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Azawakh Dog Breed Introduction
Azawakh is a pure dog breed from West African countries(Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso). It is also known as Hanshee, Oska, Rawondu, or Wulo. The Hanshees are known to be deeply affectionate, independent, and loyal. They are not open to strangers and can adapt to various surroundings. Moreover, Hanshee has a short, fine coat available in red, clear sand to fawn, brindled, parti-color, blue, black, and brown colors.
Hanshees are known to be hunting dogs that have a lean and rangy bone structure and musculature can be seen beneath his skin. They have moderate to high energy levels which makes them ready to go and eager for their next adventure. In addition, Hanshees are more related to the Sloughi than it is to the Saluki.
Origin | History
Hanshees first originated from the endless arid regions of the south Sahara and the Sahel zone of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. They were owned by the blue-clad Tuareg nomads and they were used to protect their herds. They were fully accepted members of the family as they lived under the same roof. Hanshees had a primary function of a guard dog.
Hanshees are known to be hunters as they provide the family with meat. They mostly hunted the hare, antelope, and wild boar. The American Azawakh Association has been the AKC Parent Club for the Azawakh since February 2011.
Azawakh Lifespan
Hanshees have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Azawakh Grooming Needs
They have a short, fine coat that requires brushing once a week. Brushing is done by use of a soft bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove. Hanshees require occasional bathing as they do not have dog odor. Bathing can be done once in three months by use of canine-formulated shampoo and conditioner.
Use a canine dog toothpaste and toothbrush to clean the Hanshees’ teeth. Teeth cleaning prevents tartar buildup and gingivitis in the dog. Their nails should be cut after three to four weeks by using nail clippers as overly long nails can cause discomfort. Clean Hanshee ears with a damp cotton ball soaked in an ear cleanser to remove dirt and wax.
Shedding
The Hanshees don’t shed too much as they have short, fine coats.
Coat | Coat Type
Hanshees have a short, fine coat.
Hypoallergenic
It is important to note that Hanshees cannot be classified as hypoallergenic despite their low shedding. When they shed, they tend to leave dander around the house, which contains an allergenic protein. This protein has the potential to trigger allergic reactions in individuals who are sensitive to it. Furthermore, the saliva, urine, and mucus of the Hanshees also contain this protein allergen. When it comes to drooling, they are less likely to drool.
Azawakh Training
Hanshees are known to be highly intelligent an advantage when it comes to training. However, they need early training which begins three to 16 weeks since they are fiercely independent. With early training, the dogs can adopt acceptable canine habits. The Hanshees will live well with other animals, children, and elders. Socializing Hanshees is crucial to help them feel at ease with people, animals, places, and activities. It is attained by introducing the Hanshees to new dogs or people, places, and sounds like washing machines, trains, and doorbells.
The dog owners use treats, toys, and verbal praise to encourage positive behavior in the dogs. The Hanshees do not respond well to harsh or punishment-based training due to the amount of dignity it possesses. When the Hanshee is eight weeks, enrolling them in puppy classes with a trainer who has a positive approach is recommended. Reward-based training with gentle but firm corrections can result in dogs that are obedient, affectionate, and loyal.
Also, let the Hanshees be able to respond to common commands like sit, heel, and stand before introducing new commands. Additionally, to housebreak this breed, introduce them to potty training, crate training, and feeding schedules at an early age. Keep the training sessions upbeat and short to avoid distraction.
Azawakh Personality | Temperament
- Independent.
- Highly Intelligent.
- Wary.
- Aloof.
- Attentive.
- Affectionate.
- Fierce.
- Rugged.
- Refined.
- Adaptable.
- Trainable.
Exercise
Hanshees are generally known to be hunting dogs with high energy levels. They require daily exercise to keep both mind and body healthy. They require environments with big backyards, parks, or fields to enable them to run and play for half an hour. When it is left alone, it will not self-exercise but will only exercise in the presence of the owner or another dog.
Barking
Hanshees do not bark excessively but will bark to warn loved ones of danger, being protective of them.
Growling
Hanshees barely growl, and they will growl depending on the situation of the dog. Some growls may be positive like during playtime because they’re having fun. The Hanshees may also growl during a particularly pleasing cuddle or patting session. However, the dog may growl to threaten another dog, when injured, or to attack. The owners should be in a position to know their Hanshees’ various growls.
Azawakh Height
A Female Azawakh stands at 24 to 28 inches ( approx. 61 – 71cm ) while a male Azawakh stands at 25 to 29 inches ( approx. 64 – 74cm ) when measured from the withers.
Weight
A healthy Female Azawakh weighs 33 to 44 pounds ( approx. 15 – 20kg ) while a male Azawakh weighs 44 to 55 pounds (approx. 20 – 25kg ).
Size
A female Azawakh stands at 24 to 28 inches ( approx. 61 – 71cm ) and weighs 33 to 44 pounds ( approx. 15 – 20kg ). The male Azawakh stands at 25 to 29 inches ( approx. 64 – 74cm ) and weighs 44 to 55 pounds (approx. 20 kg – 25kg ).
