Exercise
Plan for at least 60 minutes of daily exercise plus mental work. Breeds with this profile stay more settled when activity includes both movement and mental engagement.
HoundLarge
Mali
MaliAzawakh
Weight
33-55 lb
Height
23.5-29 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
A lean African sighthound prized for speed, endurance, and a highly refined outline.
Hound group breedOrigin: MaliExercise needs: 4/5
Breed Names
Official, native, and commonly used variants
No widely used alternate names are recorded for this breed.
ElegantReservedFastLoyalSensitiveIndependent
Weight
33-55 lb
Height
23.5-29 in
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Coat
Smooth Short
At A Glance
Daily living snapshot
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
Overview
The Azawakh originated in Mali and was developed for sighthound hunting and campsite guarding in the Sahel. A lean African sighthound prized for speed, endurance, and a highly refined outline.
In daily life, this breed is often described as elegant, reserved, fast. It is better in a home with more space and usually does best in experienced homes with secure running space and calm handling.
Temperament & Personality
ElegantReservedFastLoyalSensitiveIndependent
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
Lifestyle Compatibility
Family Friendly3/5
Good with Kids3/5
Good with Dogs3/5
Good with Strangers2/5
Apartment Friendly2/5
Exercise Needs4/5
Grooming Needs1/5
Trainability2/5
Good fit if you want
- A breed chosen for specific lifestyle fit
- Room for routine exercise
- Confidence handling structure and training
Plan ahead for
- 4/5 exercise needs
- low shedding and coat upkeep
- low barking in daily life
Care Guide
Grooming
The short smooth coat has low shedding and grooming demand rated 1/5. Brush regularly and stay current with ear, nail, and skin checks.
Training
This breed is independent and benefits from patient repetition. Early socialization and short, consistent sessions usually produce the best results.
Nutrition
Feed a quality diet sized for a large dog and keep body condition lean. Split daily portions into measured meals and adjust intake for activity level.
Behavior & Environment
Energy level
High
Barking level
Low
Drooling level
Low
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
2/5
Climate tolerance
Cold weather2/5
Heat tolerance5/5
Health Considerations
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
Autoimmune diseaseEpilepsyBloat
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Azawakh good for apartment living?
The Azawakh is better in a home with more space. Daily structure and realistic exercise are the deciding factors.
How much exercise does a Azawakh need?
Most Azawakh dogs need at least 60 minutes of daily exercise plus mental work. Mental work helps just as much as physical activity for many individuals.
Is the Azawakh good for first-time owners?
Usually not. This breed is better suited to owners who are comfortable managing stronger instincts or more demanding training needs.
Explore More Breeds
Not sure the Azawakh is the right fit? Browse all breeds to discover the perfect companion for your lifestyle.