working days | Good fit | Very high independence, so time alone is less of a problem than for many breeds. |
| Allergy households | Depends | No low-allergen coat recorded, though shedding is not extreme. |
| Wanting a watchful dog | Good fit | High protectiveness. Socialisation decides whether that reads as steady or reactive. |
Perfect for
- Experienced sighthound owners
- Hot climates
- Large secure properties
- African breed enthusiasts
Things to consider
- Extremely rare breed
- Very independent nature
- Cold sensitive
Not sure which breed is right for you?
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Azawakh good with children?
- The Azawakh can be good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Does the Azawakh shed a lot?
- The Azawakh has very low shedding.
- How much exercise does the Azawakh need?
- With medium energy, the Azawakh needs moderate daily exercise such as a good walk or two.
- How long does the Azawakh live?
- The Azawakh typically lives around 12 years.
- Can the Azawakh live in an apartment?
- The Azawakh is a larger breed and does better in a home with more space, though it can adapt with enough daily exercise.
- Is the Azawakh easy to train?
- The Azawakh takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency. Consistency, early socialization and reward-based methods work best.
- Can the Azawakh be left alone during the day?
- The Azawakh is highly self-reliant and content alone for extended periods. Build up alone time gradually and provide enrichment to prevent boredom.