How Much Does an Azawakh Cost?

Azawakhs are African sighthounds having a lissome, elegant gait. They may have descended from the pariah dog breeds of the Saharan Sahel region and are named after the Azawagh region. Not much is known about this ancient breed, just that they may have been raised by the nomadic tribes known as the Tuaregs. 

This guide covers vital information about the Azawakh dog breed’s cost. It is a comprehensive guide that will cover everything you need to know about buying one: the price of an Azawakh puppy followed by its training, food, and medical costs. We will also cover the monthly, annual, and lifetime costs of owning this beautiful breed.

If you see an Azawakh in motion, you will find that it moves with the same grace and fluidity seen in other sighthounds like Greyhounds, Salukis, etc. Its large almond-shaped eyes are its other noteworthy features and they are sure to capture your heart forever!

While Azawakhs are usually good with kids and other pets, they do need firm-yet-gentle handling and tons of socialization. Also, they won’t be content with being lapdogs; rather they need plenty of exercise without which, they can get bored, even destructive.

The breed is relatively rare in the United States and there are very few breeders in the country. That is why an Azawakh puppy can cost anywhere between $2000 and $3000. 

The AKC recognizes the Azawakh as a Foundation Stock Service breed which is the first step towards being recognized. This is why they are allowed to participate in AKC events.

Here is a summary of costs for raising an Azawakh:

How Much Does an Azawakh Puppy Cost?

The cost of an Azawakh puppy depends entirely on the breeder. You can find 3-4 reputed breeders in the USA on this site. Breeders like Noblewinds charge between $1500 and $2000 for their pups. Kel simoon Azawakh – a respected breeder from Tennessee – charges between $2000 to $3000. Many of these ethical Azawakh breeders offer a 3-year health guarantee, a microchip, and registration for each puppy.

Always talk to several breeders before you shortlist one. Ensure that they are genuinely interested in the breed’s welfare and not in making money. Good breeders will socialize their pups and also carry out health checks on the sire and dam before breeding. This can reduce the risk of genetic diseases in the puppies.

Factors that Affect an Azawakh Puppy’s Cost

Breeders

Breeders having championship sires and dams tend to charge more for their pups. Also, reputed breeders provide a multi-year health guarantee that covers genetic issues. Most also remove dewclaws of puppies and vaccinate and deworm them. Some breeders provide their puppies with plenty of socialization, microchip them, and register them. All these factors can drive up the puppy’s price significantly.

Colors

Azawakhs are available in colors like brindle, red, brown, clear sand, dark fawn, red, parti-color, blue, and black. Brown and sable or red base are usually common and popular. As the breed has not been recognized by the AKC, there are no defined standards. The UK Kennel Club allows all shades from light sand to dark mahogany. Puppies having these coat colors tend to cost more.

Here is a table showing the minimum and maximum price of Azawakh pups:

Basic Supplies for Azawakh and Approximate Costs

It is important to have some basic supplies on hand before you bring your Azawakh puppy home. If you already have other pets, then you might have most of these items. Still, it is best to buy extras and make sure all pets have their basic supplies to avoid aggression and fights.

Dog bed

Yur Azawakh loves to sleep so a comfortable dog bed is a must-have. In the beginning, you can choose an inexpensive dog bed. Later, you can invest in a sturdier one that is chew-proof and can withstand your pet’s sharp teeth. Do not spend more than $30 on a basic bed.

Collar and leash

These items are important to have on hand as you’d need them right away to get your Azawakh started with potty training. Many Azawakh owners use martingale collars which tighten up to a certain point. They are much better for the Azawakh’s slender neck as regular collars could slip off. You can also choose wider collars that disperse pressure more evenly and prevent rubbing their slender neck. While shopping for collars and leashes, also invest in some ID tags. Spend about $30 on these items.

Grooming tools

The good news is that your Azawakh does not need too much grooming. You also won’t need to take it to a professional groomer as much as some of the long-haired breeds. However, it is still advisable to keep basic grooming tools like brushes, combs, shampoo, and nail clippers or grinders. You can also keep some pet wipes for cleaning its eyes and ears. Total cost – around $50.

Toys

Azawakhs need toys like Kong toys to keep them occupied. If you exercise your pet daily, then toys may not be very important. However, an Azawakh puppy can make use of teething toys and chew toys during its teething phase.

Training tools

House-training is very important for every puppy and you must begin it right away – right from the day your pet comes home. This will prevent indoor soiling – which can save you a lot of hassle in the future. 

