Azawakh
Hound Large
A large-sized hound breed from West Africa, the Azawakh ranks #150 with the AKC. Uniquely combines sighthound speed with strong guardian instincts; unlike most sighthounds, they will actively protect their family and territory.
Quick Stats
Characteristics
| Family Friendly | |
| Energy Level | |
| Trainability | |
| Shedding | |
| Good with Kids | |
| Good with Dogs | |
| Apartment Friendly | |
| Grooming Needs | |
| Barking Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Intelligence |
About the Azawakh
The Azawakh traces its lineage to West Africa, where An ancient sighthound from the Sahel region of West Africa, developed by the Tuareg nomads of the southern Sahara to guard their camps and course game.. Currently ranked #150 by the American Kennel Club, the breed remains a popular choice worldwide.
Uniquely combines sighthound speed with strong guardian instincts; unlike most sighthounds, they will actively protect their family and territory.. Intensely loyal and protective of their family but aloof and suspicious of strangers; they are one of the most primitive and least domesticated breeds.
Gaining popularity as a lure coursing competitor and loyal companion for experienced sighthound owners who appreciate their unique temperament..
Lifespan Overview
The Azawakh typically lives 12–15 years. Learn more about Azawakh lifespan →
Price Overview
Expect to pay $2000–$3000 from a reputable breeder. See full price breakdown →
Weight & Growth
Adult Azawakhs weigh 33–55 lbs. View growth chart →
Temperament
Intensely loyal and protective of their family but aloof and suspicious of strangers; they are one of the most primitive and least domesticated breeds.. Full temperament guide →
History
An ancient sighthound from the Sahel region of West Africa, developed by the Tuareg nomads of the southern Sahara to guard their camps and course game.. First arrived in Europe in the 1970s and was only recognized by the AKC in 2019, making them one of the newest AKC breeds..
Gaining popularity as a lure coursing competitor and loyal companion for experienced sighthound owners who appreciate their unique temperament..
Common Health Issues
| Condition | Frequency | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Hypothyroidism | Occasional | Mild |
| Seizures | Occasional | Moderate |
| Autoimmune Thyroiditis | Occasional | Moderate |
| Anesthesia Sensitivity | Common | Serious |
| Spondylosis | Occasional | Moderate |
Similar Breeds
Is the Azawakh Right for You?
Choosing the right dog breed is one of the most important decisions a future owner can make. The Azawakh is a large-sized breed belonging to the Hound group, which shapes much of its daily behavior and needs. Here is an honest assessment based on key traits to help you decide if this breed fits your lifestyle.
Energy and exercise: The Azawakh has high energy levels and requires substantial daily activity - at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise including walks, runs, or active play sessions. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle or work very long hours, this breed may become destructive without adequate physical outlets.
Living space: The Azawakh can live in an apartment with some effort, though a home with a yard is preferable. They score 3/5 for apartment friendliness, meaning they need intentional daily outings to compensate for limited indoor space.
Children and family: The Azawakh scores 2/5 with children, meaning caution is needed in households with young kids. This breed may be better suited to adult-only homes or families with teenagers. If children are present, consistent training and close supervision during all interactions are non-negotiable.
Grooming commitment: The Azawakh is relatively low-maintenance in grooming with a rating of 1/5. Weekly brushing and occasional baths are typically sufficient. This makes the breed a good choice for owners who prefer minimal grooming routines, with costs around $46–84/month.
Ownership Cost Summary
Before bringing a Azawakh home, it is critical to understand the full financial commitment over their 12–15 year lifespan. The initial purchase price of $2000–$3000 is only the beginning.
The first year is the most expensive, totaling approximately $4,780. This includes the purchase price, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, supplies (crate, bed, bowls, leash), and early training classes. Many owners underestimate this initial outlay and find themselves financially stressed within the first few months.
Ongoing monthly costs average $140, broken down as follows: food ($57–88/mo), grooming ($46–84/mo), insurance ($31–60/mo), with annual costs for veterinary care ($335–669/yr) and supplies ($222–547/yr). As a large breed, the Azawakh costs more for food, medication dosing, and larger equipment than smaller dogs.
Over a full 12–15 year lifespan, total ownership costs typically reach $15,000–$30,000+ depending on health, not including emergency veterinary care which can add $2,000–$10,000 over the dog's lifetime. Pet insurance at $31–60/month is strongly recommended to manage unexpected health expenses.
Hidden costs often overlooked: Many prospective Azawakh owners fail to budget for training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75/night), dog-proofing the home ($100–$300), replacement of chewed items during puppyhood, and potential property damage. Additionally, renters may face pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75). Factor these real-world costs into your decision to ensure the Azawakh fits your financial situation comfortably without requiring sacrifices in the quality of care you can provide.
Breed Traits Explained
The Azawakh belongs to the Hound group, which historically means these dogs were bred to hunt using keen eyesight or an exceptional sense of smell. Hound breeds can be independent-minded and may follow a scent or sight rather than listening to commands. They require patience in training and secure containment to prevent them from wandering.
With a family friendliness score of 2/5, intelligence at 4/5, and shedding rated 1/5, the Azawakh presents a specific profile that works best for owners who understand and appreciate these characteristics. Their exercise needs (4/5) and barking tendency (2/5) should factor heavily into your decision, especially if you live in close proximity to neighbors or have limited outdoor space.
Intelligence and engagement: With intelligence rated 4/5, the Azawakh is a quick learner that thrives on mental challenges. This high intelligence means they need puzzle toys, training sessions, and varied activities to prevent boredom. An under-stimulated Azawakh may develop unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, or escape attempts. The upside is that they pick up new commands quickly and excel in activities like obedience, agility, or nosework.
Shedding and home cleanliness: The Azawakh's low shedding (1/5) makes them easier to maintain in a clean home. Regular brushing still helps remove dead coat and promote skin health.
Azawakh Quick Decision Guide
Making an informed decision about the Azawakh requires weighing all factors together. Here is a consolidated assessment to help you decide confidently whether this breed matches your situation.
You will love the Azawakh if: You enjoy an active lifestyle with daily outdoor activities, can provide consistent training and appropriate supervision with visitors, have adequate space with outdoor access, and prefer lower-maintenance coat care. The Azawakh's hound heritage brings specific qualities that dedicated owners find deeply rewarding.
Consider a different breed if: You cannot commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, , or if your living situation cannot accommodate a large breed comfortably. Being honest about these factors prevents rehoming situations that are stressful for both dog and owner.
Next steps: If the Azawakh seems like a good match, explore our detailed sub-pages on lifespan, cost, temperament, and health for deeper information. Connect with Azawakh owners through breed clubs and online communities to hear firsthand experiences. If possible, spend time with Azawakhs before committing - attending dog shows, visiting breed-specific meetups, or fostering through a rescue organization. Use our Puppy Weight Calculator and Dog Age Calculator for practical planning, and review our expert guides for training, nutrition, and health care advice tailored to all breeds and life stages.