Azawak: maintenance and care

2024 Author: Arianna Cook | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-12 17:55

External parameters of the Azawakh, temperament and health, how to raise a dog, take care of: hair, ears, teeth, organize food and walks. Puppy price. The Azawak or Azawakh is a hunting dog breed belonging to the Sahel region of Africa, a strip of relatively fertile land located south of the Sahara that stretches from Mauritania in the west to Sudan in the east. The species has been used for centuries as a protective animal and hound by many peoples of the region. Despite the fact that their appearance is similar to other types of greyhounds, genetic and historical research suggests that in fact these dogs are much more closely related to Basenji from Africa.

Although the azawakh is not as fast as many other hounds, it is able to withstand much higher temperatures with ease. Azawakh contain peoples who speak many languages, so it has different names: Tuareg Sloughi, Sahelian Sloughi, Sahelian Greyhound, Levrier Azawakh, Idi, Hanshee, Oska, Rawondu "," Bareeru ", and" Wulo ".

External parameters of Azawakh

The variety is very similar in appearance to a number of other smooth-coated hunting dogs, especially slugs. Azawakhs are relatively tall. Males usually have 63, 5 and 73, 66 centimeters in height at the shoulder, and females have from 58, 42 to 68, 58 centimeters. However, this dog is incredibly thin. The average weight of males is from 19, 96 to 24, 95 kilograms, and of females from 14, 96 to 19, 95 kilograms. Azawakh is so skinny that many outside observers believe that the animal has emaciated, but this is the natural state of the breed.

Head similar to the heads of other hunting dogs, but tends to be slightly shorter. It is not particularly large and short in relation to the body, and also very narrow, about twice as long as wide.
Muzzle Moderately long, the line of the bridge of the nose often drops slightly downward, which gives a different angle from the rest of the head. It tapers towards the end, but not tapered or pointed. The stop is relatively indistinct, rather smooth.
Nose - black or brown, depending on the color of the coat.
Eyes - almond-shaped, brown, rather large, from a distance it often seems as if a dog is squinting.
Ears Azawakhs are medium in size and hang down the sides of their heads. Set at a high level, wide at the base, the triangular ears taper to a rounded point.
Neck - gracefully curved.
Frame - incredibly thin between the chest and hind legs. Despite the fact that the Azawakh is thin and skinny, he does not look fragile, but looks athletic and strong.
Tail Azawakh is long, thin and tapering. It is usually placed low, rises above the back when moving, never curls when the animal is calm.
Limbs - incredibly long. The height of the breed is due to its legs, which are among the longest in relation to the height of the animal. Because of this, the variety is considerably taller from floor to withers than in length from chest to croup.
Paws - hare.
Coat Azawakh is short and thin on most of the body, but rather sparse and almost absent on the belly.
Coloration species attracts significant controversy as to which colors are acceptable. Breeds in Africa, found in almost all colors and patterns of all domestic dogs, including fawn, sand, red, white, black, blue, variegated, all shades of brown and chocolate.

FCI only recognizes sand, red, black, spotted and excludes all other colors. Both the UKC and AKC allow azawakhs to be displayed in any color, but as a result of European and affordable African imports: sand, red, variegated and brindle dogs are most commonly found in America. Many, but not all, have black masks and white markings, usually found on the chest and legs.

Azawakh temperament

It is known that representatives of the species differ somewhat in temperament, and some individuals are more protective and strong-willed than others. In general, the oldest western lines tend to be more docile than recent African imports. The Azawak is a very ancient breed that is much closer to the primitive species such as Basenji and Chow Chow than most other hunting dogs.

It is said that the Azawakh combines unwavering loyalty and complete independence. The species forms extremely close attachments to its family. Dogs have a very pronounced tendency to become pets of one person and avoid the affection of everyone else, although they are usually loyal to all pets. They rarely express their feelings openly, and many of them are very reserved. Azawakhs like to spend most of their time doing their own thing and will not be around the owner all the time. African people prefer loneliness (the result of cultural factors), and most Westerners willingly make contact, although they themselves rarely seek it.

