Azawakh is a lean but strong dog breed that shares the same characteristics as Greyhound and Saluki. It is a friendly and refined dog breed originated in West Africa as a sighthound.

The Azawakh puppies development from birth to one year is explained in this article with their behavior and caring tips.

Newborn Azawakh Puppy

The newborn Azawakh puppies are deaf, blind, and toothless. They cannot walk either, so they crawl when they need to get to their mother. They should not be separated from their mother for some weeks as they cannot generate heat on their own and they might die of cold. The puppies completely depend on their mother for warmth, food, and defecating.

Neonatal Stage (0-2 Weeks)

The Azawakh puppies need good care at this stage because they are very weak and flimsy for some weeks. The mother does all the work for them from deeding to defecating and cleaning. She licks their belly for stimulating them to pee and poop. For warmth, the puppies pile up against their mother.

Azawakh mother feeding her puppies
Azawakh mother feeding her puppies.
Image Source: Tombouktous

At this stage, the puppies need about 90% of sleep per day which will help for their development and growth. You will notice that the puppies have become twice their birth size in the second week.

Transitional Stage (2-4 Weeks)

The very important stage in any puppy’s life is the transitional stage where they start to see, hear, and walk. Between 10-12 days, the puppies will starts to open their eyes and have a vivid vision of the surrounding. By 14-16 days, they will see more clearly and can hear the sound of their mother and other littermates for the first time. They also begin to walk but not properly and will only do wobbly walks around.

Socialization Stage (4-16 Weeks)

This age is a perfect time for the Azawakh puppies to go out and explore the human world. First, give them a leash training where they learn to walk with a leash on. Take them out for socializing with people and other canines in the park. Do not take them to a crowded place as they might be scared. Slowly expose them to the people and introduce them carefully.

Azawakh puppies
Azawakh puppies.
Image Source: Dog Breeds List

It is also the right time to start training the puppies. They are very quick at learning and catching new commands. Training should be reward-based as they tend to respond well to rewards.

Vaccination for distemper, DHPP, adenovirus, and rabies should be given at the age of 12-24 weeks.

Neonatal Stage (3-6 Months)

When the puppies start to lose their puppy face and looks more of an adult, it is a neonatal stage. They are very enthusiastic and lively at this age so, supervise them properly as the Azawakh has a thin leg that might break easily. The puppies have their first heat at the age of 6 months but mating and breeding at this age are very harmful to their health. Therefore, wait for at least 15months before breeding your dog.

Azawakh puppies sitting
Azawakh puppies sitting.
Image Source: Puppy Dog Gallery

Adolescent Stage (6-12 Months)

It is the age when the Azawakh puppies are grown and become more matured physically as well as mentally. They need to be enrolled in the agility training by using positive reinforcement. Provide them with a proper and complete balanced diet and supplements after consulting with a vet. Learn their personality and temperament which will help you to get along with your dog.

Visit Doglime for more puppies development stages of different breeds.

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