Azawakh: Your Complete Guide
Belonging to the hot and arid Sahel region of the Sahara Desert, the Azawakh is truly a sight to behold. In 2024, it was ranked as one of the top 5 rarest dog breeds in the US. This breed was a beloved family member of the nomadic tribes of West Africa, where it was used for hunting hare and antelope and guarding camps while everyone slept peacefully.
Its slim, aerodynamic head, large ribcage, and seemingly endless slender legs instantly give away its identity as a sighthound. Even among other sighthounds, the Azawakh is easy to spot. Its delicately carved bone structure peeks through an extremely thin layer of skin, giving it a bony, yet elegant appearance that can look quite surprising to those unfamiliar with the breed.
According to the breed standard, the visibility of three to five ribs is completely healthy and expected. This reflects the Azawakh’s ability to survive the harsh Saharan sun of its homeland. Thanks to its high intelligence and agility, this breed adapts well to modern, high-energy activities like hiking.
To learn more about this unique and ancient breed, continue reading the sections ahead.
Quick Look at the Azawakh
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 23.5 – 29 inches tall, and 33 – 55 pounds. |
| Coat Type | Short, sleek, low-maintenance, and thin |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Loyal, independent, intelligent, alert, and energetic |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits |  |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
What Is the History of Azawakhs?
The Awazakh is a high-octane dog, born to run. It came into existence as the hunting partner of the nomadic tribes of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Unlike modern times, these dogs weren’t bred for beauty; they were bred out of necessity. Every muscle and sinew you see in an Awazakh is a testament to its purpose.
Locals call them “idii n’illeli”, which in the Tuareg language means “sighthound of the free people.” For most of history, almost no one outside of West Africa knew about this breed. It wasn’t until the 1970s that France introduced the breed to Europe, when they started appearing in written records and breed registries.
The Awazakh was perfectly suited for the Saharan land. Its ability to run for kilometers in the scorching desert heat made it an excellent predator of gazelles, wild boars, hares, and antelopes. Over time, these dogs became more than hunters; they became family. They are known for bonding deeply with their humans and showing immense loyalty.
What Do Azawakhs Look Like?
The Azawakh’s almond-shaped eyes are excellent at scanning the horizon for prey. They are tall and bony, with tight skin and flat, well-defined muscles. Their fur-less, sucked-in belly accentuates their S-shaped body beautifully, making their outline look incredibly sleek and elegant.
The native African-bred Azawakhs have a wider colour palette and slightly more exaggerated proportions than the Western-bred ones. In Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, you can find Azawakhs in colours such as red, blue fawn, grizzle, and sometimes even blue and black, with white markings on their collars or mostly white fur.
The AKC allows any colour combination found in Africa; this recognises how naturally diverse the breed is. Western-bred Azawakhs, however, are generally more uniform in appearance and are most commonly seen in fawn, red, and brindle with specific white markings.
What Size Is an Azawakh?
Awazakhs are generally considered medium‑large dogs. While their stature isn’t bulky, they stand quite tall at around 25 to 29 inches for males. The females are slightly shorter, with a height between 23.5 and 27.5 inches. The standard for a healthy Azawakh is that males weigh between 44 and 55 pounds, while females weigh between 33 and 44 pounds.
What Is an Azawakh’s Coat Type and Length?
Awazakhs have a short and smooth coat, almost like a horse’s. This adaptation developed as a cooling mechanism for the extreme Saharan summers. Their hair is incredibly thin, sleek, and short, and they usually have little to no hair on their undersides. The hair never grows long; it stays close to the skin.
What Is an Azawakh’s Temperament?
You may think of the Azawakh as the fierce and swift desert hunter, but their duality will surprise you. At home, the same alert dog will tiptoe around your house like a cat. They show immense loyalty to their human caregivers but love to cherry-pick their favorites from the family.
However, they aren’t as friendly toward strangers; they are quite reserved and cautious around unfamiliar faces at first. Their excellent memory is proof of their remarkable intelligence. These dogs can remember the faces of their people even after years of not seeing them.
The harsh conditions they endured to survive in the desert have shaped their personality to the bone. They are independent dogs, taught to alert their partners in case of danger, which in the present day makes them exceptional watchdogs.
Are Azawakhs Good With Kids?
Azawakhs make wonderful pets for families with older children who understand their temperament. While they are generally gentle and calm, it’s always best to teach your little children to be respectful and mindful of their boundaries.
Since they are lean and sensitive, it’s important to supervise all interactions, as rough play can quickly become overwhelming for them. Socializing the dog properly from a young age is also incredibly important for it to behave calmly and confidently around children of all ages.
Are Azawakhs Good With Other Animals?
If the Azawakhs are socialized from a young age, they tend to live comfortably with other dogs without picking fights. The sad news is that they are inherently inclined to chase small, fast-moving animals, so pets like guinea pigs, cats, and hamsters can trigger their natural prey drive.
With consistent training, you can reduce some of their hunting instincts, but you can’t eliminate them completely. This is why it’s never a good idea to leave your small pets unsupervised with this sighthound. They are also likely to chase a random squirrel they see down the road, so hold their leash tight if you spot one on your walk.
Are Azawakhs Aggressive?
Azawakhs aren’t born as aggressive, growling dogs. This behavior is extremely unusual for the breed, as they are mostly gentle and calm. Their natural wariness and alertness around strangers might give people the wrong idea, but it’s just a harmless survival instinct.
If you spot an aggressive Azawakh, it has probably been provoked by someone crossing their boundaries or threatening them. They can also act out of fear, so proper early socialization and exposure to different environments are essential.
