A slender West African sighthound from the Sahel region, bred by nomadic peoples to hunt gazelle and guard camps.

Who is this breed suited to?

An Azawakh suits a thoughtful sighthound owner who values gentle handling and can provide secure exercise. Its history includes both hunting and camp guarding.

Daily time commitment

RKC suggests more than two hours of adult exercise daily. Build a suitable routine gradually, including quiet contact as well as safe movement.

Coat and everyday care

The short coat needs weekly attention, with regular skin and foot inspection. Its very lean outline deserves assessment by someone familiar with healthy breed condition.

Challenges to plan for

Sensitivity and speed make forceful handling and casual unfenced exercise poor choices. Give unfamiliar situations time and plan controlled introductions.

How does it compare?

The Sloughi is a North African sighthound to research, while the Azawakh comes from the West African Sahel and has its own particularly leggy outline.

Questions to ask a breeder

How do the parents respond to new people and places? Ask about body-condition assessment, health results and how puppies learn comfortable handling.

Sources and further reading

Reviewed October 2026. Breed tendencies are not a prediction for an individual dog. Exercise guidance concerns healthy adults; age, condition and weather change the plan.