Are Azawakhs Safe Around Small Pets? | Owner Guide

If you're considering adding an Azawakh to a home with small pets, you probably wonder if this elegant sighthound can live safely alongside them. Azawakhs are generally cautious with small animals but have a strong prey drive, which means their natural instincts can make cohabitation challenging. However, with proper training and management, some small pets may coexist peacefully with an Azawakh.

Understanding the Azawakh's Tendencies Toward Small Pets

Azawakhs were bred in West Africa as hunters and guardians, primarily after fast-moving prey like hares and gazelles. This history gives them a high prey drive, which means they are naturally inclined to chase smaller animals. This instinct can make them a risk to small pets such as rodents, rabbits, birds, or reptiles.

While Azawakhs are known to be affectionate and reserved with their families, their low tolerance for small, fast-moving creatures means they may view small pets as something to chase or hunt rather than companions. Cats and larger small pets might be tolerated better, but this varies by individual dog.

Practical Advice for Owners

If you already have small pets or plan to bring some into your home, consider these points:

• Small rodents (hamsters, mice, guinea pigs) and birds are the least compatible due to their size and quick movements.
• Rabbits and ferrets might be safer if introduced carefully and supervised closely.
• Cats can sometimes live harmoniously with Azawakhs, especially if socialized from a young age.
• Always provide safe, secure spaces for small pets where the dog cannot access them unsupervised.

Training and Management Strategies

To ensure safety and harmony, follow these steps:

1. Early Socialization: Introduce your Azawakh to small pets early to help reduce instinctive chasing behavior.
2. Consistent Training: Teach commands like “leave it” and “stay” to control prey-driven impulses.
3. Supervised Interactions: Never leave your Azawakh alone with small pets until you are confident in their behavior.
4. Safe Separation: Use barriers or separate rooms to keep small pets safe when unsupervised.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

• Scenario: Azawakh fixates on a pet rabbit.

  • Solution: Redirect attention with toys and reward calm behavior.

• Scenario: High prey drive triggers chasing of birds.

  • Solution: Keep birds in secure cages and train the dog to ignore the cage.

• Scenario: Introducing a cat to the household.

  • Solution: Gradual introductions with positive reinforcement and safe escape routes for the cat.

Conclusion

Azawakhs are not naturally safe around most small pets due to their strong prey drive. However, with patient training, early socialization, and careful management, they can coexist with some small animals like cats and larger small pets. Owners must always prioritize safety by supervising interactions and providing secure environments for vulnerable pets.

By understanding the Azawakh’s instincts and applying consistent training strategies, you can create a peaceful multi-pet household.