Introducing the Fox Terrier

Find out everything you need to know about the Fox Terrier: its characteristics, its behavior, its education, its price.

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The Azawakh

The Azawakh, a graceful and resilient guardian

The Azawakh, originating from the Sahel region of Africa, was bred by the Tuareg people for protection and hunting. Known for its elegance and speed, the breed has gained popularity in Great Britain for its loyalty and independence.

The Azawakh excels in hunting, guarding, and as a companion. Brave and agile, it adapts well to different roles. Loyal and affectionate with its family, it may be aloof with strangers but forms strong bonds with those it loves. Proper socialization ensures they are sociable and loving companions.

AZAWAKH FACT FILE

This section outlines the unique features of the Azawakh breed.

Group

The Azawakh belongs to the sighthound group, known for hunting by sight, speed, and agility. These dogs are independent yet loyal.

Size

Azawakhs are tall and slender, standing between 25 to 29 inches and weighing 44 to 55 pounds.

Coat length

The breed has a short, fine coat that is smooth and close to the body.

Coat color

Azawakhs typically have sandy, fawn, or brindle coats, though they can also appear in red, blue fawn, black, with some white markings.

Living environment

Best suited to homes with space to run, Azawakhs can adapt to apartments with sufficient outdoor exercise.

Sociability

Loyal and affectionate with family, Azawakhs can be reserved with strangers but are generally good with children and other dogs when socialized early.

Health

Azawakhs are generally healthy but can be prone to hip dysplasia and autoimmune disorders.

Training

Intelligent yet independent, Azawakhs need patient, gentle training with consistent positive reinforcement.

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Physical characterstics

The Azawakh, an elegant and athletic sighthound

Azawakhs are tall, slender, and perfectly balanced. Their fine, short coat often comes in fawn, brindle, or sandy shades, giving them a sleek, graceful appearance. The breed's narrow, chiseled face and almond-shaped eyes give them a dignified and alert expression.

Size and weight of the Azawakh

Azawakhs are a large breed. Females typically stand between 23.5 and 27.5 inches, while males can reach 25.5 to 29 inches in height.

In terms of weight, female Azawakhs weigh between 33 and 44 pounds, and males between 44 and 55 pounds.

These dogs grow relatively quickly, with most reaching their final size and weight by 2 years of age. Their lean physique develops early, but they continue to fill out and gain muscle throughout their first couple of years.

The coat of the Azawakh

Coat length

The Azawakh has a short, fine coat that lies close to the body. Its fur is smooth and sleek, with no waves or fringes, making it one of the more low-maintenance breeds in terms of coat care.

Coat color

The Azawakh’s coat comes in a variety of colors, including fawn, brindle, and sandy tones. Some may also display white markings, adding to their distinctive and elegant appearance.

Coat care

Azawakhs have a short coat with little to no undercoat, making shedding minimal. They shed lightly throughout the year, with no major seasonal shedding periods. Brushing once a week is usually sufficient to keep their coat healthy and smooth. Grooming requirements are minimal, and regular baths are only necessary when the dog is particularly dirty.

Other characteristics of the Azawakh

Physical features

The Azawakh is a slender, well-proportioned sighthound. Its head is narrow and finely chiseled, with almond-shaped, dark brown or amber eyes that convey alertness. The ears are set high, hanging close to the head, and slightly rounded at the tips. The body is lean yet muscular, built for speed, with long legs and a tucked abdomen, giving it a graceful, elegant look.

Temperament & behavior

What is the temperament of the Azawakh?

Azawakhs are known for their loyalty, protectiveness, and affection toward their families. Although independent, they form strong bonds with their owners and are gentle and devoted companions.

Azawakh category

There are approximately 400 recognized dog breeds, classified into 10 groups. The Azawakh belongs to the sighthound group, which includes breeds such as Greyhounds and Whippets.

Sighthounds are known for their incredible speed, sharp vision, and strong hunting instincts. These breeds are typically agile, intelligent, and independent. The Azawakh, in particular, is both a skilled hunter and a loyal guardian, combining remarkable instincts with a reserved yet affectionate temperament.

