Azawakh vs Field Spaniel
A side-by-side comparison to help you find the right breed for your lifestyle.
Azawakh
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.
Medium
High
10-12 yrs
N/A
Field Spaniel
The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized, elegant dog breed known for its long, silky coat and amiable personality. Originally bred for hunting and retrieving, this breed is intelligent, gentle, and makes a loyal family companion.
Medium
High
12-13 years yrs
46cm cm
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Detail | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Energy Level | High | High |
| Grooming | Low | Medium |
| Trainability | challenging | Moderate |
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Shedding Level | Low | Medium |
| Chew strength | Light | Moderate |
| Housing | Yard | Yard |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Experienced | Beginner |
| First-Time Owner | ||
| Ideal Owner | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Azawakh. | Active individual or family who can provide adequate exercise and training for a Field Spaniel. |
Azawakh Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Field Spaniel Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Level | Medium | Medium |
| Primary Reasons | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care | Underestimated exercise needs, Behavioral challenges, Cost of care |
Temperament & Personality
Behavior Comparison
| Trait | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | Medium |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Azawakh Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
Field Spaniel Social Traits
Low
Generally friendly
Training
Azawakh
- ** Positive reinforcement only. Harsh methods will cause them to shut down or become defensive.
Field Spaniel
- ** Positive reinforcement is non-negotiable. They are biddable and eager to please but wilt under pressure.
Azawakh Considerations
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.
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.
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.
Field Spaniel Considerations
This is the primary behavioral failure mode for the breed. Field Spaniels are quintessential "Velcro dogs." They do not just prefer company; they *require* it. Left alone for standard workdays (8+ hours) without intervention, they are prone to destructive chewing, howling, and self-mutilation. They are not suitable for households where the home is empty all day.
Unlike the resilient Labrador, Field Spaniels are emotionally sensitive. Harsh training methods, chaotic households, or heavy-handed discipline can cause them to "shut down"—becoming withdrawn, fearful, or submissive urinators. They require a gentle, positive hand.
While generally docile, they are flushing spaniels. They will chase birds, squirrels, and rabbits. This drive can make off-leash reliability in unfenced areas a challenge without significant training.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| With Cats | Caution - may chase | Generally safe with proper introduction |
| Small Mammals | Supervision required | Supervision required |
| Birds / Reptiles | Caution advised | Caution advised |
Advanced Behavior
| Trait | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Predatory Sequence Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Biddability | Low | Low |
| Noise Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Territorial Barking | ||
| Same-Sex Aggression Onset | 18 months | 18 months |
First Year & Life Stages
First Year Challenges
| Challenge | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 6-12 |
| House Training | Moderate | Moderate |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Azawakh: Azawakh puppies require consistent training and patience.
Field Spaniel: Field Spaniel puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Phase | 12 months | 12 months |
| Adolescence | 6-18 | 6-18 |
| Adult Years | 2-8 | 2-8 |
| Senior Onset | ~8 years | ~8 years |
| Peak Energy Age | 1-3 years | 1-3 years |
Size & Physical Characteristics
Physical Stats
| Measurement | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | N/A | 46cm cm |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Medium | Medium |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 12–13 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 4-8 |
Azawakh Coat
Field Spaniel Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | The Azawakh is the sighthound of the Tuareg and Fula people of the Southern Sahara/Sahel | extreme length and short legs (likely using Basset Hounds), creating a caricature that could barely |
| Origin | predators and intruders | N/A |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Bloat / GDV Risk | Low | Low |
| Slippery Floor Risk | Low | Low |
| Min Fence Height | 1.5m | 1.5m |
| Dig / Escape Risk | Low | Low |
Health & Common Conditions
Azawakh Health Issues
Field Spaniel Health Issues
Azawakh Suggested Tests
- Thyroid tests
- Heart evaluations
- Eye exams
Field Spaniel Suggested Tests
- OFA hips
- annual CAER (eyes)
- thyroid panels
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Risk | Medium | Medium |
| Cardiac Risk | Low | Low |
| Neurological Risk | Low | Low |
| CCL/ACL Tear Risk | Low | Low |
| Vet Burden Tier | Medium | Medium |
Sensitivities & Allergies
| Sensitivity | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Growth Rate | Normal | Normal |
| Eye Care Needs | Low | Low |
| Anal Gland Issues | Occasional | Occasional |
Senior Care & Aging
Azawakh Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Field Spaniel Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Azawakh
low maintenanceField Spaniel
medium maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Azawakh Daily Life
Field Spaniel Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog | Low | Low |
| Therapy Dog | Low | Low |
| Deep Pressure Therapy | ||
| Canicross / Bikejoring | ||
| Apartment Adaptable | ||
| Tactile / Sensory Friendly | ||
| Livestock Guardian | ||
| Medical Alert | Low | Low |
Costs & Expenses
Upfront Costs
| Cost | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | N/A |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $80–$140 | $90–$150 |
| Yearly Range | $960–$1,680 | $1,080–$1,800 |
| Food / Month | $50-80 | $50-80 |
| Insurance / Month | N/A | $40-70 |
| Grooming / Session | N/A | $50-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $500-1 | $300-600 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Azawakh Lifetime Cost
N/A
Field Spaniel Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Azawakh | Field Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Snoring | ||
| Flatulence | Occasional | Occasional |
| Slobber Level | Low | Low |
| Smell When Wet | Moderate | Moderate |
| Zoomies Frequency | Occasional | Occasional |
| Counter Surfing | ||
| Digging Tendency | Low | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
Turn your dog into a brand deal.
Pet brands are looking for authentic creators — not celebrities. If you own a Azawakh or Field Spaniel, you can get free products, gear, and exclusive perks just for sharing your dog's life on Instagram.
No followers minimum · Free to join
Compare with Other Breeds
Compare Azawakh with:
Based on comprehensive breed research data.