Azawakh Dog Breed: Pictures, Info & Care Guide
The Azawakh, a traditional African sighthound, is a unique and captivating breed of dog.
They are intelligent, active, independent thinkers who require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy.
This beautiful breed can make an excellent sporting dog with the right care and attention.
Overview of the Azawakh Dog Breed:
| UTILISATION | Sighthound that hunts for game (gazelles, hares, ostriches) and fights off predators (hyenas, jackals, lions) |
| FCI-CLASSIFICATION | Sighthound |
| BREED GROUP | Hound |
| COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | West Africa |
| HEIGHT | 23 to 29 inches at the shoulder |
| WEIGHT | 33 to 55 pounds |
| LIFE EXPECTANCY | 12-15 years |
| TEMPERAMENT | Independent, loyal, very affectionate |
| INTELLIGENCE | High |
| SHEDDING AMOUNT | Moderate |
| DROOL AMOUNT | Low |
| EXERCISE AMOUNT | High |
| ENERGY LEVEL | Moderate |
| BARKING LEVEL | Occasionally |
| TRAINABILITY | Moderate |
| COAT LENGTH/TEXTURE | Short, fine, and down to none on the belly. |
| COLORS | Sandy to dark red, white, black, blue, gray, brindle, fawn, grizzle, part-colors and all shades of brown, including chocolate. |
| SUMMARY | Adapts well to apartment living. Tolerates hot weather. Affectionate with family. Easy to groom. Not so good for novice owners, kids or strangers. High prey drive which can hinder training. |
About the Azawakh Dog Breed:
The Azawakh is a sighthound dog breed that originated in West Africa.
They were bred for hunting and protecting livestock in the Sahel region, which is a semi-arid area that spans across several African countries.
The breed is known for its speed, agility, and loyalty to their owners.
In recent years, the Azawakh has gained popularity as a companion dog in the United States and other countries.
Characteristics:
Appearance
The Azawakh has a unique and elegant appearance.
They have a slender and muscular build, with long legs and a deep chest.
Their head is narrow and elongated, with a prominent forehead and almond-shaped eyes.
The breed has permanently drooping ears that are wide-based and lie against the cheeks. Its ears will never stand up in a “rose ear” shape.
Size
As mentioned earlier, the Azawakh is a medium-sized dog breed.
They are taller than many other sighthound breeds, but they have a slenderer build.
Their height range is 23 to 29 inches, and their weight range is 33 to 55 pounds.
Coat and color
The Azawakh breed has a short and smooth coat that is easy to maintain.
They come in a variety of colors, including red, blue, fawn, black, and brindle.
Tail
One unique feature of the Azawakh is their long and thin tail, which can be carried in a variety of positions.
The tail is an important part of the breed’s communication and can convey a range of emotions.
Temperament
The Azawakh breed is known for its strong bonding with one person or family, and they are known to be affectionate, gentle, and playful with those they love.
However, it’s important to place puppies in homes at an early age to ensure they adapt properly as older dogs may have difficulty adjusting to new environments.
While they don’t seek physical contact often, these dogs are still very protective of their families and property, barking at strangers and giving off an intimidating presence.
Although Azawakhs can be socialized from a young age, their stoic nature means that not all dogs will be buddy-buddy with everyone they meet.
This breed has a high tolerance for pain and can potentially hide injuries or illnesses, so regular check-ups are necessary.
Azawakhs require half-hour runs or walks to stay fit and healthy but won’t exercise by themselves in a fenced yard.
Positive reinforcement techniques work best for training the intelligent Azawakh, as punishment or heavy-handed methods will backfire.
Although loving towards family pets when raised with them from an early age, this breed has a strong prey drive that could be dangerous for small animals if left unsupervised.
On the leash outside of secure areas is recommended to keep them safe.
Owners’ caring expectations:
Grooming
The Azawakh has a short and smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
They should be brushed regularly to remove any loose hair, and their nails should be trimmed as needed.
Training
The Azawakh is an intelligent breed, but they can be independent and stubborn at times.
Early socialization and training are essential for this breed to prevent any behavioral issues.
Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, are recommended for training.
Activity and Exercise Needs
The Azawakh is a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
They enjoy running and playing outdoors, but they should always be kept on a leash or in a secure area due to their strong prey drive.
Nutrition
The Azawakh requires a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health.
High-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level is recommended.
It’s important to avoid overfeeding the Azawakh, as they can be prone to weight gain.
Health and lifespan:
Lifespan
The Azawakh has a relatively long lifespan for a dog of their size, with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Common health problems
This article discusses the health concerns specific to the Azawakh breed of dogs and is a great resources for potential Azawakh owners.
It highlights that many diseases and health conditions are genetic, and there are certain health problems that are more common in the Azawakh breed.
The article provides information on general health care, dental disease, infections, obesity, parasites, and spaying or neutering.
The article also discusses the genetic predispositions of Azawakh, with a particular focus on anesthesia-related issues.
The article aims to provide dog owners with the necessary information to create a preventive health plan for their pets.
History:
The Azawakh has a long history that dates back to ancient times.
They were originally bred by nomadic tribes in the Sahel region of West Africa, where they were used for hunting and protecting livestock.
The breed was relatively unknown outside of their native region until the mid-20th century when they were introduced to Europe and later the United States.
Conclusion:
The Azawakh is a unique and elegant breed that is known for their loyalty, intelligence, and athleticism.
While they can be challenging to train, they make excellent companions for experienced dog owners who can provide them with the proper care and exercise they require.
With proper socialization, training, and care, the Azawakh can make a wonderful addition to any household.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Azawakh rare?
Yes, the Azawakh is considered a rare breed, particularly outside of their native region in West Africa.
Are Azawakh dogs good pets?
Yes, the Azawakh can make great pets for experienced dog owners who can provide them with the proper care, exercise, and training they require.
What does an Azawakh dog look like?
The Azawakh has a slender and athletic build, with a narrow and elongated head, almond-shaped eyes, and permanently drooping ears that are wide-based and lie against the cheeks.
They have a short and smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including red, blue, fawn, black, and brindle.
Greyhounds are the breed they most resemble.
How many Azawakh dogs are there in the world?
Exact numbers are difficult to determine, but the Azawakh is considered a rare breed with a small population.
How much does an Azawakh cost?
On average, an Azawakh can cost anywhere from $8000-$8500 or more, depending on factors such as breeder reputation, location, and demand.
Does an Azawakh shed?
Yes, the Azawakh breed shed, but their short and smooth coat requires minimal grooming. Regular brushing can help to remove any loose hair.
