Description

Particularly leggy and elegant, the Azawakh sighthound gives a general impression of great fineness. His bone structure and musculature is transparent beneath fine and lean tissues (skin). This sighthound presents itself as a rangy dog whose body fits into a rectangle with Its longer sides in vertical position. The Azawakh's skin is fine, tight over the whole of the body. The hair is short, fine, down to none on the belly. Coat colors come in fawn with flecking limited to the extremities. All shades are admitted from light sable to dark fawn. The head may or may not have a black mask and the blaze is very inconsistent. The coat has a white bib and a white brush at the tip of the tail. Each of the four limbs must have compulsorily a white "stocking", at least in shape of a trace on the feet. The black brindleing is admitted.

Origin

The Azawakh originated in the Sahel region of Africa. They have been bred by the numerous nomadic tribes of the Southern Sahara as hunting and guard dogs, as well as companions. The hound's vocations were, and still are, the chase, guarding and companionship. One cannot help but appreciate their regalness. These dogs often can be seen sleeping on the low straw roofs of the village homes of their Mali owners. As a hyena or other night predators approaches, the first Azawakh to see it jumps down and is quickly joined by the others; they form a pack and chase away or kill the intruder. The Azawakh was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1993.

Temperament

Relative to its native environment, the smooth-coated Azawakh hound mentally and structurally manifests his vocation as hunter, protector and companion. Quick, attentive, distant, proud, alert and attentive, he remains instinctively reserved with strangers and gentle with those he loves. Especially slender and elegant, his frame and muscles are visible under a dry, fine skin. The Azawakh has a natural tendency to guard. Independent and exceptionally fast, these dogs can reach up to

Height

Height: 23-29 inches (58-74 cm.)

Weight

Weight: 37-55 pounds (17-25 kg.)

Known Health Problems

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Conditions for Living

The Azawakh will do okay in an apartment if they get enough exercise. They are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will do. Azawakhs are sensitive to the cold but do well in cold climates as long as they wear a coat outside.

Exercise Requirments

Azawakhs that are kept as pets should have regular opportunities to run preferably at the same time every day.

Life Expectancy

About 12 years

Grooming

The smooth, short-haired coat is very easy to groom. Simply comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Group

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