Azawakh
A lean, elegant West African sighthound bred to guard and hunt across the Sahel. Deeply loyal to its own people but aloof and reserved with strangers, with a strong chase instinct and a sensitive nature.
Azawakh scorecard
Overview
The Azawakh is a tall, exceptionally lean sighthound from the Sahel region of West Africa, named after the Azawagh valley that spans parts of Mali, Niger and Algeria. Bred by the nomadic peoples of the southern Sahara - notably the Tuareg - it is a hot-climate coursing hound built for speed and endurance over open, arid terrain, with long legs, a deep but narrow chest, a fine short coat, and bone structure and musculature so visible beneath the skin that the breed appears almost sculpted. Standing roughly 60 to 74 cm at the shoulder yet weighing only around 15 to 25 kg, it is one of the most elegant and distinctive of all sighthounds.
Beyond its striking looks, the Azawakh is defined by a temperament quite different from the gentle, easy-going greyhound that many people associate with sighthounds. It is deeply devoted to its own family but characteristically aloof, reserved and watchful with strangers, reflecting its traditional dual role as both a hunting hound and a guardian of camp and livestock. Sensitive, proud and intensely loyal, it forms strong bonds with its people and is a quiet, clean and undemanding housemate, but it needs sympathetic, knowledgeable owners who understand sighthound nature and respect the breed's wariness and strong chase instinct.
Good to know — a Azawakh needs plenty of space and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Azawakh developed over many centuries as the companion, hunter and guardian of the nomadic herding peoples of the Sahel, including the Tuareg, Fula and Hausa. Living in a harsh desert environment, these dogs were valued for coursing fast game such as gazelle and hare across long distances in extreme heat, and equally for warning of and seeing off intruders and predators around camp and stock. They were prized possessions, often kept close to their people and selected as much for loyalty, soundness and stamina as for speed - a tough, functional landrace shaped by an unforgiving climate rather than by the show ring.
The breed reached the West in the latter part of the twentieth century, with foundation dogs brought to Europe - particularly the former Yugoslavia and France - from the 1970s onwards, and it was recognised by the Federation Cynologique Internationale, which placed it among the sighthounds. It remains comparatively rare worldwide, including in the UK, and dedicated breeders continue to value its working heritage and to draw on its African origins to maintain the breed's distinctive type, health and temperament.
Temperament & family fit
The Azawakh is best understood as a one-family hound: affectionate, gentle and demonstrative with the people it trusts, but naturally reserved, dignified and slow to warm to outsiders. It tends to dislike being handled by strangers and may stand back and observe rather than seek attention from people it does not know, which is entirely normal for the breed and should not be mistaken for a fault. Within the home it is typically calm, sensitive and closely bonded, often choosing one or two favourite people, and it can be quite intuitive about its owners' moods. This sensitivity cuts both ways - the breed does not cope well with harshness, chaos or being treated roughly.
Its guarding heritage means the Azawakh is more watchful and territorially aware than most sighthounds, and careful, positive socialisation from puppyhood is essential to produce a confident, well-adjusted adult rather than a fearful or over-reactive one. It can live well with respectful older children in its own family but is generally not an ideal match for very young children, partly because of its reserve and sensitivity and partly because of its fine, fragile-looking build. It often gets on with other dogs, especially fellow sighthounds, but it retains a powerful prey drive: small, fast-moving animals can trigger an instant chase, so cats and other small pets are a real consideration and off-lead freedom must be managed with great care.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
Training & intelligence
Training an Azawakh requires patience, consistency and, above all, a gentle hand. This is a sensitive, independent and intelligent hound that responds to kind, reward-based methods and to a trusting relationship, and that shuts down or grows wary under heavy-handed correction. As with most sighthounds, it is not motivated by a strong desire to obey for obedience's sake; it cooperates with people it respects and likes, so building rapport matters more than drilling commands. Early, positive socialisation to people, dogs, places and everyday experiences is the single most valuable investment an owner can make, given the breed's natural reserve.
