Azawakh breed: the slender and elegant gazelle hunter

The Azawakh is an extremely rare dog breed, blessed with unique personality traits. With its incredible endurance and speed (which can reach up to 64 km/h), it proves to be a highly talented hunter. Winning its heart may be challenging, but if successful, it becomes a lifelong loyal and affectionate companion.

Friendly towards its family, the Azawakh is more inclined to be a single-owner dog. However, strangers typically don’t easily win their affection; they often observe their admirers with indifference. It’s not easy to divert them from their long, graceful legs, but once they develop a bond with someone, they remain loyal for a lifetime. This is why changing owners can be particularly challenging for this breed.

History

The Azawakh is one of the oldest dog breeds. According to Gina DiNardo, a representative of the American Kennel Club, the pariah dogs of the Sahel region in West Africa could have been its ancestors, and it likely developed into its present form near the Mali-Niger border. The breed got its name from the Azawakh Valley. In this region, the Azawakh is the only indigenous hunting dog, and over the millennia, it has had various roles. In addition to hunting hares and gazelles (a practice that continues with the Tuaregs today), they were used to pursue prey, catching and holding it until the hunter arrived. They were also employed to guard livestock and drew attention to intruders lurking near the tents. The locals hold these dogs in high regard, considering them almost as family members.

In 1972, the Azawakh first arrived in Europe, specifically in Yugoslavia, brought by a Yugoslav diplomat. Shortly afterward, similar dogs made their way to France, but they were not officially registered as they were still unknown to Europeans at the time. Due to their resemblance, many were registered as Arabian Greyhounds. However, the distinct differences between Azawakhs and Sloughis did not go unnoticed. In dog shows, Azawakhs sometimes won or lost based on individual judge preferences. There were instances where Azawakhs won under the name “Arabian Greyhound” and later, after the recognition of Azawakhs as a breed (FCI, 1981), they won under the name “Azawakh.” The confusion was eventually sorted out, and although the breed is still considered quite rare today, it occasionally makes appearances in dog shows. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 2019.

Breed standard

The Azawakh is a large-sized sighthound that, according to his  standard, hunts hares and gazelles, and can even confront predators.Het is particularly slender and elegant, with his bone structure and muscles visible through its thin skin. The head is long, fine, lean, and chiseled, appearing quite narrow. Skull is almost flat, relatively long, with its width significantly smaller than half the length of the head. The nose is black or dark brown. The thin lips fit tightly, with a color of black or dark brown. It has a scissor bite. The slightly slanted, almond-shaped eyes are rather large, dark in color, sometimes amber, but never blue.

The Azawakh’s ears are set high, fine, forming a rounded triangular shape, always flat and hanging, not rose ears. His neck is long and muscular, chest deep, and loins well tucked up. The tail is long, straight, and set low. The limbs are long and slender. Movement is light and elastic. The coat is short and fine, with almost none on the belly. His color can be fawn with or without brindling, but all shades from mahogany to sandy are allowed. The muzzle may have a black mask, and a white patch on the chest is permissible. Males stand between 64-74 cm and weigh around 20-25 kg. Females have a height of 60-70 cm and weigh between 15-20 kg. The Azawakh’s life expectancy is approximately 13 years.

Character

The Azawakh’s relationship with its owner can be extremely positive, especially when provided with proper socialization and care. With appropriate attention, it can become a wonderful companion for an owner who understands the needs of a sighthound. However, towards strangers, it tends to be more reserved. It doesn’t readily throw itself for a belly rub; instead, it maintains a dignified and measured demeanor. To ensure a well-balanced pet, early socialization is crucial. Despite this, some individuals may never develop a fondness for the touch of strangers.

As an Azawakh is a sighthound, it’s important to know that they have a significant need for exercise. However, once this need is satisfied, they can be calm companions. When an Azawakh gets bored, it can become problematic. In such cases, they may find their own entertainment, often choosing activities like digging up the garden. It’s crucial to be aware of their strong hunting instincts, and they should never be let off-leash in open areas; they should only be allowed to run in securely fenced spaces.

Positive reinforcement is essential in their training; they do not respond well to harsh methods and can become unruly if treated roughly. Despite being highly intelligent, they are also independent, so this should be kept in mind during training.

Ideal environment

Azawakhs are typically one-person dogs, but they are loyal and affectionate to their pack. However, they may not get along well with smaller pets due to their strong hunting instincts, making cats and rodents unsafe around them. With proper socialization, they can get along with other dogs, but individual temperament may vary. While many are drawn to their charming appearance, living with an Azawakh may not be easy, and it’s recommended for experienced sighthound owners.

Understanding their independence and exercise needs is crucial. If the owner is aware of these requirements, cohabitation can be trouble-free. Regular, long walks, running in enclosed spaces, and quality time with the owner are essential for their well-being. Regardless of the size of the yard, Azawakhs need interaction with their owners. With proper care and attention, you’ll have a loving and loyal companion.

Care

Due to its place of origin, the Azawakh tolerates heat quite well, but like any dog, it’s important to provide shade. However, it has a harder time tolerating cold, and during winter, it might be reluctant to venture out into the cold. Since its coat is thin, it’s advisable to purchase a dog coat to keep it warmer on chilly days. Fortunately, grooming the Azawakh is relatively simple; occasionally wiping it down with a damp cloth is usually enough to restore its shine. Care should be taken to keep its eyes and ears clean, and its nails should be trimmed if they grow too long.

Common health problems

The Azawakh can be considered a particularly healthy breed; however, some individuals may be affected by certain issues. One example is gastric torsion, common in large dogs, so it’s important that the animal avoids strenuous physical activity after eating. Epilepsy, heart problems, thyroid dysfunction, and some autoimmune diseases can also occur in some individuals.

(Literature János Szinák – István Veress: A világ kutyái I., David Alderton: Kutyák)