Azawakh

The Azawakh is a sight hound dog breed from Africa.

Appearance

Rangy, leggy, lean, and elegant, the Azawakh is extremely high-stationed, taller than it is long. The breed weighs from 33 to 55 pounds (15-25 kg); its height is 24 to 29 inches (60-74 cm). The coat is very short and almost absent on the belly. Colors permitted by the FCI breed standard are clear sand to dark fawn (with or without a dark mask), with white bib, tail tip, and stockings; many other colors occur in Africa. The Azawakh’s light, supple, elastic gait is a notable breed characteristic.

Temperament

Attentive, distant, reserved to hostile with strangers, the Azawakh is gentle and affectionate with those she accepts.

History

Bred by the Tuareg nomads of the Sahara and sub-Saharan Sahel in the countries of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, the breed is used there as a guard dog and to hunt gazelle and hare at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Its bone structure shows clearly through the skin and musculature.

Uncommon as yet in Europe and North America, they are nevertheless gaining a foothold. The breed is not yet registered by CKC or AKC (but is recorded in AKC’s Foundation Stock Service); it is registered with UKC, ARBA and others.

Books about Azawakh Dogs