The greatest practical challenge is recall. Like all sighthounds, the Azawakh has a deeply ingrained instinct to chase fast-moving prey, and once in pursuit it can be effectively deaf to commands and capable of covering ground at extraordinary speed. For that reason many owners keep them on lead or long-line in unsecured areas and only allow free running in safely enclosed spaces. Owners should also remember the breed's thin coat and low body fat: training and exercise should account for its sensitivity to cold and wet, especially in the UK climate.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Azawakh typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Grooming the Azawakh is refreshingly simple. Its very short, fine coat sheds only modestly and needs little more than an occasional wipe-over or brush with a soft brush or grooming mitt to keep it clean and glossy, plus a bath only when genuinely necessary. The breed is naturally clean and largely free of doggy odour. The main coat-related consideration is not grooming but protection: with almost no insulating undercoat and very little body fat, the Azawakh feels the cold acutely and benefits from a warm coat in winter and a dry, draught-free place to sleep. Routine care otherwise means regular nail trimming, checking the ears, and ongoing dental care, as for any dog.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
The Azawakh's naturally lean, athletic build is a defining feature of the breed, and it should be kept slim with the spine, ribs and hip bones lightly visible - a body condition that would look too thin on most breeds is normal and healthy here. Owners new to sighthounds should resist the temptation to feed a dog of this type up to a heavier weight, as carrying excess fat is both unnatural and unhealthy for it. A complete, good-quality diet appropriate to the dog's age and activity level, fed in measured amounts, is all that is usually required, and many do well on diets with quality protein to support lean muscle. As a deep-chested breed it is sensible to feed measured meals and avoid vigorous exercise immediately around mealtimes. Any doubt about correct weight or condition is best resolved with a vet who is familiar with sighthounds.
Azawakh health & costs
Before bringing a Azawakh home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£600–850 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£35–62 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£0–60 / year
Mostly DIY at home
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Azawakh is generally a hardy, healthy breed, reflecting its origins as a functional working hound shaped by a demanding environment, and a typical life expectancy is in the region of twelve to fifteen years. As a relatively rare breed it has been less intensively studied than common pedigrees, but responsible breeders and breed clubs are mindful of the conditions known to occur in the breed and in sighthounds generally, and screening of breeding stock is increasingly used to keep the population sound.
Health considerations for the breed include hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and, as in several sighthounds, autoimmune and certain skeletal conditions; some lines are screened for these. Owners should also be aware that sighthounds in general are sensitive to certain anaesthetics and have different normal blood values from other dogs, so it is wise to use a vet who understands the type. As a lean, thin-coated, low-body-fat breed, the Azawakh is genuinely vulnerable to cold and needs protection in the British winter. Prospective buyers should choose a responsible breeder who tests breeding dogs appropriately (for example for hypothyroidism and relevant orthopaedic or hereditary conditions), keeps dogs in good lean condition, and prioritises sound temperament and good socialisation.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hypothyroidism - an underactive thyroid gland reported in the breed, causing weight gain, lethargy and coat changes; manageable with daily medication and worth asking breeders about.
- Anaesthetic sensitivity - like other sighthounds, Azawakhs have low body fat and differing drug responses, so anaesthesia should be managed by a vet experienced with the type.
- Cold sensitivity - the very short coat and minimal body fat leave this breed prone to feeling the cold; warm coats and dry shelter are needed in the UK climate.
- Autoimmune conditions - some sighthound lines are predisposed to immune-mediated disorders; reputable breeders monitor for these.
- Bone and joint conditions - certain skeletal issues can occur in the breed; choosing a breeder who screens breeding stock helps reduce risk.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) - a risk shared by deep-chested breeds; feed measured meals and avoid heavy exercise around mealtimes.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Azawakh; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Azawakh puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Azawakh
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early — larger breeds age sooner, so start senior care from around 6–7 years.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Quiet, clean and low-grooming
- Devoted and gentle with its family
Things to consider
- Aloof and wary, needs careful socialisation
- Strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Compare the Azawakh
See how the Azawakh measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
Where does the Azawakh come from?
