Hound group · West Africa (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso)
Azawakh
Also called Tuareg Sloughi, South Saharan Greyhound.
What makes them remarkable
A sighthound with a second job: Tuareg communities used the Azawakh for guarding as well as hunting.
- Loyal
- Independent
- Aloof
- Refined
- Attentive
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 15 to 25 kg33 to 55 lb
- Lives
- 12 to 15 years
- Energy
- Moderate
- Trains
- Low
- Barks
- Low
Training
Training an Azawakh
Hound breeds. Recall is the whole game. Build it on a long line before you trust it, and never punish a slow return.
Guardian Instincts
Start here
Unlike most sighthounds, Azawakhs have strong protective instincts. Early socialisation prevents over-guarding.
Bond Deeply
Form intense bonds with their family. May be standoffish with everyone else, including other family dogs.
Extreme Heat Tolerance
Bred for Saharan conditions, they thrive in heat but can struggle in cold. Their thin skin shows veins visibly.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Azawakh and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, one step at a time.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred to hunt by scent or sight, often far from the handler. Independent, with a nose or eyes that override you.
Gets on with
- ChildrenModerate
- Other dogsLow
- StrangersVery Low
- CatsLow
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 1-2 hours daily. Needs opportunities to run at full speed in secure areas.
- Grooming
- Minimal maintenance. Occasional brushing. Thin skin requires sun protection in winter.
- Drool
- Low
- Coat
- Short, Fine, ThinFawn, Red, Brindle, Blue, Black, Brown, White
- In a flat
- Needs more space than a flat gives.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Hypothyroidism
Moderate
Thyroid issues occur in the breed
Seizures
Moderate
Some lines prone to epilepsy
Heart Issues
Moderate
Cardiac conditions can occur
Where they come from
History
Developed by Tuareg nomads in the Sahel region for hunting and guarding. Named after the Azawakh Valley. One of the few sighthounds bred as guardians as well as hunters.
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