Dog Azawak African Hound

Breed characteristics

• Popularity                                      **
• Training                                         ******
• The size                                         ******
• Mind                                              *******
• Security                                         *******
• Relationship with children            ********
• Agility                                           **********
• Shedding                                        ****

Breed Information

The country	Mali
Life span	10-12 years old
Height	Males: 64-74 cm Bitches: 60-70 cm
Weight	Males: 20-25 kg Bitches: 15-20 kg
Longwool	short
Color	black, brindle, sand brown, gray
Group	for children, hunting, guard

History

Azawak is an ancient and rare breed of dog that originated in the Sahara Desert, namely in the Sahel region. In this region there is the Azawak Valley – in fact, various legends and beliefs connect the breed with it. In fact, no one can say exactly when this particular breed appeared in the endless sands of the Sahara Desert, however, nomadic tribes endow it with a very long history.

Modern researchers agree that the breed has been at least 2,000 years old, and at least the last 1,000 years have been domesticated. The Azawak breed is sometimes also called the Tuareg greyhound since it is the nomadic Tuareg tribes that are believed to have perfected dogs for centuries. By the way, one of the features is the absence of impurities of any other breeds for almost the last 1000 years, since the Tuaregs generally live quite apart, in addition, they themselves were always primarily interested in maintaining the purity of the breed.

Also, it is believed that the Azawakh developed in the Niger Basin, almost without leaving the region. That is, environmental conditions also contributed to maintaining the purity of the breed, due to which, in an extremely isolated environment, the Azawakh existed until 1970. Since 1981, the breed has officially registered FCI internationally.

That is, it can be said that fate itself saved the breed from mixing blood with other breeds, due to which there are simply no purebred individuals now. On the other hand, purebred individuals are also very few, because in their homeland their number does not increase, but remains the same or even, rather, decreases, while the rest of the dog-breeding world also experiences an extreme shortage. Which affects the price. Traditionally, dogs were used for hunting and watchdog functions, however, over time, keeping them became a sign of status.

Description

Over a long time of its evolution, the Azawakh breed has developed amazing qualities that are directly related to their physique. This is very thin skin, on which there is practically no hair, but there are many blood vessels for better cooling (by the way, the Azawad can tolerate very intense heat). The muscles are flat, with excellent drawing. The head is narrow and long, the limbs are long. The coat is short.

Personality

First of all, what you need to know is emotional sensitivity and estrangement from everyone in general. Only the owner can be an exception – if you manage to become the leader, friend, and just a good owner for the animal. Azawak is a typical representative of domestic animals, choosing one person to whom he is exclusively devoted.

Many dog ​​personality traits are also associated with this, for example, isolation and distrust. There are several legends when the owner gave the order to the Azawak, and he executed it even despite the opposition of family members in the absence of the owner. Moreover, nobody succeeded in breaking the dog’s will, although the outcome in Eastern legends is different and sometimes unpredictable, which sometimes ends with the death of the animal.

However, it is such a legendary strength of character called “djikku” that causes the greatest respect among the harsh desert peoples. For the future owner, this can only mean one thing – do not try to reorder your pet, as this will not end in anything good. Of course, the Azawakh breed is one of those that need socialization in the first place. Therefore, try to have your dog from a very early age communicate with other people, animals, and communication should be extremely positive and open.

If the pet is guilty, beatings and generally similar behavior are unacceptable. These are very smart dogs that can draw conclusions on their own, and often, so to speak, on their own mind. Here you need to behave with restraint, patiently, wisely, with kindness and patience. Strictness should be shown only when it is truly necessary.

Dogs perceive strangers extremely incredulously and completely, guard functions are excellent (they have a very developed sense of their own territory), although, in order to restrain the robber, you may need a more powerful breed. Children and other pets perceive normally. It has a high level of energy, needs long walks, and is able to develop tremendous speed when running, shrinking like a spring.

Care

Since these dogs have virtually no hair, combing is not required, with rare exceptions. You need to bathe with shampoo with the correct pH, at least 1 time per week, eyes are usually cleaned daily, ears 2-3 times a week. Claws are cut about 3 times a month.

Common diseases

There are few data on the health of the Azawakh breed, but remember that they do not tolerate the open sun (but not the heat in general), are cold and are sensitive to anesthesia.