Gaining its name from a Saharan valley, Azawakh is a rather proud and independent canine. The doggo has been guarding cattle and nomadic tents for thousands of years. These are sighthounds who run after anything mobile around them, be it vehicles or just tiny creatures.
Despite their love for the outdoors, these canines do great indoors. The Azawakh has a fine coat that may vary in colors ranging from white fawn, red, and others. These lean-figured doggos are elegant from every aspect, protective for their humans, and the perfect guardians.
Azawakh History
The Azawakh breed is relatively ancient, originating from the Sahelian regions of Niger, Burkina, and Niger. These canines are experts at hunting and guarding, as they originally protected the Tuareg tribe. The breed was limited to the region until 1970. It was then when one of the tribe members gifted the canine to a Yugoslavian diplomat.
It was the beginning of their popularity worldwide, though the Azawakh were much mistaken for the Sloughi-Azawakh. The breed only gained its actual name in 1980, followed by recognition by the American Kennel Club in 2011. These doggos are still rare in regions outside the Sahara, though they are gaining popularity through the day.
Azawakh Characteristics
Azawakhs have a beautiful lean body, so much so that their ribs and muscles are visible through their skin. These pups are relatively thin, swift, and walk with a cat-like gait. They have a knack for running, and thus, you can easily maintain their original stature with little exercise.
How Big Do Azawakh Get
Though their bodies are short, the Azawakhs have considerably long legs and grow up to be 24-29 inches in height. These medium-sized doggos can weigh around 35-55 pounds during their adulthood. However, you must ensure a regular diet and sufficient diet to prevent these pooches from obesity.
How Long Does Azawakh Live
Azawakhs have an average life span and will live with you for around 12 to 15 years. That said, the breed does have a few major health concerns, which is why you must care for their health. Take them for regular vet checks and provide a healthy living environment.
How Much Does an Azawakh Cost
The Azawakh is one of the most expensive breeds out there. Despite its low popularity, the canine boasts impressive qualities like speed, intelligence, independence, and elegance, and guarding instincts. Resultantly, these pooches cost around $2500-$3000.
Azawakh Temperament/Personality
Azawakhs love to run around, which is why a house with a fenced lawn would be the best for them. However, they develop a strong bond with their human family and do well in a closed apartment.
These canines may not do best with young children, mostly when left alone. Therefore, you must always supervise them around kids. However, they can soon adapt to older children who know how to treat dogs with care.
On the one hand, these pooches hold extra affection for their human pack. They can be aggressive or less-friendly with strangers. The same goes for cats and dogs from the neighborhood. Early socialization will help you teach your Azawakh to mingle with others, especially if you have other pets.
It is imperative to train these canines from a young age. You must start with their training as soon as you bring them home. Even if they are eight years old, these doggos are intelligent enough to grasp anything you teach them.
Caring for Azawakh
Though Azawakhs do not require a lot of grooming, they need some training, done best by experienced individuals. Additionally, they cannot bear the cold weather and need extra attention during the colder months. That said, here are a few essential factors that you must practice to care for the Azawakh.
Azawakh Nutrition
To maintain their beautiful, lean build and suffice for their energy, Azawakhs require quality dog food. You can decide the amount according to the pup’s age. However, it must primarily be low in protein. That said, these pups can also be big-time couch potatoes. So, though giving treats while training will help, you must watch the doggo’s calorie consumption to avoid obesity.
How to Groom an Azawakh
Primarily due to their light coat, Azawakhs have considerably fewer grooming requirements. You only need to brush the puppy once a week and bathe once in 3-4 months. It will help if you tend to their long nails and tooth hygiene. Nails can hamper the doggo’s movement, while dirty teeth might give way to diseases.
Azawakh Activity Levels
The Azawakh was bred to chase Gazzeles and perform hunting activities, which is why the doggo has high energy levels. Still, taking the doggo on a brisk walk or run for 20-30 minutes should be enough to maintain its health. To feed the lad’s intelligent side, you must ensure to incorporate some mind games in the doggo’s regime.
