Is the Australian Shepherd Better than the Azawakh as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Australian Shepherd Versus Azawakh: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Shepherd and for the Azawakh. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Shepherd or the Azawakh.

Australian Shepherd versus Azawakh: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the Azawakh is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Azawakh belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Australian Shepherd versus Azawakh: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd to the Azawakh based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh

Factor Australian Shepherd Azawakh
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Height 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 33 to 55 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 5/5 3/5
Intelligence 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1210 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1500 No Data
Temperament Score 82.2 percent 100.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Azawakh. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Australian Shepherd is 70 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Azawakh is 81 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Azawakh is a better pet than the Australian Shepherd. So, you should get the Azawakh!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh

    Below is a list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh are most different:

    • Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living. However, Azawakhs adapt well to apartment living.
    • Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, Azawakhs are very easy to groom.
    • Australian Shepherds can tolerate cold weather. However, Azawakhs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl. However, Azawakhs are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Azawakhs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh

    The Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh are most similar:

    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus Azawakh

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh.

    Australian Shepherds weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Australian Shepherds are 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Azawakhs weigh 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Azawakhs are 23 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Shepherd versus Azawakh

    The lifespan of Australian Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Shepherds is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of Azawakhs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Azawakhs is 13.5 years.

    Temperament of the Azawakh Versus the Australian Shepherd

    The Azawakh has a better temperament than the Australian Shepherd.

    This is because the temperament score for the Azawakh is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Australian Shepherd is 82.2 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 82.2 percent, the Australian Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Azawakh has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh by measuring the temperaments of 702 Australian Shepherds and 1 Azawakhs.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus Azawakh

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Azawakhs can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than Azawakhs?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

    Azawakhs shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the Azawakh

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Azawakhs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Shepherd or the Azawakh?

    Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Azawakhs are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Azawakh?

    Australian Shepherds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Azawakhs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Azawakhs?

    Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Azawakhs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Azawakhs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Azawakhs cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. Azawakh

    Australian Shepherds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Azawakhs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Azawakhs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Azawakhs can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Shepherd or the Azawakh?

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Azawakhs get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about Azawakhs?

    Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Azawakhs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Shepherds and Azawakhs?

    Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Azawakhs do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the Azawakh?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Azawakhs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Azawakh?

    Australian Shepherds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Azawakhs adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Shepherd or the Azawakh?

    Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Azawakhs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Shepherd versus Azawakh. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Shepherd and the Azawakh better suits you and your family.