Bred as protective animals, Azawakhs are usually highly suspicious of strangers. With proper training and socialization, the vast majority of them politely accept the presence of strangers. While some lines are friendly and outgoing, many are extremely reserved and detached. Almost all breed members, even after multiple intercourse, slowly make contact. Some of these dogs will never accept a new person, such as a spouse or roommate, even after many years. Without intensive training, azawakhs are usually either completely shy and shy with new people, or rather challenging and defensive.

It is unnecessary for an animal to develop the problem of aggression towards humans. Cautious, defensive and territorial Azawakhs, excellent watchmen. This breed will vocal and resolutely challenge any intruder. Although the azawakh does not prefer to contain an invasion with force, the dog will attack if it deems it necessary to defend its territory or family. The species has a mixed reputation for dealing with children. When dogs are brought up from an early age, they have a close bond with children. However, a child running and screaming can be mistaken for prey, leading to being chased and knocked down. In addition, Azawakhs who have not been socialized with children are often very suspicious of them, as well as the loud noises and jerky movements they create. Dogs do not like it when they violate their personal space, and will not tolerate careless treatment. In African villages, the Azawakhs form a wolf-like pack with complex social hierarchies. They are capable and prefer to live together with other dogs, but with the establishment of the proper order for peaceful coexistence. Almost all individuals are dominant with fellows and always try to maintain a higher position. This can lead to a number of situations, including violent confrontation. Problems usually calm down once the hierarchy is established, but conflict can break out at any time, especially between males.

When individuals form bonds with their "brothers", they tend to become very close and devoted to them. In large groups, these dogs form uncontrollable flocks. Azawakhs usually dislike "strange" dogs, and often conflict with them. Tiny breeds like Chihuahuas are often mistaken for prey that need to be controlled. This also applies to cats.

Azawakhs have a very high level of prey, which is almost impossible to control. They have a strong tendency to chase any creature they see and attack it as soon as they catch it. Such a pet, left alone in the yard for some time, is likely to present its owners with dead squirrels, mice, rats, etc. Azawakh owners should know that a dog that is the "best friend" for a family cat can be a dangerous neighbor's murk …

Health features of the Azawakh breed

The species was bred to work in the most dangerous conditions of the planet for countless centuries. Any defect would lead to his death. Azawakhs from Africa are generally extremely healthy and disease resistant. Unfortunately, many Western individuals are descended from a very limited number of dogs and overlap a lot. This allowed several genetic flaws to spread as a result of the "founder effect". If pedigree individuals are offspring, originating from an individual dog, then almost all of them will carry genes for any condition from which it suffers.

These problems are very difficult to eradicate, since the population of the species is small and it is difficult to find specimens with alternative genes. Breeders hope that through genetic testing and the continuous introduction of African ancestry, the prevalence of disease will be reduced. Azawakhs tend to live long for a dog of this size, with an average of about 12 years. In addition, some of the problems common to other breeds are practically absent.

Healthy Azawakhs are capable of not only withstanding temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but also working under them. On the other hand, the species is incredibly cold-tolerant and naturally unprotected from it. Therefore, when the temperature drops, sweaters and booties are an absolute must. Azawakhs also catch colds easily and often tremble, which is life-threatening. A dog can get frostbitten or freeze faster than other dogs.

Azavak breeders have identified a number of problems that arise in the breed at different intervals: epilepsy, wobbler's disease, hypothyroidism, seizures, autoimmune diseases, myositis-type disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, demodicosis, heart problems, bloating, cold intolerance.

