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Azawakh

The Azawakh is a sighthound from the Sahel — Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso — where it has been kept for centuries by Tuareg, Fula and other peoples as a guard and a hunter of gazelle.

It is named for the Azawagh valley.

It stands 61 to 74 centimetres and weighs only 15 to 25 kilograms, which makes it one of the leanest dogs in existence: hip bones, ribs and vertebrae are visible on a healthy Azawakh, and the breed standard requires it. It lives twelve to fifteen years. Temperament is unlike a Greyhound's — Azawakhs are guardians as well as coursers, aloof with strangers, deeply bonded to their own household, and often uncomfortable with unsolicited handling.

Origin
Sahel region of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso
Size
61–74 cm; 15–25 kg
Lifespan
12–15 years
Build
Extremely lean — visible ribs and hip bones are correct
Temperament
Aloof and protective; not an outgoing sighthound
Health
Anaesthesia sensitivity; very low body fat and cold intolerance

Related: Greyhound

2 azawakh photos, newest first

Azawakh feed
  • Onyx IV, a azawakh

    Onyx IV

    Onyx IV was promoted to wedding planner facing a runaway bouquet; unfortunately, a model sailboat becomes stranded in a teacup.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Onyx IV, a azawakh

    Onyx IV

    The exact moment Onyx IV heard the fridge open.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a azawakh

A correct Azawakh looks underweight to almost everyone. Ribs, hips and spine showing is the standard, and well-meaning strangers and even some vets will say otherwise. Learn the breed's body condition and do not feed one into a Labrador's shape.

With so little fat they lose heat fast. Coats in winter, warm bedding, and no long spells outdoors in cold weather.

Sighthounds metabolise some anaesthetics slowly because of that low fat. Tell any vet the dog is a sighthound before surgery.

Recall is unreliable in the presence of anything running. Secure fencing and a long line rather than open-field freedom.

They are aloof rather than unfriendly. Socialise early and widely, and do not force strangers on them.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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