Azawakh

Azawakh is long, lean and leggy. He is loyal, intelligent, independent, and also affectionate, gentle and playful.

Daily Care

Grooming Tips

The Azawakh hasan easy-care coat. Weekly brushing of his smooth, shorthaired coat is enough. The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually every few weeks. Like most sighthounds, Azawakhs are sensitive about having their feet handled, so practice this early on with a puppy and be sure you never hurt him when you are touching his feet. He’ll never forget it.
Keep the ears clean and dry to prevent bacterial or yeast infections from taking hold. Brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath.

Exercise Tips

The Azawakh is an active breed, requiringdaily exerciseto keep both mind and body healthy.
Adult Azawakhs can make great running companions. Failing that, a daily half-hour play session in a well-fenced field, park, or yard will keep the hound happy and healthy.
However, an Azawakh left alone in the yard will not self-exercise. He is more likely to get the activity he needs in the presence of the owner or another dog.

Feeding Tips

TheAzawakh should do well on high-quality dog food, whether commercially manufactured or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s supervision and approval.
Any diet should be appropriate to the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior). Some dogs are prone to gettingoverweight, so watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level.
Learn about whichhuman foodsare safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Health Tips

The Azawakh is a relatively healthy breed, with an average life-span of about 12 years. Breed health concerns include autoimmune mediated thyroiditis, eosinophilic myositis, bloat, heart problems, hypothyroidism, seizures and skin allergies.
Owners of Azawakh should notice, they are sensitive to anesthesia. Their deep chests also make them prone to bloat (gastric dilatation and volvulus), a disorder in which the stomach and maybe also the spleen twist over and restrict their own blood flow. Symptoms of bloat include pale gums, excessive drooling and pacing.

Trainability

Although the Azawakhs are independent, dominant and strong-willed, this breed can get a bit timid and touchy at times. You need to be the pack leader at all times, otherwise, the Azawakhs will take over. As the dominant pack leader, you must lay down the rules and ensure that they are followed in a consistent and kind manner.
This breed is smart and sensitive, so you’ll get better results by using reward-based positive reinforcement. You won’t get anywhere with yelling, harsh treatment or physical punishment – in fact, it will damage the sense of trust and may cause your Azawakh to become fearful or aggressive. With the right owner, the Azawakh will become an amazing family companion and a champion in the ring.

History

The original homeland of the Azawakh, are the endless arid regions of the southern Sahara and the Sahel zone. Geographically encompassing the border region of Mali and Niger, lies the center of the Azawakh Valley. Found here are most of the types of examples of the breed.
The Azawakh enjoy a special appreciation from the nomads. They live under the same roof and are fully accepted members of the family. They assume the duty of protecting the encampment and flocks from invaders.
They are passionate hunters and provide the family with meat, however, the diminishing of the game and usage of firearms, lessens the utilization of the dogs. The preferred prey is the hare, antelope, and wild boar. It is here the dog can utilize their agility and stamina. The rough and broken terrain is no hindrance. In spite of their fine-limbs, they are not prone to injury.