Mali
Weight
33-55 lb
Height
23.5-29 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
The Azawakh is a large hound breed from Mali, shaped by following scent or sight with persistence and independence and a elegant, reserved temperament.
Official, native, and commonly used variants
No widely used alternate names are recorded for this breed.
Weight
33-55 lb
Height
23.5-29 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
High
Barking
Low
Drooling
Low
Shedding
Low
Grooming
1/5
First-time owner
No
The Azawakh comes from Mali and belongs to the Hound group, where its background is tied to following scent or sight with persistence and independence. For the Azawakh, that history is not just decoration; it helps explain the habits owners see around work, rest, people, and daily handling. Expect the Azawakh to be a large dog with elegant, reserved, fast, loyal traits, high energy, and low barking.
In everyday life, the Azawakh is usually best judged by routine fit. It does best where Azawakh space and exercise are easy to provide, and its short smooth coat brings low shedding with grooming needs rated 1/5. For exercise, the Azawakh should get about 60 to 90 minutes a day for many healthy adults, built from longer walks, active play, and regular training or scent games. The Azawakh usually settles best when exercise is planned before the dog is expected to relax. Training the Azawakh should stay practical and reward-based, with early socialization around people, dogs, handling, and normal household noise.
The Azawakh is most likely to suit owners who appreciate elegant temperament and can meet the care pattern consistently. The Dogs Index profile rates the Azawakh as having balanced family potential with supervision, 3/5 dog sociability, and 2/5 stranger comfort. People considering the Azawakh should compare related breeds before deciding if the routine feels realistic. Health notes for the Azawakh should be discussed with a veterinarian and, when buying a puppy, with responsible breeders who screen their lines.
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a elegant, reserved, fast companion, with daily rhythms shaped by high energy, low barking, and low drooling.
Coat type
Smooth
Coat length
Short
Shedding
Low
Colors
Sand, Red, Fawn, Brindle, Blue, Black
Azawakh is usually harder to manage in an apartment, especially when exercise, space, or noise control are limited. Owners of the Azawakh should plan quiet walking routes, enough decompression time, and training for elevators, hallways, visitors, and nearby dogs.
Azawakh is not usually one of the noisiest breeds, but boredom, isolation, or exciting outdoor movement can still trigger barking. With the Azawakh, a steady routine and enough enrichment matter more than expecting silence.
Azawakh can be independent, so training works best when rewards are meaningful and sessions are kept simple. With the Azawakh, pushing for long repetitions often backfires; consistency, patience, and early socialization are more useful.
The Azawakh's short smooth coat is relatively simple to maintain, with low shedding. Routine brushing, nail trimming, ear checks, and skin checks still matter for the Azawakh, especially after muddy walks or seasonal shedding changes.
Azawakh needs about 60 to 90 minutes a day for many healthy adults, built from longer walks, active play, and regular training or scent games. For the Azawakh, build activity into most days instead of relying on one big weekend outing, and mix in sniffing, training, or puzzle work so the dog has a mental outlet as well as physical movement.
The Azawakh's short smooth coat is relatively simple to maintain, with low shedding. Routine brushing, nail trimming, ear checks, and skin checks still matter for the Azawakh, especially after muddy walks or seasonal shedding changes.
Azawakh can be independent, so training works best when rewards are meaningful and sessions are kept simple. With the Azawakh, pushing for long repetitions often backfires; consistency, patience, and early socialization are more useful.
Feed Azawakh a measured diet appropriate for a large dog, its age, and its activity level. For the Azawakh, keep body condition lean, adjust portions when exercise changes, and ask your veterinarian about diet details if weight, digestion, allergies, or joint stress are concerns.
Energy level
High
Barking level
Low
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
2/5
Climate tolerance
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
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