Azawakh: temperament, size, care and health

About the Azawakh

The Azawakh is a tall, narrow, long-legged sighthound with a body so lean that hip bones and ribs often show through its thin skin. The coat is very short and fine, in fawn, red, sable, brindle or a blue shade, usually with white on the feet, chest and tail tip. Dogs stand about twenty-four to twenty-nine inches at the shoulder, and the gait is quick and light with a high stepping stride. The overall look is elegant and spare.

The breed comes from the Azawakh valley in the Sahel, the dry belt south of the Sahara, where nomadic peoples kept the dogs to hunt gazelle and hare and to guard camps and livestock at night. Tough conditions shaped a dog that is fast, durable and wary. In the home it behaves like a devoted but watchful dog, with deep ties to its family and little interest in strangers.

Temperament and family life

An Azawakh bonds strongly to its family and can be affectionate in private. It is reserved and suspicious of strangers, and it takes time to accept visitors. Protectiveness is part of its heritage, and it may guard its home and people. Socialization from an early age to many people, places and sounds is essential, and the dog will always be selective about whom it trusts.

It can live with considerate older children in its own family, but it is not tolerant of rough handling or noisy play. Some Azawakhs are dominant with other dogs, especially of the same sex. The chase instinct is intense, and cats and small animals that flee will be pursued. The breed needs close contact with its people and does poorly if kept outdoors or isolated.

Exercise and training

The Azawakh needs daily exercise, including opportunities to sprint in a very secure area with a tall fence. It is a superb jumper and will clear a short barrier. Never let it run loose in open land: its eyesight is acute and its speed enormous. Lure coursing and similar sports provide an excellent outlet.

Training must be gentle and consistent. The dog is intelligent but sensitive, and it can be stubborn. It shuts down when handled harshly. Short, interesting sessions with praise and food rewards work, while drills bore it. It can be slow to mature, often not settling until age two or three. Recall is unreliable, and the dog is not suitable for a first-time owner.

Grooming and shedding

The coat needs almost no care: a weekly rub with a soft brush or a rubber mitt, and occasional baths. Shedding is light. There is little odor.

The skin is thin and the body fat minimal, so the dog suffers in cold and wet weather and needs a coat and a warm bed. Pressure points can get sores on hard floors, so a thick bed is advised. Sun protection may be useful for pale-skinned dogs. Nails and teeth need routine attention.

Health

Compared with many breeds, the Azawakh is healthy and long-lived, but the population in North America is small. Reported conditions include autoimmune disorders, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, heart disease, bloat and eye problems. Like other sighthounds, it has a low body fat percentage and may react differently from other dogs to some anesthetics. Breeders may test hearts, thyroid function and eyes. These notes on the Azawakh are general, so a veterinarian should be consulted about the health of a specific dog.

History

The breed is generally traced to the Sahel region of West Africa, where the Tuareg and other nomadic peoples kept the dogs for generations. Dogs reached Europe in the 1970s, and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed in 1981. The first Azawakhs reached the United States in the 1980s, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2019.

Is the Azawakh right for you?

An Azawakh suits an experienced, active owner in a warm climate who values a loyal, aloof dog and has a tall, secure fence. It is a poor choice for those wanting a sociable or obedient companion, for cold areas or for a home with small pets.

The related Sloughi is somewhat sturdier and more settled, while the Saluki has more coat and a more tolerant manner. A good first sighthound to compare is the Greyhound.