Azawakh Puppies: A Complete Growth, Feeding, and Training Guide
Everything you need to raise Azawakh puppies: age-specific milestones, feeding schedules, vaccination timelines, socialization checklists, and
The Azawakh is a West African sighthound built for speed, endurance, and fierce loyalty to their family. Raising Azawakh puppies requires understanding their unique developmental needs — from their rapid vertical growth spurts to their sensitive, independent temperament that demands a different socialization approach than most breeds. This guide covers every critical stage from week 4 through month 12, with breed-specific expectations you won't find in generic puppy manuals.
When Should You Bring Your Azawakh Puppy Home?
Most Azawakh breeders release puppies between 10 and 12 weeks, not the standard 8 weeks common with many breeds. This extended litter period is intentional and beneficial for sighthounds. Azawakh puppies develop bite inhibition, canine social skills, and emotional regulation through prolonged interaction with littermates and the dam. Taking a puppy home before 9 weeks often results in heightened reactivity and difficulty with impulse control later in life.
The optimal window is week 10–12 because it still falls within the primary socialization period (weeks 3–14) identified by veterinary behaviorists. You gain the benefit of breeder-raised stability while retaining enough socialization runway to shape your puppy's responses to novel stimuli.
Azawakh Puppy Milestones: Week-by-Week Development
Weeks 4–8: The Litter Phase (With the Breeder)
- Weight: 4–10 lb (1.8–4.5 kg), gaining roughly 1–1.5 lb per week
- Height: 8–12 inches at the shoulder, with legs appearing disproportionately long
- Behavior: Littermate play intensifies; puppies learn bite inhibition, hierarchy negotiation, and recall to dam. Eyes fully open; startle responses to loud sounds emerge.
- Senses: Hearing fully developed by week 4. Vision sharpens significantly between weeks 5–7.
- What the breeder should be doing: Introducing varied textures (grass, tile, carpet), early name recognition, gentle handling exercises (ear touching, paw holding, mouth opening), and initial exposure to household sounds.
Weeks 8–12: Transition to Your Home
- Weight: 10–18 lb (4.5–8.2 kg)
- Height: 12–16 inches at shoulder
- Behavior: Fear imprint period begins around week 8–10. Negative experiences during this window can create lasting phobias. Azawakh puppies are particularly sensitive to harsh corrections — they shut down rather than comply.
- Sleep: 18–20 hours per day. Enforced naps in the crate are essential; overtired Azawakh puppies become mouthy and hyperactive.
- Key milestone: Bonding intensely with primary handler. This is when your puppy decides whether humans are safe and predictable.
Weeks 12–16: Confidence Building
- Weight: 18–28 lb (8.2–12.7 kg)
- Height: 16–20 inches at shoulder
- Behavior: Curiosity overtakes caution. Puppy begins testing boundaries and may show early signs of the breed's characteristic wariness toward strangers — this is normal, not a socialization failure.
- Training readiness: Short (3–5 minute) positive reinforcement sessions work best. Azawakh puppies respond to food motivation but bore quickly with repetition. Use high-value treats (freeze-dried liver, boiled chicken) and end sessions before the puppy disengages.
- Physical: Rapid bone growth phase. Avoid forced exercise (running alongside bikes, long jogs). Free play on soft surfaces is ideal.
Weeks 16–24: The Lanky Adolescent
- Weight: 28–40 lb (12.7–18.1 kg)
- Height: 20–24 inches at shoulder (approaching 80% of adult height)
- Behavior: Secondary fear period often appears around 16–20 weeks. Previously confident puppies may suddenly react fearfully to familiar objects or people. Do not force exposure; let the puppy observe from a comfortable distance and reward calm behavior.
- Prey drive emergence: Squirrel, cat, and small-dog chasing instincts surface. Begin impulse control training with "leave it" and "watch me" cues using a long line (15–30 ft) for safe practice.
- Exercise: Structured walks of 15–20 minutes plus free play. Total daily exercise: roughly 5 minutes per month of age, twice daily.
Months 6–12: Approaching Maturity
- Weight: 35–50 lb (15.9–22.7 kg) for males; 30–42 lb (13.6–19.1 kg) for females
- Height: Males reach 23–27 inches; females 21–25 inches (per AKC breed standard)
- Behavior: Adolescent independence peaks. Recall reliability may regress. Continue long-line training in unfenced areas — Azawakhs that sight prey will run, and recall cannot be guaranteed off-leash in open spaces.
- Physical maturity: Growth plates typically close between 12–18 months. Your veterinarian should confirm closure via X-ray before allowing high-impact activities like lure coursing or agility.