Do Azawakhs Bark?
Awazakhs are not known for being overly vocal, unless they want to alert you to an intruder or something suspicious. Thankfully for apartment dwellers, they bark mostly deliberately and for good reason, so there’s no need to worry about angry neighbors. Like all dogs, they can also bark out of frustration or boredom, but they are still considered a mostly quiet breed with a low-volume bark.
Are Azawakhs Affectionate?
Awazakhs can be loving and affectionate, but only towards their beloved and trusted people. They are comfortable with petting and cuddling, but they’re not your ideal lap dog. Fitting an Azawakh on your lap will be an uncomfortable experience for both you and the dog, so it’s better to avoid that.
They are generally slow to warm up to strangers, but can be really sweet once they trust them fully.
Are Azawakhs Intelligent?
Azawakhs will surprise you with their incredible intelligence. They are extremely observant of their surroundings and think critically before they act. You’ll notice this when they figure out how to open gates, solve puzzles, or find your long-lost items.
While you beam with joy reading this, keep in mind that these independent thinkers won’t blindly follow your lead, so training can be a challenge sometimes.
Are Azawakhs Energetic?
Azawakhs are not the kind of dogs that keep you on your toes all the time. They’re extremely high energy, but not in a way that feels chaotic or overwhelming. They don’t bounce around all day for no reason. Instead, they channel most of their energy through running and vigorous exercise.
They were bred to roam the deserts and run for long distances, so their incredible endurance makes sense. When their physical needs are met, they can be calm, quiet, and a really pleasant presence at home.
Are Azawakhs Easy to Train?
Training an Azawakh can be a fun bonding experience. You’ll be surprised at how fast they learn to pick up commands like bringing your car keys or shoes from the shoe rack. However, they can be a bit headstrong at times, which can make training not so fun.
Azawakhs were bred and taught to think independently, which is why they won’t follow your every order blindly. The most effective way to teach your dog is to use positive reinforcement. Encourage your dog’s good behavior with praise and treats, and avoid harsh reprimands at all times.
They’re also known for their incredible speed and endurance, which makes them perfect candidates for agility training and other dog sports. All you have to do is train them consistently and patiently, and they will do the learning part really well.
Are Azawakhs Good Watchdogs?
Azawakhs make wonderful watchdogs. Their tall, pointed ears are always on high alert, picking up every little sound around them. Back in West Africa, their ancestors used to alert each other to danger or prey, and this instinct is still seen today. If an Azawakh spots something unusual, they won’t be shy about warning you with their bark.
Are Azawakhs Good Service Dogs?
Azawakhs are one of the most emotionally intelligent breeds. They bond deeply with their humans and can notice even the slightest changes in mood. They know when to step in and provide a comforting, calming presence.
However, they don’t always follow commands automatically, so traditional service dog tasks like guiding or structured duties aren’t ideal. But they can make wonderful emotional support or therapy dogs.
How to Care for an Azawakh?
Azawakhs are a delight to take care of. Their low-maintenance needs make them a good fit for owners with busy schedules. Having a daily exercise routine and physically challenging activities will keep them fit and happy.
To take care of them mentally, engage them with puzzles or food-hunting games. It’s also important to groom them regularly and make monthly visits to the vet.
Do You Need to Groom an Azawakh?
An Azawakh can become the showstopper at any event if they’re groomed right. These dogs look exquisitely beautiful with shiny, neatly kept coats. Luckily, keeping them in tip-top shape isn’t that hard. Azawakhs require weekly brushing and only need to visit a professional groomer a few times a year.
To keep their coat shiny, use a sulfate-free shampoo, as their skin can be a bit sensitive. Don’t forget to brush their teeth and clean their ears regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria.
Do Azawakhs Shed?
Azawakhs have a short, fine coat that barely sheds, making it easy to clean up after them. The only time you’ll notice a considerable amount of loose hair is during shedding seasons. They aren’t considered hypoallergenic, but their low-shedding fur makes them a great option for people who prefer a cleaner home.
What Health Problems Do Azawakhs Have?
Azawakh is generally a healthy breed with few inherited health problems. However, it’s important to educate yourself about potential health issues your dog could develop so you can start treatment as early as possible. These dogs are susceptible to autoimmune diseases like thyroiditis and Masticatory Muscle Myositis.
Their deep chest can put them at risk for life-threatening conditions like gastric torsion. As they age, a few cases of spinal issues, such as Wobbler’s syndrome or spinal narrowing, have been reported.
How Long Do Azawakhs Live?
Azawakhs usually live around 12 to 15 years. To prolong your Azawakh’s years, focus on giving it plenty of exercise, good quality food, and lots of love. Taking your Awazakh for regular health check-ups helps to ensure a long and healthy life.
What Should an Azawakh Eat?
If you want to keep your Azawakh fueled and happy, it’s important to put them on a good, species-appropriate diet. Modern quick kibbles and processed dog food may seem convenient and appealing, but they’re not always the most nutritious option.
BARF is a raw food diet for dogs that gives them meat, bones, and natural foods instead of processed dog food. This can help Azawakhs digest essential nutrients more efficiently and support their overall health. It’s also important to include moisture-rich foods, along with vegetables and rice, to keep them properly nourished and healthy.
Is an Azawakh the Right Dog for Me?
Azawakhs can be amazing companions, but before you commit to bringing one home, please remember that they rely on you for their basic needs. Grooming them is easy, but they need lots of exercise and mental stimulation.
They tend to bond fiercely with their humans but their independent nature means that training takes patience and consistency. So before you bring one home, make sure you’re ready for all of this, and having an Azawakh can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.