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.
Overview
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.
Good to know — a Azawakh is 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.
Temperament & family fit
In general, a Azawakh is best with older, calm children and generally fine with other dogs. They tend to be a quiet, and as a guide they are better with some experience. Early socialisation, reward-based training and supervision around young children make all the difference.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Active homes with plenty of space
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
Coat upkeep is wash-and-go and shedding is low. A quick brush now and then, plus the occasional bath when needed, is usually plenty.
- Brush occasionally to remove loose hair
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Like any dog, a Azawakh should get most of its nutrition from a complete, balanced dog food suited to its size and life stage. Portions scale with body weight and activity, so a large breed will eat a fair amount compared with other breeds — follow the food’s feeding guide and your vet’s advice, and weigh portions to avoid creeping weight gain. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of daily calories.
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
Similar breeds
Labrador Retriever
The UK’s most popular family dog — friendly, biddable and brilliant with children, but needs proper exercise.
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Golden Retriever
Gentle, eager-to-please and devoted — a classic family companion that thrives on company and exercise.
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German Shepherd
A loyal, courageous and highly trainable working dog that needs experienced handling and plenty to do.
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Boxer
A bouncy, playful and devoted family dog that stays puppy-like for years — and needs the exercise to match.
View breed guide →Frequently asked questions
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 a 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.
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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.