- Coat and appearance: Puppy coat sheds; adult coat comes in sleek and fine. Skin may appear thin — this is normal for the breed, not a sign of malnutrition.
Azawakh Puppy Feeding Schedule and Portions
Azawakh puppies grow rapidly in height before filling out in muscle mass. Overfeeding causes skeletal stress on developing joints, while underfeeding compromises immune function. The goal is lean growth — you should be able to feel (but not prominently see) ribs in a puppy under 6 months.
Choose a food that meets AAFCO standards for large-breed growth. Look for a guaranteed analysis of 22–26% protein and 12–16% fat. Avoid calcium supplementation — excess calcium disrupts bone remodeling in large-breed puppies.
| Age | Meals per Day | Daily Amount (cups) | Expected Weight Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | 4 meals | 1.5–2.5 cups total | 10–18 lb (4.5–8.2 kg) |
| 3–4 months | 3 meals | 2.0–3.0 cups total | 18–28 lb (8.2–12.7 kg) |
| 5–6 months | 2 meals | 2.5–3.5 cups total | 28–38 lb (12.7–17.2 kg) |
| 7–9 months | 2 meals | 3.0–4.0 cups total | 35–45 lb (15.9–20.4 kg) |
| 10–12 months | 2 meals | 3.0–4.5 cups total | 38–50 lb (17.2–22.7 kg) |
Adjustment note: These ranges assume a kibble with approximately 350–400 kcal/cup. If you feed a raw or homemade diet, consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratios (1.1:1 to 1.4:1 for growing puppies). Azawakhs tend toward sensitive digestion — introduce new foods over 7–10 days and watch for loose stools.
Vaccination Schedule for Azawakh Puppies
Your Azawakh puppy will receive a series of core vaccines starting at 6–8 weeks. Maternal antibodies interfere with vaccine efficacy in young puppies, which is why boosters are given every 2–4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends the following core protocol:
| Age | Vaccine | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) | Core | First dose; breeder typically administers |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP booster + Bordetella | Core + Lifestyle | Bordetella recommended if attending puppy classes |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP final booster + Rabies | Core | Rabies required by law in most US states |
| 12–16 months | DHPP + Rabies booster | Core | First annual booster; subsequent boosters per vet schedule (often 3-year intervals) |
Non-core vaccines to discuss with your veterinarian: Leptospirosis (if you live near standing water or wildlife), Lyme disease (tick-endemic regions), and Canine Influenza (if boarding or attending group events). Your vet will determine the appropriate protocol based on your puppy's risk profile and local disease prevalence.
Socialization Window: Weeks 3–14
The primary socialization period — when a puppy's brain is most receptive to new experiences without defaulting to fear — closes around 14 weeks. For Azawakh puppies, this window is especially important because the breed's natural temperament leans toward aloofness with strangers and wariness of novel situations. Without deliberate, positive exposure during this period, that wariness can harden into fear-based reactivity.
Socialization does not mean flooding your puppy with overwhelming experiences. It means controlled, positive exposure at the puppy's pace. If your Azawakh puppy freezes, hides, or tries to flee, increase distance from the stimulus and let them observe. Reward any calm behavior or voluntary approach. Never force interaction.
Potty Training Your Azawakh Puppy
When will your Azawakh puppy be fully potty trained? Realistically, expect 4–6 months for reliable house training, with occasional accidents possible until 8–9 months. Azawakhs are clean dogs by nature and tend to learn faster than some breeds, but their thin body composition means they feel cold acutely — a shivering puppy may refuse to go outside in winter weather, leading to indoor accidents.
Potty Training Timeline and Expectations
| Age | Bladder Capacity | Expected Outdoor Trips/Day | Accident Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks | 30–45 minutes | 12–15 | Frequent — daily accidents normal |
| 10–12 weeks | 1–1.5 hours | 10–12 | Several per week |
| 3–4 months | 2–3 hours | 8–10 | 1–3 per week |
| 5–6 months | 3–4 hours | 6–8 | Rare (1–2 per month) |
| 7–9 months | 4–6 hours | 5–6 | Should be rare; consult vet if frequent |
Breed-Specific Potty Training Tips
- Cold weather gear: Invest in a fitted puppy coat for temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Azawakhs have virtually no body fat and extremely thin coats — they get cold fast and will rush back inside before finishing their business.
- Consistent surface: Azawakhs develop surface preferences early. If you start on grass, they'll expect grass. If you use a balcony pee pad setup, transitioning to outdoor grass later can take weeks.
