The
Azawakh (pronounced Ahz-a-wok) is a
sight hound closely related to the wild dogs of
Africa.
Appearance
The
Azawakh is a leggy,
elegant breed of
dog. In fact, the legs are generally longer than the body. Traditionally, it is a tall dog and
slender to the point of being skeletal. Its
bone structure is fine and clearly visible through its thin skin. The coat comes in a large range of colors, mainly shades of
fawn and
black, sometimes with black or white spots or stripes. All colors are admitted in
show dogs by the
UKC (United Kennel Club).
In keeping with the
narrow appearance, the neck of the Azawakh is long and
graceful, and its head is lean. It has long, droopy ears that are unusually alert; its hearing is excellent and it makes a good watch dog. The eyes are almond shaped and comically large compared to the rest of the body. The Azawakh has flat cheeks and long, sturdy jaws.
It is noted for its close resemblance to the
Saluki and the
Sloughi.
Temperament
The
temperament of the Azawakh is as a rule aloof. It rarely enjoys handling, though with careful training some Azawakhs have become successful
therapy dogs and family
pets. It is a dog that will choose several people to protect, and be
timid or even
vicious around others. It is extremely
loud and
barks often. The Azawakh is alternately described as
independent and totally
loyal, and it is both. It does not do well in homes with children due to its tendency to get annoyed quickly and to
protect "its" people from others.
The Azawakh is best suited for:
-
Shows
-
Guarding or as a watch dog
-
Companion to a single person
-
Being a therapy dog, depending on the dog and with good training
-
Racing
-
Lure coursing
History
The Azawakh originated in
Mali,
Niger,
Burkina Faso, and the
Sahel region of the
Sahara Desert. Its wild ancestors are the
desert dogs of Africa. Originally, the Azawakh was bred as a companion to
nomadsand ethnic
tribes in the South
Sahara, who valued it both as a show dog and as a companion. In the wild, Azawakhs hunted
hyenas and other prey in packs.
The breed was imported to
Yugoslavia in the 1970s by a Yugoslavian diplomat from
Burkina Faso. The first dog was given as a gift in exchange for the diplomat's skills as a hunter. It was then exported to
France and then to the rest of
Europe. The first Azawakhs in
America were born in 1987, and were all red and fawn colored. Throughout the 90s, additional Azawakhs in varying colors were imported to America. However, there is still a much greater selection of colors in Africa and Europe than in America.
sources:
http://www.rarebreed.com/breeders/ifriqiya/ifriqiya.html
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/azawakh.htm
http://members.aol.com/tagalas/