All You Need to Know About Azawakh Dog Breed

The ancient and majestic Azawakhs are originally from the West African Sahara Desert. Some nomadic tribes have developed them as a guard and hunting dogs. They are usually very calm and loyal around their home but can be wary or unfriendly around visitors and they have a high prey drive. Azawakh dogs are very fast when running and can reach speeds of about 40 miles per hour. The average weight of a male Azawakh dog is around: 44-55lbs while the female weight is around 33-44 lbs. Also, the average height of Azawakh male dog is between 25-29 inches, while a female Azawakh dog height is around 23-27 inches.

Temperament

Azawakh breed is a real pack dog and will socialize very well with other dogs they raised together. They are not the perfect dog for a home with other animals or for a novice dog owner. They get along very well with kids, but they should be supervised when with kids. They are very protective of their territory and families. Azawakh dogs can be hostile with people they don’t know; however, they are very calm, loyal, and adoring to their families. This breed has a lot of endurance, and they are also very friendly.

Grooming

Azawakh has a soft coat that is very easy to groom. It can be brushed with a firm hairbrush and dried shampoo when necessary. The mild shampoo should be used to prevent dry skin. Azawakh dog breed is an average shedding breed. When grooming, it is recommended to check their paw pads and ears from time to time.

Training

It is recommended that you trained them in obedience and socialized them from the puppy stage. They will not do well if the training is conducted in a cruel and heavy-handed manner. They will only do well if they are properly motivated and the training is done in a firm, fair and respectful way.

Health problems

They are likely to suffer some health problems such as myositis, seizures, spondylosis, and autoimmune problems. Azawakhs will not do well in cold climates. Some of the sicknesses they are known to develop include:

Hypothyroidism: It occurs when the dog thyroid is underactive and its metabolic rate decreases. This can result in fatigue, weight gain, and changes in behavior.

Idiopathic epilepsy: This breed is prone to sudden spontaneous seizures. These can vary in their severity and recurrence rate. They can be managed through medications, changes in lifestyle, and diets depending on their nature.

Autoimmune Mediated Diseases: Azawakhs can suffer from many diseases caused by an abnormal response of the immune system. This condition may include skin conditions such as muscle wastage, Demodectic Mange, and can also lead to hypothyroidism.

Diet and Nutrition

Feeding your dog high quality and properly portion-controlled diet is very important. Azawakh dog breed is naturally slim and there may be a tendency to overfeed them. It's not because you see their ribs that they are underweight. If you overfeed them, it can lead to obesity. This can cause a whole host of additional health problems and put a strain on their joints. If in doubt, you can seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian or dog nutritionist.