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History
and Development
An African sighthound of Afro-Asiatic type, the Azawakh originated in
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Raised in the Sahel region of the Sahara desert,
they are named for the Azawakh valley. Azawakh means "land of the north". They
are the guardians, hunters and companions of the Tuareg and other ethnic tribes
of the southern Sahel.
The breed was first imported to Yugoslavia in the early 1970's by Dr. Pecar,
a Yugoslavian diplomat stationed in Burkina Faso. The dogs could not be bought,
however, Dr. Pecar received his male as a gift from the nomads. He later bartered
his services as a hunter, by killing a bull elephant who had been terrorizing
the tribe, in exchange for a female Azawakh. 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 under FCI rules.
The Azawakh made it's debut in America in the mid 1980's. The first litter was
whelped on October 31, 1987 by Gisela Cook-Schmidt (Reckendahl). 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 by Deb Kidwell (Kel Simoon). In the mid 90's, a parti-color male was imported
from Burkina Faso and in 1997, a mixed parti-color and sand litter which was
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.
The Azawakh has a show history 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 bona fide breed and were referred
to as "Sloughi-Azawakhs". In 1986, the Azawakh was finally recognized for the
unique animal it is, when FCI dropped the word "Sloughi" from the name.
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In America, the Azawakh is recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC), the International
All Breed Kennel Club of America (IABKCA), the States Kennel Club (SKC), the
American Rare Breed Association and many other smaller registries. The AKC Foundation
Stock Service (AKC FSS) allows the breed to be registered through the service
and compete in AKC performance events only at this time. The American Azawakh
Association is the parent club for the breed in the US. Although the AAA doesn't
recognize the FCI Standard for the breed because of its color limitations, the
dogs can be shown in any FCI recognized country under FCI rules which allow
only sand to dark red and brindle, with all other colors disqualified. Their
history as show dogs is in its infancy, but their natural regal presence demands
recognition.
Vital
Statistics
Males range from 25-29 inches in height and weigh 44-55 lb., females, 23 1/2
- 27 1/2 inches and weigh 33-44 lb.. The short, smooth 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. Grooming of their short coat is accomplished easily with a zoom
groom or hound glove. Frequent bathing is not necessary as the breed has no
doggy odor. However, they do have sensitive skin, so use of a mild, hypoallergenic,
unscented shampoo is recommended.
Their life expectancy ranges from 12-15 years.
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Exercise
Requirements
Exercise requirements with all sighthound breeds is a very important subject.
The Azawakh must have adequate exercise and make excellent companions for the
serious jogger and runner. The Azawakh is a very active dog, however, they run
and play in spurts interspersed with long naps on the sofa. They should have
a large yard where they can stretch their legs, but more importantly they need
interaction with the owner or another dog, to make them exercise. Left alone
in the back yard with the expectation of self exercise is not acceptable for
this breed. They should receive at least half an hour a day of hard running
and/or playing exercise. Finding a securely fenced ball field is perfect for
play excursions. This breed will become fat and lethargic or hyper and destructive
without proper energy outlets. Azawakhs can be very reliable off lead if taught
a strong recall. This is a boon for people who enjoy the company of sighthounds,
but have difficulty enjoying them because they cannot be trusted off lead.
Temperament
When discussing the temperament of an Azawakh, consideration should be given
to individual personalities and contributing backgrounds, both genetic and environmental.
However, there are several general characteristics common to the breed. Described
in a Dog World article as a "warrior class dog", they have the intelligence
and heart to protect. When approached on their own turf, they are very vocally
intimidating. In situations where their duty as guardian isn't necessary, their
reactions may range from friendly, to mildly curious to arrogantly indifferent.
Although generally not 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 seem to possess an uncanny combination of total
loyalty and independence. Each new situation presents the potential for the
struggle between the dog's natural desire to please and his prideful desire
to do things his own way. A firm, fair hand is called for. Properly socialized
and trained, the Azawakh will live harmoniously within the family and community
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The
Azawakh with other dogs
Much discussion as been given to the guardedness of the Azawakh, but here we
must remember that this is a sighthound. As a rule, they seem to accept other
dogs, though sometimes grudgingly, as protected members of their own pack. Many
less "gamy" dogs do well with an indoor cat, however, bets should not be placed
on the chances of a cat in the yard or the neighbor's Pomeranian. Because comparatively
few generations have been removed from the need to hunt daily for personal and
family survival, the hunting instinct is very strong in this breed
Another point to mention is that the Azawakh is 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.
