Azawakh vs Shih Tzu
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
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu is a small and affectionate dog breed known for its luxurious, flowing coat and friendly, outgoing personality. Originally bred as a companion for Chinese royalty, the Shih Tzu is cherished today as a loving and devoted family pet.
Small
Low
10-16 years yrs
N/A
Quick Comparison
| Trait | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Energy Level | High | Low |
| Grooming | Low | High |
| Trainability | challenging | challenging |
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Shedding Level | Low | Low |
| Chew strength | Light | Light |
| Housing | Yard | Apartment |
Owner Fit & Decision Guide
Owner Match
| Trait | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Level | Experienced | Experienced |
| 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 Shih Tzu. |
Azawakh Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 60-90 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Shih Tzu Dealbreakers
- Cannot meet 20-30 min daily exercise
- Cannot commit to grooming needs
Surrender Risk
| Factor | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Prey Drive | ||
| Watchdog Ability | ||
| Stranger Friendly | ||
| Drool Level | ||
| Wanderlust |
Vocalization
| Trait | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Barking Level | High | High |
| Howling Tendency | ||
| Whining Tendency | Low | Low |
| Separation Vocalization |
Safety & Reliability
| Trait | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Escape Artist | ||
| Dog Park Suitable | ||
| Off-Leash Reliable | ||
| Small Animal Safe | ||
| Leash Reactivity | ||
| Resource Guarding Risk | Low | Low |
Azawakh Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
Shih Tzu Social Traits
Moderate
Generally friendly
Training
Azawakh
- ** Positive reinforcement only. Harsh methods will cause them to shut down or become defensive.
Shih Tzu
- **: Positive reinforcement only. This breed shuts down or becomes defensive with harsh correction.
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.
Multi-Species Compatibility
| Species | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Difficulty | ||
| Destructive Phase | 6-18 | 4-10 |
| House Training | Moderate | Moderate |
| Crate Training | Medium | Medium |
| Adolescent Regression |
Azawakh: Azawakh puppies require consistent training and patience.
Shih Tzu: Shih Tzu puppies require consistent training and patience.
Life Stages Timeline
| Stage | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Height | N/A | N/A |
| Weight | Not enough data yet | Not enough data yet |
| Size Category | Medium | Small |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 10–16 years |
| Litter Size | 4-8 | 4-8 |
Azawakh Coat
Shih Tzu Coat
Lineage & Origin
| Detail | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Original Purpose | The Azawakh is the sighthound of the Tuareg and Fula people of the Southern Sahara/Sahel | The Shih Tzu ("Lion Dog") was developed in the palaces of the Chinese Emperor, likely by crossing th |
| Origin | predators and intruders | Tibet) with the Pekingese |
Breeding Details
| Detail | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| C-Section Rate | Varies | Varies |
| Whelping Difficulty | Medium | Medium |
| Puppy Mortality Rate | Low | Low |
Physical Risks
| Risk | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Shih Tzu Health Issues
Azawakh Suggested Tests
- Thyroid tests
- Heart evaluations
- Eye exams
Shih Tzu Suggested Tests
- Renal Dysplasia (wedge biopsy or ultrasound)
- CERF/CAER eye clearances
Health Risk Overview
| Risk Factor | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Allergies | ||
| Environmental Allergies | ||
| Stomach Sensitivity | Low | Low |
| Food Allergies |
Health Maintenance
| Care Item | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Shih Tzu Senior Care
Common Senior Issues
- Arthritis
- Vision decline
- Cognitive changes
Senior care varies by individual health.
Grooming & Care
Azawakh
low maintenanceShih Tzu
high maintenanceLifestyle Compatibility
Azawakh Daily Life
Shih Tzu Daily Life
Housing & Legal Restrictions
| Restriction | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| BSL Restricted | ||
| Common Rental Ban | ||
| Insurance Blacklist | ||
| Weight Category | Under 50lbs | Under 50lbs |
Climate Tolerance
| Climate | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Tolerance | ||
| Cold Tolerance | ||
| Water Affinity | Medium | Medium |
Travel Compatibility
| Activity | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Car Travel | Good | Good |
| Camping | ||
| Beach Friendly | ||
| Hiking Rating | ||
| Cabin Flight Eligible | ||
| Hotel Friendly Size |
Niche Suitability
| Role | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | N/A | N/A |
| Initial Cost Range | $1,000–$2,500 | $1,000–$2,500 |
| Cost Tier |
Ongoing Costs
| Cost | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Range | $80–$140 | $70–$120 |
| Yearly Range | $960–$1,680 | $840–$1,440 |
| Food / Month | $50-80 | $30-50 |
| Insurance / Month | N/A | $40-70 |
| Grooming / Session | N/A | $60-100 |
| Vet Routine / Year | $500-1 | $500-800 |
| Monthly Cost Tier |
Azawakh Lifetime Cost
N/A
Shih Tzu Lifetime Cost
N/A
Quirks & Fun Facts
Daily Quirks
| Quirk | Azawakh | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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Compare with Other Breeds
Based on comprehensive breed research data.