The most important things to know about living with Azawakh are…
First: these are not outdoor-dogs, backyard-dogs or bed-in-the-laundry dogs. These are front-and-centre, on-the-couch, in-front-of-the-fire dogs. You may buy an Azawakh the most luxurious dog bed in the world; and they will use it… in between lying on the couch, or on your bed, should you leave the door open. This is not up for negotiation. Fortunately, they keep themselves exceptionally clean, and their short, single coat sheds very little.
Second: Azawakh live to be with you. They love to love you and be loved by you. On a rainy day, they will snuggle against your body in contented quietude, asking only occasional smooches, belly rubs and back scratches. On a sunny day, they will be ready to accompany you on any adventure you seek. They will also adore your children, if raised with them from puppyhood. However, be aware that when excited, their bouncy, mouthy games can be a bit rough for kids their own size or smaller, so supervision and ongoing training (of all involved!) is essential. They are not a dog to wait alone at home, even if you have other pets to keep them company.
Incidently, if you have other dogs – or cats – they will be expected to enjoy the uniquely Azawakhian approach to cuddling, which is: climb onto wherever the individual is sitting, stand four-square over them for a few moments before belly-flopping directly on top of them. Azawakh regard this as deeply affectionate. Non-Azawakh may not.
Third: Azawakh have a big voice, and enjoy using it. They produce an exuberant yodel when greeting their favourite people and/or initiating play; a deep bark upon detecting a strange sound; and an all-out cacophony if that sound materialises into an actual “something”. A quiet Azawakh does not exist.
Even when silent, Azawakh communicate extensively with their mouths, using a range of nibbles, soft bites, arm-holds, lip-curling smiles and even pointedly in-your-face yawns to show their affection. This can take a little getting used to, as despite the breed’s delicate facial features, those desert-derived teeth are big! But once you understand their language, it is as comical as it is endearing. A gentle nibble on your bottom is an Azawakh’s favourite way to say “I love you”.
Fourth: the customary principle of “all paws on the floor” is not one to which Azawakh subscribe. They believe cuddles should be conducted in the human manner, with their elegant forepaws placed lightly on your shoulders whilst you provide another back scratch. Their favourite indoor pasttime is a delightfully acrobatic version of “the floor is lava”, and, if you are so inconsiderate as to leave your food on inconveniently high surfaces such as kitchen benches, they have no choice but to stand on tip-toe to reach it.
Fifth: The critical need for lifelong socialisation cannot be overstated. Azawakh are innate, uncompromising guard dogs. Their tendency towards sharpness stems not from aggression, but from fear of the unknown. Think about it: in a Sahelian nomad’s camp, the approach of something – or someone – strange is unlikely to be a good thing. An overly trusting hound is not only at risk; it is no use to its master. For millennia, suspicion equalled survival for Azawakh.
A good breeder will begin the socialisation process the moment the puppies’ eyes open, and you must continue it until your Azawakh is old and grey. Socialisation is not just having the neighbours in for coffee or taking a walk around the park with your friend and their dog. It means taking your pup with you everywhere you can, as often as you can, and helping him or her experience as much of the world as possible, as early as possible, and in a positive fashion. A few months’ puppy classes at your local dog obedience club is a great place to start; and the more visitors you bring home with treats in their pockets, the better.
It is equally important to establish yourself as your Azawakh’s leader. A true leader is more than just a “boss”. You might comply with your boss’ instructions during a normal work-day – but in a crisis? Would you trust their judgement over your own? This is the level of confidence your Azawakh must have in you for them to become the calm, stable companion you desire. When you tell them to resist their instincts and allow a new visitor into the house, or ignore a pushy dog at the beach – you are asking them not just to respect your authority, but to trust your assessment of what is and isn’t safe.
That said… be aware: even if you do everything right, your Azawakh will never be a Golden Retriever. This is why all of us who know and worship them will tell you: they are not the dog for everyone. Whilst individuals vary, (our dear Amzhad is affectionate to all comers, and Bash warms up very quickly when away from home, where his guarding instincts are strongest), most Azawakh are persistently aloof with strangers and not always especially fond of dogs outside their own “pack”. So whilst socialisation and leadership will mean they don’t puncture your in-laws, they may still sit sulkily, glaring from a corner until they leave. They are quick to learn on-leash manners and if you train them properly, they will do you proud down the street, around the park or along the beach – but if an off-leash dog comes bounding into their faces, it may not be well received.
Sixth: when off-duty from guarding, Azawakh are still sighthounds. They cannot resist the urge to chase things which move, and it is unwise to allow them off-leash unless safely contained. They can jump or climb fences and squeeze through narrow spaces, thus a secure home area is a must. Raising them with livestock teaches them these are not prey, but it may not stop them from being cheeky; bouncing exuberantly around herd animals in an effort to get them moving. Azawakh are often just as entertained by being chased as doing the chasing, thus there are dangers in both directions. Wildlife interactions do not end well; and birds are especially unlikely buddies, as they seem to elicit a stronger predatory drive than other critters.
And finally … contrary to the traditional sighthound stereotype … and perhaps seemingly at odds with everything just said … Azawakh DO dearly love to please you.
These are the loyalest dogs anyone could ask for and, especially if treats are involved, respond exceptionally well to positive-based training. They take great pleasure in learning tricks, and are quick to see agility obstacles as fun-filled pieces of play equipment. They are capable of a rapid recall, and will perform obedience and rally manoevres elegantly so long as you avoid repetitive drilling. Some, like our Bash, absolutely love to play fetch, and there are those proving to have the drive and coordination to make it in flyball. Of course, many Azawakh, especially in Europe, are absolute stars on the lure-coursing field… although some (like Kora) are known to look down their beautiful noses at such unnecessary exertion, and prefer simply to spectate.
Oh… and they have a real thing about nibbling bottoms. How firmly depends upon how well they know you 😉