Azawakh

The Azawakh is a graceful and swift sighthound originating from the Sahel region of West Africa. Unlike other sighthounds, the Azawakh has been bred not only for hunting but also for guarding, reflecting its dual-purpose heritage. These dogs are known for their slender, elegant build and remarkable endurance.

Azawakhs are recognized internationally by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in Group 10, Section 3. They are also recognized by many of the major national clubs, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the UK’s Kennel Club (KC). They fall under the sighthound group and are noted for their independence, loyalty, and reserved nature with strangers.

History & Origins Of The Azawakh

The Azawakh has a rich history rooted in the Sahel region of West Africa. Originating from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, these dogs were bred by the Tuareg people for hunting and guarding livestock. It is perhaps one of the best dogs to have adapted to the harsh conditions of the punishingly arid Sahara Desert. Their blood line traces back to ancient African sighthounds, with their defining elegant build and keen hunting instincts being refined over generations. 

Their name derives from the Azawakh Valley and they have been integral to the nomadic lifestyle typical of the region for centuries. The breed was first introduced to Europe in the 1970s and recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2011. Despite their ancient origins, and their recent international recognition, these dogs remain relatively rare outside their native region. 

Quick Facts About The Azawakh

• Ancient Heritage – The Azawakh is a sighthound originating from the Sahel region of West Africa, bred primarily by the nomadic Tuareg people for hunting and guarding livestock.

• Elegant and Slender – Known for their tall, lean, and muscular build, Azawakhs are notoriously slender, with their bony and slight muscular frame very visible through their skin.

• Loyal and Protective – While affectionate and loyal to their families, Azawakhs can be reserved or aloof with strangers and may act as effective guard dogs.

• High Energy Levels – These dogs are sighthounds, with plenty of speed and need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They perform very well in activities like sprinting and lure coursing.

• Minimal Grooming Needs – Azawakhs have short, fine coats that require minimal grooming. A weekly brush or wipe-down is usually sufficient.

Characteristics Of The Azawakh

The Azawakh is often compared to other sighthounds, such as the Saluki and the Sloughi. While it does have a similar slender, athletic build and speed, it is a distinctive breed with its own unique characteristics and personality traits. It’s important for a new owner to know the breed apart from others. 

In its native West Africa, the Azawakh is known by names such as ‘Idii n’ Illeli’ and ‘Oska.’ The FCI standard refers to the dog breed as the Azawakh, and this name is commonly used internationally. There are other regional variations across it’s native West Africa though, which signifies the nomadic and tribal background of the breed. These variations include ‘Rawondu’, ‘Bareeru’ and ‘Wulo’. However, it is rare that you will ever hear these names outside of very specific areas in the Sahel of Western Sub Saharan Africa. 

Azawakh Puppies

Azawakh puppies typically come in litters of four to eight. It’s important though, that before they head off to their forever homes, that these puppies stay with their mother and littermates for at least eight weeks to develop proper social behaviors and foundational skills. Pups that don’t get this can be much harder to train and to adapt to life, especially in homes with other pets. Early socialization and training one in their new family should start as soon as possible.

For those considering adding an Azawakh to their family, the cost can vary depending on a number of factors. In the United States, prices generally range from $1,500 to $3,000 with lineage and good breeding coming at the top end. In Europe, prices typically range from €1,000 to €2,500, while in the UK they can be expected to cost a similar range, between £1,000 and £2,000. They are a rare breed though, and extra care is needed if keeping these dogs in a cooler climate. 

Potential owners should ensure they are purchasing from reputable breeders to maintain the health and quality of the breed.

Appearance

The Azawakh is a strikingly elegant and slender dog, characterized by its tall, lean and muscular yet slight build. Males typically stand between 25 to 29 inches at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, ranging from 23.5 to 27.5 inches. They weigh between 33 to 55 pounds, and these dimensions are well defined within both the FCI and AKC breed standard documentation.

These dogs typically have long legs and a deep chest. Their heads are elongated with a tapered muzzle, and their eyes are almond-shaped, giving them a dignified expression.

Coat

Their coat is short and fine, designed for life in the scorching Sahara and not for cold climates. The hair is virtually down to their thin and tight fitting skin on their belly, and offers minimal protection against harsh weather, so they may need additional care in colder climates.

Color

The FCI and the AKC both have their own definition of the acceptable colors in the breed standard. The FCI standard, while a little more ‘wordy’ keeps the general description to allow for all shades of fawn, with or without brindle.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) are a bit more specific about the exact colors and markings allowed in the standard. There are ten colors registered in this standard, described as:

• Fawn
• Red
• Brindle
• Sandy
• White
• Black
• Blue
• Brown
• Cream
• Grey

There are no non-standard colors mentioned in either standard, but there are several types of markings also allowed in the AKC standard. These are:

• White Markings
• Black Mask
• Piebald
• Brindle Markings
• Grizzle Markings
• Parti-Color

Temperament 

Azawakhs are known for their independence and loyalty. They are reserved around strangers but, while sometimes distant, they tend to show deep affection and devotion to their families. As they get acquainted with people they do tend to let their guard down, as strangers become acquaintances. But they like some people more than others, and it’s not uncommon for them to remain wary of people they just don’t take to. Their protective nature can make them excellent watchdogs.

