AZAWAKH BREED HISTORY & CHARACTERISTICS
COLORS & MARKINGS According to the AKC Standard, colors and markings of the Azawakh are immaterial. The FCI has much stricter criteria, specifically stat- ing sand to red color only are allowed, with or without black brindling. White markings are required on all four extremities, the chest, and the tip of the tail. White facial markings are per- mitted. Any deviation from these Standards is considered a major fault per FCI Standard. (See Figure 7.) Overall, the Azawakh is a breed that is known for its intelligence, independence, and loyalty. It is energetic and playful, with a sensitive and affectionate nature. It is a great choice for those who want an active and athletic companion that is also loving and devoted. The Azawakh has excelled throughout the world in the Confirma- tion show ring as well as in Performance sports such as Lure Coursing. (See Figure 8.) The movement of the Azawakh is agile and light, without excessive hackney motion. When ambulating with a slow gait (trot), the base of the foot should not extend past the nose. When ambulating at higher speeds, the gal- lop is leaping in nature with great vertical and horizontal movement to cover a large amount of ground. Excessive reach and drive is an incor- rect movement, although the breed tends to raise the legs more vertically at higher speeds to allow passage of the pastern which is particularly elon- gated in the breed. The movement is an essential part of Conformation judging. FAULTS INCLUDE: • Heavy General Appearance
Figure 9. GCHB Starfire’s Kamikaze of Orisha, Best of Breed, Royal Canin AKC National Championship, participating in the Hound Group. (First-Ever AKC recognized GCHB)
Figure 8. GCHB Starfire’s Kamikaze of Orisha, Best of Breed, Group 2 (FCI Group 10) RSCE, World Dog Show 2022, Madrid. (First-Ever AKC Recognized GCHB)
OVERALL, THE AZAWAKH IS A BREED THAT IS KNOWN FOR ITS INTELLIGENCE, INDEPENDENCE, AND LOYALTY. IT IS ENERGETIC AND PLAYFUL, WITH A SENSITIVE AND AFFECTIONATE NATURE. IT IS A GREAT CHOICE FOR THOSE WHO WANT AN ACTIVE AND ATHLETIC COMPANION THAT IS ALSO LOVING AND DEVOTED.
• Wide Backskull • Prominent Stop • Rose Ears • Body Too Long
• Exaggerated Reach and Drive • Heavy Pounding Movement • Excessively Timid, Hysterical or Aggressive Nature SERIOUS FAULTS: • Size Deviating > One Inch from the Norm • Overbite/Underbite
• Hip Lower than Withers • Harsh or Semi-Long Coat
With appropriate training and socialization, the Azawakh makes a great companion, pet, and Performance athlete. They integrate well within their pack and with other breeds and families. The Azawakh brings tremendous joy to those lucky enough to own one.
Figure 10. GCH Starfire’s Lilly Rose, Hound Group 1, Asheville Kennel Club 2019
GCH Seydou of Silverdale owned by Doug Koger and Aslaam Nasirudin (pictured) of Domiko Kennel
270 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2023
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