From Paula Fitzsimmons
Using its long legs, slender build, and big, expressive eyes, the Azawakh was formally recognized as a brand new dog breed at the AKC’s hound set in January 2019. The Azawakh is originally from West Africa, in which all these pups have traditionally functioned as seekers, guardians, and herders.
The Azawakh dog breed made its way into the US in the 1980s.
The Azawakh is a quick, lively, and distinctive puppy breed cherished for profound dedication and affection to their families. Those most knowledgeable about the Azawakh say they are an intricate breed that needs early training and socialization to develop into balanced dogs.
Physical Attributes
The Azawakh is a tall, medium-sized dog breed with a slim build and extended legs. At first, glance, they resemble Greyhounds; nevertheless, they’re more closely associated with Sloughi and Salukis, who will also be members of the hound group.
Azawakh men stand between 25 and 29 inches tall, with females generally a few inches shorter. Males weigh from 44 to 55 lbs; females in 33 to 44 lbs.
These puppies are made for speed, a skill useful for searching fast-moving creatures like rabbits and gazelle within their native West Africa. “The gait is mild, and they seem to float across the floor,” says Deb Kidwell, secretary of the American Azawakh Association. “The gallop is bound, very similar to a bull. It is not especially fast compared to your Greyhound, but they have amazing endurance.”
Experts explain the Azawakh as exotic and tasteful. “The tail is long, thin and tapered; it’s set low but transported over the level of this trunk once the dog is excited. The head is narrow, long, lean, and sculpted using a long, right muzzle. The eyes are big and almond-shaped. The ears are high-set and triangular with slightly rounded tips,” says Gina DiNardo, executive secretary of the American Kennel Club (AKC) in NYC.
The Azawakh also has a deep torso and notable hip bones, in addition to muscles and bones which are observable beneath their skin that is thin, ” she adds.
Their coat is short and” can be down to nonexistent on the stomach,” says Kidwell. The AKC standard permits all colors, color combinations, and markings; restricting genetic diversity can be damaging for this strain, Kidwell says.
Frequent Azawakh colors include brown, red, black, white, white, and grey.
Character and Temperament
The Azawakh pet breed is known to be extremely affectionate and faithful. “About the bond together with the proprietor, there’s nothing similar to it. The Azawakh’s dedication for their owner or household is mythical,” says Kidwell.
This attachment is reserved for relatives, nevertheless. “Ordinarily, [Azawakh] are generally aloof or avoidant with strangers. Early and constant socialization is important to get a secondhand pet. Some might never take a stranger’s signature or presence.”
They also possess a high amount of power and endurance. “A weary Azawakh isn’t a fantastic thing! The owner of an Azawakh has to be devoted to supplying sufficient exercise and interaction to the strain. They’ve settled home dogs after their exercise needs are fulfilled,” says Kidwell.
They are a complicated, smart breed and aren’t suited to everybody. “They are not the simplest breed to live with if you do not know their fundamental emotional need to become intimate with their individual and also to be a beloved and precious family member,” says Kidwell, who resides together with five Azawakhs.
Doing study and talking at length to some vetted breeder is vital before committing oneself to the strain. “It is effortless to become enamored with the exotic splendor of this Azawakh. But you have to examine yourself regarding your suitability for an Azawakh proprietor along with all the advantages and disadvantages of living together with the strain,” Kidwell says.
Care
Since they are a brilliant and distinctive pet breed, Azawakh have to get trained as pups, states DiNardo.
“Early socialization and puppy training courses with a coach that has a positive attitude are recommended. The Azawakh owns a wonderful quantity of dignity,” says DiNardo, also just like every puppy, “doesn’t react well to harsh or punishment-based training, which could finally generate a hound who’s broken in spirit, competitive or unmanageable.”
“Favorable, reward-based training with mild but firm corrections could lead to a hound who’s obedient, affectionate, and faithful,” says DiNardo.
They’re highly energetic and rocky dogs that need routine exercise, which comprises”extended walks, daily chances to operate in firmly fence[d] regions and daily tasks by using their owners. Without regular exercise, they may get lethargic or may exhibit destructive behavior,” says DiNardo.
Exercise has to be interactive, Kidwell says. “Leaving an Azawakh independently at a lawn expecting them to work themselves out with no playmate or interaction with the proprietor is not perfect.”
Kidwell includes a massive yard for the Azawakh to perform, run, and workout, but she states they also will need to go areas to keep their socialization skills. “Group walks along with other dog lovers in the neighborhood park are fantastic.”
Kidwell also urges giving your puppy a ride in the vehicle, even if it’s merely going on errands. “These items allow your Azawakh to turn into well-adjusted and keeps them happy,” she states.
Many Azawakh prefer to remain home, nevertheless. “These dogs might love to reside in a vacuum with their loved ones. It is the problem of living with this strain,” Kidwell says.
These native West African pups also tolerate heat well, says DiNardo, “but are sensitive to moist and chilly weather, that ought to be taken into consideration when planning a fitness program.”
What they do not endure well is extended hours in puppy crates. “If you’re operating an eight- to 10-hour day, a dog walker or doggy daycare could be a fantastic alternate. [An] Azawakh kept crated for extended periods will get neurotic, and might develop into a crate soiler or hurt himself trying to escape the confinement.”
The Azawakh includes a superior coating. Therefore maintenance is minimal, ” says DiNardo. “A weekly once-over using a soft bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt or instrument, or even a hound glove is what is required to keep the jacket in good shape.”
Health
Total, the Azawakh, is regarded as a healthy dog breed which, with optimal care, can live between 10 and 13 years of age.
The most frequent health problems they encounter are seizures, migraines, masticatory myositis (a disease which makes it very painful to get a dog to open his mouth) and a spinal disease known as spondylosis, says Kidwell. “Hip dysplasia and migraines are almost unknown in the strain but could occur.”
Experts strongly suggest working with a breeder who tests her Azawakh before breeding them. “Some tests which are recommended are CBC and Super Chem blood tests, complete thyroid profile, X-ray for hip and elbow dysplasia, eye and heart testing,” says Kidwell.
Kidwell recommends waiting until they are fully mature before breeding them. “It might hopefully demonstrate that seizures aren’t present, though a few get seizures later in life.”
She states Azawakh should additionally receive DNA testing before breeding. “Maintaining the coefficient of inbreeding–a way of ascertaining how closely related two puppies are of the breeding group low helps social diversity and prevents excessive inbreeding.”
Background and history
Azawakh are sighthounds who descended out of the free-roaming dogs of this Saharan Sahel region of West Africa, states DiNardo. “The breed takes its name from the region’s Azawakh Valley.”
The Azawakh is the sole sighthound dog breed that’s native to the region, ” says Kidwell. “From the Sahel, they’re a multipurpose ”
They are most frequently employed as a village and flock shield, in addition to a hunter of sport –such as rabbits, gazelle, and jackal. Azawakh can also be used for herding flocks of sheep, goats and zebu cattle clarifies Kidwell.
They are still utilized in these abilities in nations within Africa today.
They’re considered more than employees; DiNardo clarifies they are precious family members that reside under precisely the same roof because of their owners.
