At a glance
Basic requirements and commitment level
Daily requirements
Context & compatibility
Is this right for you?
Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well
A good match
- Prefer a quiet, low-drama home and a sensitive vibe
- Have secure sprint time available in fenced spaces
Not ideal
- Prefer an off-leash lifestyle outside fenced areas
- Have free-roaming small pets that run
Care & health
Setup, routines, and health considerations
Care overview
A lean desert sighthound—quiet, sensitive, and often reserved with strangers while bonding tightly to their people. They tend to prefer calm households and predictable handling.
Environment & space
Best in a low-chaos home with very secure fencing and thoughtful management around small fast-moving animals. They usually appreciate warm, comfortable indoor rest spaces.
Daily routine
Daily walks plus occasional safe sprint time, with gentle training and lots of quiet recovery. Many do best when the day has a steady rhythm rather than constant novelty.
Health sensitivities
Temperature comfort can be a real factor due to the thin build and short coat; owners also emphasize steady conditioning without overdoing impact.
Grooming / coat
Minimal grooming—quick brushing and simple skin care are usually enough.
Background
Origins and how that history shapes what you see today
Origin region
Sahel, West Africa
Background
From the Sahel region of West Africa, the Azawakh has long been used as a fast hunting and guarding hound in hot, open country. The lean build is part speed, part heat management, and the temperament often reflects a dog expected to take its surroundings seriously. In modern homes, they usually bond closely to their people, stay reserved with strangers, and look built-for-run in both body and behavior.
Social & behavior
Temperament and interaction style
Personality & activity
Athletic and sensitive, calm at home but intense outdoors—very aware of movement and space. Often bonds hard to one household.
Handling & social style
Stranger-wary and prefers respectful distance at first. Handling goes better when you let trust build instead of pushing contact.