Azawakh

33-44 lbs
24-28"
Africa
Tuareg Sloughi

The Azawakh originates from the Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger areas of West Africa. Also known as the Tuareg Sloughi, this sighthound originally hunted hare, antelope, and wild boar among the Tuareg people. The Azawakh is regarded as an elegant, tall and prized companion. The Azawakh is also considered a dog with a protective personality towards his owners. The Azawakh comes in various color combinations such as red, sandy, fawn, parti-color, blue, black, and brown. The Azawakh is ideal for a home without a family household as he fares best as a protector. His head markings show a black mask with white markings on his legs, bib, and the tip of the tail.

purpose Purpose
hunting, guarding, companion
history Date of Origin
ancient times
ancestry Ancestry
basenji, african pariah dog

Azawakh Health

Sketch of Azawakh
Average Size
Male Azawakh size stats
Height: 25-29 inches Weight: 44-55 lbs
Female Azawakh size stats
Height: 24-28 inches Weight: 33-44 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Epilepsy
  • Bloat
  • Wobbler's Syndrome
Minor Concerns
  • Sensitive to Anesthesia
Occasional Tests
  • Blood Test
  • X-Rays

Azawakh Breed History

The Azawakh breed is also known as the Tuareg Sloughi, named after the Tuareg nomads. The breed has a few alternate names, including  Idii n' Illeli (sight hound of the free people, or noble dog of the free people). The exact origin of the Azawakh dog is unknown, although it was not until the 1970s that the breed began to become popular in certain areas. The Azawakh is known to have originated from the Southern Sahara and Sahel areas of West Africa, bordering near Mali and Niger. The Azawakh is regarded as a respectful breed and enjoy appreciation from the nomads. The Azawakh developed as a result of interbreeding thousands of years ago and share ancestors with the Saluke and Sloughi. The Azawakh is still considered a newer breed in terms of understanding its temperament and broad history. Considered members of the family, this breed still likes to provide protection against invaders and strangers. They are exceptional hunters with an eye for obtaining meat and are known to hunt hare, antelope, and wild boar. The Azawakh are renowned  for their relentless stamina and ability to run 40 mph. They were previously trained to protect camps and hunt with owners, although today, the Azawakh prefer to hunt within a pack and are not known as solitary hunters. In the 1980s, the Azawakh was brought over to the United States. The first puppies were red and fawn with white markings. The Azawakh breed is not currently registered with the AKC but was recognized by the UKC in 1993. Although the Azawakh is still rare in the United States, it is slowly climbing in popularity.

Azawakh Breed Appearance

The Azawakh has a leggy, athletic appearance. The bone structure and muscles of this dog are apparent throughout the lean skin. The Azawakh breed may be mistaken as having the appearance of being starved but this is the natural state. For instance, much of the dog's height is attributed to the long legs as this breed is built for speed and requires regular exercise in order to maintain his muscular frame. The Azawakh is regarded as a regal and elegant breed due to it’s appearance. With a body that is taller than it is long, the back is flat and short, while the legs are thin and long. The head consists of a long muzzle, pendant ears, and dark-colored almond-shaped eyes. The steady gaze of the Azawakh gaze contains an expression of intelligence. It’s coat is short and thin, coming in different color combinations such as black, blue, cream, fawn, gray, red, sandy, and white. The athletic gait is described as light. The tail is usually carried low on the body and raised over the back. The ears of this canine are described as medium-sized and remain close to the head.

Appearance of Azawakh
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Azawakh eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Azawakh nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
blue Azawakh coat
Blue
fawn Azawakh coat
Fawn
brindle Azawakh coat
Brindle
black Azawakh coat
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Azawakh straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Azawakh Breed Maintenance

In order to maintain the coat of this moderate shedder, you should brush your dog weekly to order to prevent an overabundance of shedding. A firm bristle brush or curry brush will do the trick. Regular nail trimming should occur between 3 and 4 weeks to maintain short nails. His ears should be assessed weekly and cleaned as needed to prevent ear infection and keep them free of debris. It is recommended to brush the teeth daily to decrease the risk of oral disease in your Azawakh. A bath at least once monthly will avoid the overproduction of oils on the coat, causing a dull look. The Azawakh has a high activity level and is a naturally athletic dog requiring daily walks with enough additional exercise provided to keep him content. The Azawakh would fare best in a dwelling with excessive space to run around to maintain an active lifestyle. This breed fares best in a warm and dry climate and does not like the cold weather due to thin skin. The diet of the Azawakh is known to be best maintained with a low-protein diet since it was bred to adapt to these conditions. Fruits and vegetables, such as bananas and carrots, are highly recommended by many professionals and can be mixed with some wild rice. 

Brushes for Azawakh
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Azawakh requires monthly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Azawakh Temperament

The Azawakh is a relatively quiet dog with a bark that is barely heard. The Azawakh is often described as being loyal and affectionate towards his owners but also likes to maintain his independence. This dog loves to be surrounded by attention and must be socialized at an early age in order to prevent difficulties adjusting as an adult. The Azawakh has a strong prey drive which may create a wedge between him and other cats or small dogs in the home. It is recommended to socialize them together at an early age as it may not be possible to do so at a later time. It is also recommended that the Azawakh be walked on the leash when outside the home to prevent him from chasing small furry animals. It is discouraged to allow the Azawakh to walk free, unless there is a fenced-in yard. The Azawakh is known as being independent and proud. They thrive with positive reinforcement but do not respond well to punishment. When it comes to children, the Azawakh is not recommended due to its high activity level and it’s off-putting personality towards rough play. The Azawakh is described as an excellent companion dog, provided exercise and stimulation can be supplied for him. The Azawakh is also described as being affectionate with family members but can be reserved (and aggressive) towards children due to the inborn territorial nature. The Azawakh is known to be guarded against strangers and it is unknown how they would take to them in every circumstance. 

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
75 minutes
activity minutes

Azawakh Popularity

Popularity ranking
#141

Azawakh Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Azawakh Height & Weight

6 Months
Sketch of Azawakh at six months
Male Azawakh size stats at six months
Height: 15.0 inches Weight: 24.0 lbs
Female Azawakh size stats at six months
Height: 13.0 inches Weight: 19.5 lbs
12 Months
Sketch of Azawakh at 12 months
Male Azawakh size stats at 12 months
Height: 27.0 inches Weight: 35.0 lbs
Female Azawakh size stats at 12 months
Height: 26.0 inches Weight: 27.5 lbs
18 Months
Sketch of Azawakh at 18 months
Male Azawakh size stats at 18 months
Height: 27.0 inches Weight: 45.0 lbs
Female Azawakh size stats at 18 months
Height: 26.0 inches Weight: 35.0 lbs

Azawakh Owner Experiences

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