- Supervision protocol: Tether your puppy to you with a 4-foot leash indoors during the first 3 months. This prevents sneaking off to eliminate in hidden corners.
- Enzymatic cleaner: Use a product like Nature's Miracle or Rocco & Roxie to eliminate odor traces. Standard household cleaners leave uric acid residues that attract repeat elimination.
Crate Training Progression
Azawakh puppies generally accept crate training well because they naturally seek den-like spaces for security. The key is building positive associations before expecting extended confinement.
| Age | Maximum Crate Time (Daytime) | Nighttime | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks | 30–60 minutes | 2–3 hours between potty breaks | Crate next to your bed; expect whining the first 3–5 nights |
| 10–12 weeks | 1–2 hours | 3–4 hours between potty breaks | Begin moving crate to permanent location |
| 3–4 months | 2–3 hours | 4–5 hours (may sleep through) | Cover crate with a light blanket if puppy settles better |
| 5–6 months | 3–4 hours | 6–8 hours | Most Azawakhs sleep through the night by this age |
| 7+ months | 4–5 hours max | 8 hours | Do not exceed 5 hours daytime crating regularly |
Crate sizing: Use a 36-inch or 42-inch wire crate with a divider panel. The puppy should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably — but excess space allows elimination in one corner and sleeping in another, undermining potty training. Adjust the divider as your Azawakh grows. Adult Azawakhs typically need a 42-inch crate.
Teething Timeline and Relief Strategies
Azawakh puppies begin losing their 28 deciduous (baby) teeth around 3–4 months, with the full set of 42 adult teeth typically erupted by 6–7 months. Sighthound puppies tend to be less destructive chewers than retriever breeds, but you should still puppy-proof your home and provide appropriate outlets.
Teething Phases
- 3–4 months: Incisors loosen first. Puppy may drool more and chew on fingers. Offer chilled (not frozen) rubber teething toys like the Kong Puppy.
- 4–5 months: Canines and premolars erupt. This is peak chewing intensity. Provide bully sticks, Yak cheese chews, or frozen carrot sticks. Avoid rawhide (choking and digestive blockage risk) and weight-bearing bones from large animals (tooth fracture risk).
- 5–6 months: Molars come in. Some puppies develop "puppy gingivitis" — mild gum redness that resolves on its own. If you see bleeding that doesn't stop within a few minutes or significant swelling, contact your vet.
- 6–7 months: Retained baby teeth (especially canines) should be evaluated by your veterinarian. Sighthounds occasionally retain deciduous teeth, which may require surgical extraction during the spay/neuter procedure.
Common Azawakh Puppy Problems and Solutions
Puppy Biting and Nipping
Why it happens: Azawakh puppies use their mouths to explore and play. Their thin skin and lean build mean littermates yelp quickly, teaching bite inhibition — but human skin is more sensitive.
Solution: When teeth touch skin, say "oops" in a calm tone and immediately withdraw attention for 10–15 seconds (stand up, turn away). Redirect to an appropriate chew toy. Never hold the puppy's mouth shut, slap, or use aversive methods — Azawakhs are sensitive and will become hand-shy or fearful.
Timeline: Mouthing decreases significantly after adult teeth erupt (6–7 months). Consistent redirection from day one shortens this phase.
Nighttime Whining in the Crate
Why it happens: Azawakh puppies form intense bonds and experience genuine distress when separated from their family at night. This is not manipulation — it's a social species experiencing isolation for the first time.
Solution: Place the crate beside your bed for the first 2–3 weeks. Drape a worn t-shirt with your scent over the crate. Use a Snuggle Puppy (a plush toy with a heartbeat simulator and heat pack) to mimic littermate warmth. Take the puppy out to eliminate if whining persists past 2 hours — but keep the trip boring (no play, dim lights, straight back to crate).
Destructive Chewing
Why it happens: Understimulation, boredom, or separation anxiety. Azawakhs are not typically heavy chewers, but an under-exercised puppy will find ways to entertain themselves — usually with your shoes or furniture legs.
Solution: Ensure adequate physical exercise (age-appropriate walks and free play) and mental enrichment (food puzzles, snuffle mats, frozen Kong toys stuffed with peanut butter and kibble). Rotate chew toys every 3–4 days to maintain novelty. Manage the environment — use baby gates to restrict access to tempting rooms when unsupervised.
When Can Your Azawakh Puppy Go Outside and Meet Other Dogs?
This is one of the most common questions new owners ask, and the answer balances disease risk against the critical socialization window.