The Azawakh is a sighthound from the Sahel region of West Africa, named after the Azawagh valley that spans parts of Mali, Niger and Algeria. It was bred by the nomadic peoples of the southern Sahara, notably the Tuareg, as a hot-climate coursing hound and guardian, built for speed and endurance over open, arid terrain.
How is the Azawakh different from a Greyhound?
Both are sighthounds built for speed, but the Azawakh has a quite different temperament from the gentle, easy-going Greyhound. It is deeply devoted to its own family yet characteristically aloof, reserved and watchful with strangers, reflecting its dual role as hunter and guardian. It is also exceptionally lean and tall, standing around 60 to 74 cm but weighing only 15 to 25 kg.
Are Azawakhs good with children and strangers?
The Azawakh is affectionate and demonstrative with people it trusts but naturally reserved and slow to warm to outsiders, often standing back to observe rather than seeking attention. This is normal for the breed. It can live well with respectful older children in its own family but is generally not an ideal match for very young children, partly because of its sensitivity and fine, fragile-looking build.
Can an Azawakh be let off the lead?
Only with great care. Like all sighthounds, the Azawakh has a deeply ingrained instinct to chase fast-moving prey and can be effectively deaf to commands once in pursuit, covering ground at extraordinary speed. Many owners keep them on lead or long-line in unsecured areas and only allow free running in safely enclosed spaces. Recall is the breed's greatest training challenge.
Do Azawakhs need a coat in cold weather?
Yes. With a very short, fine coat, almost no insulating undercoat and very little body fat, the Azawakh feels the cold acutely and is genuinely vulnerable to it. It benefits from a warm coat in winter, a dry, draught-free place to sleep, and exercise adjusted in cold or wet British weather. This is an important consideration for UK owners.
Why does my Azawakh look so thin?
A naturally lean, athletic build is a defining feature of the breed, with the spine, ribs and hip bones lightly visible. A body condition that would look too thin on most breeds is normal and healthy here. Owners new to sighthounds should resist feeding the dog up to a heavier weight, as carrying excess fat is both unnatural and unhealthy for it.
How much grooming does an Azawakh need?
Very little. Its very short, fine coat sheds only modestly and needs little more than an occasional wipe-over or brush with a soft brush or grooming mitt, plus a bath only when genuinely necessary. The breed is naturally clean and largely free of doggy odour. Routine care otherwise means regular nail trimming, ear checks and ongoing dental care.
What health issues should Azawakh owners know about?
The Azawakh is generally hardy, with a life expectancy of around 12 to 15 years. Known considerations include hypothyroidism and, as in several sighthounds, certain autoimmune and skeletal conditions. Sighthounds are also sensitive to some anaesthetics and have different normal blood values, so use a vet familiar with the type. Choose a breeder who tests breeding dogs appropriately.
Are Azawakhs good with children?
Best with older, calm children. As a general guide, Azawakhs tend to be better suited to homes with older children or no young children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does an Azawakh need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Azawakh needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Azawakhs shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is wash-and-go — a quick brush now and then is usually enough.
Are Azawakhs easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Azawakhs are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Azawakhs bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Azawakhs good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Azawakhs suit flats or smaller homes?
Needs plenty of space. A Azawakh really needs plenty of space and a lot of daily activity — not ideal for a small flat.
Sources
- Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) - Azawakh breed standard (Group 10, Sighthounds): https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/AZAWAKH-307.html
- The Kennel Club (UK) - Azawakh breed information and breed standard (Hound Group): https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- PDSA - dog health and sighthound care advice: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/dogs
- Blue Cross - dog breed and care guidance: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
- Royal Veterinary College (RVC) VetCompass - canine health research, including sighthound and large-breed data: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.