Invest in some dog potty training pads or puppy pee pads. You will also need stain removers and odor eliminator sprays. The latter will prevent your dog from urinating in the same spot over and over. The cost of these basic house-training tools is around $40.

Here is a table showing basic supply costs for your Azawakh:

Azawakh Training Costs

Azawakhs are not the easiest breed to train as they can be quite stubborn. Moreover, they are sensitive, so they need a firm-yet-gentle approach when being trained.

If you are experienced in training sighthounds, then go ahead and train your Azawakh at home. Be consistent and soon you will have a well-behaved companion on hand. You can take some inputs from YouTube videos that teach you how to train stubborn dogs. However, if you have no prior experience in dog training, then it is best to leave this task to the experts.

You have several options before you when it comes to training an Azawakh puppy. Based on the choice you make, the dog training cost will vary.

Group dog training lessons are affordable and also quite effective but if your Azawakh is likely to get distracted by the other dogs around, then it may be best to hire a personal dog trainer. In places like PetCo and PetSmart, you can get group dog training classes for as low as $20. On average, group dog training costs are between $20 and $80 per class. Private trainers, on the other hand, charge between $30 and $120 per lesson. 

There is also the option of doggy boot camp training where you board your buddy with a dog trainer who teaches your pet everything from potty training to obedience. These sessions can be costly though – most average between $500 and $1250 per week.

Azawakh Food Costs

In the first few days, it is best to feed the same puppy food that the breeder was feeding your pet. This is very important to avoid digestive upsets. As your Azawakh grows, you can discuss its diet with a vet and tweak it as needed.

Even if you do not change your dog’s food, you will need to change its feeding times and portions. Puppies need more food – ideally divided into 3-4 smaller meals. Once your Azawakh is an adult, you can taper it to 2 meals per day.

The amount and type of food will also vary based on your Azawakh activity levels. The more active your dog is, the more food it will be able to eat without affecting its waistline. Remember: like all sighthounds, Azawakhs need to maintain that lean frame – more so if they are performing or competing.

Here are some more dietary guidelines for Azawakh:

• An adult Azawakh needs at least 18% protein whereas a puppy needs 22%.
• Feed 2 cups of high-quality kibble mixed with 500 grams of fresh, human-grade meat to an active adult Azawakh. Many breeders recommend the BARF or raw diet for this breed.

The following table shows the cost breakup and quantity of food you need to buy every month for your adult Azawakh:

Dog Food Comparison for Azawakh Dogs

When shopping for your dog’s food, you might see many different varieties in the market. It is very important to buy the best, highest-quality food containing premium ingredients. This is because low-quality or cheap foods contain fillers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. These could impact your Azawakh’s health and performance drastically.

Azawakhs grow into medium-large dogs. Males measure about 29 inches tall and weigh between 40 to 55 lb. Female Azawakhs are slightly smaller and lighter. In any case, puppies, adults, females, and male Azawakhs all need a healthy diet to maintain their lean muscular frames.

The  National Research Council of the National Academies recommends a total of 1192 calories per day for an active adult male or female Azawakh. If your dog participates in coursing events, then these calorie needs will be higher. In any case, you may want to discuss the same with your vet.

In the Azawagh region, nomads feed millets and meat to their domesticated dogs. You can also choose grain-free or ancestral-grain-based foods for this breed. 

Here are some top choices in dog food for the breed:

Best Dog Food for Azawakh

Azawakh Medical Costs

If you’ve brought your Azawakh puppy from a reputed breeder, then it may have received most of its initial vaccines and deworming medicines. You will still need to return to the vet for its booster shots.

Your pet needs several core vaccines to prevent canine diseases like parvovirus, hepatitis, and distemper, etc. Most vet clinics charge between $40 and $100 for basic core and non-core vaccines.

Flea and tick prevention is also important – these pests may seem small but they can wreak havoc on your pet’s health. Most preventive medicines cost between $40 and $200 depending on the type used.

Spaying and neutering is another major medical expense to account for – if you plan not to breed your dog, then get it de-sexed. Spaying costs around $200 and neutering surgery costs $100 in most cities.

Here is a table showing vaccinations your puppy will need along with the age to administer them:

Other medical costs

In addition to spaying, neutering, vaccines, flea-tick prevention, and deworming costs, your pet could also need dental cleaning and routine exams. A single trip to the vet for a wellness checkup can set you back by $50. Dental examination and scaling treatment can cost between $100 and $300.

Treating an ear infection with antibiotics or solving a stomach upset issue can set you back by another $50 to $100. Eye issues, fractures, heart trouble, joint-related ailments can be very costly and could cost thousands of dollars in diagnostic, medicines, and hospitalization. Blood tests, X-rays, and scans can also cost between $500 and $1500 on average.

