A tall and graceful breed, this hound hails from West Africa. These sighthounds sport a short, sleek coat that can come in a variety of colours and combinations.
Some dog breeds are incredibly well-known, such as the Basset Hound, the Labrador retriever or those adorable, fluffy breeds that melt hearts. However, there exists a fascinating world of rare dog breeds that many dog enthusiasts may be unfamiliar with, including the Azawakh and Hovawart.
Though these breeds have faced the threat of extinction due to their rarity yet they are canine lovers’ darlings. While encountering these unique breeds in everyday surroundings might be a rare occurrence, exploring their distinctive characteristics, rich histories, and charming personalities is certainly an enjoyable experience.
Let’s take a look at the Azawakh. A tall and graceful breed, this hound hails from West Africa, specifically Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. These sighthounds sport a short, sleek coat that can come in a variety of colours and combinations, ranging from red, clear sand, and fawn tobrindle, parti-colour which may include white, blue, black, and brown. Some Azawakhs may have a black mask on their heads and white markings on their legs, bib, and tail tip. Interestingly, there are no specific colours or marking restrictions in the breed standard.
This ancient hunting breed possesses a lean and rangy physique, with well-defined bone structure and muscles visible beneath its skin. The Azawakh’s smooth, S-shaped contours, deep chest and aerodynamic head clearly place it in the sighthound category, a group of canines known for their exceptional vision and speed when pursuing prey. Despite its elegant appearance, this leggy hound is a resilient and enduring hunter, having chased gazelles across the scorching Sahara sands for over a millennium.
Azawakhs are generally robust and healthy dogs. Responsible breeders prioritize the screening of their breeding stock for health issues such as hypothyroidism, seizures, cardiac problems and autoimmune diseases. Due to their slim build and thin skin, Azawakh parents should familiarize themselves with the ideal weight and conditions of this breed.
Maintaining an Azawakh’s short, fine coat is relatively easy. Regular brushing with a soft bristle brush, a rubber grooming mitt, or a hound glove is typically sufficient to keep their coat healthy and in good shape. These dogs do not have a strong odour, so frequent baths are not necessary. In case they get dirty, simply allowing mud to dry and then brushing it away is often effective. As with all breeds, regular nail trimming is essential to prevent discomfort and gait issues.
Azawakhs are an active breed that requires daily exercise to keep both their bodies and minds healthy. They can be excellent running companions for adults. Alternatively, a daily half-hour play session in a securelyfenced area, park, or yard will keep them content. However, Azawakhs do not tend to exercise on their own when left in a yard. They are more likely to stay active when accompanied by their pet parents or another dog. The Azawakh’s native homeland is the vast arid expanse of the southern Sahara and the Sahel region, with the Azawakh Valley at its geographical heart, spanning the border of Mali and Niger. The breed’s been the Tuareg nomads, often referred to as the “idii n’ illeli,” which translates to “sighthound of the free people” in their native tongue. The Azawakh holds a special place in the nomadic culture, living within their households and being fully integrated into their families.
They play a crucial role in safeguarding encampments and livestock from intruders and also contribute by providing meat through hunting, although the use of firearms has reduced their hunting duties. Their preferred prey includes hare, antelope and wild boar and their agility and stamina are assets in the rough and uneven terrain of their homeland, making them resilient and injury-resistant despite their slender build. With a heritage deeply rooted in hunting, the Azawakh excels in various roles, serving as a companion, guardian and lure courser as well.
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