Dog breeds :
Azawakh / Sloughi Azawakh / Tuareg Sloughi
SBIS, CH Kel Simoon Essari, FCC, owner: Rhonda Mann
General
The Azawakh is a desert hound hailing from the sands of the Sahel (Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali.) The Azawakh is a loyal companion, however, there are health problems in the breed. The Azawakh makes a wonderful pet for the right person. Do much pedigree research before committing to a breeder and their program.
Characteristics
The Azawakh is a standing rectangle: he is taller than long. He has a very deep chest, coming up to a short tucked-up loin. The Azawakh comes in all colors in his land of origin. At the present time in Europe the colors red, sand and brindle are accepted. He is a very fast runner, being able to sustain speeds of 30 mph or more for short periods of time.
Temperament
The Azawakh is an active breed with incredible endurance. They should have a large yard or open area where they can stretch their legs on a regular basis. More importantly, however, they need interaction with the owner or another dog to encourage
them to exercise. Finding a securely fenced ball field is perfect for play excursions. This breed will become fat and lethargic or hyper and destructive without proper energy outlets.
When discussing the temperament of an Azawakh, consideration should be given to individual personalities and contributing backgrounds, both genetic and environmental.
However, there are several general characteristics common to the breed. Azawakhs are gentle and affectionate with those they are willing to accept. They constantly solicit
physical affection. However, they may be distant and reserved with strangers, and could even be savage or aggressive. Generally, they distribute their affection and seek to be
recognized as a member of the family; therefore, they are not kennel dogs. Interestingly, in their Countries of Origin (COO), the Azawakh prefers not to be touched by strangers,
however, is not aggressive. Unprovoked aggression toward a family member or guest would never be tolerated.
Described in Dog World as a "warrior class dog", they have the intelligence and heart to protect. When approached on their own turf, they will usually bark ferociously. In situations where their duty as guardian is not necessary, their reactions may range from friendly and exuberant, to mildly curious, to arrogantly indifferent.
Although generally not outgoing, several of the breed in the US and Europe, are making social contributions as therapy dogs in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.
They seem to possess an uncanny combination of total loyalty and independence.
Each new situation presents the potential for the struggle between the dog's natural desire to please his owner and his prideful desire to do things his own way. A firm, fair hand is
called for.
The Azawakh With Children and Other Dogs
Much discussion has been given to the guardian nature of the Azawakh, but we must remember that this is a sighthound. As a rule, they seem to accept other dogs, though sometimes grudgingly, as protected members of their own pack.
The Azawakh is a very dominant breed. Within a household pack, they will almost always aspire to the alpha dog position. If there is an existing dominant dog in the pack,
this can sometimes cause conflict within the pack.
No one can predict the individual personalities of all dogs in any breed. There are some situations that should be avoided with guardian and sighthound dogs of any breed.
Children playing together sometimes squabble, and it is natural for a guard dog to protect "his" child from their playmates.
Chase or prey behavior is another situation that can be a problem. Children or other pets running away from the hound can activate the prey drive. The hound may try to 'take down' the child or other pet from behind, as they would prey while hunting.
Because comparatively few generations have been removed from the need to hunt daily for personal and family survival, the hunting instinct is very strong in this breed.
A good rule of thumb is never to leave the Azawakh with children while unsupervised by an attentive adult. There are individual dogs of all breeds that do not like children.
The Azawakh, as a breed, with care given to the situations mentioned, should fit well into any family structure.
History
The breed was first imported to Yugoslavia in the early 1970's by Dr. Pecar, a Yugoslavian diplomat stationed in Burkina Faso. However, the dogs could not be bought.
Dr. Pecar received his male as a gift from the nomads. In exchange for a female Azawakh, he later bartered his services as a hunter by killing a bull elephant that had been
terrorizing the tribe. The French military and civil servants also played a significant role in exporting the Azawakhs to Europe. France is the patron country of the Azawakh.
The Azawakh has a show history in Europe that begins very soon after its original importation. They were first shown in the early 1970's under FCI rules as a variety of Sloughi. On January 1, 1981, they were accepted as a bonafide breed and were referred
to as "Sloughi-Azawakhs". In 1986, the Azawakh was finally recognized as a distinct and different breed when the 'Sloughi' prefix was dropped.
The Azawakh made its debut in America in the mid-1980's. The first litter was whelped on October 31, 1987. These first American Azawakhs were all red or fawn with white markings. The first brindles came to America in 1989, with the first brindle litter whelped November 27, 1990. In the mid-90's, a parti-color male was imported from
Burkina Faso. In 1997, a mixed parti-color and sand litter, which had been bred in Mali, was whelped in Alaska. It is hoped that an even larger selection of colors will find their way to the US from Africa in the near future.
In America, the Azawakh is recognized by the AKC Foundation Stock Service, the United Kennel Club (UKC), the International All Breed Kennel Club of America (IABKCA), the American Rare Breed Association, and many other smaller registries. The American Azawakh Association is the parent club for the breed in the US. Their history
as show dogs is in its infancy, but their natural regal presence demands recognition.
Origin
The Azawakh is an African sighthound of Afro-Asiatic type. The original homeland of the Azawakh is the endless arid region of the south Sahara and Sahel, which encompasses the countries of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Azawakh means "land of the north," and the breed is named for the Azawakh Valley. They are the guardians, hunters
and companions of the Tuareg and other ethnic tribes of the region.
Other sighthound-type dogs, called Afazo or Abaikor, are common to the region, but the differentiation is important.
Utilization
Fierce guards, able hunters, loyal companions. In Europe and abroad lure coursing and flat-racing are enjoyed by many Azawakhs. In France and elsewhere, the Azawakh is the perfect "show-dog"
Classification
Sighthounds
Size
Large
Height
20-27 inches. (M&F)
Weight
35-55 pounds
Grooming
Little
Excercise
Considerable
Activity
High
Locality
Country
Health
Problems in the breed: Seizure, Auto-immune problems, Spondylosis, Myositis
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