Azawakh
阿札瓦克犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Azawakh is the West African sighthound of the Tuareg and other Sahel nomads — "sighthound of the free people" — so lean and leggy that its bones and muscles show through the skin, bred for more than a thousand years to course gazelle in packs across the Sahara and guard the camp. Independent, loyal and deeply affectionate with its own family, it is reserved and guarded with strangers, intensely dignified and very sensitive: harsh training can break its spirit or make it unmanageable, so gentle, reward-based handling is essential. It needs daily running in a safely enclosed space but will not self-exercise alone, and its thin skin and fine coat make it a poor match for cold climates.
Facts
| Size | Medium |
|---|---|
| Height | 60–74cm |
| Weight | 15–25kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–15years |
| Breed group | AKC: hound FCI: 10 |
| Role | Hound |
| Coat | Short coat |
| Shedding | 2/ 5 |
| Exercise | 45–150min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 3/ 5 |
| Trainability | 2/ 5 |
| Barking | 1/ 5 |
| Good with children | 3/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 4/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 1/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Heart conditions
Certain heart conditions are reported in the breed; breeders may have breeding stock examined by a veterinary cardiologist. Ask your vet about heart checks at routine visits.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is reported in the breed. Ask your vet about thyroid testing if you notice weight gain, lethargy or coat changes.
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is reported in the breed. Ask your vet promptly if your dog has a seizure.
Immune-mediated conditions
Immune-mediated conditions are reported in the breed. Ask your vet if your dog has unexplained illness.
Behaviour
Dignified and sensitive — never harsh
The AKC says the Azawakh is highly intelligent and fiercely independent, so training must start early with a positive trainer; it possesses an amazing amount of dignity and does not respond to harsh or punishment-based methods, which can produce a hound that is either broken in spirit or aggressive and unmanageable, whereas reward-based training with gentle but firm corrections yields an obedient, affectionate, loyal dog. The Royal Kennel Club calls it the most extreme of the sighthounds, very sensitive, intensely loyal, and appreciative of gentle handling at all times.
Reserved with strangers, needs supervised running
The CKC describes a hound that is reserved, aloof and guarded with strangers yet gentle and affectionate with its family, whose independent nature responds best to reward-based training; an athletic hound bred to run, it requires regular, safe, supervised exercise and access to running space. The AKC adds that adults make great running companions and a daily half-hour play session in a well-fenced area will do, but an Azawakh left alone in a yard will not self-exercise — it moves when its owner or another dog is present.
Temperament
The AKC summarises the breed's temperament as "independent / loyal / deeply affectionate".
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "more than 2 hours per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 2/5, barking level 1/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Azawakh
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Azawakh (Hounds)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Azawakh Imp
Breed characteristics (size large, exercise more than 2 hours per day, lifespan over 10 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Azawakh (standard no. 307, group 10)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Azawakh — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Azawakh — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Azawakh Imp — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Azawakh — FCI standard no. 307 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.