Azawakh

About the breed

The Azawakh Greyhound is a breed of greyhound, originating from Africa. They have been used as hunting and guard dogs for centuries, because although they do not have as high a speed as other greyhounds, they are able to withstand high temperatures and are very robust.

These dogs are surprisingly intelligent, hardy and fast dogs that combine hunting qualities with the characteristics of an excellent guard dog and a great friend. Specimens of the breed are very serious and interesting at the same time. Additionally, the Azawakh Greyhound needs training, which is a fascinating process through which the owner reveals the multifaceted nature of the animal.

Azawakh

The Azawakh, originally from West Africa, is a slender, elegant sighthound known for its speed and agility. Bred to hunt and herd livestock, they are independent, aloof and loyal to their family. Azawakhs form strong bonds with their owners but can be wary of strangers. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to thrive and are best suited to experienced dog owners who understand their unique needs and temperament.

Breed at a Glance

  • Origin: West Africa (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso)
  • Size: Medium to Large
  • Weight: 33-55 lbs
  • Head shape: Long
  • Lifespan: 11-13 years
  • Coat Type: Short, fine, and smooth
  • Colors: Fawn, brindle, sand, red, white, blue, or a mix, often with white markings
  • Temperament: Aloof, loyal, independent, protective, and affectionate with family
  • Grooming Needs: Low; occasional brushing to remove dead hair
  • Exercise Needs: High; requires plenty of daily exercise, including running
  • Best For: Active individuals or families, experienced dog owners, homes with large outdoor spaces

The breed standard

The Azawakh is a slender and elegant short-haired greyhound. They are known for their speed, agility and loyalty. Azawakhs are independent, aloof and form close bonds with their families.

The Azawakh Greyhound looks very similar to other greyhounds, particularly the Sloughi. They are quite large dogs, males at the withers reach 74 cm and 25 kg, females 55-60 cm and 22 kg

Top 10 Rare Dog Breeds Azawakh

Exercise Requirements

Compassion for the owner

Friendship with strangers

Energy level

Playfulness

With other pets

Breed Characteristics

With family

Physical qualities

Life expectancy

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Azawakh

Standards and Classifications

The Azawakh is recognized by major kennel clubs around the world, including the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).

What to Expect When Caring for a Azawakh

Caring for a dog involves daily exercise, regular feeding, grooming and veterinary care. Expect camaraderie, loyalty and joy, as well as responsibilities such as training, cleaning up after themselves and providing a safe environment.

The health of the Azawakh Greyhound is strong, puppies become reliable and hardy hunters with virtually invulnerable immunity to most infections. The only weakness of the breed is instability to cold winters, due to which hereditary and acquired diseases can be aggravated against the background of improper care or unbalanced nutrition.

The most common diseases of the African greyhound recorded by veterinarians:

  • Hip dysplasia (in puppies from the French line);
  • Epileptic syncope (hereditary pathology of
  • Yugoslav nurseries);
    Hypothyroidism ;
  • Heart failure from 5 years old.

There is no need to take care of the African wolfhound like other brothers’ dogs – the pet is unpretentious in everyday life, but this does not mean at all that you can forget about it during one week. This is especially true for exhibition specimens, which are subject to increased requirements. To meet them, the owner must remember the following things:

Azawakh’s eyes are the most vulnerable place due to the specific structure of the eyelids. For the prevention of losses, it is advisable to use special drops once a week.
Combing – only with special silicone gloves. Extremely short coats rarely shed, but rubbing the dead areas twice a month won’t hurt.
African Greyhounds are very fond of swimming and will happily dive into the nearest accessible body of water. At the same time, it is recommended to wash with shampoo no more than once every three weeks.
In winter and outside the cool season, it is better to buy an insulated waterproof cape for the Azawakh Greyhound. Not the fact that he will like it, he will have to get used to it.

You can meet the exercise needs of the Azawakh breed with 75-minute activities or daily walks of 3 to 3.5 kilometers. On walks, you can encourage your dog to explore new places, which helps with his mental stimulation.