Fat Azawakh
Hanshees will be overweight when the dog’s calorie consumption is not checked by the owners mostly during feeding. Giving the dog excess treats can cause obesity.
Apart from Hanshees, other dog breeds include:
Azawakh Puppies | Puppy | Dog Puppy
Hanshees birth four to six puppies which are healthy and unassisted. However, the puppies can be born as one or as large as ten.
Azawakh Mix
Hanshees does not have a mix as it is a pure breed.
Azawakh Health Issues
The Hanshees are known to be healthy dogs. However, the owners can have their dogs undergo health issues such as hypothyroidism, seizures, cardiac problems, and autoimmune-mediated disease. There may be a small occurrence of adult-onset idiopathic epilepsy in Hanshees. Moreover, the owners should learn what Hanshees in good weight and condition look like as they have a coat that their bone structure and muscle to show through.
Azawakh Names
Hanshees owners do name their dogs. Naming takes place before the Hanshees join the home or after they live with the owners for some time and learn their traits. The Hanshee parents have different ways of naming them for others it depends on the movies, books, coats, songs, or historical places. Furthermore, Hanshee parents should avoid naming the dogs with command words taught in training to avoid confusion. Some of Hanshees names include:
- Neema.
- Kalifa.
- Amina.
- Afra.
- Oska.
- Amsun.
- Aston.
- Semira.
- Arlo.
- Amber.
Breeding
Hanshees like other dogs do go through two heat cycles per year, on average 5 to 11 months. Depending on their breed and size, they may be ready for mating as early as six months old. However, most owners will tend to wait for the Hanshees to be more physically and mentally mature enough to cope with having puppies during the second cycle. During their heat cycle, they will display a bloody vaginal discharge and swollen genitals that usually lasts between 14 and 21 days. This discharge indicates that the female dog’s hormone levels are changing, making her ready for fertilization.
Hanshees are most fertile between days 10 and 14 of their heat cycle. To determine if Hanshees are fertile, owners can conduct two tests: a vaginal smear test and a blood test. For the dogs that are new to each other, let them meet a few days before the mating day. Breeders or owners should keep the environment calm. After ejaculation, the two dogs may become physically locked together in a “breeding tie,” which is a sign of successful mating in dogs.
In case a breeding tie happens, let the owners or breeders calm down the dogs until the period is over. If the mating is successful, the female dog will show signs of swollen mammary glands, sleep more and lose her appetite. These symptoms indicate that the dog is pregnant.
Azawakh Speed | Azawakh Running
Hanshees were bred to be guard dogs that also hunted gazelle and hare. They have a maximum speed of 64 km/hour ( approx. 40 mph).
Azawakh Feeding | Food
Hanshees are large dogs that require high-quality dog food due to their energy, age, and metabolism. They usually feed on commercially manufactured or home-prepared food depending on the veterinarian’s supervision and approval. For adult and senior dogs, they require two meals a day in the morning and evening with treats given throughout the day.
For the puppies, they have three small portion meals a day with treats given throughout the day in moderation. Some Hanshees are prone to getting overweight thus check on the dog’s calorie consumption. The owners should consult with the vets to know about the dog’s weight or diet. Additionally, provide clean fresh water for the Hanshees at all times.
Azawakh Colors
The Hanshees have standard colors including fawn, red, brindle, sandy, white, black, blue, brown, gray, and cream.
Black Azawakh
There are black Azawakhs which originate when the male or female pure breed is black and the puppies produced will have the black color. However, the black Azawakh will have white marks on the chest and legs.
Azawakh Sloughi
Azawakh and Sloughi are two different dog breeds. Although, the former went by the name of Tuareg Sloughi. The latter also known as Arabian Greyhound is a dog breed in North African deserts it is reserved, graceful, noble, and known for hunting. Azawakh is known to be a dog breed from West Africa who is independent, loyal, and deeply affectionate. Additionally, Azawakh is more related to the Sloughi.
Azawakh Hound
They belong to the Hound group as it was recognized by the AKC in 2019. However, the Hound is a hunting dog used by hunters.
Azawakh pronunciation
The word Azawakh is pronounced as Az-a-walk.
Azawakh Price | Dog Price | Azawakh Cost
The Hanshees have a price of $2000 to $3000.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Are Azawakh Good For
Hanshees are good dogs for companionship and hunting skills. They were also used by the Tuareg people who are nomadic pastoralists as livestock guards.
Do Azawakh Dogs Bark
They do not bark a lot as they will only bark to alert and to be aware of what is going on around them.
Are Azawakh Rare
Yes, the Hanshees are known to be rare dogs as they are uncommon dogs in Europe and North America.
Are Azawakh Good Guard Dogs
Yes. The Hanshees are good dogs as they are intelligent, adaptable, and highly trainable.
Azawakh Quick Facts
- Azawakh is a rare dog breed
- They are quite expensive to purchase as they are few.
- They belong to a “warrior class dog”.
