Azawakh
Country/Date of origin: Mali/1000 AD
The nomadic Tuareg tribes of the southern Sahara have a unique sighthound breed, the Azawakh. In the traditional role of the sighthound, the Azawakh chases down gazelles and other fleet game animals and slows them down so that mounted hunters can dispatch the quarry. The Azawakh, which is related to the Sloughi and the smooth Saluki, can be distinguished from them by its distinctive red coloration and white socks and the fact that it has a shorter body. In its native Mali, the dog is used as a guard as well. In 1970 some examples of the breed were taken to France and have attracted a small but dedicated following for the breed.
FCI Group: 10 (Hound)
Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns
Back to TopTuareg Sloughi
AKC Group: Miscellaneous
Breed Club:
Rescue Club:
Back to TopBody Type:
- A short coupled dog of the greyhound family
- Height: 23-29 inches (at shoulder)
- Weight: 37-55 pounds
- Pendant ears hug the cheeks and neck
- Long tail in not altered
- The backskull is wider than that of the other running dogs
- Swellings on the side of the face are a breed hallmark
Personality:
- Aloof and haughty
- Not friendly to strangers
- Clean in its personal habits, almost to the point of being catlike
Coat:
- Short, thin coat is very glossy
- Color is red ranging from light to dark, or brindle; dogs should have white on legs, or at least white socks
- Minimal grooming
Health Concerns:
- Skin allergies
- Sensitivities to anesthesia and several insecticides common in flea and tick preparations
Tasty Tidbits:
|