Azawakh Breed Profile: Essential Facts
Although they are playful and energetic, Azawakhs can also be fiercely protective of their home and family. Learn more in this Azawakh breed profile.
Azawakh
- AKC Group: Hound
- Weight: 44–55 lbs. (male)33–44 lbs. (female)
- Height: 25–29 in. (male)23.5–27.5 in. (female)
- Life Span: 12-15 years
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Key Characteristics of an Azawakh
The Azawakh, a.k.a. the Tuareg Sloughi, is a tall, elegant, rare sighthound.
These dogs were originally companions and guardians to nomads and prized for their excellent hunting skills.
They have short, fine coats that can include any colors, color combinations or markings, the most common being red, sand, fawn, brindle, blue, black, brown and predominantly white with colors.
The eyes are large and almond-shaped, and the pendant ears are triangular and set high. The tail is low and thin, and the neck is long, giving the dog a thin, elongated appearance.
Where Azawakhs Came From
Azawakhs originated in the Sahel region and the South Sahara in Africa.
The dogs' reputation as nomadic companions also suggests they are an ancient breed. They share characteristics and heritage with the Saluki and Sloughi.
Tuareg nomads called them idii n’ illeli, meaning “sighthound of the free people.”
Living with the nomads was a comfortable life -- the dogs were treated like family members and lived inside their families' homes. They protected the camp and the livestock and also hunted hares, antelope and boars.
The Azawakh breed was introduced into the United States in the 1980s. The breed was added to the American Kennel Club (AKC)’s Foundation Stock Service in 1997, and the American Azawakh Association was founded the next year. In 2019, the AKC announced that the Azawakh had officially become the 193rd breed in its roster, assigned to the Hound Group.
Azawakhs are companion pets and may be involved in hunting game, guarding, lure coursing, dog obedience, agility events, and freestyle and rally trials.
How Friendly Is a Azawakh?
Although Azawakhs are playful, affectionate and energetic, they are known for their fierce loyalty and exceptional protectiveness of family members and their homes.
They can be reserved with strangers, so start training and socialization as early as possible.
Azawakhs have strong hunting and guarding instincts and are fast and attentive.
This is a highly intelligent breed and can be independent at times. The dogs like to be in charge and will try to obtain an alpha dog position if other canines are in the home.
They adapt and travel well, but you shouldn't leave them crated for extended times.
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Exercise Needs
HIGH: Azawakhs have keen vision, speed and stamina. They are agile with high endurance and must have daily exercise.
They should be leashed or exercised in an enclosed area because of their strong hunting instincts. Otherwise, they may view smaller animals as prey and chase them.
This breed is good for joggers and does best with a yard, although the Azawakh can thrive in an apartment if exercise needs are met.
Grooming Needs
LOW: The short coat needs only occasional brushing or rubbing with a grooming glove. Bathe your Azawakh as necessary, but their sensitive skin requires a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo.
Regular maintenance of the teeth, ears and nails should be done regularly.
Health Problems
HIGH: Azawakh dogs have a number of health issues to be aware of, including:
- Sensitive to weather extremes, particularly cold or wet weather
- Lack of exercise may cause obesity and lethargy or hyperactivity and destructiveness
- Sensitive skin
- Hypothyroidism
- Seizures
- Myositis
- Autoimmune thyroiditis (may cause hypothyroidism)
- Demodectic mange
- Cardiac problems
- Bloat
- Check out this video of a very talkative Azawakh:
Where to Adopt an Azawakh?
Although the Azawakh is a rare breed, purebred dogs can sometimes be found in shelters and rescues. Start with our adoptable dog search first and check your local resources.
If you decide to contact a breeder, learn more about your breeder and be aware of the potential signs that it's a puppy mill. Ask for evidence of health testing for either the puppy or the parents.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Azawakhs are naturally lean and muscular due to their desert heritage. Their slim build enhances speed, endurance, and heat resistance, making them excellent sighthounds for hunting and guarding.
An Azawakh puppy typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the breeder, pedigree, and location. Due to their rarity, they can be more expensive than other breeds.
Yes, but Azawakhs are best suited for experienced owners. They are intelligent, loyal, and protective but can be aloof with strangers and require proper socialization and exercise.
Azawakhs are extremely rare, especially outside their native regions of West Africa. They were only recently recognized by the AKC and are still uncommon in the U.S. and Europe.
No, Azawakhs are not hypoallergenic. They have short coats and shed minimally, but they still produce dander that can trigger allergies.
Additional Resources
- AKC's Azawakh Page
- American Azawakh Association
- Azawakh Club of Canada
- The Kennel Club's Azawakh Page (Great Britain)
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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