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| Apr 14 2008, 7:05 AM EDT (current) | *Laney* | 180 words added, 10 words deleted, 2 photos added |
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Make a page for your Azawakh. 
The Azawakh (also known asTuareg Sloughi) is an ancient race of Sighthounds originating in Africa's sub-Saharan Sahel where the people of the Kel Tamajaq raise them. Bred for millennia to guard, hunt, and to adorn, and even today they still continue to serve these purposes in the Tamajaq culture. They are Rugged, Leggy and Elegant canines that closely resemble the Saluki and the Sloughi.
Short History of the Breed
(information courtesy of Dogomania.com)The original homeland of the Azawakh is the endless arid region of the south Sahara and Sahel, which encompasses the countries of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Azawakh means "land of the north," and the breed is named for the Azawakh Valley.
The breed was first imported to Yugoslavia in the early 1970's by Dr. Pecar, a Yugoslavian diplomat stationed in Burkina Faso. However, the dogs could not be bought. Dr. Pecar received his male as a gift from the nomads. In exchange for a female Azawakh, he later bartered his services as a hunter by killing a bull elephant that had been terrorizing the tribe. The French military and civil servants also played a significant role in exporting the Azawakhs to Europe. France is the patron country of the Azawakh. The Azawakh has a show history in Europe that begins very soon after its original importation. They were first shown in the early 1970's under FCI rules as a variety of Sloughi. On January 1, 1981, they were accepted as a bonafide breed and were referred to as "Sloughi-Azawakhs". In 1986, the Azawakh was finally recognized as a distinct and different breed when the 'Sloughi' prefix was dropped. The Azawakh made its debut in America in the mid-1980's. The first litter was whelped on October 31, 1987. These first American Azawakhs were all red or fawn with white markings. The first brindles came to America in 1989, with the first brindle litter whelped November 27, 1990. In the mid-90's, a parti-color male was imported from Burkina Faso. In 1997, a mixed parti-color and sand litter, which had been bred in Mali, was whelped in Alaska. It is hoped that an even larger selection of colors will find their way to the US from Africa in the near future. In America, the Azawakh is recognized by the AKC Foundation Stock Service, the United Kennel Club (UKC), the International All Breed Kennel Club of America (IABKCA), the American Rare Breed Association, and many other smaller registries. The American Azawakh Association is the parent club for the breed in the US. Their history as show dogs is in its infancy, but their natural regal presence demands recognition.
Physical Description and Size
The Azawakh is a tall, rangy, high-stationed breed of canine, interestingly they are taller than they are long. Their back length should be 90 percent of its leg length to withers (shoulder blades).The Azawakh's skin is fine and tight over the whole of the body. The hair is short, fine, down to none on the belly. Their bone structure shows clearly through the skin and musculature. Their muscles lie quite flat, like that of the Saluki.
The Azawakh's coat comes in a variety of colors to include, clear sand to dark red, white, black, blue, gray, brindle, grizzle, parti-color and all shades of brown, including chocolate. However, the FCI standard for the breed only recognizes sand to dark red and brindle at this time.
They weigh 37-55 pounds (17-25 kg.) and should be between 23-29 inches (58-74 cm.) in height.
Temperament
The Azawakh is a fiercely loyal dog, and will readily form a bond to a single master. In their own home they are independent, loving, and playful. However, in unfamiliar situations or surroundings they may be reserved, avoidant, even unapproachable. Although raised to protect livestock, they do not have native aggression toward canine nor human unless they perceive them as a threat.
Although the Aazawakh isn't generally outgoing, several in the US and in Europe, have found the opportunity to make social contributions as therapy dogs in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers. They are a very dominant breed. Within a household pack, they will almost always aspire to the alpha dog position. If there is an existing dominant dog in the pack, this can sometimes cause conflict within the pack but when properly socialized and trained, the Azawakh will live harmoniously within the family and community.
The Azawakh has a unique ability to recognize other Azawakhs on sight, and bond naturally with members of their own breed.
Dog Care
As with all canines, the Azawakh needs to be well socialised from an early age and should be challenged with new situations.They are a combination of a sprinter (though not anywhere as fast as a Greyhound) and a long distance runner (like a Saluki). Therefore they need a good to high level of exercise and should have regular runs off lead in large enclosed areas to run off steam.
