German Shepherd Dog vs Azawakh
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
German Shepherd Dog
Herding Group
Azawakh
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
German Shepherd Dog Overview
German Shepherd Dogs embody strength and nobility with their distinctive pointed ears, intelligent brown eyes, and powerful athletic build. Their double coat features a dense outer layer in various shades of black and tan. Standing confidently with a smooth gait, these dogs display remarkable agility and stamina. Their alert expression and muscular frame reflect their heritage as versatile working dogs.
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: German Shepherd Dogs are less energetic than Azawakhs, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: German Shepherd Dogs require less grooming attention compared to Azawakhs.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, German Shepherd Dogs 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 German Shepherd Dogs typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the German Shepherd Dog and Azawakh, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Azawakh |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 7-10 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Azawakh |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm | 24-29 inches 60-74 cm |
| Weight | 50-90 lbs 23-41 kg | 33-55 lbs 15-25 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Regularly | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Azawakh |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Courageous, Smart | Loyal, Independent, Deeply Affectionate |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | German Shepherd Dog | Azawakh |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
German Shepherd Dog Temperament
The German Shepherd Dog is known for being confident, courageous, smart, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. 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 German Shepherd Dog 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
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 5/5
Azawakh
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Azawakh
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Azawakh
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 1/5
Azawakh
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
German Shepherd Dog
Rating: 3/5
Azawakh
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
German Shepherd Dog Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Shepherd Dogs 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, German Shepherd Dogs require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
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
German Shepherd Dog Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- DM
- EPI
Azawakh Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip dysplasia
- Cardiac issues
- Bloat
- Eye problems
- Autoimmune disorders
Pros & Cons
German Shepherd Dog
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Loyal
- Versatile
- Protective
- Trainable
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Can be overprotective
- Health issues
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 German Shepherd Dog and Azawakh, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.