Before full vaccination (before 16 weeks): Your puppy can go outside in controlled, low-risk environments — your own yard (if no unvaccinated dogs have access), carried in a sling through public areas, or visiting the homes of friends whose dogs are fully vaccinated and healthy. Avoid dog parks, pet store floors, and areas with high unknown-dog traffic until the DHPP series is complete at 16 weeks.
Puppy classes: The AVMA and the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior both support puppy socialization classes starting after the first DHPP vaccine (around 8–10 weeks), provided the facility requires proof of vaccination and maintains sanitation protocols. The behavioral risk of inadequate socialization outweighs the disease risk in a well-managed class environment.
After 16 weeks (full vaccination): Your Azawakh puppy can safely visit dog parks, hiking trails, and public spaces. However, given the breed's prey drive and sensitivity, choose calm, well-managed environments. Dog parks with chaotic, high-energy play can overwhelm an Azawakh puppy and create negative associations.
First-Year Cost Breakdown for an Azawakh Puppy
| Category | Estimated Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy purchase | $2,000–$5,000 | Responsible breeder with OFA health testing; adoption through Azawakh rescue: $300–$600 |
| Veterinary (first year) | $800–$1,500 | Includes 3–4 puppy vaccine visits, fecal tests, deworming, spay/neuter ($400–$800), microchip |
| Food (12 months) | $600–$1,000 | Large-breed puppy formula, 25–30 lb bags at $50–$75 each; 6–8 bags/year |
| Supplies | $400–$800 | Crate ($60–$120), bed ($40–$80), leash/harness ($30–$60), bowls, toys, puppy coat ($40–$80), baby gates, enzymatic cleaner |
| Training | $200–$600 | Puppy socialization class ($150–$250 for 6–8 weeks), optional private sessions ($80–$150/session) |
| Pet insurance | $480–$720 | $40–$60/month; enroll before pre-existing conditions develop |
| Flea/tick/heartworm prevention | $200–$400 | Monthly preventives (e.g., Simparica Trio, NexGard) — sighthound-safe formulations |
| Emergency fund | $500–$2,000 | Set aside for unexpected illness, foreign body ingestion, or injury |
| Total First Year (excluding puppy purchase) | $3,180–$7,020 | Varies by region, vet pricing, and unexpected needs |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I feed my Azawakh puppy at each age?
Feed four meals per day from 8–12 weeks, three meals from 3–4 months, and two meals from 5 months onward. Transition to adult food around 12–14 months, when growth rate slows. Always split the daily total evenly across meals rather than free-feeding.
When will my Azawakh puppy be fully potty trained?
Most Azawakh puppies achieve reliable house training between 4–6 months with consistent management. Occasional accidents during excitement or illness can occur up to 9 months. If accidents increase suddenly at any age, rule out a urinary tract infection with your veterinarian.
How do I stop my Azawakh puppy from biting and nipping?
Use the "withdraw attention" method: when teeth touch skin, calmly say "oops" and turn away for 10–15 seconds. Redirect to an appropriate chew toy. Ensure your puppy gets adequate sleep (18–20 hours for young puppies) — overtired puppies bite more. This phase typically resolves by 6–7 months as adult teeth erupt and impulse control improves.
Are Azawakh puppies good with children?
Azawakhs can coexist well with children they are raised with, but they are not naturally tolerant of rough handling. They are best suited to families with children aged 8+ who understand how to interact calmly with dogs. Always supervise interactions, and teach children not to approach a sleeping or eating puppy.
What health issues should I watch for in Azawakh puppies?
Key concerns include autoimmune thyroiditis, hip dysplasia (less common than in many large breeds but still present), idiopathic epilepsy, and sighthound sensitivity to anesthesia (due to low body fat — always ensure your vet uses sighthound-specific protocols). Request OFA or PennHIP results from your breeder for both parents.
Do Azawakh puppies need a lot of exercise?
Less than you might expect for a sighthound. Follow the 5-minutes-per-month-of-age guideline (a 4-month-old gets about 20 minutes of structured exercise, twice daily). Free play in a fenced area satisfies their need to sprint. Avoid forced running, jogging, or repetitive jumping until growth plates close at 12–18 months.
When should I spay or neuter my Azawakh?
Current veterinary research, supported by studies referenced in the Merck Veterinary Manual, suggests delaying spay/neuter until 12–18 months for large breeds to allow full skeletal development. Discuss timing with your veterinarian, who will consider your individual dog's health, behavior, and lifestyle.
Beth Carrasco
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
