Bearded Collie vs Azawakh
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bearded Collie
Herding Group
Azawakh
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bearded Collie Overview
Bearded Collies captivate with their shaggy, flowing coats and bright, inquisitive expressions. Their medium-sized, lean bodies carry them with agile grace, while their distinctive beard and long eyebrows frame expressive eyes. Known for their bouncy, charismatic personalities, these herding dogs combine intelligence with a playful spirit, making them both capable workers and affectionate companions.
Azawakh Overview
Elegant and graceful, the Azawakh exhibits a distinctive lean physique with prominent bone structure and deep chest. Their short, fine coat comes in various colors, often with white markings. Standing tall with a proud bearing, these sighthounds possess remarkable athleticism and speed, complemented by their dignified, affectionate nature and strong protective instincts.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bearded Collies are less energetic than Azawakhs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bearded Collies require more grooming attention compared to Azawakhs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bearded Collies tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Azawakhs.
- Trainability: Azawakhs may be slightly easier to train due to their Azawakh's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Azawakhs adapt better to apartment living, while Bearded Collies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bearded Collie and Azawakh, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Azawakh |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Azawakh |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-22 inches 51-56 cm | 24-29 inches 60-74 cm |
| Weight | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg | 33-55 lbs 15-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Azawakh |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Bouncy, Charismatic | Loyal, Independent, Deeply Affectionate |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bearded Collie | Azawakh |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bearded Collie Temperament
The Bearded Collie is known for being smart, bouncy, charismatic, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Azawakh Temperament
The Azawakh is characterized by being loyal, independent, deeply affectionate, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bearded Collie and Azawakh, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Azawakh
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Azawakh
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bearded Collie
Rating: 3/5
Azawakh
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bearded Collie
Rating: 2/5
Azawakh
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
Azawakh
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Bearded Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bearded Collies require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bearded Collies require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Azawakh Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Azawakhs need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Azawakhs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bearded Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Allergies
Azawakh Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Cardiac issues
- Bloat
- Eye problems
- Autoimmune disorders
Pros & Cons
Bearded Collie
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Frequent barking
Azawakh
Pros
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Excellent watchdog
- Low grooming needs
- Athletic and graceful
Cons
- Independent nature makes training challenging
- Strong prey drive
- Requires significant exercise
- Can be aloof with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bearded Collie and Azawakh, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.