Nutrition is an important point to consider in a breed so close to its "roots". Though not all breeders feel it important, many feel that the hounds should be fed a simple diet of whole foods, rather than kibble. This is a personal preference, of course. Many generations of dogs have been kibble raised and have done well. In medical treatment of the hound, natural, holistic methods work very well. The Azawakh is generally a healthy breed. They heal amazingly well from cuts and scrapes. Care should be given with the use of chemicals, harsh shampoos and the feeding of excessive protein. The Azawakh is a natural breed whose immune system is not used to most Western chemicals, therefore, judicious use of chemicals around the hound is advised.
Weight maintenance of Azawakhs is another important area to consider. They should be slim. In proper weight, some ribs and vertebrae, and the hip bones should be visible. It's not to say they should be skeletal, but a fat sighthound isn't a happy nor a healthy sighthound. Azawakhs are structured to be on the thin side. Overfeeding will adversely affect the joint structure of the hound, especially in puppies. Azawakh puppies should never be fat and roly poly. Keeping them slim as they are growing permits the joints and other body parts to grow properly, without additional stress and wear and tear. Slim pups are less prone to growth plate problems.
The Azawakh requires little grooming, just an occasional brush is all that's necessary to keep the hound's coat in good condition. Frequent bathing is not necessary as the Azawakh has no 'Doggy Odour'.
As with most Sighthound breeds, many Azawakhs love to lure course or open field hunt, they also show a lot of promise in the sport of Canine Freestyle because of their springy, graceful movement and willingness to please. In France and elsewhere, the Azawakh is the perfect "show-dog".
In the US, the breed is still considered a rare breed and is excluded from all AKC conformation events. The AKC has recognized the Azawakh for inclusion in all AKC performance events, such as obedience, agility, etc. There are, however, many rare breed clubs who sponsor conformation and performance events and the Azawakh is recognized by most of these. The breed is fully recognized by UKC (United Kennel Club) and the SKC (States Kennel Club).
In all FCI countries, the breed is fully recognized to participate in any sport that it is eligible. This includes, conformation, lure coursing, racing, agility, obedience, etc.
Health Issues and Life Expectancy
Azawakh have no known predisposed genetic diseases which is quite uncommon for a large dog breed, Although, The Azawakh as a breed does have several health issues that do need to be addressed. The most common of these health concerns are hypothyroidism, seizures, and several autoimmune mediated diseases, such as Eosinophilic Myositis, autoimmune thyroiditis and generalized Demodectic Mange. Cardiac problems are also not unknown in this breed. Bloat, though rare, has been known to occur. Breeders are strongly encouraged to test for as many diseases as possible, making it possible to make an informed breeding decision when considering a litter. Pedigree research and disease tracking is an invaluable tool for Azawakh breeders. Some diseases can be tracked through an entire line from the original foundation dogs. Life expectancy for the Azawakh is approx. 12 years.
Additional Resources
(AddThe yourAmerican favoriteAzawakh chatAssociation, rooms,Inc. blogs,(AAA) webis sites,the clubsparent club for the Azawakh in the US. The AAA was founded on February 7, 1988 with the goals of promoting the pure Azawakh and to guarantee the breed a permanent future in the US. Further information may be obtained by writing to the American Azawakh Association, Marya Morales, Secretary, 1739 42nd Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122 or email to: starofdawn@hotmail.com) . The club publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Azawakh Aegis, which is available by subscription to interested persons.
There are also several books which have small sections about Azawakhs or deal with the nomads who breed them in the countries of origin.
Dog's Best Friend: Journey to the Roots of an Ancient Partnership. Ursula Birr, Gerald Krakauer, Daniela Osterlander
The Pastoral Tuareg: Ecology, Culture and Society. Johannes & Ida Nicoloaisen
Der Azawakh: Windhund der Nomades in Mali (in German) H.J. Strassner, E. Eiles
Wind, Sand and Silence: Travels with Africa's Last Nomads. Victor Englebert
The Canine Lexicon and several other all breed/rare breed books have blurbs and pictures of the breed.
