Azawakh Dog Breed Information

Group

Hounds

Weight

20 - 25 kg

Height

63 - 76 cm

Lifespan

12 - 15 years

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About the Azawakh

Reviewed by:

Dr. Shamsul Alam Roky

Veterinarian

The Azawakh dog breed is named after the Azawakh valley located in the Sahara desert. These dogs originated from this region, where they had to be efficient hunters to survive. These dogs are strong characters, standing proud however they are also very loyal to their owners.

The Azawakh is most comfortable in hot climates. They enjoy showing love and affection to the ones close to them but can be stand-offish when it comes to meeting new people. They enjoy long walks and chasing anything that moves, including small furry animals.

Much like other sighthound breeds, this instinct to chase may get them into some trouble if it causes them to be less obedient and ignore commands, so it is important to train them early on.

Once you have had a good read through this guide on the Azawakh, you should have enough information to decide if this breed of dog is for you.

What is the history & origin of the Azawakh?

The Azawakh is an extremely rare breed of dog originating from the central Sahara region around 5000 years ago. This African sighthound was a protector of livestock, standing guard and scaring away any predators or thieves. Tribes such as the Tuareg considered these dogs as family members and were incredibly important to them.

An interesting fact that might explain why the Azawakh is so rare is the fact that it can’t be bought. Up until around the 1970s, the Azawakh could only be given as a gift and was not available for purchase.

At some point during the 1970s, a diplomat from Yugoslavia named Dr Pecar brought the rare breed to Europe. Dr Pecar was given both a male and a female Azawakh puppy as a gift during his time in Burkino Faso. It was the Nomads that had given him the Azawakh puppies.

In the 1980s, the breed found its way to the USA, and in 1988, the American Azawakh Association was founded, the AKC parent club. It wasn’t, however, until 2011 that the American Kennel Club recognised the dog as an official breed.

What is an Azawakh Breed?

The Azawakh is a strong independent dog that has a protective nature whilst being loyal to those they consider loved ones. They can, however, be less trustworthy of strangers and don’t enjoy being touched by those they don’t know well.

Like other dogs and dog breeds that are considered sighthounds. The Azawakh loves to chase everything and anything that moves. This can be birds and other animals, especially small animals and even people riding bikes. The concern with this is that they can also have a tendency to chase small children, so caution should be taken if kids are around.

Because the Azawakh is used to the desert heat found in the Sahara, they might need an extra layer to keep them warm if they live in a colder climate.

For enthusiasts of this dog, there are a number of breed clubs where people meet up to share the love of the same breed. Have a look online for a breed club near you.

Who is an Azawakh Best For?

The Azawakh is best suited to living in a family that enjoys daily exercise and long walks. Ideally, they prefer to live somewhere that is of a hotter climate but can manage cold weather. Overall, they are friendly dogs, but can be quite hesitant around people they don’t know.

Compared to other dogs, the Azawakh is better with an experienced owner that will be able to keep control of them when they try to chase anything that moves. The quicker you can train these dogs, the easier it will be to have a loving but controlled relationship with them.

At home, the Azawakh will get on just fine with small pets indoors; however, the story might change when they are outside. Having a large, fenced garden or closed outdoor space is ideal as you can keep an eye on your dog and won’t have to worry about them running away chasing a bee down the street.

Azawakh Grooming & Shedding

The Azawakh dog has a short and fine coat that comes in various colours and can include different types of white markings. The coat varies from white to light brown and even black and blue.

Because the coat is relatively short, you will only need to give them a brush around once a week using a hound glove. This will keep their dog hair shining and looking in tip-top condition.

Do Azawakh bark a lot?

The Azawakh dog breed does not have a strong tendency to bark very often. They are regarded as relatively quiet dogs that prefer to chase noises rather than make them.

What is the average weight & height of an Azawakh dog?

On average, the males weigh somewhere between 20 and 25kgs and stand between 63 to 76cm tall. The females, on average, weigh somewhere between 15 and 20 kgs and stand between 58 and 71cm tall.

Are Azawakh easy to train?

These breeds of dogs should be trained when they are a puppy instead of waiting until they become adult Azawakh. This will prevent problems with behaviour when they grow up when it is much harder to fix.

The best place to train this dog is an open space outside that has been fenced off. This will stop them from running away when they become distracted by birds or other small dogs. If you don’t have an enclosed area to train your dog, you can use a long leash so you can catch them before they run off.

Dog sports are another way to improve your dog’s obedience training so that they are even better at following your commands.

How do Azawakh behave? A look at their temperament and personality

These dogs have a strong and protective temperament, but they are very loyal and loving to their family. They require someone with experience in dog training to keep them under control when they are young.

Although they show lots of love to people they consider family, they are rather cautious of strangers. They enjoy lots of walks and exploring the outdoors.

Does the Azawakh have any common health issues?

On the whole, this breed of dog is normally quite healthy. There are, however, some genetic health problems that they can have, so it is important to know the signs to look out for.

Some of the health issues that can occur include autoimmune-mediated thyroiditis, seizures, and heart problems. If you suspect that something is not right with your dog, it is extremely important to seek a professional’s opinion as soon as possible.

What is the lifespan of an Azawakh?

On average, this breed of dog has a life expectancy of somewhere between 12 and 15 years. The important thing is to keep on top of your dog’s health throughout their life and don’t ignore worrying signs.

How much does an Azawakh need to be fed?

It is natural for this breed of dog to be very athletic, and it is normal for them to be slim. Their diet in their natural habitat is lower in protein content than the average canine, so it is important not to overfeed them.

They are best served with a balanced diet of fruit and vegetables with some meat, but not too much.

How much can you expect to pay for an Azawakh in Australia?

The price for this breed of dog in Australia is somewhere between $1500 and $3000. The most important thing to remember is to find a reputable breeder that can provide the full medical history of both parents.

Azawakh FAQs

Is an Azawakh ideal for a first-time dog owner?

This particular breed of dog is best suited for an experienced owner. This is because it requires a lot more dedication and control to properly train them, so they listen to you and follow your commands.

Do Azawakh suffer from separation anxiety?

Yes, they become very attached to their owners, which can cause separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. It’s best to only leave them on their own for an hour or two at a time.

Are Azawakhs hypoallergenic dogs?

No, this specific breed of dog is not suitable for those with allergies. If you do suffer from dog allergies, there are lots of information available on the internet on the types of dogs that don’t cause allergic reactions.

Will an Azawakh need professional grooming?

One of the benefits of this particular breed of dog is that the coat requires very little maintenance. The coat is relatively short and is maintained to a suitable standard with weekly brushing using a brush.

This means that you won’t have to spend lots of money on professional grooming, which adds up annually.