Skip to content

American Eskimo Dog vs Azawakh

A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.

American Eskimo Dog breed photo

American Eskimo Dog

AKCFCIKC

The American Eskimo Dog is a lively and intelligent breed known for its striking white coat, fox-like face, and friendly disposition. Originally bred as a companion and watchdog, this versatile breed excels in various activities and is cherished for its playful and affectionate nature.

Size

Medium

Energy

High

Lifespan

13–15 years yrs

Height

N/A

VS
Azawakh breed photo

Azawakh

AKCFCIKC

The Azawakh is a tall, elegant sighthound originating from West Africa, known for its slender build, swift speed, and strong loyalty to its family. With its distinctive almond-shaped eyes and short coat, the Azawakh excels as both a protective companion and a graceful runner.

Size

Medium

Energy

High

Lifespan

10-12 yrs

Height

N/A

Quick Comparison

TraitAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Energy
Trainability
Grooming Needs
Family Friendly
Independence

Key Characteristics

Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Good with Cats
Hypoallergenic
Apartment Friendly
First-Time Owner OK
DetailAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
SizeMediumMedium
Energy LevelHighHigh
GroomingMediumLow
TrainabilityEasychallenging
Barking LevelHighHigh
Shedding LevelHighLow
HousingYardYard

Owner Fit & Decision Guide

Owner Match

TraitAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Experience LevelBeginnerExperienced
First-Time Owner
Ideal OwnerActive individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a American Eskimo Dog.Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Azawakh.

American Eskimo Dog Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
  • Cannot tolerate heavy shedding

Azawakh Dealbreakers

  • Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
  • Cannot commit to grooming needs

Surrender Risk

FactorAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Risk LevelMediumMedium
Primary ReasonsUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of careUnderestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care

Temperament & Personality

Behavior Comparison

TraitAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Prey Drive
Watchdog Ability
Stranger Friendly
Drool Level
Wanderlust

Vocalization

TraitAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Barking LevelHighHigh
Howling Tendency
Whining TendencyLowLow
Separation Vocalization
American Eskimo Dog bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs
Azawakh bark triggers
StrangersDoorbellsOther dogs

Safety & Reliability

TraitAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Escape Artist
Dog Park Suitable
Off-Leash Reliable
Small Animal Safe
Leash Reactivity
Resource Guarding RiskLowLow

American Eskimo Dog Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Low

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

Azawakh Social Traits

Velcro Dog
One Person Dog
Handling ToleranceMedium
Stranger Wariness

Moderate

With Other Dogs

Generally friendly

Training

American Eskimo Dog

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
Requires consistent, patient training
Tips
  • s will cause them to shut down or become defensive. They learn by watching; owners often report their Eskies learning to open crates or doors by observation.

Azawakh

MethodPositive reinforcement
Challenges
s:** Repetition bores them. Do not drill "sit" 20 times. They will do it twice and then walk away.
Tips
  • ** Positive reinforcement only. Harsh methods will cause them to shut down or become defensive.

Azawakh Considerations

challengeExtreme Aloofness & Stranger Intolerance

Unlike the Golden Retriever who loves everyone, the Azawakh is genetically wired to be suspicious. They are "camp guardians". They do not just ignore strangers; they actively distrust them. If you want a dog to take to breweries or busy festivals, this is the breed. They may bark, back away, or snap if a stranger forces interaction.

challengeTerritorial Guarding

While they are sighthounds, they are also watchdogs. They will alert bark at anything unusual in their environment. This territoriality can extend to "resource guarding" their owners or furniture.

challengePrimitive Independence

They score very low on "biddability." They do not obey commands to please you; they obey if it makes sense to them. Traditional obedience training methods often fail or break the dog's spirit. They require a relationship based on mutual respect, not dominance.

Multi-Species Compatibility

SpeciesAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
With CatsGenerally safe with proper introductionCaution - may chase
Small MammalsSupervision requiredSupervision required
Birds / ReptilesCaution advisedCaution advised

Advanced Behavior

TraitAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Predatory Sequence RiskMediumMedium
BiddabilityHighLow
Noise SensitivityLowLow
Territorial Barking
Same-Sex Aggression Onset18 months18 months

First Year & Life Stages

First Year Challenges

ChallengeAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Puppy Difficulty
Destructive Phase6-126-18
House TrainingEasyModerate
Crate TrainingMediumMedium
Adolescent Regression

American Eskimo Dog: American Eskimo Dog puppies require consistent training and patience.

Azawakh: Azawakh puppies require consistent training and patience.

