AZAWAKH
BREED HISTORY & CHARACTERISTICS
BY ESSIE YATES MD, BOARD MEMBER AAA (AMERICAN AZAWAKH ASSOCIATION) AZAWAKH BREEDER AND OWNER
T he Azawakh is known for its extraordinary athleticism, intelligence, independent nature, and exotic beauty. It is a sighthound native to the Sahel region of Africa, which stretches across the countries of Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso. It is named after the Azawakh Valley in the region, which is home to many nomadic people who have used the breed for centuries as a hunting and guarding dog. Notorious for its speed, agility, and keen eyesight, the Azawakh is a thin, athletic dog with a soft, smooth, short coat that can come in a variety of colors including red, sand, fawn, black, blue, and brindle, with white stockings being a common feature in some. (See Figure 1.) The Azawakh is believed to be a product of selective breed- ing by the Tuareg people, a group of nomadic pastoralists who live in the Sahara Desert and the Sahel region. The Tuareg have used the Azawakh for centuries as a hunting dog for small game and as a guardian for their herds and camps. (See Figure 2.) The breed was also used as a protector for the Tuareg’s tents and possessions as well as for guarding against predators. The Azawakh is aloof with strangers, but is known for its loyalty and devotion to its family and is considered a highly prized posses- sion among the Tuareg. It is also known for its intelligence and independent nature. Azawakhs first made their way to Europe in the 1970s, the first believed to be to a Yugoslavian diplomat who exported a female and male dog. Another important foundation in Europe was the Azawakh French line, with a total of seven imports between 1972- 1978. The breed is believed to have developed in Europe from the two distinct Yugoslavian and French lines. The Azawakh was recognized by the French Kennel Club in 1979 and by the Inter- national Kennel Club in 1990. France is considered the patron country of the Azawakh under FCI (Federation Cynologique International (FCI) rules. Since its arrival in Europe, the Azawakh has become popular as a show dog and companion animal. It is also still used as a hunting dog in some parts of Europe and Africa; however, the breed remains relatively rare outside its native region, with only a few hundred Azawakhs in existence outside of Africa.
Figure 1. GCH Starfire’s Lilly Rose
Figure 2. Sketch of the Tuareg with an Azawakh, Niger 1998. artist unknown
266 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2023
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