Azawakh vs Sloughi: full comparison
| Trait | Azawakh | Sloughi |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Energy level | Medium | Medium |
| Trainability | Low | Low |
| Friendliness | Low | Low |
| Good with children | Medium | Medium |
| Grooming needs | Very Low | Very Low |
| Shedding | Very Low | Low |
| Barking | Medium | Very Low |
| Protectiveness | High | Medium |
| Adaptability | Low | Low |
| Typical lifespan | 12 years | 13 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Key differences at a glance
- The Azawakh has noticeably higher barking than the Sloughi.
Size and living space
The Azawakh is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Sloughi is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. 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 Azawakh wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. The Sloughi wants a decent walk or two each day and some playtime. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The Azawakh is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and leaves virtually no hair around the house. The Sloughi is about as low-effort to groom as dogs get and sheds only lightly. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.
Temperament, training and family life
The Azawakh takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. The Sloughi takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, stays notably quiet indoors and usually does well with children given socialization and supervision. On guarding instinct, Azawakh keeps a watchful eye and is protective of home and family, whereas Sloughi will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, Sloughi has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
- For families with young children, Azawakh and Sloughi are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, Sloughi has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, Sloughi 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 Azawakh if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you want less shedding around the home.
Choose the Sloughi if you prefer a quieter dog or you want a longer-lived breed.
Which dog do you look like?
Take one photo and an AI model tells you which of our 321 breeds you most resemble, and which features gave it away. Free, no account, and your photo is never stored. It is a game rather than advice — but every match links straight into that breed's real guide.
See which dog you look likeFrequently asked questions
- Is the Azawakh or the Sloughi better for families with children?
- Both the Azawakh and the Sloughi are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the Azawakh or the Sloughi?
- The Sloughi sheds more than the Azawakh. If shedding is a concern, the Azawakh is the lower-maintenance choice.
- Which is easier to train, the Azawakh or the Sloughi?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is Azawakh or Sloughi bigger?
- Azawakh and Sloughi are a similar size (Large).
- Which barks more, Azawakh or Sloughi?
- Azawakh tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Sloughi is the quieter choice.
- Which is better for apartment living, Azawakh or Sloughi?
- For apartment or apartment living, Sloughi has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.