Azawakh Dog Breed Information, Puppies & Breeders 

Are you considering getting an Azawakh breed dog as a pet? If so, you are in for a unique and exciting experience. The Azawakh is a rare and ancient breed, originating from the West African countries of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. These dogs are known for their speed, agility, and loyalty to their owners. While they may not be the most well-known breed, they have a lot to offer to the right owner. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Azawakh breed, including their history, temperament, and care requirements, to help you decide if they are the right pet for you.

Breed Category: Hound
Country of Origin: West Africa
Average Size:63-74 cm
Average Weight:20-25 kg
Average Life Span: 10-12 years
Grooming Requirements: Low
Exercise Requirements:High

History and Origin

The Azawakh is a breed of sighthound that originated in West Africa, specifically in the countries of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. These dogs were primarily used by the nomadic Tuareg people for hunting and as guardians of their livestock. The breed is known for its lean and elegant appearance, as well as its speed and agility.

The exact origins of the Azawakh are not well documented, but it is believed that they are descended from ancient Egyptian and Saharan hounds. The breed was developed over centuries by the Tuareg people, who carefully selected and bred their dogs for specific traits such as speed, endurance, and loyalty. The Azawakh was also highly valued for its ability to protect the Tuareg’s herds of goats, sheep, and camels from predators such as wolves and hyenas.

In the 1970s, the Azawakh was introduced to Europe and North America, where it quickly gained popularity among dog enthusiasts. However, the breed remained relatively unknown outside of its native West Africa until the 1990s. Today, the Azawakh is recognized by the American Kennel Club and other major kennel clubs around the world.

Despite its growing popularity, the Azawakh remains a rare breed, with only a few thousand individuals worldwide. This is partly due to the fact that the breed is still primarily used for hunting and guarding in its native West Africa, and is not commonly kept as a pet. Additionally, the harsh desert environment in which the Azawakh evolved has made it difficult for the breed to adapt to other climates and lifestyles.

The Azawakh is a highly intelligent and independent breed, with a strong prey drive and a natural instinct to protect its family and territory. They are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners, although they can be reserved or aloof with strangers. The breed requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, and may not be suitable for first-time dog owners or those who live in small apartments.

In conclusion, the Azawakh is a fascinating and unique breed with a rich history and heritage. Its origins in West Africa and its close association with the Tuareg people make it a symbol of cultural identity and pride. Despite its challenges, the Azawakh continues to thrive and capture the hearts of dog lovers around the world.

Size and Breed Category

The Azawakh is a sighthound breed that originated in West Africa. They are a medium-sized breed, with males typically standing between 63-74cm at the shoulder and females standing between 60-70cm. They are lean and muscular, with a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from other sighthounds. The breed is known for their long, narrow heads and almond-shaped eyes, which give them a regal and elegant appearance. Their coats are short and fine, and come in a range of colours including fawn, red, blue, black, and brindle. Despite their medium size, the Azawakh is a powerful and athletic breed, capable of running at high speeds for long distances.

The Azawakh is classified as a sighthound breed, which means they were originally bred for hunting and chasing prey by sight rather than scent. They are a rare breed, with only a small number of individuals living outside of their native West Africa. The breed is known for their independent and aloof personalities, which can make them challenging to train and socialise. However, they are also loyal and affectionate with their families, and make excellent companions for those who are willing to put in the time and effort to properly train and socialise them. The Azawakh is a unique and fascinating breed, with a rich history and a distinctive appearance that sets them apart from other sighthounds.

Fur Length and Colour

The Azawakh is a breed of dog that is known for its short and fine fur. The fur of the Azawakh is typically between 1-2 cm in length and is very smooth to the touch. The fur is also very dense, which helps to protect the dog from the harsh desert climate that it was originally bred to live in. The fur of the Azawakh can come in a variety of colours, including black, blue, fawn, red, and brindle. The most common colour for the Azawakh is fawn, which can range from a light cream colour to a deep red-brown. The fur of the Azawakh is also known for its glossy appearance, which gives the dog a very sleek and elegant look.

The Azawakh is a breed of dog that is known for its unique and striking appearance. The fur of the Azawakh is typically very thin and fine, which gives the dog a very sleek and streamlined look. The fur of the Azawakh can come in a variety of colours, including black, blue, fawn, red, and brindle. The most common colour for the Azawakh is fawn, which can range from a light cream colour to a deep red-brown. The fur of the Azawakh is also known for its unique texture, which is very smooth and silky to the touch. This texture helps to protect the dog from the harsh desert climate that it was originally bred to live in, and also gives the dog a very elegant and regal appearance.

Termperament and Trainability

Azawakh is a breed of dog that is known for its independent and aloof temperament. They are not typically affectionate towards strangers and can be wary of new people and situations. However, they are fiercely loyal to their owners and can be protective of their family. Azawakh dogs are also known for their high energy levels and need for regular exercise. They are not recommended for first-time dog owners as they require a firm and consistent hand in training. With proper socialization and training, Azawakh dogs can make excellent companions for experienced dog owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to meet their needs.

In terms of trainability, Azawakh dogs can be challenging to train due to their independent nature. They have a strong prey drive and may be easily distracted by sights and sounds in their environment. Positive reinforcement training methods are recommended for Azawakh dogs, as they respond well to rewards and praise. However, they may become bored with repetitive training sessions and require variety in their training routine. Azawakh dogs are also known for their stubbornness, and it may take time and patience to achieve desired results in training. Overall, Azawakh dogs require a dedicated and experienced owner who is willing to put in the time and effort to train and socialize them properly.