Requirements for the maintenance and care of an Azawakh

Wool species has the lowest requirements for "styling". This breed only needs periodic brushing, which can often be done with a regular towel or rubber mitt 2 times a week. Azawakhs shed less than most canines. Bathing these pets is often a particular problem as many of them hate water. Therefore, they are taught to such a procedure from an early age. Otherwise, the only way out is to wipe the dog with a damp cloth or use a special dry shampoo. After washing, it is extremely important to wipe the pet dry and make sure that the room in which it dries is warm, since the breed does not like cold and quickly catches cold. You can dry your dog with the warm air of a hair dryer.
Teeth should be cleaned from a very early age, since adult Azawakhs are prone to diseases of the oral cavity: caries and periodontal disease. You should choose a soft toothbrush so as not to hurt your gums and paste with a taste that attracts the dog. Perform the manipulation at least once every three days. The use of dry food by a pet helps to prevent the accumulation of plaque. The same effect will be created by chewing pressed bones from animal veins.
Ears canine hanging form, in need of systematic cleaning from sulfur and dirt. Failure to follow the procedure will lead to accumulation of dirt, which will cause poor ventilation of the ears. In this position, otitis media, inflammation and various infections are possible. Regular adherence to normal hygiene practices will avoid these problems. The cleaning procedure is carried out once a week, with the correct selection of prophylactic drugs. This is not difficult to do. It is necessary to fill the auricle with the agent, massage a little and after a while wipe the outer part of the ear.
Eyes Inspect the Azawakh carefully after hunting or active activities of the dog. During his activity, all sorts of traumatic situations can happen, because the dog is gambling and most often, except for the goal on its way, does not notice anything. Look for scratches or cloudiness on the eyeball - if you notice something amiss, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately. The dusty eyes of a four-legged friend can be wiped with preparations that relieve irritation.
Claws Azawakhs who are not restricted in movement, most often grind off naturally. For pets that lack physical activity, claws are regularly cut with claws or filed off.
Feeding the Azawakhswho do not hunt and move little should be appropriate. In no case should you overfeed them. Excess weight threatens with serious stress on the heart, bone apparatus and digestive tract. Any initial problems can later easily develop into chronic diseases, for example, diabetes, hip dysplasia, bloating, etc. e. Dogs that hunt actively, on the contrary, should not be underfed, this also threatens health problems and loss of energy. The composition of food for any dog, whatever it does, should be selected in the balance of all nutrient minerals and vitamins. Industrial dry feed meets these requirements. It is much more difficult to balance natural food and expert advice is needed.
Walking. Bred for fast running, the Azawakh needs ample exercise and vigorous daily walking and free jogging in safe territory. It is absolutely imperative that owners provide their dogs with the appropriate energy release. Otherwise, they will develop a variety of emotional and behavioral problems, including boredom, nervousness, mania, timidity, hyperactivity, excessive excitability, destructiveness, excessive barking and aggression. However, the azawakh does not have excess physical needs that its master cannot satisfy. After class, dogs are usually very calm and relaxed indoors.

Potential Azawakh owners should be familiar with several other characteristics of the breed. Probably as a result of intolerance to cold, most individuals do not like to be wet or outdoors even in mild frost. They will never pass through a deep puddle, much less swim. In their native Africa, one of the few ways to keep cool in the scorching heat is through burial. Ultimately, the breed developed a strong digging instinct. Such dogs will dig up the entire yard, although they can be controlled by training or designated for "excavation" a certain area.

Raising an Azawakh

Breed training presents a number of difficulties and can be quite challenging. Dogs are smart, and often innovatively solve assigned tasks. The problems are related to the independent character and dominance of the Azawakh. Most individuals are ready to carry out a command if they like it and does not go against their desires. These dogs are usually completely uninterested in training and very difficult to get carried away.

The big problem for the owners is the fact that the azawakh will not listen to a person who is not considered a true leader. Owners who do not maintain a constant position of domination over such pets will soon realize that they completely ignore them. This does not mean that it is impossible to train them, it just takes a significant amount of time, effort and patience. Even the best trained and obedient Azawakhs do not respond when they chase. Therefore, the breed should almost always be kept on a leash to prevent accidents with the dog and the death of other animals.