Longevity
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the Azawakh Greyhound is usually between 12 and 14 years. Suitable activity, a quality diet, a stable weight and good protection against the cold help to preserve its longevity.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Despite its slender appearance, the Azawakh is a sturdy, enduring dog and well suited to exertion. It tolerates heat better than cold and generally retains good hardiness if its way of life respects its real needs.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Vigilance mainly concerns exposure to cold, muscular condition, the quality of the paw pads after outings, and the management of meals around exercise. As with other deep-chested dogs, it is prudent to avoid intense physical activity just before and after feeding.
Sensitivity to cold: The very short coat and low fat coverage make the breed uncomfortable in low temperatures and in a humid climate.
Risk of bloat: It is advisable to avoid intense exertion just before and after meals and to split the ration into small meals.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Azawakh Greyhound tolerates hot and dry climates well, but it does not cope well with cold and prolonged humidity. During the winter period or in low temperatures, it must be protected and live indoors.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
This breed must maintain a very lean body condition without excess fat. Weight monitoring must take into account its naturally slender build and its level of activity, with a rapid adjustment of rations in the event of a decrease in exercise.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Protect the dog from cold and prolonged dampness
- Inspect the paw pads and ears after outings
- Maintain annual veterinary follow-up and regular parasite control
- Consult promptly in case of a swollen abdomen, agitation, or unproductive retching after a meal
Vaccination
Azawakh vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Azawakh need? Like all dogs, Azawakhs should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Azawakh vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Azawakh booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Azawakh need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Azawakh
An annual veterinary check-up, dental monitoring, parasite control and assessment of body condition are recommended. In a sporting dog or one intended for breeding, careful monitoring of general condition and recovery after exertion is particularly useful.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