Lifespan

Azawakhs typically live between 12 to 15 years, with proper care and a healthy lifestyle.

Known Health Issues

Though generally healthy, several health issues can affect the Azawakh. Some of the most notable are:

• Hypothyroidism – A condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and coat changes.

Treatment: Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy is necessary to manage hypothyroidism.

• Idiopathic Epilepsy – A neurological condition that causes seizures. It can often be managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments, but it is generally a life long condition.

Treatment: Medications and regular veterinary care help manage epilepsy.

• Auto-immune Mediated Diseases – These can include skin conditions like demodectic mange and muscle wastage. Regular veterinary check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help manage these conditions.

Treatment: Depending on the specific condition, treatments may include medications to manage symptoms, dietary adjustments, and regular monitoring by a veterinarian to prevent flare-ups and manage overall health.

Daily Life

Food and Diet

These medium to large sized dogs typically need about 2 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry dog food per day, divided into two meals to manage their metabolism and prevent overeating. Look for a premium dog food that lists meat as the first ingredient and contains minimal fillers. A high protein diet helps maintain their muscle mass and energy levels, while healthy fats support their skin and coat health.

Puppies have higher energy needs and should be fed three to four smaller meals per day to support their rapid growth and development. As they transition to adulthood, gradually reduce the frequency of meals to twice a day. Adjust the food quantity based on the dog’s age, activity level, and metabolism. Older Azawakhs may benefit from a senior blend and smaller portions to ensure they receive the right nutritional balance for their aging bodies.

Exercise

Azawakhs are not the most active dogs across the average day, but they are sighthounds and boy can they sprint. For their bursts of intense activity they need plenty of space, and while they are happy to chill a lot of the time, they are still high-energy dogs.

A minimum of one hour of exercise per day is essential for this breed, which can include long walks, jogging, and play sessions in a secure, fenced area where they can run freely. They do love to sprint though, so try and find a place you can take them do to this regularly to keep them physically well. 

The Azawakh also does very well in activities like lure coursing and agility trials, which provide excellent outlets for their natural hunting instincts and high energy levels. It can be a bit hit or miss with agility though, as they are not ‘trick dogs’ by any stretch of the imagination.

Regular exercise not only helps maintain their physical health but also prevents boredom. A bored Azawakh can easily turn into a destructive Azawakhs. Make sure they get enough physical activity and mental engagement to keep their behavior sound and well balanced.

Family Compatibility

Azawakhs can make wonderful family pets for active households, but they are not for everyone. They can be quite independent and distant, while also reserved with strangers. So homes with lots of unfamiliar people coming and going, without adequate reassurance and socializing would not be a good environment for these dogs.

They do form strong bonds with their family members and are particularly loyal and protective. However, due to their independent and aloof nature, they might not be the best fit for families with very young children or inexperienced dog owners. Azawakhs are generally good with other pets if properly socialized from a young age.

Training & Socializing

Training an Azawakh can be both rewarding and challenging due to their intelligence and independent nature. These dogs are quite quick learners, but can be strong-willed and stubborn, as well as selective in their learning. If they don’t like something, they won’t do it. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work best to engage them. Training sessions should be short, varied, and fun to keep their interest and prevent boredom. Using treats, toys, and playtime as rewards can be very effective.

Proper socialization from a young age is also very important for Azawakhs. Socialization helps mitigate their natural wariness of strangers and reduces the likelihood of timid or aloof behavior. Regular exposure to new experiences ensures they remain confident and well-mannered, as well as helping to keep their hunting instincts in check.

Grooming

They might not have much of a coat, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need grooming. To be honest though, it is a very low maintenance coat. A regular brush to clear dead hair as it sheds, is a good bonding exercise as well as well as a core part if their grooming routine. They won’t need many baths at all, as they don’t have much of an odor. Even if they make their way through a muddy run, a brush might be all they need once they dry off. Bathe only when necessary to protect their skin.

Nail clipping should be carried out when required so keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t get too long. Regular dental care should also be part of a healthy routine.

Breed Traits

Breed FAQs

Summary

Originating from West Africa, these dogs are excellent hunters and devoted companions, when they receive the right training. They need an active home as they have plenty of energy, and gentle, consistent training to bring the best out of them. While they are very intelligent, they are also fiercely independent. Not a dog you can expect to develop tricks or to clown around, they have far too much dignity for that. As a guard dog, a companion or a hunter (lure coursing) they are an excellent breed.