Known Health Conditions

Azawakhs are a breed of dog that are known to be prone to certain health conditions. One of the most common health issues that Azawakhs face is hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to pain and discomfort for the dog. Azawakhs can also suffer from eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to blindness. Additionally, they may be prone to heart conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy, which can cause heart failure. It is important for Azawakh owners to be aware of these potential health issues and to take their dogs for regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure that any problems are caught early and treated appropriately.

Another health condition that Azawakhs may be prone to is bloat, also known as gastric torsion. This is a serious condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood flow to the organs and causing severe pain and potentially life-threatening complications. Azawakhs may also be at risk for allergies, which can cause skin irritation and itching. In some cases, allergies can also lead to ear infections. It is important for Azawakh owners to be vigilant for signs of these health issues and to seek veterinary care promptly if they suspect that their dog may be suffering from any of these conditions. With proper care and attention, Azawakhs can live long and healthy lives.

Openness to Strangers

Azawakh dogs have a reputation for being highly receptive to strangers. They are known to be friendly and welcoming towards new people, often approaching them with a wagging tail and a curious expression. This openness to strangers is a trait that has been bred into the Azawakh over many generations, as they were originally used as hunting dogs in West Africa and needed to be able to work alongside their human handlers without becoming aggressive or fearful. As a result, Azawakh dogs are generally very sociable and enjoy meeting new people, making them a popular choice for families and individuals who are looking for a friendly and outgoing companion.

Despite their friendly nature, Azawakh dogs can also be quite independent and reserved at times. They are not always eager to please their owners and may require a bit of patience and training to fully integrate into a household. However, once they have formed a bond with their human family, they are extremely loyal and affectionate, often following their owners around and seeking out attention and affection. This combination of independence and loyalty makes the Azawakh a unique and fascinating breed, and one that is well-suited to a variety of different living situations.

Playfulness Level

The Azawakh is a breed of dog that is known for its high level of playfulness. These dogs are energetic and love to play, making them a great choice for families with children or active individuals who enjoy spending time outdoors. They are always up for a game of fetch or a run in the park, and their playful nature makes them a joy to be around.

Despite their high energy levels, Azawakhs are also known for their gentle and affectionate personalities. They love to be around people and are always eager to please their owners. This makes them great companions for those who are looking for a loyal and loving pet. Whether you are looking for a dog to play with or simply to cuddle up with on the couch, the Azawakh is sure to bring joy and happiness to your life.

Suitability as a Pet for Children

Azawakh dogs have a lean and athletic build, with a short coat that requires minimal grooming. They are known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners, making them a great choice as a family pet. Azawakhs are also highly intelligent and trainable, which can make them a good fit for families with children who are willing to put in the time and effort to properly train and socialize their pet. However, it is important to note that Azawakhs have a high prey drive and may not be suitable for families with small pets such as cats or rabbits.

Exercise Needs

Azawakh dogs are known for their high energy levels and require a significant amount of exercise to maintain their physical and mental health. These dogs are built for speed and endurance, and as such, they require regular opportunities to run and play. A daily walk or jog is not enough to meet their exercise needs, and owners should aim to provide at least an hour of vigorous activity each day. This can include activities such as running, hiking, or playing fetch in a large, fenced-in area. Azawakh dogs also enjoy participating in dog sports such as lure coursing or agility, which can provide both physical and mental stimulation.

In addition to physical exercise, Azawakh dogs also require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. These dogs are intelligent and independent, and they thrive on activities that challenge their minds. Owners can provide mental stimulation through activities such as obedience training, puzzle toys, or scent work. Azawakh dogs also benefit from socialization with other dogs and people, which can help prevent behavioral issues such as aggression or anxiety. Overall, providing both physical and mental exercise is essential for the health and happiness of Azawakh dogs.

Suitability for a Multi-Pet Family

Azawakhs have been known to coexist peacefully with other animals in the household. They are generally not aggressive towards other pets and can even form close bonds with them. However, as with any breed, early socialization and training are important to ensure that they learn to interact appropriately with other animals. It is also important to supervise interactions between pets to prevent any potential conflicts.

Housing Requirements

Azawakh dogs require a living space that is large enough for them to move around freely. They are an active breed that needs plenty of exercise, so a house with a garden or access to outdoor space is ideal. The garden should be securely fenced to prevent the Azawakh from escaping, as they are known to be skilled escape artists. Additionally, the garden should be free from any toxic plants or substances that could harm the dog. Azawakh dogs are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so their living space should be well-insulated and provide adequate heating during the colder months.

Azawakh dogs require a comfortable sleeping area that is warm and dry. They are a short-haired breed, so they may need extra bedding during the colder months. The sleeping area should be located in a quiet part of the house, away from any noise or distractions. Azawakh dogs are known to be independent and may prefer to have their own space, so a separate room or area for them to retreat to may be beneficial. It is important to provide the Azawakh with plenty of mental stimulation, such as toys and puzzles, to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Summary

Azawakhs have a high energy level and require a lot of exercise, making them a suitable pet for active individuals or families who can provide them with plenty of opportunities to run and play. They are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners, making them a great companion for those who are looking for a devoted and loving pet. However, their independent nature and strong prey drive may make them less suitable for households with small pets or young children.

Azawakh Dog FAQS