Azawakh
The Good
- Devoted to their owner
- Excellently adapted to heat
- Simple to care for
- Calm when left alone
- Sheds very little
The Real
- Wilful and stubborn
- Poor tolerance for cold
- Doesn't get along well with other animals
- Tends to be dominant
- Doesn't enjoy socialising
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Azawakh (pronounced oz-a-wok) is one of Australia's rarest and most striking sighthounds - a lean, elegant hunter from the scorching sands of sub-Saharan Africa. If you've ever seen one at a Melbourne dog park or Brisbane show, you'll understand why they turn heads. These dogs are so athletically built that their ribs and muscle definition are clearly visible beneath their thin skin - it's not malnutrition, it's perfection for desert survival.
Standing up to 74 cm tall but weighing only 15-25 kg, the Azawakh embodies the phrase "built for speed." Their S-shaped silhouette, deep chest, and aerodynamic head mark them as true sprinters who rely on keen eyesight and blazing pace to course prey across open ground. In Australian homes, they're known for their calm, almost cat-like presence indoors, settling easily after exercise.
Don't expect a Golden Retriever personality though. Azawakhs are reserved, dignified dogs who form intense bonds with one person while remaining politely aloof with others. They're the strong, silent type who won't demand attention but will quietly observe everything happening in their territory. For the right owner - someone who appreciates independence and understands sighthound nature - they make incredibly loyal, low-maintenance companions. Just remember, in Australia's cooler regions, you'll need to invest in some quality dog coats for winter walks.
History
The Azawakh's story begins in the endless, arid regions of the Sahel zone, particularly around the Azawakh Valley spanning Mali and Niger. These ancient hunters have been the treasured companions of nomadic tribes like the Tuareg, Peul, and Hausa for potentially thousands of years, serving as both guardians of camps and swift hunters of gazelle across the desert.
Living in complete isolation from other dog breeds, the Azawakh developed into something truly unique. The harsh Saharan environment shaped every aspect of their being - their extreme leanness isn't a flaw but a feature, allowing them to regulate body temperature in scorching heat while maintaining the speed needed to chase prey across open ground.
The breed remained completely unknown outside Africa until the 1970s, when Yugoslav diplomat Dr. Pekar brought two dogs back from Burkina Faso. These weren't purchased - in traditional African culture, Azawakhs were gifted only to honoured friends. French diplomats and military personnel soon followed suit, and by the 1980s, the first Azawakhs arrived in America.
Today, they remain one of the world's rarest breeds. In Australia, finding an Azawakh requires patience and often international connections, as local breeding programs are extremely limited. The breed's rarity adds to their mystique, but also means potential owners need to do their homework and possibly join waiting lists. Unlike many modern breeds shaped by human preferences, the Azawakh remains virtually unchanged from their desert ancestors - a living piece of ancient African heritage.
Traits & Characteristics
Azawakh characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
The Azawakh is a robust, healthy breed with fewer genetic issues than many purebreds—a benefit of their natural development. Most Australian owners can expect their Azawakh to live 12-15 years, but like all sighthounds, they have unique health considerations.
A primary concern is their sensitivity to anaesthesia. Their low body fat means standard doses can be dangerous, so it’s crucial to have a vet experienced with sighthounds. Another issue can be hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive, leading to weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues. Regular blood tests can monitor this.
Like other deep-chested breeds, they are susceptible to bloat (gastric torsion), a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists. Feeding smaller meals twice a day and avoiding exercise around mealtimes helps reduce this risk. Masticatory muscle myositis, affecting jaw muscles, can also occur but responds well to early treatment.
Given their athletic build, joint issues or injuries from rough play can happen. Reputable ANKC-registered breeders will screen for common conditions, but their lean build makes them more fragile than stockier dogs.
Australian owners must be mindful of temperature. While they excel in the heat of Darwin or Perth, they suffer in the cold. Their thin coat means they need protection in Melbourne or Canberra winters, so a quality dog coat is essential when temperatures dip below 10°C.
Feeding an Azawakh requires understanding their unique physiology and avoiding the temptation to "fatten them up." These dogs are naturally lean - if you can't see some rib definition, they're likely overweight, which can lead to serious health complications including the dangerous condition of gastric torsion (bloat).
Australian owners should feed high-quality commercial dog food that meets nutritional standards, whether premium kibble or raw diets. The key is splitting daily portions into two meals - morning and evening - never feeding before exercise. This breed is particularly prone to bloat, so always wait at least two hours after meals before walks or play sessions.
Portion control is crucial. Despite their height, Azawakhs typically need less food than you'd expect - their efficient metabolism and lean build mean they don't require the calories of stockier breeds. Follow feeding guidelines on quality dog food packaging, but adjust based on your individual dog's condition and activity level.