The
Azawakh and Children
No one can predict the individual personalities of all dogs in any breed There
are some situations which should be avoided with guardian and sighthound dogs
of any breed. Children playing together sometimes squabble. It is natural for
a guard dog to protect "his" children from their playmates. Azawakhs, being
spirited family participants, freely volunteer their assistance when another
family member is being disciplined. This unexpected "assistance" can be frightening
for everyone. Chase or prey behavior is another situation that can be a problem.
Children or other pets running away from the hound can activate the prey drive
instinct. The hound may try to "take down" the child from behind as they would
while hunting. A good rule of thumb is to never leave the Azawakh with children
while unsupervised by an attentive adult. There are individual dogs of all breeds
which do not like children. The Azawakh, as a breed, with care given to the
situations mentioned, should fit well into any family structure.
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Activities
As with most Sighthound breeds, many Azawakhs love to lure course or open field
hunt. The American Sighthound Field Association has given provisional recognition
to the Azawakh beginning Jan 2000. Full recognition of the breed should occur
in 2001.
The Azawakh is also recognized by the National Open Field Coursing Association
(NOFCA) as a rare breed. There have also been supportive offers for recognition
with the National Oval Track Racing Association (NOTRA), however, at this time
no Azawakhs are participating in this sport.
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.
Another sport for which the Azawakh shows a lot of promise is the new sport
of Canine Freestyle. In this sport, the hound's basic obedience skills along
with other learned skills are set to music and choreographed to create a performance
similar to the sport of Dressage in horses. The emphasis is on matching the
music to the dog's gait, demonstrating the bond between the handler and the
dog and creating an expressive, flowing picture to the audience. The Azawakhs
springy, graceful movement and willingness to please makes this sport tailor
made for them.
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Breed
Characteristics
Azawakhs are elegant, tall dogs of proud bearing. Lean and muscular of frame,
their appearance should indicate swiftness when running. He should be longer
of leg than of body, which may seem extreme when compared with other sighthounds
His neck is long and graceful, his head held high when alert. His tail is proudly
carried above the line of the back. The breed has pendant ears which are raised
to the side of the head in response to sounds. Their movement is spectacular
to watch. The gait is always very supple and elastic. At the trot, they are
light and graceful; the gallop is leaping and they cover ground in great strides.
The movement is an essential point of the breed.
Key points of the breed standard: This sighthound presents himself as a rangy
dog whose body fits into a rectangle with it's longer sides in a vertical position.
The length of the body is 90% the height of the hound. This ratio may be slightly
higher in bitches. The height of chest is 40% the height at withers. Well developed
and deep, the chest should not reach the elbow. The brisket may be rounded or
angular, but should rise abruptly into a very small waist. The forequarters
and hindquarters should exhibit very open angles. The shoulders should be at
about 130 degrees, the hindquarters at about 145 degrees.
The topline should be flat or slightly arching over the loin. The hips must
always be at the same level or higher than the level of the withers. It is a
major fault to have hips lower than the withers.
Skin and coat: The skin should fit tightly over the whole body, the coat is
short and fine. The belly may be completely hairless. The FCI standard admits
only sand to dark red and black brindled. In the US, the American Azawakh Association
recognizes all colors which naturally occur in the Azawakh's countries of origin.
These other colors include, white, black, gray, blue, dilute brindles, grizzle,
parti-color and all shades of brown to include chocolate. The hound should have
the requisite white markings to include: a white bib, and white brush at the
tail tip. Each of the four limbs must have compulsorily a white "stocking",
at least in the shape of tracing on the foot. It is a breed disqualification
to have a hound without any white markings on one or more of the limbs.
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Character
& temperament
Quick, attentive, distant, reserved with strangers and may even be aggressive,
but he can be gentle and affectionate with those he is willing to accept. However,
it is a breed disqualification to be timid, panicky or aggressive to point of
attack. This part of the standard is at odds with many breeders in the US and
Europe who are trying to breed Azawakh who are more approachable, maybe even
friendly, and less apt to be "savage". In the Sahel, the hound prefers not to
be touched, but is not aggressive. Unprovoked aggression towards a family member
or guest would not be tolerated.
