Azawakh

Brief History
Azawakh are an ancient, rare and unique breed and belonged to the nomadic Tuareg tribes. The Tuaregs that live with this breed viewed them as a status symbol, as well as a hunter and guard.

They originate from Western Africa in the Sahelian zone of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, where they were used as vigilant guardians for the camps and livestock, roaming freely and warning of all intruders. They are also used as coursing hunters for gazelle, foxes, hare and any other small game. The Azawakh are capable of hunting all day in the heat of the desert. They are morphologically developed to withstand the intense heat of the desert environment, often functioning on limited nutrition.

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

The average life span is 12 to 15 years.

Temperament
The Azawakh temperament does vary. They may be described as primitive, aloof, reserved, instinctively suspicious of strangers and independent.

As a guardian breed, they will defend their family and property when necessary. They are devoted to those they love, intensely loyal and affectionate to “their people”.

They are a complex and intelligent breed and lifelong socialisation and exposure to everyday life, with firm but gentle handling, is essential. Confident leadership is required to prevent their natural guarding instincts making them excessively suspicious of strangers. A combination of motivation, respect, fairness and firmness will achieve a great deal in the training and social development of your Azawakh.

General Breed Description
The Azawakh is an exotic animal. They are a primitive, medium sized breed with noticeably long legs, slender, very elegant and lean with some visible ribs and hip bones and flat muscles showing through thin and dry skin. Being taller than long in shape sets them apart from most other breeds.

They will let you know by barking if there are visitors and may need to be separated if they do not accept some guests. They only accept new people in their own time and are often suspicious of strangers and new things.

A pack animal, they like to be inside with their people. Azawakh are very intelligent and are very good thieves, especially with food!

Colours are fawn (in shades from mahogany to sand), with or without brindling, with some white markings on the extremities.

The Azawakh is distinguished by its speed, sensitivity, vigilance and flexibility.

Coat and Care Requirements
Azawakh have a very short, fine coat which is easily cared for by a weekly wipe over with a rubber mitt, or brush with a soft bristle brush. Nails should be trimmed regularly as required. Shedding is minimal. Occasional bathing only is required as they do not possess a strong dog smell and are a very clean breed.

Azawakh are an agile breed, thus requiring a fair amount of exercise including a daily walk. A well fenced backyard will keep them secure and give them room to run and play.

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 sometimes occur. These may occasionally include Epilepsy, Thyroid issues, Myositis, Spondylosis and Autoimmune diseases.

Suitability
The Azawakh is not the breed for everyone, however, they will generally suit active single people and families. Whilst good with their families, this breed needs a firm but fair pack leader, who will fulfil their socialisation, training and exercise needs and understand the requirements and nature of this ancient, primitive breed.

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 ANKC Breed Standard http://ankc.org.au/Breed/Detail/78