About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 71.0-89.0 cm

Height range  : 58.0-74.0cm

Weight range : 15.0-25.0kg

Coat : short|fine|tight coat|very little hair on belly|minimal grooming

Life expectancy years : 10-14

Colors: red|clear sand to fawn|brindled|parti-color|blue|black|brown|white markings possible.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: Burkina Faso|Mali|Niger

Similar Breeds : Saluki|Greyhound|Sloughi|Whippet

 

History

An ancient African sighthound associated with nomadic peoples of the southern Sahara and the Azawakh Valley region. Sources describe origins in Burkina Faso , Mali and Niger and note the breed appeared in Europe around 1970 after centuries as a companion , hunting dog and camp guardian for Sahel nomads.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

reserved|loyal|affectionate with family|alert|independent|sensitive|watchful|quiet

Personality

loyal|reserved|attentive|gentle with known people|sensitive|intelligent|quiet|athletic

Needs

daily exercise|mental stimulation|secure fencing or leash use|warmth in cold weather|gentle consistent handling|routine ear and dental care

Social Needs

deeply bonded to family|slow to warm to strangers|can coexist with other dogs|may chase small pets|does best with experienced owners who respect sighthound and guardian traits

Grooming 

very easy to groom|occasional brushing with a firm or soft bristled brush|minimal bathing|do not overbathe|frequent ear cleaning|regular nail trimming|brush teeth at least twice weekly or daily

Nutrition

feed a high-quality complete diet appropriate for life stage|many sources advise keeping the breed slim with visible ribs and hip bones in proper condition|some breeders prefer simple whole foods while others use kibble successfully|fat around 12-16% and moderate protein around 22-26% were suggested by one breed source|avoid overfeeding especially in puppies

 

Breed Standard

rangy rectangular African sighthound with vertical longer proportions|male withers 64-74 cm and female 58-69 cm in one standard source|fine tight skin|short fine coat|deep chest|high tuck|lean muscles|thin tapering tail|drooping triangular ears

Did you know?

The Azawakh has served Sahel nomads for hundreds of years and in correct condition at least three to five ribs may be visible. It is one of the rarest dog breeds in the U.S. and is valued as both a guardian and a coursing hound.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Hypothyroidism, Seizures, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, Autoimmune Diseases, Dental Disease

 

Symptoms

1. lethargy may occur
2. weight gain may appear without more appetite
3. dry or dull coat , hair loss , skin infections or ear infections may develop

1. sudden shaking , trembling or involuntary movements may occur
2. collapse , loss of awareness may occur
3. post-episode disorientation may occur

1. non-productive retching may occur
2. enlarged tight abdomen may develop
3. restlessness , drooling , weakness or collapse may appear

1. signs may vary and can include muscle disease , generalized demodectic mange , thyroiditis , bruising or nail problems depending on the disorder
2. lethargy or collapse may occur in severe immune-mediated disease

1. tartar buildup , bad breath , red gums may occur
2. pain on chewing , loose teeth , difficulty eating may develop

Onset of symptoms

 

Hypothyroidism

middle age may be typical and PetMD notes later life tendencies for major breed issues

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate because the breed is described as prone and autoimmune thyroiditis is highlighted as a significant breed concern though the general Cornell list does not place Canaan among the most commonly diagnosed breeds

Seizures

onset may begin between 6 months and 3 years according to the breed health guide and external text notes 1 to 5 years may occur

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate because epilepsy is described as a common inherited problem in Canaans and purebred dogs are more predisposed overall

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

this is an acute emergency that may happen suddenly and risk may rise with age

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate to high risk is described because of deep narrow chest may place the breed at increased risk and the condition may be life-threatening

Autoimmune Diseases

onset may vary and can appear in young adult to middle-aged dogs according to the external text

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate because breed sources mention autoimmune thyroiditis , myositis type disease and generalized demodectic mange as concerns so immune-mediated disease risk may be present

Dental Disease

dental disease may begin early and the Azawakh breed guide says many dogs are affected by age 1

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate because the breed health guide says Azawakh may be more likely than other dogs to have dental problems

Reasons

Hypothyroidism       

 1. the body may lack adequate thyroid hormone levels such as thyroxine and this may reflect autoimmune thyroiditis or thyroid atrophy

 

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus:

1. this is not linked to a chemical lack and the content indicates it is a mechanical , physiological emergency

 

Hypothyroidism       

 1. the body may lack adequate thyroid hormone levels such as thyroxine and this may reflect autoimmune thyroiditis or thyroid atrophy

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus:

1. this is not linked to a chemical lack and the content indicates it is a mechanical , physiological emergency

 

Seizures

 1. the content suggests abnormal electrical activity may be involved rather than a simple chemical deficiency

Autoimmune Diseases

1. no simple deficiency is described because the problem may involve immune dysregulation and autoantibody activity

Dental Disease

  1. 1. no specific chemical lack is identified because plaque biofilm and inflammatory response are the core factors

Normally Treament Methods

Hypothyroidism:

  1. 1. diagnosis may require thyroid testing and the breed community indicates sighthound-specific interpretation may be important
    2. lifelong oral levothyroxine may be used and dose adjustment might be needed with monitoring

 

Seizures:

  1. 1. diagnostic workup may be needed to rule out other causes
    2. lifelong medication may be necessary in some dogs and blood testing may be used to monitor response
    3. breeding affected dogs is not recommended

 

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus:

  1. 1. immediate emergency evaluation is required
    2. stabilization with intravenous fluids , oxygen and gastric decompression may be needed
    3. surgery with gastropexy may be required and preventive gastropexy may be considered in at-risk dogs

 

Autoimmune Diseases:

  1. 1. thyroid screens , blood chemistry , autoimmune blood work and other targeted testing may be helpful
    2. immunosuppressive treatment might be used depending on the specific disease
    3. harsh chemical exposure is not recommended and careful use of chemicals is advised in this breed

 

Dental Disease:

  1. 1. daily tooth brushing , professional cleaning , scale and polish and further periodontal treatment may be needed to control progression. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Hypothyroidism :

  • 1. no supplement is established as a cure and hormone replacement may be more helpful
recommend product

Seizures

  • 1. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for supportive neurologic care according to the external text
    2. medium chain triglycerides can,might be helpful for some dogs under veterinary guidance according to the external text
recommend product

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus

  • 1. no supplement may prevent GDV according to the external text
recommend product

Autoimmune Diseases

  • 1. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for reducing inflammation
    2. vitamin E can,might be helpful in nail-related immune disease according to the external text
    3. biotin and gelatin can,might be helpful for nail support according to the external text
recommend product

Dental Disease

  • 1. no specific supplement is established in the provided text and daily oral care may be more helpful
recommend product
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