AZAWAKH DOG BREED

Description:

The Azawakh is a breed that has been bred by nomadic tribes of Africa for the purpose of hunting, protection of the property and simply to be a companion to his master. Lissome gait is a notable characteristic of this breed, thus, they are extremely fast and able to develop the speeds of 40 miles per hour. Outside Africa, this dog breed is still extremely rare.

Height: 23-29 inches  Weight: 33-55 pounds  Lifespan: 12-15 years

Characteristics:

The Azawakh is a graceful, slender and very athletic dog. Its bone structure shows clearly through the skin and musculature. This breed is distinguished by its speed, sensitivity, vigilance, and flexibility. They have high energy and tremendous endurance. The Comparable Breed is Sloughi and Saluki.

Character:

The Azawakh is very social and emotional, and it gets along perfectly with other dogs, especially if they grew up together. The Azawakh is good with children, hence, it`s not advisable to leave them without supervision. These dogs are great to protect the family, the house, and their territory. They are cautious and suspicious of strangers, but loyal, gentle, and affectionate to family members and those they know. Azawakhs are considered to be the royal breed for a reason, they are noble and incredibly daring.

Coat / Care:

Azawakhs have a silky and short coat, close to their body. Shedding is of medium intensity, so cleaning is only required from time to time. Bathe your dog only when it is absolutely necessary by using a mild shampoo, or clean it with a dry shampoo more frequently. It is important to regularly check the paws and ears in order to clean them from contamination.

Health Problems:

The Azawakh is generally healthy dog breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to Epilepsy, Myositis, Spondylosis (Spine Degeneration), and Autoimmunity. The Azawakh should not be kept in cold climates. The Azawakh generally lives for 12 to 15 years.

Weight / Height

The male Azawakh dog breed’s height is around 25 – 29 inches and weighs around 40 and 55 pounds. Female Azawakh dogs can reach a size from 23 – 26 inches and weighs between 33 and 45 pounds. Male dogs are generally larger than females.

Training:

Early socialization and training are required. Azawakhs do not respond to excessive strictness or despotic methods. Nevertheless, using motivation, respect, fairness and firmness, you can achieve so much.

Activity:

The Azawak is a very active breed and needs a fairly high level of exercise. This dog should have a regular run in large enclosed areas, therefore, it is not recommended to keep it in the apartment. The Azawakh gets real pleasure from all sorts of family and sports games, long walks, hiking, jogging and swimming.

Photo Credit: Corinne Benavides/Flickr