Azawakh breed is named after the Azawakh Valley in Mali. It is an ancient breed of dog that has been used by the Tuareg people for centuries. The azawakh is a sighthound, meaning it hunts by spotting its prey and then chasing it down. They are bred to be very fast and have a great deal of endurance. Azawakhs are typically used to hunt gazelle, antelope, and hare. They are very graceful and affectionate. If you want to know more about this unique dog breed, read on.

In this article you will read about
1 History
2 Appearance
3 Maintenance
3.1 Activity Level
3.2 Training
3.3 Diet
4 Azawakhs Temperament And Personality
5 Health
6 For Whom?
7 Azawakhs Puppies Price

History

The Azawakh is a sighthound from the West African Sahara Desert that was bred to guard livestock. It was originally developed to protect the cattle of nomadic herder owners, notably the Tuareg people. The breed was also noted for its sociability and hunting abilities, and it frequently worked in groups. Because of his breeding, the azawakh are well-adapted to living in a hot climate.

The Azawakh is a breed of African sighthound that was first bred in Africa and sent to the world as Sloughi-Azawakh. The dog has been referred to as the Sloughi-Azawakh since it was first exported, due to its close relation to the Sloughi. In 1980 the breed was recognized as a distinctive breed and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2011. They are relatively uncommon in Europe and United States.

Appearance

Azawakh appearance is lean, elegant and aristocratic. The head is long, lean and cleanly cut with no stop. The muzzle is fine and tapers to a point. The nose is black. The eyes are almond shaped, set obliquely and very expressive. They come in all shades of brown, from light amber to almost black, fawn or blue-grey. They can also have grizzle markings, be brindle, piebald or have white markings. The ears are high set and thin, lying close to the head. The neck is long, lean and muscular. The topline slopes gently from the withers to a slightly higher rump. The chest is deep, but not too broad. The croup is sloping. The underline rises significantly from the breast to the belly. Their head seems to be very small in comparison to their body. The legs are long, fine boned and very muscular with oval shaped pads. The feet are small and cat like with black nails. Their body look thin and the bones are very visible. The Azawakh is a greyhound and therefore built for mostly for speed, not endurance.

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Maintenance

Azawakh’s coat is short, not very dense and smooth. Since their coat is short, they are relatively easy to groom. The Azawakh should be brushed once a month to remove dead hair and to distribute skin oils. They only need to be bathed when they are dirty, since they do not have the doggy odor. Their nails should be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth, and their teeth should be brushed to prevent gum disease and bad breath. The Azawakh is a relatively easy dog to care for. These hounds not heavy shedders but do require some basic grooming.

Activity Level

Activity is very important to the Azawakh. They are not a breed that can live a sedentary life and be happy. If you do not have an active lifestyle, or cannot provide enough exercise for your Azawakh, this is not the breed for you. The Azawakh was bred to run long distances in the harsh Saharan heat, so they have very high exercise requirements. A minimum of an hour of vigorous exercise a day is necessary, and more is better. They are also not able to play on their own, even if they’re in a fenced yard – they need their human companions or another dog to play with them. They are excellent companions for jogging or hiking.

Training

Azawakhs are highly intelligent but can be stubborn and are very independent. They are not the easiest dogs to train, but it is possible with patience and consistency. Like all sighthounds, they are highly prey-driven and will chase anything that catches their attention. This means they must be carefully introduced to other pets and children and should always be kept on a leash or in a secure area when outdoors. It is important that the socialization starts early. They do not respond well to harsh punishments because they are very sensitive dogs full of dignity. It is best to use positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and petting to train azawakhs.

Diet

The diet of azawakh should consist of high-quality dog food that is designed for active dogs. In addition to a balanced diet, azawakh also need plenty of exercise. The daily amount of food can vary depending on the activity level, age and other factors but generally speaking, they should eat about 300-500 grams of feed per day.

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Azawakhs Temperament And Personality

Azawakhs are known to be independent, yet loyal companions. They are not loud barkers and they are vocal only to alert. Because they are known to be independent, they may be a little bit challenging to train, however, once they form a bond with their human companion, they are very loyal. They can be standoffish towards strangers, that’s why the make great guard dogs. Their devotion to the family is amazing, and they will always put their owner as a leader of the pack. They also tend do get along well with other dogs and animals in the household.

Health

The average life span of an Azawakh is about 12-15 years and they are a relatively healthy breed. Some health problems that have been seen in the breed include:

  • hypothyroidism;
  • seizures and convulsions;
  • spondylosis;
  • masticatory myositis.

Hypothyroidism is the most common health problem seen in Azawakh. It is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormone thyroxine. This can lead to a variety of problems including weight gain, hair loss, lethargy and skin problems. Seizures and convulsions are also relatively common in the breed and can be caused by a variety of things including brain tumors, epilepsy and stroke. Spondylosis is a condition where there is inflammation and degeneration of the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, paralysis and even death. Masticatory myositis is an inflammatory condition of the muscles that control chewing.

While the Azawakh does have a few health problems, they are generally a healthy breed. If you are considering purchasing an Azawakh, be sure to ask the breeder about the health of the parents and any health problems that have been seen in the breed. It is also important to have your dog checked by a veterinarian on a regular basis to help catch any health problems early.

Remember that azawakhs are not well-adapted to cold climates and should not be kept in areas where the temperature drops below freezing.

For Whom?

Azawakhs would make a great company and watch dog for people who are active outdoors and can provide stubborn azawakhs with needed training. They require exercise and plenty of space to roam. Owners must be very firm, consistent trainers as azawakhs can be willful. These sighthounds are not recommended for first-time dog owners or those with small children. Because azawakhs were bred to hunt in packs, they may be aloof with other dogs and strangers, however they can make good pets for the right individuals. They should not be left alone on their own for longer periods of time, so if you’re away from home a lot and there is nobody home, this breed may not be the right for you. They are great family pets because they are very affectionate, however early socialization is important to ensure they get along with all family members.

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Azawakhs Puppies Price

The price for these hound puppies can vary depending on the breeder, but azawakhs generally sell for between $2,000 and $2,500. Some breeders may charge more for a puppy with show potential, while others may have lower prices for pet-quality dogs. It is worth to note that this breed of a hound is very rare and not many people know about it. So, if you are looking to buy an azawakh, be prepared to do some research to find a reputable breeder. Make sure to ask lots of questions about the dog’s parents and health history. If you think an azawakh might be the right breed for you, do your research and be prepared to pay a premium price, not only for a puppy but also for the necessary food, supplies, and veterinary care.

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