Breed characteristics carousel
Learn More
Need to Know
- Dogs suitable for experienced owners
- Extra training required
- Generally healthy breed
- Enjoys active walks
- Large dog
- Minimal drool
- Requires grooming every other day
- Quiet dog
- Barks, alerts, and may be physically protective/suspicious of visitors
- Could have issues with unknown dogs but gets along with known dogs
- May need additional training to live with other pets
- May need additional supervision to live with children
- Needs a large yard in suburban or rural areas
- Can be left alone occasionally with training
Personality
This breed can be aloof with strangers. Azawakh puppies are like desert ninjas, keenly aware of their surroundings and ready to sound the alarm with a bark if anything seems fishy. They're cautious around new faces, taking their time to size someone up before unleashing their inner goofball. Once you've earned their trust, get ready for lots of love and loyalty!
Buckle up, history buffs! Let's take a trip back in time to the sizzling Sahel region of Africa, the stomping grounds of the mysterious Azawakh dog. These pups weren't known as Azawakh then. They had a whole collection of nicknames, like the Tuareg Sloughi (sleek desert sighthound) or Idi n'illeli (dog of the free people). They were heavily relied on for hunting gazelles by day, guarding the camp by night, and being the ultimate desert buddies, too.
Patience is a virtue for Azawakh owners. They are fiercely independent dogs, but they are also highly intelligent. An ideal owner will work with them to develop a respectful and enduring relationship.
Adult Azawakhs will love ample exercise, especially with owners who enjoy running. They can tolerate warm temperatures, but if it gets too cold outside, they’ll want a cozy jacket for their coat!
While these pups are slender, they still need space to roam. Don’t limit them to small city dwellings. Azawakhs will benefit from a spacious yard with lots of interesting smells.
Grooming doesn’t have to be a huge task, but it should happen often. Use a bristle brush to massage your Azwakh’s back and promote healthy hair growth. They might have a short mane, but it will shine with proper care!
Azawakhs are independent thinkers, so training for entertainment won't hold their attention. Instead, focus on building a rock-solid bond through early socialization and habituation. Think of meeting new people and animals, and conquering new sights and sounds – it'll keep their curious minds buzzing.
This is a specialist dog for those familiar with and adore sighthounds and their quirky ways—and willing to work hard to motivate their dog. Azawakhs are good with older children but not very small children, especially puppies.
The cost of a Azawakh from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.
Learn more about feeding and caring for your Azawakh on Purina.
Did you know?
- This rare breed was not seen outside of Africa before the 1970’s.
- The breed has been a companion to South Sahara nomads for hundreds of years.
- They are members of the hound group.