Azawakh

Elegant and strong, the Azawakh is an African sighthound that has bones and muscles visible beneath their skin. They are graceful and powerful runners, built for speed. Their heads are often called aerodynamic, driving home the point that they are dogs on a mission. A fine and short coat covers them and comes in a rainbow of colors.

Azawakh Breed Overview

The Azawakh hails from West Africa, where modern-day Mali and Niger exist. They were traditionally kept by Tuareg nomads, earning them the moniker Tuareg Sloughi. Even then, they were treated as part companion dog, part hunter. They have a powerful ability to quickly traverse all sorts of terrain, making it look easy.  

Azawakh Facts

• They are a type of African sighthound that has been around for thousands of years.
• They are a relatively rare dog breed in the United States.
• They first came to the U.S. in the 1980s from West Africa.
• They are sometimes called the Tuareg Sloughi, which means “sleek desert sighthound.”
• The breed is pronounced “Az-a-walk.”
• These dogs are fiercely independent.

How to Care for Your Azawakh

Here’s what you need to know about nutrition & feeding, health & wellness, grooming & hygiene, and living with the Azawakh.  

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed an Azawakh

The Azawakh is an intentionally slim dog, similar to the better-known sighthounds like Greyhounds.  The best dog food for them is one high in quality protein, moderate carbohydrates, and balanced healthy fats. Look for food that fits their stage of life, such as puppyhood, adulthood, or seniors. If your Azawakh is highly active, you might want to try a food formula made specifically for them, such as Purina Pro Plan Sport options.

How Much to Feed an Azawakh

It’s super important that these dogs maintain a healthy weight. While these are medium-sized dogs, it’s best to consult your vet or use a tool like the Purina Feeding Calculator to get the right amount of food based on your dog’s weight, age, activity level, and the specific food you wish to feed them. Azawakhs can be fed over two scheduled feedings rather than free feeding, which can also help with weight.

Treats & Supplements

You might want to use treats in conjunction with positive reinforcement training for an Azawakh. They should be low in calories and high in protein, and you should use them sparingly to help the dog maintain its weight. Treats should not account for more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. Supplements can be discussed with your vet, who might suggest joint supplements, omega-3 fatty acid supplements, or probiotics for your dog.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

Establish routine checkups with your dog’s vet to discuss vaccine schedules, parasite prevention, and other preventive measures. They can also advise you on spaying or neutering your dog and how to start a good dental care routine to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease, which can affect your dog’s lifespan. While the Azawakh is a relatively healthy dog, they can be prone to conditions like hypothyroidism and epilepsy, which your vet can monitor for.

Azawakh Enrichment & Exercise Needs

Bred to run the Sahara desert, Azawakhs appreciate being given plenty of time and room to run. Their mental needs must also be met with puzzles, toys, and games that play into their sighthound strengths. They have a strong prey drive, so they should always be supervised while off-leash in a secure, fenced-in area. Give them “work” to do, and they’ll be happy.

Understanding Your Azawakh’s Behavior

Bred to think independently, they can have a stubborn streak when it comes to training. Be sure to use consistent and gentle methods. An under-stimulated Azawakh can become a destructive dog, digging, chasing, and doing other things for attention. Keep them well exercised and mentally engaged, though, and they’ll be well-mannered. They are also de facto guard dogs and can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization can help.

What to Expect as Your Azawakh Ages

A healthy Azawakh can live to be 10 to 12 years old. Switch them to a senior dog food (when your vet recommends it) to help with things like mental sharpness and slowing down. Maintain your dog’s healthy weight to decrease the likelihood that there is increased pressure on their joints. Your Azawakh might be more sensitive to the cold as they get older; they might need a sweater as the temperature drops.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

The short coat of the Azawakh is low-maintenance. Brush frequently to redistribute skin oils and to remove dead or loose hairs. They shed, but minimally compared to other breeds, and they do not need baths unless dirty. Because they have such a short and thin coat, these dogs can have sensitive skin. Talk to your vet about what to do if you see skin irritations during your grooming routine.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

Use a vet-approved regimen to clean the Azawakh’s ears, and trim their nails regularly to prevent cracking and splitting, which can be painful for the dog.  Because they are sensitive to the cold, you might need to invest in booties or keep them from walking on cold surfaces when it’s chilly outside. Establish a good dental routine – this breed is more susceptible than others to dental disease.

Anal Gland Care

Your Azawakh may or may not be able to express their anal glands naturally. Sometimes, an abscess might occur. You’ll know it’s time to call a vet if your dog is emitting a foul-smelling odor, straining to go, licking excessively, or scooting.

Living With an Azawakh

Living Space

Azawakhs do best when they have a lot of room to run, especially in a fenced-in area. They have a high prey drive, and might try to escape if they see something they like – and because they’re so fast, it might be hard to catch them. You’ll need to make sure they have a dedicated space indoors to get warm, too.

Socialization

Because these dogs are naturally suspicious, they will need early and frequent socialization. They are generally okay when introduced to other dogs, although you should do it slowly. They might not be as good with smaller animals like small dogs, rabbits, gerbils, and cats, thanks to their high prey drive and instincts to chase. They’re best for families with no children or older children who can help with their exercise and mental stimulation needs, but small children could be okay if the children can respect the dog’s boundaries.

Climate Considerations

Bred in Africa, Azawakhs don’t love cold climates or wet weather. They prefer moderate to warmer temperatures. If you live in a colder area, make sure your dog has a warm and cozy place to rest inside, and limit exposure during colder months. Provide sweaters and booties if necessary to keep them warm. If it’s wet outside, dry them thoroughly. Even if you do live in warmer places, do not leave this breed outside for long periods of time in hot weather. Exercise them during the coolest parts of the day and give them plenty of shade and water.

Potential Challenges

The Azawakh was bred to be a hardworking companion dog that enjoys having a job to do. If their stimulation needs aren’t met, they can be destructive, digging, chasing, and doing other undesirable behaviors. Their high prey drive and instinct to endlessly pursue will need to be worked on with socialization and training, as well as giving them outlets to satisfy it, such as games and puzzles. Their weight needs to be carefully managed – something you can do alongside your vet to make sure they are receiving enough calories but are not being overfed. Lastly, they prefer warmer climates, but can do okay in colder ones as long as you limit exposure and are willing to invest in a dog sweater wardrobe.

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