Due to the Azawakh greyhound’s strong hunting power and instinct, it is recommended not to walk without a leash. Wearing a leash keeps him under control and ensures safety. You can only leave your dog off-leash in your garden, in areas where security measures have been taken, and where he can exercise alone, surrounded by fences.

Azawakhs are primarily outdoor dogs and are best suited to living in homes with access to a large, secure, fenced yard where they can run and explore. They have high energy levels and need plenty of space to exercise. Although they can adapt to apartment living with regular, vigorous outdoor activities, they are happiest when they have plenty of space to move around freely. Indoor environments should provide them with comfort and warmth.

Character and behavior

First of all, what you need to know is emotional sensitivity and detachment from everyone in general. An exception can only be the owner – if you managed to become a leader, a friend and just a good owner for the animal. Greyhound Azawakh is a typical representative of pets, choosing a person for themselves, to whom he devotes himself exclusively.

The Azawakh Greyhound forms a very strong attachment to one person, although it is normal to have relationships with other members of the family. They rarely show their emotions, and most of the time quite closed off, like to spend time doing their own thing.

Sensitive, alert, territorial, these dogs are excellent watchdogs, ready to make noise at the slightest danger. Despite the fact that they prefer to contain the threat, if circumstances demand it, they will attack.

Sociality

Relationship with the human family

Attitude towards loneliness

Tendency to bark

Friendship with dogs

Adaptability

City life

Suitable as a first dog

Tolerance to hot temperatures

Cold temperature tolerance

Price and budget

Here’s an overview of the Azawakh dog prices and estimated annual maintenance costs across various countries:

Country Purchase Price (Mini) Purchase Price (Maxi) Annual Maintenance (Mini) Annual Maintenance (Maxi)
France €1,200 €2,500 €800 €1,500
Canada CAD 1,500 CAD 3,500 CAD 1,200 CAD 2,000
Belgium €1,200 €2,800 €900 €1,600
Switzerland CHF 1,500 CHF 3,500 CHF 1,200 CHF 2,000
USA $1,500 $3,500 $1,000 $2,500
Germany €1,200 €2,800 €900 €1,800

Explanation

  • Purchase Price: The cost of acquiring an Azawakh puppy from a reputable breeder. Prices vary based on the breeder’s reputation, pedigree, and location.
    • Mini: The lower end of the price range, typically for standard-quality Azawakhs.
    • Maxi: The higher end, often for show-quality or champion bloodline Azawakhs.
  • Annual Maintenance Cost: Includes food, veterinary care, grooming, insurance, and general upkeep.
    • Mini: Basic care, assuming a standard diet and regular vet visits.
    • Maxi: Premium care, including high-end food, vet visits, grooming, and potential health insurance.

The Azawakh is a rare and unique breed, and costs can fluctuate depending on availability and the dog’s specific needs. The maintenance is relatively moderate compared to other large breeds due to their slender frame and low grooming requirements.

History of the breed

The Azawakh Greyhound is such an ancient breed that it is now impossible to trace its origin. Perhaps they trace their lineage directly from domesticated wolves in preglacial times. One way or another, the breed is already about 15,000 years old. Moreover, throughout this period, dogs lived in isolation and, if they interbred, then with other greyhounds that once existed on the Black Continent – in particular, it is known that ancient pharaohs at different times sent research expeditions deep into the continent, so Egyptian or otherwise dogs contributed to the formation of many African breeds, including the Basenji and perhaps the Azawakh. However, we can only assume all this, since the peoples who inhabited the Sahel (the transition region between the Sahara and the more fertile lands to the south) have not only mostly disappeared from the face of the earth, but have not did not even leave behind any written documents.

One way or another, in the harsh climate of Central Africa, a very unusual dog was formed over the millennia, capable of easily withstanding excessively high temperatures and lack of water.

Until recently, nothing was known about Azawakh Greyhounds on other continents, until several of these dogs arrived in Europe in the 70s of the last century. African greyhounds quickly gained popularity, but more because of their exotic appearance and independence than the working qualities that these gazelle hunters simply had nowhere to apply in a foreign climate.