Azawakh Dog

Origin: Sahel, Africa
Patronage: France

The Azawakh is a recognized African greyhound race.

Azawakh, also known as Tuareg Greyhound, is a breed of dog that is kept by the nomads of the Sahel region as hunting, watch and guard dogs. The range of the race covers the countries of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. In the southern Tuareg tribes he is as Idi Iadan, described simply meaning “dog” and is explained by the fact that it exists in the central Sahel.

It is therefore a typical country race. In more northern areas, already in the Saharan regions of the range, the name Osca (pl. OSCAT is used), which is Tamascheq for especially selected and noble hounds. The term Azawakh is used by the international breeding organization FCI, and is derived from Azawakhtal the border states of Mali and Niger, and lies within the center region of origin.

Description

The elegant impression conveyed by Azawakh, results from its narrow and slender physique. This is underlined by its resolute and independent work ethic. In relation to total body length, the limbs are relatively long, which makes it appear ‘leggy.’ Due to the arid water being used by the people living in its original area of origin, the dogs usually have a nutritional status in which the skeletal structure and muscles become clear.

It was explicitly stated by the European breeding organizations that they feature in the Standard. Thus, normally fed dogs at shows often do not reach the front seats. Often, the Azawakh is confused with the Sloughi, not only because of the similar environmental conditions in the areas of origin of the dogs, but also because cross breeding of both races took place.

This typical greyhound has a withers in males of 64 and 74cm and for females it is 60cm and 70kg with a weight of up to 25kg (males 20 to 25) Females 15 to 20kg. Its fur is short and they are thin as the stomach is reduced to barely any. They can be red, sand or brindle coloured.

All colors from light sable to dark fawn, is permissible. The head may have a black mask and the blaze is very irregular. The coat has a white chest patch. All four legs should have white “boots”. The skin is thin, and the whole body flat. The head is long, fine, lean and chiselled and rather narrow.

The tail is set low, long, thin, lean and tapered. It is covered with the same fur as the body and carries at the top it of a white brush. It is elegant of course, it always looks very smooth, especially in trot and canter. The Azawakh gives a great impression of lightness and elasticity.