Azawakh

History

The origin of the breed is related to the Tuareg tribe of Mali, in the southern parts of the Sahara. These nomads used the dogs, which are a kind of variety of the Arabian hound, for hunting. The famous words also apply to these  quadrupeds : “They are fast enough to catch up with a gazelle or a hare, brave enough to oppose a large predator.” Tireless as a camel and beautiful as an Arabian horse”.

An interesting thing about the Azawaka is that when they hunt, these dogs do not tear their prey apart once they reach it. Instead, they bite her behind the neck and eat until the hunter comes. The price of these animals is extremely high, and in order not to get tired, the hunters sometimes put them on the saddles next to them.

In Europe, the breed has been known relatively recently. Dr. Pekar from Yugoslavia, who was the first to import specimens of the breed, played a major role in their spread throughout the Old Continent.

Appearance

Azawakh is a beautiful, fine dog, with a graceful and harmonious body. Male representatives reach a height of 71 cm, females – up to 68 cm. The weight varies from 22 to 25 kilograms. These dogs are muscular, their skin is very thin, and this helps them withstand very high temperatures. The head is elongated, the muzzle is narrow, the ears are close and flat. The eyes of these dogs are widely spaced, almond-shaped, and vary in color from dark brown to amber. The nose is large and dark in color, the neck is long, which makes the head appear small compared to the body. The fur is very short, and some specimens don’t even have any on their belly. The color is characteristic – sandy, all shades, they may have white spots on the paws or the tip of the tail.

Character

An exotic breed, Azawak is a very beautiful, interesting and at the same time – calm and balanced dog. His kind nature makes him a wonderful family friend. These dogs are strongly attached to all members of the household, but consider only one of them to be their “guide” or “leader”.  They are not particularly sociable by nature, which makes their early socialization mandatory. As often as possible, take the dog with you to the store or to busy parks, for example. Let him get used to different sounds and smells for a while. Azawaka can also be very distant not only to strangers, but sometimes to members of their own family.  These dogs don’t necessarily seek out human company all the time.

Hello

Azawakh may suffer from joint problems. Relatively often these dogs have skin problems or dermatitis – less often – problems with the digestive system.

Care

A typical representative of hounds, the Azawakh is an extremely energetic dog that needs constant physical exercise. It is a well-known fact that representatives of the breed are extremely fast, being able to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h.  If you grow it in an apartment, then long walks are a must. In the yard, these dogs feel better, but you must have provided them with fresh water and shade during the hot months. In no case should you tie up an Azawak in the yard  – this can “break” the spirit of the animal, turning it into a gloomy and aggressive dog.

Clever and intelligent, he is amenable to training, although it is not uncommon for him to refuse a command out of sheer stubbornness. It is a proud animal that should be approached calmly and consistently in training. Otherwise, you risk “offending” him and he may even lose interest in his studies in general.

Eating

Azawakh is an undemanding food dog. The only condition is that you don’t give him fatty meat. It would be best for him if he eats high-quality dog ​​food, premium grade, pellets or pastes. If you have decided to add natural products to his menu – bet on dry meats, various types of cooked vegetables, hard-boiled eggs or boiled rice.

Children and pets

Azawak is rather distant towards children, as if he plays with them, he risks hurting them because of his excessive enthusiasm and energy. This is a dog with prominent leadership qualities and a dominant character, not suitable for living with other animals or dogs.

Azawakh Breed Characteristics

Azawakh is a breed of sighthound that originated in West Africa. Here are some characteristics of the Azawakh breed:

1. Appearance: Azawakhs are tall, slender dogs with a short, fine coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, red, and fawn. They have long, thin legs and a narrow body with a deep chest.
2. Temperament: Azawakhs are independent, intelligent, and loyal dogs. They are generally reserved with strangers but affectionate with their family members. They are also known to be good watchdogs.
3. Energy: Azawakhs are very active and require a lot of exercise. They love to run and need plenty of space to do so. They are not well-suited for apartment living or for families with small children.
4. Training: Azawakhs can be challenging to train, as they have a strong will and independent nature. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods and need early socialization to be well-behaved.
5. Health: Azawakhs are generally a healthy breed, but may be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and skin allergies.
6. Longevity: The average lifespan of an Azawakh is 10-12 years.
7. Purpose: Originally bred as hunting and guarding dogs in West Africa, Azawakhs are still used for these purposes today. They are also kept as companion animals in many parts of the world.

Overall, Azawakhs are a unique and fascinating breed with a rich history. They require a lot of exercise and early socialization, but make loyal and loving companions for those who are able to meet their needs.