Health
& Nutrition
The Azawakh as a breed does have several health issues that 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. Common tests are thyroid screens,
complete blood chemistry profiles, autoimmune function blood work, cardiac screening,
eye examinations (CERF), X-rays for hip/elbow dysplasia (OFA, PennHip). A blood
test is now available for Eosinophilic Myositis. Seizures are hard to test for
and cause determination is not always possible. However, dogs exhibiting seizures
should not be bred. Unfortunately, many dogs start seizure activity later in
life after they have been bred many times and have already adversely impacted
the gene pool of the breed.
The problem that breeders face in many cases is that because of the small gene
pool, it is impossible to eliminate all dogs who carry a genetic disease from
the breed program. But it makes sense to test for as many diseases as possible
so as not to "double up" on the same disease in sire and dam. 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.
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. The Azawakh should be fed a diet with a fat content
of 12-16% fat to maintain good weight and a healthy coat, a moderate level of
protein (22-26% ) is advisable. 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.
Grooming
Grooming is simplistic in Azawakhs. An occasional brush with a zoom groom or
hound glove is all that's necessary to keep the hound's coat in good condition.
If the hound gets muddy, wait for it to dry and brush it off. Frequent bathing
isn't necessary, since they have no doggy odor. Teeth brushing may be necessary
if the hound doesn't have access to bones to clean their teeth. If the hound
is fed an all natural diet, with raw meats and bones included, no extra teeth
care should be necessary, however, kibble fed dogs will probably need frequent
brushing and cleaning. Since the ears are pendant, ear infections can occur,
but it's not a major problem in the breed as the ear leather is thin and light,
allowing air to access the ear canal. Generally, no routine eye care is necessary.
Nail clipping should be started at a very early age. The breeder should be cutting
the puppies nails once a week starting one to two weeks following birth. In
the older puppy or adult, nails should be cut on a regular basis. A good rule
of thumb is that if your dog's nails are clicking on when it walks, then they
need cutting. Don't delay, as long overgrown nails can cause the dog's feet
to develop arthritis and also make it very uncomfortable walking around. Many
Azawakhs really resist having their nails clipped. Be firm, yet gentle. Also,
always have a supply of Kwik-Stop on hand in case you cut too short!
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Breeding
Decisions
Of course, prior health testing of the sire and dam is imperative. The Azawakh
breeds and whelps naturally. As with all breeding dogs, the prospective breeding
pair, should be in excellent health, and in good weight and physical condition.
The bitch should be slim, not FAT. Don't increase food for the pregnant bitch
until at least half way through the pregnancy. Fat bitches have more problems
whelping. Raspberry leaf or Solid Gold Conceptabitch is an excellent addition
to the bitch's diet in the third trimester of pregnancy and continuing through
the first week or so postpartum. The bitches generally whelp very easily. Cesarean
sections are unheard of in this breed. Litters generally range from 5-9 pups,
though smaller and larger litters have occurred. The pups are usually very vigorous
from the start and need little assistance finding the nipples and feeding.
On a special note: As a breed, special care should be taken when trying to keep
a male and female in heat apart. Their desire to procreate is VERY strong ,
indeed and they will go to amazing measures to fulfill that need!
Azawakh puppies generally range in price from $1000-2500 depending on the breeding and breeder involved. It is sometimes possible to acquire one as a pet on a spay/neuter contract for less and occasionally, young adult rescues or returns are available. It is important to ask the breeder you are buying a puppy from lots of questions. And it is equally important that the breeder ask YOU lots of questions. Azawakhs are not a dog for every person. The prospective puppy buyer may be asked to fill out a questionnaire. Puppy buyers should visit the breeder's home if at all possible to see the facilities and how the pups and adults are housed and what condition those facilities are in. Ask the breeder what health testing was performed on the sire/dam of the litter and ask to see the results and have them explained to you. Ask about the puppy buying contract, whether it is an outright purchase or a permanent or temporary co-ownership. Many breeders will not sell a dog "outright". Ask yourself if this is a person you would want to be "friends" with, as you are considering making a 12-15 year commitment, and as a new Azawakh owner will need help and guidance from the pup's breeder. Come equipped with lots of questions. Research the breed thoroughly before you make up your mind that an Azawakh is what you want.
