GROUP 4 - HOUNDS

Brief History
Azawakhs are an ancient breed and the dog of the nomadic Tuareg tribes. They originate from Africa in the areas of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso in the Sahel Desert, where they are used for guarding the camps and livestock, roaming freely and warning of all intruders, and they are also used for hunting gazelle, foxes, hare and any other small game. They are capable of hunting all day in the heat of the desert and in a pack quite capable of taking on Hyenas, Jackal and the likes.

Average Life Span
When considering a dog please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime.

The average life span is 12 years.

Temperament
Primitive, highly aloof, reserved, suspicious, independent, a guardian and devoted to those they love.

General Breed Description
Azawakhs are a very elegant, primitive breed that is very lean with some visible ribs and hip bones and flat muscles. They are a guardian breed, so will defend their family and what they deem as their property fiercely if they feel they have to. They will let you know by barking if there are visitors and may need to be crated or shut into a separate room if they do not accept guests. They only accept new people in their own time and are highly suspicious of strangers and new things. They require a lot more socialising and exposure to everyday life outside of the home than other breeds and are not suited to living in kennels or left outside in the backyard to live. They are a pack animal, so like to be inside with their people. They are very intelligent and very food driven and are very good thieves, especially with food.

Colours are fawn through to red, with or without black brindle overlay, white markings limited to feet and legs, together with the chest and tail tip.

Coat and Care Requirements
Azawakhs have a very short, fine coat which is easily cared for by a weekly wipe over with a rubber mitt, with nails trimmed regularly. Regular bathing is not required as they do not get that dog smell and they are a very clean breed.

They need a fair amount of exercise, so daily walking is required and a well fenced backyard to run and play in.

Size
Height : Males 64 to 74cms, Females 60 to 70cms.

Weight: Males 20 to 25 kgs, Females 15 to 20kgs.

Health
All breeds have individual health issues. When speaking to breeders it is recommended you enquire about the breed’s health and what health testing the breeder does. Azawakh are a generally healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally. These may include epilepsy and thyroid issues.

Suitability
Definitely not the breed suited to a first-time dog owner. They need a firm but fair pack leader. Azawakhs are good their family. Please do lots of research on the breed and speak to as many breeders and owners as possible before making the decision to get an Azawakh as they are not like regular dogs.

In Conclusion
Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come.

Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership.

Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds.

Link to Dogs Australia Breed Standard https://dogsaustralia.org.au/breed/detail/78