Coming all the way from the Sahel region of the Sahara Desert, the Azawakh is a proud and elegant dog breed that has long been a guardian, hunter, and companion to tribes in that region. He’s named after the Azawakh valley in the Sahara. Dogs that belong in this breed are gentle and affectionate when it comes to their families. Still, they can be aloof toward strangers, and they don’t like being touched by people they are not familiar with. Along with this, The Azawakh are also protective of their property and people. Fans of this breed say that they are a beautiful combination of independent and loyal.
History of the Azawakh
The Azawakh originated in Burkina Faso and Mali, Niger. They are bred and raised in the Sahel region of the Sahara desert. That is why they are named after the Azawakh valley. Their name means “land of the north.” Since then, they have been the hunters, guardians, and companions of the tribe called Tuareg and other ethnic tribes that resides in the southern Sahel. The Azawakh was first brought into Yugoslavia during the early 1970s by a man named Doctor Pecar, who happens to be a Yugoslavian diplomat that was assigned in Burkina Faso. However, Dr. Pecar did not buy the dogs because he received a male Azawakh as a gift from the nomads. To be able to get himself a female Azawakh, he exchanged his services as a hunter. He killed a bull elephant who was terrorizing the tribe, which is why Dr. Pecar was able to import and breed the dog breed. The French military, as well as the civil servants, also played a significant role in bringing the Azawakhs to Europe. And in the mid-1980s, the Azawakh made its debut in the United States.
Characteristics of an Azawakh
Height: 25-29 inches in male, 23.5-27.5 inches in female
Weight: 44-55 pounds in male, 33-44 pounds in female
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Hypoallergenic: No
The male Azawakh can grow up to 25 to 29 inches tall at the withers, while females can be about 23 to 27 inches tall at the withers. Male Azawakh can weigh about 44 to 55 pounds, while females can be as massive as 33 to 44 pounds. The Azawakh is an ancient hunting hound that has a lean and rangy built. In fact, you can even see their musculature and bone structure plainly beneath their skin. They have a deep chest, aerodynamic head mark, and smooth S-shaped contours. The Azawakh is a member of the sighthound family, which is why they are canine sprinters, and they depend on their vision as well as their blazing speed to fix and take down their prey. They also have an ultrafine coat, and they come in different colors and patterns. The overall look of the Azawakh is one example of elegance and quality. However, do not be fooled because this breed is a tough and durable hunter who is bred to chasing gazelles all across the scorching hot sands of the Sahara for over a thousand years.
Caring for Azawakhs
The Azawakh is born to be an active breed, which is why they need daily exercise to keep their mind and body in healthy conditions. Adult Azawakhs are great running companions, and they need at least a half-hour play session in a park, yard, or a well-fenced field in order to keep them happy and healthy. However, keep in mind that if you leave the Azawakh alone in the yard, they will not self-exercise, and they are more likely to engage in the activities they need if they are around the presence of their owner or even other dogs. The Azawakh should be healthy, eating high-quality dog food, It doesn’t matter whether they are commercially manufactured or if you prepare it yourself with your veterinarian’s approval. However, we suggest that you watch your dog’s calorie intake and weight level because the Azawakh is also prone to obesity.