Azawakh Dog Breed - Temperament, Training, health
Originating from the Sahel region, the Sahara Desert, the proud and elegant Azawakh has always been the guard, hunter, and companion of the tribes in the region.
The name comes from the Azawakh Valley in the Sahara. Dogs of this breed are gentle and affectionate with their family, but they can be distant from strangers and do not like to be petted by people they do not know.
They are protectors of their families and property. Admirers of this breed say that it is a wonderful combination of a devoted dog but also independent.
Read on to learn more about the characteristics of this amazing and extremely rare hound breed.
Are Azawakh Protective?
The breed is characterized by the paradoxical combination of complete loyalty and total independence.
When someone approaches their territory, they bark loudly to discourage the intruder. Described as "a warrior's dog," the Azawakh is intelligent and very protective.
When there is no reason to exercise the role of guardian, the dog's attitude can be extremely varied: from friendly, to curious or from arrogant to indifference.
Although they are not very sociable dogs, in the United States, there are several cases in which they play the role of therapy dogs in rehabilitation centers and care homes.
If he socialized properly, the Azawakh will live in harmony in their family and community and will be loving, gentle, playful, and extremely loyal. They attach immensely to one of the family members and bear with great difficulty the change of masters and the home they have become accustomed to.
The dog is very suspicious of strangers; it needs time and accepts them only after studying them thoroughly.
How Do You Train Azawakh?
It is known that this breed is intelligent, affectionate, and exceptionally loyal to family members. However, Azawakh has an independent personality. They need additional training, so they are not recommended for beginners, for those who have never had a dog.
A very intelligent dog, the Azawakh learns quickly and has an amazing memory. Training should include knowledge-building techniques, such as praise and food rewards. Tough methods give the opposite result.
Start training right from the moment you bring the dog home. Even at the age of eight weeks, it is able to absorb everything you learn. Repeated training and socialization make a successful recipe for this breed.
Exercise is also very important, and if they don't make enough physical effort, the Azawakh dog can develop a number of emotional and behavioral problems, such as boredom, nervousness, anger, shyness, agitation, increased excitability, destructive spirit, excessive barking, and aggression.
Do Azawakh Have Special Dietary Needs?
The Azawakh is, by definition, a slender-looking breed, and you may have a tendency to overfeed your dog and make it obese.
Any excess fat creates problems and can put pressure on their delicate wrists. The dog of this breed does not have to be skeletal, but the fact that you see the ribs does not mean that you have to overfeed them.
The recommended daily amount: 3 cups of good quality dry food split into three meals.
Being a protein-sensitive dog, you will need to talk to your vet before determining the correct portion of meat intake. Make sure you include in its diet sliced fruits and cooked wild rice.
Do Azawakh Have Any Hereditary Health Problems?
The breed is generally healthy; however, they are prone to a few diseases, especially blood-related diseases.
If you are planning to buy an Azawakh puppy, look for a good breeder who will show you the health certificates of both dog's parents. The health certificate proves that the puppy has been tested and has no health problems.
These are the most common health issues of the breed:
Hypothyroidism - a condition of the thyroid gland. It could cause epilepsy, hair loss, obesity, lethargy, hyperpigmentation, pyoderma, and other skin diseases. It is treated with medication and diet.
Von Willebrand disease - dogs and humans alike can suffer from this condition. It is a disease of the blood that affects the clotting process. The sick dog will have nasal, gingival bleeding, prolonged bleeding in case of surgery, and prolonged bleeding after giving birth. The disease is usually diagnosed at the age of 3 to 5 years. It is an incurable disease, but it can be treated in various ways, such as cauterizing or sewing wounds, transfusions before surgery, and avoiding certain medications.
Gastric torsion - also called bloating. It is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-breasted dogs, such as the Azawakh breed, especially if they are given only one meal a day, with plenty of food, and if they eat quickly and drink plenty of water after meals. The stomach is swollen with gas or air and twists. The dog cannot belch or vomit to get rid of excess air in the stomach, and normal blood flow to the heart is difficult. Blood pressure drops sharply, and the dog goes into shock. If medical intervention is not taken immediately, the dog may die.
Idiopathic epilepsy - dogs can have spontaneous, unexplained seizures. This condition can be successfully controlled through medication and lifestyle changes, and diet. Consult your veterinarian immediately if your dog has a seizure. If this condition occurs, the dog should not reproduce.
Final Words
Think carefully before bringing home a dog of this breed; it is more advisable to get puppies because the adult ones have adaptability problems.
There are many cases in which the owners, for various reasons, gave up on them and took them to adoption centers. Once removed from the environment with which they are accustomed, Azawakh dogs have great difficulty readjusting.
A few key takeaways to remember about the Azawakh:
Being an extremely reserved dog and very suspicious of strangers, the Azawakh needs intense socialization from an early age, perhaps more than other breeds.
It is a dog prone to fattening, so it is good to carefully watch what it eats, possibly consult with the veterinarian.
Having an independent nature, they are not suitable for those who have never had a dog.