Akipoo vs Azawakh: full comparison
| Trait | Akipoo | Azawakh |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Energy level | Medium | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium | Low |
| Friendliness | Low | Low |
| Good with children | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming needs | High | Very Low |
| Shedding | Low | Very Low |
| Barking | Low | Medium |
| Protectiveness | Very High | High |
| Adaptability | Low | Low |
| Typical lifespan | 11 years | 12 years |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes | No |
Key differences at a glance
- The Akipoo has noticeably higher grooming than the Azawakh.
Size and living space
The Akipoo is a large dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a garden. By comparison, the Azawakh is a large dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a garden. 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 Akipoo 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 Akipoo needs frequent grooming and benefits from professional trims and sheds very little. The Azawakh is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and barely sheds, keeping your home and clothes clean. The Akipoo is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.
Temperament, training and family life
The Akipoo is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, is generally quiet, barking only occasionally and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. The Azawakh takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is generally good with children when socialised and supervised. On guarding instinct, Akipoo 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 flat living, Akipoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
- For families with young children, Akipoo and Azawakh are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Akipoo 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, Akipoo has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Akipoo if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.
Choose the Azawakh if you prefer lower grooming upkeep, you want less shedding around the home, or you want a longer-lived breed.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the Akipoo or the Azawakh better for families with children?
- Both the Akipoo and the Azawakh are considered good with children when properly socialised and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Akipoo or the Azawakh?
- The Akipoo sheds more than the Azawakh. If shedding is a concern, the Azawakh is the lower-maintenance choice.
- Which is easier to train, the Akipoo or the Azawakh?
- The Akipoo is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
- Is Akipoo or Azawakh bigger?
- Akipoo and Azawakh are a similar size (Large).
- Which barks more, Akipoo or Azawakh?
- Azawakh tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Akipoo is the quieter choice.
- Which is better for apartment living, Akipoo or Azawakh?
- For apartment or flat living, Akipoo has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.