Azawakh
Image: Aneta Jungerova/Shutterstock.com
The Azawakh Hound – The African Hound With Stunning Bone Structure
The History Behind the Azawakh
The idii n’ illeli (meaning “sighthound of the free people”) is a dog breed from the Tuareg nomads who come from the southern Sahara and the Sahel Zone. As a dog, they were bred to hunt everything from small prey like hare and critters, right up to the bigger prey like wild boar. The tribe treat them as family members and family members who pull their weight and work hard. Unfortunately – or fortunately, depending on your views – this breed doesn’t get used as working dogs in this way anymore except in the rarest of circumstances.
The Azawakh has been bred to agility and stamina, able to endure harsh heats and long journeys. They are watchful, careful, and very loyal dogs. In America, they are often used as lure coursers and can be successful hunting dogs. They are incredibly versatile and make the perfect companion to the outdoors lifestyle in warmer climates. The AKC recognised this breed as a Foundation Stock Service breed since 2011 but have since placed it with the hounds. The UKC also recognises it, but it hasn’t made it worldwide yet, with Canada being first of the equal others to have neglected to do so. Why? It is uncommon outside of Africa.
There are several factors that made the likelihood of you having gotten one of these puppies incredibly small. The Tuareg tribe cull the puppies at birth using criteria the west doesn’t understand yet. They do not judge dogs the way we do, instead, we can only guess that they favour strength and hardiness over the western standards of health and beauty.
At any rate, many of the female Azawakh puppies are killed outright and no distinction is made between mongrel and purebred dog. We suspect that, in a hundred years or so, the breed standard of the Azawakh dog will be more firmly set out.
Image: otsphoto/Shutterstock.com
Quick Overview
Name: The Azawakh (the “idii n’ illeli” in the Tuareg tongue)
Size: No more than 74 cm
Weight: No more than 25 kg
Grooming: Minimal but will shed sometimes
Training: The stubborn end of the scale, obedience necessary
Exercise: More than 2 hours a day
Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, slightly stubborn
Origins: Mali, specifically the nomadic Tuareg tribe
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Breed Type: HOUND (working dog)
Fun Azawakh Facts!
Every dog has a few fun facts about it that we love to hear. We researched the best interesting bits about the Azawakh breed to garner the Five Minutes Spare seal of approval. Some of those fun facts may include (but are not limited to):
- The colour combinations on the breed standard list are impressive. There are loads to choose from that other breeds just don’t have for choice. Your pet Azawakh can be sand, dark faun, tan, white, red, brindle, parti-colour, blue, black, or brown.
- In the old days, the Azawakh were fierce hunters. The nomadic tribe they belong to used them both to guard the encampment and the vital cattle, and to hunt for meat in the surrounding area.
- The UKC list the Azawakh dog breed as an imp breed, we can only assume this is because it is small for a hound.
- This breed was derived from the Pariah dogs of Africa, all bush breeds that are closely related to the Sloughi dogs. These dogs have a rare genetic mutation that is shared only with foxes, Jackals, Wolves, and a small number of rare Japanese breeds.
There we have it! The Azawakh isn’t just rare, it also has a number of fun aspects to it.
Personality and Temperament
The Azawakh is independent but loyal. Once they choose a pack, they will defend them till the death. They aren’t as affectionate as a companion breed, but they will work harder on your behalf. They do still carry much of the working dog ethic in their personalities, meaning they are most happy when they have tasks to do or jobs to complete. Keep this in mind if you are looking for a breed that requires less training or stimulation.
Training and Grooming Your Azawakh
The Azawakh will require a once-a-week brush as it has a nice short-haired coat. It will also cast at least twice a year so make sure you have a good vacuum cleaner on hand… The breed standard says shedding is minimal but be wary of believing it.
As to training this breed, they are bred to be intelligent and independent. This is a dog supposed to be able to go and hunt its own dinner, so make sure they have plenty of freedom. By the same token, you don’t want to let them roam around the streets. Obedience training and early socialisation will help you keep him/her a safe, healthy dog.
Health Concerns Known to this Breed
There are only a few known health problems with the Azawakh. As a rule, their legs and joints tend to be powerfully strong, meaning they are one of the few medium-large breeds that don’t suffer from hip dysplasia. They do suffer occasionally from epilepsy, and Wobbler Disease is known among these dogs. Wobbler disease is when spinal deformations make it difficult for the dog to walk without shaking and struggling with balance.
Where to Buy Your Azawakh?
If you want to make sure you don’t receive a puppy from a farm, make sure to buy your Azawakh puppy from a registered breeder. A good breeder will be able to introduce you to one or more of your pup’s parents, will have the familial health information on your hound, and will be able to point you towards good vets and insurers. A puppy farmer will know or do none of these things. The Kennel Club in your country will have a list of good breeders.
Alternatively, rescue your dog from a shelter. You can ask your local shelter to notify you if a particular breed becomes available, or even if some Azawakh puppies arrive.
Got Five Minutes More?
If you have had fun exploring one breed with us, why not try another? The Azawakh is only one of a number of breeds you can find at Five Minutes Spare. Why not check out the German Shepherd or learn about the Australian Cattle Dog? We have a huge range that will make it easier to choose the right puppy breed for you!
