Contents
History of origin
The Azawakh is such an ancient breed that it is now impossible to trace its origin. Perhaps they trace their lineage directly from wolves domesticated in the pre-glacial period. One way or another, the breed is already about 15 thousand years old. Moreover, throughout this period, dogs lived in isolation and, if they interbred, then with other greyhounds that existed in ancient times on the Black Continent – in particular, it is known that the ancient pharaohs at different times sent research expeditions deep into the mainland, so Egyptian dogs or otherwise contributed to the formation of many African breeds, including the Basenji and possibly the Azawakh. However, we can only assume all this, since the peoples who inhabited the Sahel (the transitional region between the Sahara and the more fertile southern lands) not only disappeared for the most part from the face of the earth, but did not even leave behind any written documents.
One way or another, in the harsh climate of Central Africa, a very unusual dog has been formed over the millennia, able to easily endure prohibitively high temperatures and lack of water.
Until recently, nothing was known about Azawakhs on other continents, until several of these dogs came to Europe in the 70s of the last century. African greyhounds quickly gained popularity, but more due to their exotic appearance and independent disposition than to the working qualities that these gazelle hunters simply had nowhere to apply in an alien climate.
Breed description
The one who sees the Azawakh for the first time will invariably exclaim: “Yes, he is at the last stage of exhaustion!” Yes, these greyhounds make such an impression. Protruding bones, skin that fits muscles with anatomical accuracy, a belly pulled in almost to the spine – this is the classic look of the Azawakh.
Their muzzle is rather elongated (the long nose allows the inhaled hot air to cool before it reaches the lungs), the ears are large, drooping, the eyes are deep-set, which contributes to a wide angle of vision, slightly slanting, the nose is black. The coat is short, the belly can be generally bare, the skin is very thin. The chest is incredibly deep, the tail is long, set low, bent at the end, in a calm state it is kept lowered between the hind legs.
The muscles are attached to the bones in such a way as to provide the dog’s body with maximum cooling in extreme heat.
The color is sandy with highlights on the underside of the body, red (white spots on the chest, paws and tip of the tail are acceptable), black.
Photos
Character
Living side by side with African tribes that have remained at the level of the Stone Age for thousands of years, this dog has retained most of the character traits of its wild ancestors. Azawakhs are very hierarchical and unconditionally recognize the authority of the leader (it’s good if the owner becomes this leader). They are distrustful of strangers, unsociable, but not aggressive. They are indifferent to children, prefer the company of adults or their own kind. But if you managed to win the respect of this greyhound, you can be sure that she, if necessary, will give her life for you without hesitation. And although the Azawakh will never fawn, know that behind external restraint and even severity lies a truly loving and devoted heart.
Care and maintenance
If you live in the northern regions of our country, then think three times before starting this native of hot countries. Azawakh anatomy provides him with maximum adaptability to high temperatures – for example, they are able to chase an antelope for a long time in 50-degree heat. But in the conditions of even the middle zone, the Azawakhs are severely cold. At the same time, these runners need a lot of exercise. So, if you still decide to get this exotic breed, the dog should live in warmth, but walk for a long time. For cold weather, stock up on warm clothes for your African pet, but in the hot summer he will run for hours in the sun without any risk of overheating.
He also needs to equip a sleeping place somewhere near the battery and, preferably, lay a warm mattress, blanket or even an old fur coat.
Education and training
Since for all the millennia, the Azawakhs coexisted with man rather than served him, they have a rather stubborn and independent disposition. They are sure that they know better what to do, and it can be quite difficult to outguess them. It only saves that the African greyhounds have retained the instincts of wild ancestors to this day, therefore the word of the leader is treated as an indisputable truth.
So before you take an Azawakh puppy, start working on yourself first. Develop leadership qualities and self-confidence, because only a combination of calm confidence, love and firmness can cause true respect from this guest from the south. If you can become the leader for your four-legged friend, there will be no problems with training.
Health and disease
In their homeland, the Azawakhs underwent a tough selection – usually one strongest puppy was left from the entire litter, because the tribe simply could not feed a large number of dogs. So they have a very healthy heredity, especially when it comes to those greyhounds that trace their pedigree directly from African ancestors. But the “Europeans” are already much more pampered and capricious.
But in any case, the Achilles’ heel of the Azawakhs is their complete inability to adapt to a cool climate. In winter, they are very cold and can easily catch a cold, so in no case should you forget about winter sweaters and jackets for these dogs.
Another vulnerable spot, like all greyhounds, Azawakhs is the musculoskeletal system. Sprains and dislocations are very common for them.
And, of course, do not forget to vaccinate your pets in time and treat them from endo- and ectoparasites.
A word to a specialist
Expert of the international category of the cynological union “Skor”, Moscow Vladimir Urazhevsky:
«Azawakh is a fairly rare African Afro-Asian greyhound that appeared in Europe about fifty years ago. For centuries, the Azawakh has been a companion of the nomadic tribes of South Sahara. Moreover, for them, these dogs were truly universal: they were guards, watchmen and signs of a high position.
Azawakh today is a rather rare breed in Our Country, while it is suitable for both the city and the country house, its muscles are well developed under dry and thin skin. The Azawakh has very long limbs.
The Azawakh format is a rectangle standing on the short side. Playful, attentive to children and owners, restrained, cautious and distrustful with strangers, can even be impregnable and wild, but very gentle and meek with those to whom he is located.».
Popular questions and answers
We talked about the content of the Azawakhs with zoo engineer, veterinarian Anastasia Kalinina.