Akipoo vs Azawakh

Choosing between Akipoo and Azawakh? These two are closely matched on size and energy, so your decision comes down to the finer points — grooming, shedding, trainability and how each fits your household. Below we break down exactly how the two breeds compare on the things that shape daily life with a dog, so you can see which one is the better fit for your home, family and routine.

Akipoo vs Azawakh: full comparison

TraitAkipooAzawakh
SizeLargeLarge
Energy levelMediumMedium
TrainabilityMediumLow
FriendlinessLowLow
Good with childrenMediumMedium
Grooming needsHighVery Low
SheddingLowVery Low
BarkingLowMedium
ProtectivenessVery HighHigh
AdaptabilityLowLow
Typical lifespan11 years12 years
HypoallergenicYesNo

Key differences at a glance

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…

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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Frequently 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.

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