Kel Simoon Azawakhs - Deb's Page

Deb with Rima ak Ilaman
& Kel Simoon Felaou
December 2000

I've been really "in" dogs for about 27 years now. I was raised with Dobermans and finished a CD on my first Dobe, "Bonnie-Meagan" in my early 20's. Bonniewas not show quality. Friends commented that her front looked like a freight train! Oh well, she was a very cool dog and I loved her anyway.

"Bonnie-Meagan"

My first show dog was a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Am, Can CH Vestavia's Molly D Mahoney, CD, Can CD, bred by Cathy Ochs-Cline. Molly was the youngest CH and CD in the history of the breed at that time (10 months old).

"Molly"

She was a sweet dog but after a few years, I decided that the Corgis really weren't "my" breed. I bred one litter of Corgis. From there, I went to Pharaoh Hounds. I loved my Dobes and wanted a breed that was similar in look without the cropping/docking issues. I had also hoped to get away from the health problems in the Dobes but, unfortunately, did not. The Pharaohs were nice dogs too and I was successful with them, but they still weren't the breed for me.
Enter the AZAWAKH!
After watching the sighthound journals for several years and seeing the occasional mention of the breed, I got fired up when Dog World did a feature article on the breed in 1988. I just had to have one and went after getting one with a mission. Several weeks later, my 5 month old Reckendahl's Kiffah arrived and I knew I had found "my" breed. Shortly thereafter, Kiffah was joined by Kel Tarbanassen Etambo, a brindle male from France and Dayyat 'n shat-ehad, a red male from Germany.

Kiffah and Etambo

I just love to watch the Azawakhs move around the yard. They are so beautiful and elegant. I love the devotion they show to their person. Their adoration for their person shines in their eyes. I had never experienced such an exquisite animal and never have since. Other breeds pale in comparison to them, in my eyes.

Deb with Kirfa in GA

Things continued to progress from there. I spent years making mistakes and learning from them. My best friend and mentor in the breed is Ursula Arnold (Azawakh 'n shat-ehad, Germany). From her, I have learned more than I ever thought possible. Health & temperament problems in the different lines, how to feed them, how to make informed breeding decisions, etc., etc. The list is unending. I feel lucky to have such a relationship with a person who is truly interested in the survival of the breed and not wrapped up in a personal ego trip.

Uschi with her
Gulu-Gani 'n shat-ehad
(Al Hara's Gadi X Doliba 'n shat-ehad)

Since getting Kiffah, I have been deeply involved in the workings of the national breed club,
the American Azawakh Association.
I was instrumental in achieving recognition for the breed by the UKC and helped
revise the standard to match their format. I've been a member of the club since 1999 and
have served as an officer of the club for many years. At the present time, I am the
President and club Registrar for the club. I also serve as the nationwide rescue coordinator.
AAA Rescue