Life Stages Timeline

StageAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Puppy Phase12 months12 months
Adolescence6-186-18
Adult Years2-82-8
Senior Onset~8 years~8 years
Peak Energy Age1-3 years1-3 years

Size & Physical Characteristics

Physical Stats

MeasurementAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
HeightN/AN/A
WeightN/AN/A
Size CategoryMediumMedium
Lifespan13–15 years years10-12 years
Litter Size4-84-8

American Eskimo Dog Coat

Typedouble
LengthMedium
Texturestraight
Colors
Various

Azawakh Coat

Typedouble
LengthMedium
Texturestraight
Colors
Various

Lineage & Origin

DetailAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Original PurposeThe American Eskimo Dog is a misnomer; they have no connection to "Eskimo" cultureThe Azawakh is the sighthound of the Tuareg and Fula people of the Southern Sahara/Sahel
OriginN/Apredators and intruders

Breeding Details

DetailAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
C-Section RateVariesVaries
Whelping DifficultyMediumMedium
Puppy Mortality RateLowLow

Physical Risks

RiskAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Bloat / GDV RiskLowLow
Slippery Floor RiskLowLow
Min Fence Height1.5m1.5m
Dig / Escape RiskLowLow

Health & Common Conditions

American Eskimo Dog Health Issues

Hip Dysplasia15.6%
Progressive Retinal AtrophyPRA
Diabetes Mellitushigh heritability
Patellar Luxation
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Azawakh Health Issues

Hypothyroidism
Idiopathic EpilepsySeizures
Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Cardiac Issues
Gastric Dilatation-VolvulusBloat

American Eskimo Dog Suggested Tests

  • prcd-PRA (DNA test)
  • OFA Evaluations (Hips and Patellas)

Azawakh Suggested Tests

  • Thyroid tests
  • Heart evaluations
  • Eye exams

Health Risk Overview

Risk FactorAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Cancer RiskMediumMedium
Cardiac RiskLowLow
Neurological RiskLowLow
CCL/ACL Tear RiskLowLow
Vet Burden TierMediumMedium

Sensitivities & Allergies

SensitivityAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Skin Allergies
Environmental Allergies
Stomach SensitivityLowLow
Food Allergies

Health Maintenance

Care ItemAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Nail Growth RateNormalNormal
Eye Care NeedsLowLow
Anal Gland IssuesOccasionalOccasional

Senior Care & Aging

American Eskimo Dog Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

Azawakh Senior Care

Common Senior Issues

  • Arthritis
  • Vision decline
  • Cognitive changes
Mobility Aid LikelihoodMedium
QoL Decline Age~10 years
End of Life ComplexityMedium

Senior care varies by individual health.

Grooming & Care

American Eskimo Dog

medium maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelHigh
Seasonal SheddingHigh
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

Azawakh

low maintenance
Coat Typedouble
Coat Lengthmedium
Coat Texturestraight
Shedding LevelLow
Seasonal SheddingLow
Ear Cleaningweekly
Dental RiskMedium
Obesity Prone
Winter Gear Needed
Summer Restrictions
Paw Protection
Odor LevelModerate
Tactile FeelVaries by coat type
Colors
Various

Lifestyle Compatibility

American Eskimo Dog Daily Life

Exercise Needs45-60 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationHigh
ApartmentChallenging - needs space
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingYard
Barking LevelHigh
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Azawakh Daily Life

Exercise Needs30-45 min/day
Alone TimeUp to 4h
Mental StimulationHigh
ApartmentChallenging - needs space
Work from HomeSuitable with adequate exercise
Weekend WarriorSuitable
HousingYard
Barking LevelHigh
First-Time Owner
Exercise Types
WalkingPlayTraining
NighttimeSleeps well when exercised
Food MotivationMedium

Housing & Legal Restrictions

RestrictionAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
BSL Restricted
Common Rental Ban
Insurance Blacklist
Weight CategoryUnder 50lbsUnder 50lbs

Climate Tolerance

ClimateAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Heat Tolerance
Cold Tolerance
Water AffinityMediumMedium

Travel Compatibility

ActivityAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Car TravelGoodGood
Camping
Beach Friendly
Hiking Rating
Cabin Flight Eligible
Hotel Friendly Size

Niche Suitability

RoleAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Service DogHighLow
Therapy DogLowLow
Deep Pressure Therapy
Canicross / Bikejoring
Apartment Adaptable
Tactile / Sensory Friendly
Livestock Guardian
Medical AlertLowLow

Costs & Expenses

Upfront Costs

CostAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Purchase PriceN/AN/A
Initial Cost Range$1,000–$2,500$1,000–$2,500
Cost Tier

Ongoing Costs

CostAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Monthly Range$60–$110$80–$140
Yearly Range$720–$1,320$960–$1,680
Food / Month$30-60$50-80
Insurance / Month$30-50N/A
Grooming / Session$0-80N/A
Vet Routine / Year$200-500$500-1
Monthly Cost Tier

American Eskimo Dog Lifetime Cost

N/A

Azawakh Lifetime Cost

N/A

Quirks & Fun Facts

Daily Quirks

QuirkAmerican Eskimo DogAzawakh
Snoring
FlatulenceOccasionalOccasional
Slobber LevelLowLow
Smell When WetModerateModerate
Zoomies FrequencyOccasionalOccasional
Counter Surfing
Digging TendencyLowLow

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, American Eskimo Dogs can make good family dogs with proper training and socialization. They form strong bonds with their family members.
For American Eskimo Dog & Azawakh owners

Turn your dog into a brand deal.

Pet brands are looking for authentic creators — not celebrities. If you own a American Eskimo Dog or Azawakh, you can get free products, gear, and exclusive perks just for sharing your dog's life on Instagram.

Apply for free

No followers minimum · Free to join

Compare with Other Breeds

Based on comprehensive breed research data.

View American Eskimo Dog profile·View Azawakh profile