Azawakh

This is an ancient sighthound breed

that has lived for thousands of years

with the cattle breeding nomads of the south

Sahara in Africa. His job has been to protect the

camp, the people in the camp, and the cattle

from predators and trespassers. Also known as

the Sahel hound, he howls and growls to warn of

intruders and, should they continue into the

camp, he will charge and can be aggressive.

The Azawakh stands 23.5 to 29 inches tall and

weighs between 35 and 55 pounds. His head is

long and thin and his muzzle even thinner. His

eyes are almond-shaped and dark, and his ears

are pendant. He is very lean; there is nothing

extra on his body. He stands square, with his body as long as it is tall. His chest is deep, with room

for a large heart and lungs. His muscles are evident under the skin. His coat is very short and thin.

Grooming this breed is very easy. The coat is very short and thin and may be brushed with a soft

bristled brush once a week.

The Azawakh is a sighthound. His long legs, deep chest, and agile body are made so he can run

with the wind. Although he can walk on a leash, he prefers to run and will need a daily run in a

safely fenced yard.

In his natural state, the Azawakh learns what to do from the other dogs in camp. Obedience

training is unnatural to him. However, when kept as a companion, even the Azawakh must learn

some rules. Early socialization and training can help him learn

to walk on a leash, to understand that all people outside his

family are not necessarily intruders, and to abide by some

household rules.

The Azawakh has often been called more catlike than doglike.

He will allow petting when he’s ready to be petted, and

although he may never come the first time you call him, you

are still vitally important to him. He can be good with children

as long as they treat him with respect, and can be trusted with

the family cat only if raised with her. The breed can suffer from

heart problems and hip dysplasia

BREED IN BRIEF 

Registries: AKC FSS, UKC
Occupation: Guardian
Size: 23.5 to 29 in tall; 35 to55 lbs
Longevity: 10 to 14 years
Exercise: Daily run
Training: Challenge
Grooming: Easy