Is the Akbash or the Azawakh better for families with children?

Both the Akbash and the Azawakh are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Akbash or the Azawakh?

The Akbash sheds more than the Azawakh. If shedding is a concern, the Azawakh is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Akbash or the Azawakh?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Akbash or Azawakh bigger?

Akbash and Azawakh are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Akbash or Azawakh?

Akbash tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Azawakh is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Akbash or Azawakh?

For apartment or apartment living, Azawakh has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Akbash vs Azawakh: Which Sheds Less?

Akbash vs Azawakh: full comparison

Trait	Akbash	Azawakh
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Medium	Medium
Trainability	Low	Low
Friendliness	Low	Low
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Medium	Very Low
Shedding	High	Very Low
Barking	High	Medium
Protectiveness	Very High	High
Adaptability	Low	Low
Typical lifespan	12 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Akbash has noticeably higher shedding than the Azawakh.
The Akbash has noticeably higher grooming than the Azawakh.

Size and living space

The Akbash is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Azawakh is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Akbash needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Azawakh needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Akbash needs regular brushing to stay in good condition and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The Azawakh is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and sheds almost nothing, so your sofa stays clear. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Akbash needs a bit of persistence but comes along with consistency, barks fairly often, especially to alert you and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The Azawakh needs a bit of persistence but comes along with consistency, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Akbash is a strong natural guardian with a powerful protective instinct, whereas Azawakh is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Azawakh has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Akbash and Azawakh are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Azawakh has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Azawakh has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Azawakh has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Akbash if you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

Choose the Azawakh if you want less shedding around the home, you prefer lower grooming upkeep, or you prefer a quieter dog.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Akbash or the Azawakh better for families with children?: Both the Akbash and the Azawakh are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Akbash or the Azawakh?: The Akbash sheds more than the Azawakh. If shedding is a concern, the Azawakh is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Akbash or the Azawakh?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Akbash or Azawakh bigger?: Akbash and Azawakh are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Akbash or Azawakh?: Akbash tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Azawakh is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Akbash or Azawakh?: For apartment or apartment living, Azawakh has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Akbash vs Azawakh