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Hound Handbook
Insurance guide
Breed profile

Azawakh

Rangy sighthound from the Sahel. Fiercely loyal to its own people, aloof or suspicious with strangers.

Profile of a fawn Azawakh's narrow head against a soft green background
The Azawakh's fine, chiselled head.Photo: T. Bjornstad / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Weight
15–25 kg33–55 lb
Height
60–74 cm24–29 in
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Group
Hound
Origin
West Africa (Sahel)
Popularity
#195 US#205 UK · 2025

Known for: Warm climatesLow groomingRunning partners

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Loyal, Aloof, Independent, Affectionate.

Health problems to know about

  • Hypothyroidism
  • Seizures
  • Heart problems
  • Autoimmune disease

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Daily walks and regular safe sprints. Very little grooming. Needs warmth and soft bedding, and careful early socialisation with people.

A good fit for

Experienced sighthound owners, warm climates, and calm adult homes.

Probably not ideal for

Busy homes with lots of visitors, cold climates without coats, and homes with small pets.

Sources

  1. Azawakh Dog Breed Information | American Kennel Club
  2. Azawakh | Breeds A to Z | The Royal Kennel Club
  3. Azawakh | Wikipedia

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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