Azawakh vs Sloughi: A Detailed Breed Comparison

Imagine you're standing on the edge of a vast desert, where golden sands shine under a blazing red sun. Suddenly, on this horizon, a slim & royal dog comes in front of you. Perhaps this dog is gliding more than running! Are you impressed with it? Are you intending to take this with you? 

Okay, let's know the details of the dog. Well, it may be the Azawakh, the guardian of Sahelian camps. Or it might be the Sloughi, the silent hunter of North Africa's trails.

Both these breeds have been by the side of the nomads and the royals since ancient times. They are a good company for hunting, racing, and other outdoor activities. Also, their stories are rich and ancient, reflecting the origins they come from!

However, despite both originating from the elite Arabian dog breed family, they exhibit distinct differences in their physical characteristics. They carry different instincts, attitudes, and needs into modern homes.

So whether you're an experienced sighthound lover or just love dogs from your soul, this guide will help you to pick the best suits. 

Just follow us and know Azawakh plus Sloughi’s unique traits, side by side.

Origin and History

Both are from the elite Arabian dog breeds, but with different regions and cultures.

• The Azawakh dog comes from the Sahel region of West Africa, where it served as a hunter and guardian for nomadic tribes.
• The Sloughi dog breed comes from North Africa, especially Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. They were used by Berbers for hunting and companionship.

For centuries, nomadic Tuareg tribes have kept Azawakh to guard camps and hunt game. On the other hand, the Slougi served Berber tribes as a stealthy hunter across rocky plains and open deserts.

The summary is that nomads bred both, but they are used slightly differently. One is preferable for acting as a guardian, the other is perfect as a silent hunter. But both breeds represent the elegant history of bold, red Arabian dog breeds in their unique way.

Physical Characteristics

Both are from the sighthound category with a beautiful look. But when you give a close look, you will find they also have distinct differences in their physical form and beauty.

Size and Build Comparison: Azawakh is comparatively more angular and bonier. They have very long legs and a visibly lean body, even though they are perfectly healthy. However, on the other hand, Sloughis are slim, smoother in shape, with softer muscle tone and less bony formation. Both are built for speed, but they have different body formations and structures.

• Azawakh: Taller, extremely thin, long-legged
• Sloughi: Slightly more muscular and well-rounded with softer muscle tone.

Read our expert guide on bold, azawakh vs greyhound for more physique comparisons.

Coat and Color: Azawakh features a short, fine coat in earthy tones (sand, red, or fawn). They also have a white marking (not everyone, most often)  on the feet or chest. Sloughi also has a short coat, but with more uniform colours (like cream, fawn, or brindle without white patches). Both need a little grooming or maintenance on their jacket.

• Azawakh: Short coat with possible white markings
• Sloughi: Uniform color; smoother coat without white markings

Facial Features and Tail: Azawakh features a high-set, narrow head and alert, almond-shaped eyes. But the Sloughi is different from such facial features. They look softer, with droopier eyelids and a more noble expression. 

When it comes to tails, both feature a thin and long tail. Azawakh features a hanging lower tail, but Sloughi features a curvy structure. So the difference in their tail is totally in shape and position.

• Azawakh: More angular head, alert expression
• Sloughi: Softer facial lines, laid-back look

Temperament and Personality

Both are loyal and independent. However, their emotional responses, the way they fostered family bonding, and their social behaviour are distinct from each other. The Azawakh dog is protective, wary of strangers, and deeply loyal to its family. They are alert, territorial, and emotionally sensitive. These traits developed because the Azawakh used to guard Tuareg camps in the desert. 

The Sloughi dog breed is known for being quiet, elegant, and more relaxed. This breed is also loyal, but less defensive when compared with the Azawakh. Sloughy is just desperate for attention. It shows love, but doesn’t always stick too close or demand attention all the time.

Azawakh Temperament

• Highly alert and observant
• Protective and reserved
• Bonds tightly with its owner

Sloughi Temperament

• Calm and introverted
• Less territorial than the Azawakh
• Gentle with family, but cautious with strangers

So, want to know how it’s different from a similar breed? Click here to learn the Sloughi vs Saluki comparison in detail.

Exercise and Activity Requirements

As both are athletic, they need proper training to maintain their athletic abilities. They express their regular activity differently. Like-

• Azawakh loves short, fast runs and watching over its space.
• Sloughi is calm indoors but needs daily exercise outside.

Azawakh likes daily sprints; an ample space is ideal for them. Sloughi likes moderate exercise, enjoys chasing, and roaming. No breed is perfect for a long-term inactive position ( sedentary home situation).

Trainability and Intelligence

Azawakh is smart but headstrong/stubborn. They tend to ignore commands unless they are closely bonded with their handler.

And the Sloughi is more obedient with calm training. Sloughi is slightly more trainable, responding well to gentle repetition.

Whatever, early socialization is a must for both.

• Azawakh: Smart but headstrong
• Sloughi: Obedient with calm training

Health and Lifespan

As they have ancient, unaltered bloodlines, both breeds are healthy and active. Still, both face a few health risks differently. Azawakh may face autoimmune disorders or sensitivity to anesthesia. But Sloughi is far from this risk factor. Sloughi is more prone to progressive retinal atrophy and hip issues.

Common Health Issues: Both share health concerns like-

• Sensitivity to medications
• Muscle and bone injuries from high-speed activity
• Need for regular vet checkups despite strong genetics

Average Lifespan: Both enjoy a long lifespan if the owner can take proper care. However, the average lifespan for these two is-

• Azawakh: 12–15 years
• Sloughi: 12–16 years

Grooming and Maintenance

As we mentioned earlier, both have a short coating, which means they require minimal grooming or maintenance. So these breeds are among the lowest maintenance in the dog world! As they feature a short coat, it does not trap the dirt so easily. Also, by nature, both have a preference for cleanliness, which is very impressive. 

Grooming checklist for both:

• Occasional brushing (once every 1–2 weeks).
• Regular nail trimming.
• Watch for dry skin or irritation.
• Dental care is essential, especially for Sloughis.

Cost and Availability

Frankly, both dogs are rare to find or collect. Especially when you want someone from the ethical breeders, the Azawakh is less common and may cost more, particularly outside of Africa or Europe. Sloughi has slightly better availability in North America and Europe, but still requires waiting lists.

Estimated Cost:

• Azawakh:  $2000-$3000
• Sloughi: $1,200 and $2,000 to as high as $6,000

Azawakh vs Sloughi: Full Breed Comparison Table

See the whole comparison here. This table will help you decide on your breed in no time. We tried to cover the whole thing here. Just look-

Conclusion

Finally, choosing between the Azawakh and Sloughi is not about which one is better or which one is budget-friendly! It's all about finding the one that suits your lifestyle, energy level, and heart.

Choose the Azawakh if you want:

• A loyal and caring guardian
• A desert-bred sighthound
• A companion that fosters deep family bonds while remaining independent.

Choose the Sloughi if you want:

• A quiet, polite home companion
• A steady hunting partner or running buddy
• A dog that blends strength with softness!