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Training
The Azawakh is usually trained fairly easily as long as gentle methods are employed.
They respond very well to gentle, yet FIRM corrections and are usually very
food motivated. Extremely dominant type training, such as alpha rollovers are
NOT the training method of choice for this breed. The Azawakh has an amazing
amount of dignity and must be treated with mutual respect and honor. Rough treatment
and training can result in a hound that is either broken in spirit or very aggressive
and impossible to handle. An Azawakh, broken in spirit, is a sad sight indeed!
The hounds generally do well in a structured obedience class environment with
care given to the training methods employed. Training started in a puppy kindergarten
class is advisable in young puppies. These classes afford the opportunity for
socialization with people and other dogs and can be an invaluable tool in the
upbringing of the puppy.
Also, early training, make the adult dog more receptive to the desires of his
owner. Additionally, obedience training strengthens the bond between hound and
owner.
In terms of equipment, most pups and adults do fine with a martingale style
sighthound collar, or a nylon choke collar. However, choke collars should NEVER
be left on your dog while unattended. Always remove it immediately following
the training session. Prong collars or pinch collars are not necessary for training
an Azawakh.
As previously mentioned, many Azawakhs can be reliable off lead. This aspect
makes the breed an enjoyable companion for people who like to hike and camp
or just hang out!
Breeder
Selection Criteria
This subject was covered a bit in a previous section, however, it cannot be
stressed enough to buy from a breeder you feel comfortable with. If the conditions
that the puppies have been raised or the breeder raises concerns in your "gut",
run, don't walk away from that breeder! You are entering into a relationship
with this person that could last 12-15 years and beyond. Don't think you will
just buy the dog and never hear from the breeder again. If the breeder is a
reputable, caring person, you will be encouraged to call or write with pictures
and progress reports. The breeder may want to visit your home sometime in the
future or before the dog is placed with you. The breeder will want to make your
transition into the world of Azawakhs as easy as possible by, perhaps letting
you know of other Azawakh owners in your area, or by giving you a subscription
to the Azawakh club newsletter or by encouraging you to join and participate
in events in your area that allow Azawakhs.
Veterinarians: Vet choice is a very important area. It's important when choosing
a vet to find one experienced with sighthounds. With the proliferation of Greyhound
adoptions around the world, finding vets with sighthound experience is much
easier than it used to be. Find a vet that is open to all modalities of healing.
Many vets abhor anything natural or holistic. Finding a vet open to all modalities
gives many more options in the treatment of your Azawakh. Many "holistic" vets
also practice western medicine and they are usually a good choice.
Selection
of the individual dog and criteria
Since you will be spending many years in the company of your Azawakh, selecting
the right dog for you is probably the most important thing you will do ! First
the puppy vs. adult decision needs to be addressed. For the person who works
many hours a day away from home, a puppy is a poor choice, unless arrangements
can be made for a pet sitter or a friend to come in and walk the puppy during
the day. Until the age of four months, puppies have little bladder control.
Housebreaking, in reality, is training the owner to know when the puppy needs
to eliminate and getting him outside in time to do it! Expecting a young pup
to spend 8-10 hours alone at home is expecting way too much. In this case, a
young adult or older dog would be the best bet. However if you life style permits,
a puppy is a joy and a lot of fun (and a lot of work too)
Adult Azawakhs are sometimes available and for some households work out quite
well. Of course, an adult dog also comes with it's own "baggage".
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With any Azawakh, puppy or adult, a firm fair hand is called for. Consistent
socialization, handling and treatment are imperative to the mental health of
your dog.
Sources
and Resources
The American Azawakh Association, Inc. (AAA) is the parent 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.
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Show
giving clubs:
United States
American Rare Breed Association (ARBA)
International All Breed Kennel Club of American. Run by European judging standards
with written critiques.
States Kennel Club
Rarities
United Kennel Club
Other rare breed clubs
Great
Britain
The Kennel Club
In
the rest of the World
FCI
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