Behavior of the Fox Terrier

A loyal and independent companion

The Azawakh is a graceful yet independent dog, known for its loyalty and protectiveness toward its family. While not overly demonstrative, it forms deep bonds with its owner and shows affection in subtle ways. Azawakhs thrive with an attentive owner who is present and engaged, as this ensures their well-being and proper development.

Sociable, yet reserved

Although the Azawakh is a loyal companion, it tends to be reserved with strangers. It is generally sociable with people, especially when socialized from a young age. Azawakhs can be good with children, but early socialization is essential to help them develop into well-adjusted adults. Their affectionate nature makes them a generous companion, but they require consistent guidance to fully embrace their sociability.

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The Azawakh's living environment

Adapts well with proper attention

Azawakhs can adapt to various living environments, whether in apartments or houses, urban or rural. However, they require plenty of love and attention from their owner to thrive. Daily exercise is essential, with at least two walks a day, each lasting 30 minutes or more.

Space to roam and explore

Though adaptable, the Azawakh benefits most from an environment where it can freely explore outdoors. This breed needs space to satisfy its curiosity and burn off energy, making a yard or regular access to open areas ideal for its well-being.

Training the Azawakh

Intelligent but independent learners

The Azawakh is a highly intelligent breed, capable of learning quickly. However, their independent nature means training can require patience and persistence. Positive reinforcement and consistent routines are key to effective training. Given their strong prey drive and speed, it's a good idea to equip them with a GPS collar to prevent them from getting lost or running off during off-leash activities.

Independent but responsive

While Azawakhs can be a bit aloof, they are responsive to a confident, consistent owner. Early socialization is essential to encourage their listening skills and prevent stubborn behavior. With proper guidance, Azawakhs can become obedient companions, but their independent streak means training should be approached with understanding and patience.

Health & nutrition

How to take care of the Azawakh

The Azawakh is generally a healthy and hardy breed. However, daily care is essential to prevent potential health issues. Regular attention to hygiene and consistent preventive measures help maintain the breed's well-being, reducing the risks of diseases and infections.

The health of the Azawakh

Illnesses

Azawakhs are usually robust and not prone to frequent illnesses. However, like many large breeds, they may be susceptible to conditions such as hip dysplasia and autoimmune disorders. These issues can lead to discomfort, lameness, or joint pain if not properly managed. The breed typically has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.

An Azawakh which has its ears examined by the vet

Routine care

Routine veterinary check-ups are vital for keeping your Azawakh healthy. Regular vaccinations, deworming, and parasite treatments should be kept up-to-date. Daily care includes brushing the coat once a week, cleaning the ears, trimming nails, and maintaining dental hygiene to prevent tartar build-up. Azawakhs may have skin sensitivities or allergies, so consult your vet for advice. The Azawakh is not considered a hypoallergenic breed.

Feeding the Fox Terrier

Daily requirements

Like all breeds, the Azawakh has specific nutritional needs that must be met to maintain its vitality and strength. A balanced diet rich in proteins and vitamins is essential for this active breed. Premium kibble, designed to meet their dietary needs, provides a solid nutritional foundation. For especially active Azawakhs, you can supplement their diet with lean white or red meat, ensuring it's low in fat to prevent weight gain while providing the necessary proteins for energy and muscle maintenance.

Breeding or adoption & cost

What does an Azawakh cost?

The Azawakh is a highly regarded but rare breed, with only a few specialized breeders. It's important to consider several factors before adopting.

How to choose your Azawakh

Finding the right breeder

Before adopting a Azawakh, there are some important points to consider. First and foremost, you need to check that the breeder is reputable. This means visiting the breeder's premises to assess the living conditions and behavior of the dogs. Responsible breeders will provide transparent information about the puppy's health and any genetic illnesses in its lineage.

Lastly, mandatory electronic identification, like microchipping, is not always mandated at the federal level in the United States for cats and dogs. But microchipping is widely acknowledged as a successful way to permanently identify pets and increase the possibility of reuniting lost pets with their owners, even in the absence of universal regulations. As a pet owner, it is advised to inform yourself about municipal laws to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your pet.