Formerly known as the Tuareg Sloughi, the Azawakh dog is a West African sight hound, which has its origins in the countries of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. This breed is known as being a companion for the Tuareg nomads, and it is generally referred to as “Aidi n'Ailluli” (in translation: Noble Dog of the Free People). The breed comes from the sub-Saharan Africa, from the pariah dogs, and it is related to the Sloughi of the Maghreb.
When it first arrived in Europe, around 1970, this dog impressed many dog breeders with its great refinement and fineness. The bone structure and the muscles can be well observed beneath the lean skin. It is a very thin dog, with three to five pairs of ribs visible when the weight is correct.
The almond shaped eyes, the high set ears that are wide at the base, the elongated and flat skull, with a prominent stop, well opened nostrils, flat cheeks and long and strong jaw create a general impression of a determined dog. This dog has a long, slightly arched neck, a horizontal, nearly straight top line, a thin, lean and low set tail. The hair is fine and short, and practically absent on the belly. This thin and agile body allows the dog to make light, fast movements, without pounding or hackney action. It is very graceful, leaving the impression that it floats over the ground without any effort.
With an appearance similar to that of the South Indian and the Middle Eastern sight hounds, the Azawakh is a high-bred coursing hound best appreciated for its agility and speed. It has a distinctly feline gait, and the color of the coat can vary greatly. Blue fawn, red, grizzle are the most common colors, and sometimes even black and blue. It can also be found with an Irish marking or a parti-color.
The Azawakh male can reach 29 inches and up to 55 pounds, while the female does not exceed 27 inches and 44 pounds. The length of the body should be 90% of the height.
This breed needs a high level or exercise, and must have regular runs in large enclosed areas. The owner must provide fair, yet firm leadership. It is also known that this dog thrives when in the companionship of other dogs of the same breed.
The general state of health of this breed is more than excellent, with very rare injuries that heal fast. Rare occurrences of Wobbler disease or idiopathic epilepsy have been reported. It is believed that the former might be a development issue due to a high-protein Western diet provided during the dog's first years, when the dog grows very fast.
The Azawakh females usually have a single litter per year, often consisting of four to six puppies, but litter sizes of only one or up eight puppies are not uncommon.
The breed is known for its excessive timidity. However, this is a great watch hound and has been used in the past as a guard dog. It is quick and attentive, but very shy with strangers. However, if it is willing to accept someone, the Azawakh can prove to be very affectionate and gentle.
