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 Azawakh Training and Temperament
The smooth-coated Azawakh hound is attentive, aloof and is reserved with strangers. They have a natural tendency to guard.
As with all dogs, Azawakh training should be started as a puppy. To prevent behavioral problems later in life, training should follow a recognized training regime.
Either enroll in a certified local dog training school or read this.
First Impressions
A short coupled dog of the greyhound family. The back skull is wider than that of the other running dogs and swellings on the side of the face are characteristic of the breed
The History Of The Azawakh
The Azawakh is also known as Tuareg Sloughi. They originated in Mali around 1000 AD.
The nomadic Tuareg tribes of the southern Sahara use the Azawakh as a sight hound. Chasing down gazelle and other fleet game animals and slowing them down for the mounted hunters to dispatch.
The Azawakh is related to the Sloughi and the smooth Saluki and can be distinguished from them by its distinctive red coloration with white socks and shorter body.
In its native Mali the dog is used as a guard dog. In 1970 some examples of the breed were taken to France and have attracted a small but dedicated following for the breed.
Description Of The Azawakh
Pendant ears hug the cheeks and neck. The long tail is not altered.
The breed averages 23 - 29 inches tall at the shoulder and averages 37- 55 pounds.
The Azawakh sight hound is leggy and elegant giving an impression of finesse. This dogs body fits into a rectangle with the longer sides in vertical position. The Azawakh's skin is tight over the whole of the body.
The coat is short and comes in fawn with flecking limited to the extremities. All shades are admitted from light sable to dark fawn. The head may have a black mask and the blaze is inconsistent.
These dogs are extremely fast and can reach speeds of up to 37 mph.
Coat & Grooming
The smooth, short-haired coat is simple to groom. Just comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
Life Expectancy and Health
The average life span for a Azawakh is around 12 years.
Reported health problems are skin allergies, sensitive to anesthetic and some insecticides common in flea and tick medication.
Please read our page on health problems by clicking here.
Preferred Environment and Exercise Requirements
The Azawakh will be fine in an apartment as long as they are given sufficient exercise. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will suit. Azawakhs are sensitive to the cold but will be fine in cold climates as long as they are given a coat to wear when outside.
Azawakhs kept as pets should be encouraged to run free on open ground, in addition to long, brisk walks.
For More Information on the Azawakh
To get more information, check out the Azawakh web site:
www.geocities.com/~wwazawakhs/azca.html
The breed is too rare for rescue dogs to be available.
Summary
One of the fastest running dogs. Has been clocked at nearly 40 miles an hour. Not great with children as their natural instincts are to chase and knock down.
:: Azawakh Training ::
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