Azawakh

Other names: Idi, Hanshee, Oska, Rawondu

Azawakh

The Azawakh is a sighthound that was first bred by the peoples of the savannahs of West Africa. It has only recently gained popularity in the First World. Owners are glowing of the dog’s loving, gentle and sensitive nature. The breed shares its name with the Azawagh Valley which is located near Mali.

Key facts about the Azawakh

Life expectancy :

5

17

10

12

Temperament :

Intelligent Hunter

Size :

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Origins and history

Bred by the Tuareg tribes of the Mali savannah the Azawakh was (and still is) used as a guard dog and herd guardian. Ancient peoples that lived beneath the harsh sub-Saharan sun demanded a dog that was rugged and tolerant of heat. Only within the last ten years has the Azawakh ventured from the desert.

FCI breed nomenclature

FCI Group

Group 10 - Sighthounds

Section

Section 3 : Short-haired Sighthounds

Physical characteristics of the Azawakh

  • Azawakh
    Azawakh
  • Azawakh
    Azawakh
  • Azawakh
    Azawakh
  • Azawakh
    Azawakh
  • Azawakh
    Azawakh

    Adult size

    Female : Between 24 and 28 in

    Male : Between 25 and 29 in

    Weight

    Female : Between 33 and 44 lb

    Male : Between 44 and 55 lb

    Coat colour

    Type of coat

    Eye colour

    Brown

    Description

    The look of the Azawakh is of a cross between canine elegance and muscularity. It is a well-proportioned dog with a narrow head and long and lean muzzle. The long, thin tail is set low but is raised when the dog is engaged.

    Good to know

    This dog is relatively new to the western world. Before looking after an Azawakh, it is recommended that prospective owners learn as much as they can about the breed: its sensitivity, its special diet, and its likes and dislikes.

    Temperament

    • 66%

      Affectionate

      The Azawakh is an affectionate dog but it is also prone to intense shyness and sensitivity. These dogs demand every ounce of love and gentleness from their owners.

    • 66%

      Playful

      A dog that likes to play and to interact but also one that startles easily. The Azawakh does not enjoy rough play.

    • 66%

      Calm

      This dog can exhibit some nervousness especially around strangers; it is also one that does not take kindly to changes in routine.

    • 100%

      Intelligent

      An intelligent dog with a famed long-term memory; these dogs are thinkers. They feel safest when the social hierarchy of the household is set in stone.

    • 100%

      Hunter

      The Azawakh is a sighthound and as such is a formidable hunter. These days, the dog is more often tasked with herd protection but it still has a desire to chase small animals.

    • 100%

      Fearful / wary of strangers

      Azawakhs tend to be wary and shy of new people and take some time to warm to a visitor in their home. Gentle handling and patience are necessary precursors to a calm Azawakh temperament.

    • 100%

      Independent

      Although the Azawakh can function without dependence on its owner, it would rather be dependent and bonded.

      Behaviour of the Azawakh

      • 66%

        Tolerates solitude

        The Azawakh tends to follow its owner from room to room when indoors. It is a dog that hates (and fears) solitude.

      • 33%

        Easy to train / obedience

        Firmness and confidence are needed for the owner of this dog. The Azawakh’s wildfulness can be a hurdle to its learning. It will also not respond to harsh correction; if subjected to crude training methods the dog is likely to become painfully shy and withdrawn.

      • 33%

        Barking

        This dog rarely barks.

      • 66%

        Tendency to run away

        Some well-trained dogs of this breed will respond to a recall.

      • 66%

        Destructive

        If it is not properly looked after the Azawakh can cause extensive damage inside the house.

      • 66%

        Greedy / Gluttony

        The Azawakh is not known to be a glutton. Its stomach is sensitive to changes in diet and it will not enjoy impromptu dinners at different times each day.

      • 100%

        Guard dog

        Very vivavious and attentive, the Azawakh can be aggressive towards strangers, which allows him to be a good guardian. However, important socialisation work is necessary to avoid your dog to be too aggressive.

      • 33%

        First dog

        The Azawakh is not to be considered as a first dog. Its stubbornness and aloofness can make challenging the owner’s teaching of even the basics (such as house training).

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        Lifestyle

        • 33%

          Azawakh in a flat

          Even a well-fenced garden is an insufficient provision for this dog. Azawakhs are known for their magnificent leaping abilities. A flat is too small and confined to keep such a highly-strung animal.

        • 100%

          Need for exercise / Sporty

          The Azawakh needs a great deal of exercise including long walks and interaction which exercises the body and mind.

        • 33%

          Travelling / easy to transport

          An Azawakh will not enjoy travelling. Anything that disrupts its routine and carefully planned day will cause the dog to be nervous and silly. This dog is not suited to a crate.

          Compatibility

          • 33%

            Azawakh and cats

            This dog is not suited to a household where a non-canine pet already resides.

          • 100%

            Azawakh and dogs

            Generally speaking, the Azawakh is amicable and sociable with other dogs.

          • 33%

            Azawakh and children

            On the whole this breed is good with older children, but its dislike of boisterous play and teasing makes it an unsuitable playmate of young children.

          • 33%

            Azawakh and the elderly

            Because it is a dog that requires a lot of exercise the Azawakh is not a good choice for people of senior years.

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            Price

            We do not have enough data to set an average price for an Azawakh. You’re also looking at between £120 to £150 per month to care for this dog.

            Grooming

            The Azawakh will enjoy weekly brushing. Bath this dog only when necessary and use a mild shampoo.

            Shedding

            This dog doesn't shed a lot.

            Nutrition of the Azawakh

            Because it has only recently departed the African savannah, the Azawakh’s diet should be similar to what its body has become accustomed to. It is advisable to feed the Azawakh food with a low to moderate protein content (22%) and a low fat content (9%).

            Health of the Azawakh

            Life expectancy

            10 to 12 years 

            Strong / robust

            This dog is incredibly robust and heals very quickly from injury.

            Withstand heat

            The Azawakh is tolerant of the heat. However, you must still make sure there is plenty of fresh water on hand for this dog. Do not leave ANY dog in a car in the summer, even if you have parked in the shade.

            Withstand cold

            The Azawakh does not tolerate cold and wet weather.

            Tendency to put on weight

            If an Azawakh is not exercised as regularly as it should be and is fed too much human or substandard food it will become obese.

            Common illnesses

            • Bloat
            • Eosinophilic myositis
            • Heart problems
            • Hypothyroidism
            • Seizures
            • Skin allergies
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