Caring for Azawakh
Your friends may call the Azawakh weak or under-nutrition, but you must know how these puppies are. Do not overfeed them as obesity is terrible for the canine. Apart from that, you need to train the dog sufficiently to ensure they mingle with other pets and people.
That said, you must remember to practice a friendly approach with the proud baby. If you do not treat them well, Azawakhs can get highly-aggressive or overly low-spirited. It would be best to make it clear that you are the alpha while showering all your affection simultaneously.
Azawakh Health
The Azawakh is a healthy doggo on average. So, if you cater to its nutrition and activity requirements, your doggo will be thriving. That said, it can be challenging to understand this breed’s condition. Therefore, you must thoroughly learn about the canine’s healthy appearance and size.
A few major health concerns of the Azawakh include hypothyroidism, wobbler’s syndrome, and seizures. Another primary issue is spondylosis, which is a problem in the spine. You must ensure that your Azawakh gets enough exercise every day to avoid any such health issues.
Breeds Similar to Azawakh
- Sloughi
- Saluki
- Afghan Hound
- Greyhound
- Sighthound
Best Dog Food For Azawakhs
The best dog food for Azawakhs is Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Performance 30/20 Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food for its mouth-watering taste and food value. Only 30% of the recipe is the protein, which is instrumental for muscle build and strength. Around 20% of the recipe is a healthy fat, which helps in weight gain and makes the skin softer.
- This canine recipe provides DHA and EPA support.
- This well-rounded chicken diet has been formulated in the USA.
- Fortified with prebiotics and antioxidants, the food contains 484 Kcal/cup.
Best Puppy Food For Azawakhs
The best puppy food for Azawakhs is Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Healthy Development Small Bites Dry Dog Food. The small and crunchy kibbles fit the puppy’s tiny jaws and melt inside the mouth, popping different flavors. The whole grain wheat, cracked barley, corn, soybean, etc., supply required energy to the puppies daily.
- Good for healthy brain development and immunity, the food takes care of intestinal health.
- This wholesome diet is ideal for puppies under one year of age.
- This vitamin E and C rich diet ensures mobility support along with proper skeletal development.
Best Dog Bed For Azawakhs
The best dog bed for Azawakhs is FurHaven Quilted Orthopedic Sofa Cat & Dog Bed w/ Removable Cover as it creates a sense of protection with raised bolster walls all around it. Apart from wine red, the bed is available in other colors like navy, warm brown, silver grey, coffee, etc. This quilted bed features a special kind of medical-grade foam that helps the dog relax to its heart’s content.
- This orthopedic bed features filling for gentle airflow.
- This soft and cozy bed comes with a removable cover, which is dryer safe.
- This high-quality egg-crate foam bed ensures effortless climb for puppies and senior dogs.
Best Dog Crate For Azawakhs
The best dog crate for Azawakhs MidWest LifeStages Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate for its flexible size and shape-shifting quality. This classic wired crate features side-bolt latches for safety concerns. There comes a replaceable plastic pan, mat, and a divider panel with the crate so that your Azawakh can feel at home inside it.
- The crate can be folded down easily, and if you want, you can carry it with your dog inside it.
- This durable crate can be assembled quickly and easily without any help.
- The convenient crate should be routinely cleaned with mild soap water and detergents.
Best Dog Harness For Azawakhs
The best dog harness for Azawakhs is Best Pet Supplies Voyager Black Trim Mesh Dog Harness for its softness and various color options. This training and walking harness features double D rings for attaching leash, tags, IDs, etc. The quick-release harness is available in five sizes covering the chest girth up to 23 inches.
- Though you can slip the harness over the dog’s head, it comes with a step-in style also.
- Constructed with top quality fabric, the harness can be worn on hot summer days as well as winter mornings.
- This breathable harness complements the coat colors with its four other color varieties.
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