The Azawakh German Shorthaired Pointer Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Azawakh and the German Shorthaired Pointer. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Azawakh also known as the Sahel Sighthound is known for being affectionate, aloof, and attentive. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Azawakh or the German Shorthaired Pointer? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Azawakh German Shorthaired Pointer Mix.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Azawakh German Shorthaired Pointer Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Azawakh German Shorthaired Pointer Mix puppies for sale.
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All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Azawakh History
Originating in the West African Sahara Desert, the Azawakh is a profound Sighthound. Azawakh were primarily bred to guard livestock. Their owners were nomadic. Like most other dog breeds, they were regarded for their companionship and hunting skills, as well as their ability to work with livestock. They were bred to withstand harsh desert climates.
Their name comes from the Azawakh Valley. This valley lies in the desert between Mali and Niger. Translated literally it means the 'Land of the North.'
French civil servants and military forces stationed in the region exported them back to their home countries and they spread out from there. They are closely related to the Sloughi. They were officially recognized as an official breed by the American Kennel Club in 2011, and are still incredibly rare outside of their native Sahel region.
German Shorthaired Pointer History
Early iterations of the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP), date to the 17th century. However, the fine tuning of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the creation of a multipurpose hunting dog as we know them today was in the mid- to late nineteenth century. They are obviously similar to a German Longhaired Pointer and are descendants of Spanish Pointers and Bloodhounds.Other breeds were thrown into the breeding mix at the attempt to get a dog that worked as well on water as on land. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1930. During WWII they were nearly wiped out in Germany with dogs sent to other European countries for safe keeping. They have always been a very good hunting dog so therefore have been a popular one to breed and keep around.
Azawakh
Height: 24 - 29 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 33 - 55 lb.
Lifespan: 10-12 years
German Shorthaired Pointer
Height: 21 - 25 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 55 - 70 lb.
Lifespan: 12 - 14 years
The Azawakh and the German Shorthaired Pointer are known for being courageous and protective. The Azawakh is known for being fierce, rugged, and refined. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Azawakh mixed with the German Shorthaired Pointer might be prone to asenstive skin, hyopthyroidism, seizures, myositis, cardiac problems, among others.
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
What are the grooming requirements?
Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.
What are the exercise requirements?
Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the training requirements?
This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."