Common Diseases in Azawakhs

The most common illnesses seen in the Azawakh breed are:

Hypothyroidism

Dogs with hypothyroidism can gain weight despite reduced appetite. Some show lethargy and no desire to exercise. They may also have a dull, thin coat. Some also have increased pigmentation on the skin. Most cases of hypothyroidism are hereditary and good breeders should avoid breeding affected dogs so that the puppies can be protected from the condition. The cost of treating hypothyroidism in Azawakhs can be almost $850 in the first year and $300 per year after that.

Seizures

Azawakhs with seizures tend to have a reduced lifespan. The cost of diagnosing and treating seizures can be $200 to $500 a year. Many modern medicines for canine seizures cost nearly $500 to $5000!

Masticatory myositis

Masticatory myositis or MMM is an inflammatory auto-immune disease affecting the muscular system. It can cause excruciating pain in the facial muscles, the inability to chew, and other debilitating symptoms. Most dogs with MMM can be treated with steroids. 

Pet Insurance for Azawakhs – Is It Worth Buying?

As can be seen, the medical costs for an Azawakh can quickly add up, and even more so if your dog develops any of the health issues described above. 

This is where pet insurance can come to your rescue. Pet insurance helps cover the majority of the medical costs and some even reimburse almost 90% of the bills.

Dog insurance is especially useful if your pet meets with an accident, develops a major illness, or gets injured. Some plans also cover preventative treatments, alternative therapies, and supplements, as well as prescription medicines. Many are flexible enough to allow you to customize your annual limits, deductibles, and even reimbursement rates.

Here are some of the top insurance companies along with their features and approximate monthly costs: 

Additional Costs of Azawakh Ownership

The cost of owning a dog can vary from household to household. In addition to the food, medical, and training costs, you may also incur the following:

Dog walking 

As mentioned earlier, your Azawakh won’t be happy if you make it spend all its time indoors without any work and play. These sighthounds need to run or at least walk off all that restless energy daily.

If you do not have the time to exercise your dog, then do hire an experienced dog walker or handler for the job. You also need to provide your Azawakh with an enclosed yard to run and play. The typical price of a dog-walking service is between $30 and $50 for such high-energy dog breeds.

Home improvements

Azawakhs tend to have a strong prey drive so if your yard is not protected by an enclosed fence, then it is likely to dash out into the traffic. Build a solid fence to prevent your Azawakh from chasing small animals. The cost of home improvements could be around $500 to $1000.

Pet sitter/boarding

In the event you travel, you need to either board your dog at a pet hostel or hire a pet sitter. A single night at a dog hostel can cost around $50. Even if you make 2-3 weekend trips annually, then expect to pay between $100 and $300 just on pet hostels.

You can also consider hiring a pet sitter to watch your dog while you’re gone. These services usually cost $40 per hour or between $50-$75 for an overnight stay to watch your dog.

Microchipping and registration

Many breeders take this task up but if you have adopted your puppy, or purchased it from a breeder who did not microchip your pet, then shell out $45 to $55 for the small procedure. Registering may not be included in this price.

Key Takeaways – How Much Does an Azawakh Cost?

As can be seen, Azawakh is a relatively high-maintenance dog breed. So, it simply isn’t enough to consider how much an Azawakh puppy costs. You must also account for all other costs of dog ownership. Here is a quick summary to help you financially plan for your new dog:

Initial cost

The initial cost of owning an Azawakh includes the purchase/adoption cost. If you buy your buddy from a breeder, expect to pay nearly $2000 for it. The price of adopting an Azawakh is lower – around $400.

Among the initial costs of dog, ownership includes the costs of vaccines,  basic supplies, food and treats, and training costs. You might also spend on registration, microchipping, and spaying/neutering. Adding all these together comes to nearly $4000 in the first year. This price includes the purchase price.

Monthly cost

Monthly, you will spend mainly on your dog’s food, medical costs, pet insurance, and flea-tick prevention. Expect to spend around $200 on these. There may be unexpected expenses in some months like broken collars or leashes too.

Annual cost

After the first year, the cost of owning a dog drops down to almost half. You will mainly spend on food, vet visits, grooming, dog walking, and pet boarding costs. These can come to $1500-$2000 for a dog like Azawakh.

The lifetime cost of owning an Azawakh

The average life expectancy of Azawakh is between 10-12 years. So you could spend between $15,000 and $24,000 over this duration!

We hope this guide helps you plan financially and carefully consider whether the Azawakh is right for you.