Azawakh vs Sloughi — Complete Comparison

Choosing between the Azawakh and the Sloughi comes down to lifestyle fit, living space, and the time you can commit to training and grooming. Both breeds are large-sized dogs, so their space and feeding requirements are broadly similar. Both breeds have comparable exercise needs, though individual dogs will vary. Neither breed is particularly recommended for households with young children without careful supervision.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Trait	Azawakh	Sloughi
Size	Large	Large
Weight	15–25 kg	20–27 kg
Height	60–74 cm	61–72 cm
Lifespan	12–15 yrs	12–16 yrs
Exercise Need	High (4/5)	High (4/5)
Grooming Need	Very Low (1/5)	Very Low (1/5)
Shedding	Very Low (1/5)	Very Low (1/5)
Trainability	Low (2/5)	Low (2/5)
Good with Children	✗	✗
Good with Dogs	✓	✓
Apartment Friendly	✗	✗

Bold green indicates the better result for that trait. Exercise, grooming and shedding: lower is easier to manage. Trainability and lifespan: higher is better.

Health Comparison

Understanding each breed's health profile helps owners budget for insurance, schedule appropriate screening, and make informed decisions before purchasing.

Azawakh (4 conditions)

Sloughi (3 conditions)

Which Breed Is Right for You?

Based on data across health, exercise, trainability, and temperament, here is how the two breeds compare across common owner priorities:

Best for families with children neither breed is strongly recommended for households with very young children without careful supervision

Best for apartment living neither breed — both thrive with access to outdoor space

Best for active owners Azawakh (exercise level 4/5)

Best for first-time owners both breeds are reasonably manageable for committed first-time owners

Longer average lifespan both breeds have a similar average lifespan

Explore Each Breed in Depth

Azawakh

The Azawakh is a West African sighthound bred by the nomadic Tuareg people of the Sahara and Sahel regions as a guard do…

large · Hound · 12–15 yrs

Sloughi

The Sloughi is a North African sighthound revered for centuries by the Berber and Arab peoples of Morocco, Algeria, Tuni…

large · Hound · 12–16 yrs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger — a Azawakh or a Sloughi?

The Sloughi is the larger breed, typically weighing 20–27 kg compared to the Azawakh's 15–25 kg.

Which breed lives longer — Azawakh or Sloughi?

Both breeds have a comparable average lifespan. The Azawakh typically lives 12–15 years and the Sloughi 12–16 years.

Are Azawakhs or Sloughis easier to train?

Both the Azawakh and Sloughi have comparable trainability (2/5). Consistent positive reinforcement methods work well for both breeds.

Which needs more grooming — Azawakh or Sloughi?

Both breeds have similar grooming requirements (1/5). Regular brushing and routine coat maintenance apply equally to both.

Which breed is better for families — Azawakh or Sloughi?

Neither breed is typically recommended as the best choice for households with very young children without careful management and thorough early socialisation. Close supervision is advised with either breed.

Do Azawakhs and Sloughis have the same health problems?

Based on available data, the Azawakh (4 documented conditions) and the Sloughi (3 documented conditions) have largely distinct health profiles. Pet insurance covering breed-specific hereditary conditions is recommended for both.

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