Puppies need more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day to support their rapid growth phase. Adult dogs do well on twice-daily feeding schedules that fit around Australian family routines - perhaps breakfast before work and dinner after the evening walk.
Fresh water should always be available, particularly important in Australia's warmer climates where these desert-adapted dogs still need adequate hydration. Avoid feeding table scraps, especially foods toxic to dogs like chocolate, grapes, onions, and macadamia nuts.
If you're considering a raw diet popular among many Australian dog owners, consult with a veterinarian familiar with sighthounds to ensure nutritional balance. Remember, these ancient hunters have thrived on consistent, simple diets for centuries - they don't need complicated feeding regimens, just quality nutrition and proper timing.
If you're looking for a low-maintenance coat, the Azawakh is your dream dog. Their short, fine coat requires minimal grooming, perfect for busy Australian families.
A weekly once-over with a soft bristle brush or rubber grooming mitt is enough to remove dead hair and keep their skin healthy. During the spring and autumn sheds, you might brush them twice a week, but the hair is minimal compared to double-coated breeds.
Bathing is rarely necessary, as Azawakhs don't develop a strong doggy odour. If they get muddy after a hike, just let the mud dry and brush it off. If a bath is truly needed, use a gentle dog shampoo and dry them thoroughly, as their thin coat offers little insulation when wet.
Their folded ears can trap moisture, so check them weekly, especially in humid climates like Brisbane or Darwin. A quick wipe with a vet-approved cleaner will prevent infections. Nails should be trimmed every 2-3 weeks to prevent overgrowth that can affect their gait.
The biggest grooming challenge for Australian owners isn't the coat—it's managing their temperature. In the harsh sun, consider dog-safe sunscreen on exposed skin. Conversely, they'll need a quality dog coat for cooler winters, especially in southern states.
Training an Azawakh requires understanding you're working with an ancient breed that thinks for itself. These aren't eager-to-please Labs or biddable Border Collies - they're independent thinkers who'll evaluate whether your request makes sense before complying. Success comes through building mutual respect, not dominance.
Start socialisation early and consistently. Azawakh puppies need exposure to Australian suburban life - different people, sounds, and situations. Take them to pet-friendly Bunnings visits, local markets, and busy parks, but always on lead. Their natural wariness of strangers means early positive experiences are crucial for developing a well-adjusted adult dog.
These sighthounds respond best to positive reinforcement training with patience and consistency. Harsh corrections or repetitive drilling will shut them down completely. Keep training sessions short, interesting, and always end on a positive note. Many Australian dog sports clubs offer activities perfect for Azawakhs like lure coursing, which channels their natural hunting instincts.
Exercise needs are interesting - they're sprinters, not marathon runners. A good 30-minute off-lead run in a securely fenced area, or fast-paced walk will satisfy their physical needs. Many Australian owners find early morning or evening exercise works best, avoiding the heat of midday sun.
Mental stimulation is equally important. These intelligent dogs need jobs to do - puzzle toys, training sessions, or dog sports prevent boredom-related behavioural issues. Without adequate mental engagement, they may become destructive or overly aloof.
Always exercise on lead or in fully fenced areas. Their prey drive means a cat, rabbit, or even small dog can trigger their chase instinct, and once running, recall becomes impossible. Many Australian councils have excellent off-lead dog parks perfect for safe exercise.
Who is an ideal owner?
The Azawakh isn't for everyone, but for the right person, they're an extraordinary companion. You need to appreciate a dog who's more like a feline housemate than a typical eager-to-please canine. Think independent, dignified, and selective with affection.
Australian owners who thrive with Azawakhs tend to be experienced dog people who understand sighthound temperament. You're not looking for a social butterfly who greets every visitor with enthusiasm - you want a loyal companion who bonds deeply with you while maintaining polite distance from others. If you appreciate dogs with dignity and self-possession, you'll love this breed.
Active individuals or families work well, but you don't need to be marathon runners. These are sprinters who enjoy short bursts of intense exercise followed by long periods of calm relaxation. Perth professionals who enjoy evening beach runs, Melbourne couples who like weekend hiking, or Brisbane families with secure backyards often find Azawakhs fit perfectly into their lifestyle.
You'll need patience for training and socialisation, plus understanding that your dog might never be the neighbourhood favourite at the local dog park. They're selective about canine friendships and prefer familiar faces to new acquaintances.
Climate consideration is important for Australian owners. While they handle heat brilliantly, you'll need to invest in quality winter gear for cooler regions. They're happiest in warmer climates but adapt well to southern Australian conditions with proper preparation.
First-time dog owners should probably consider other breeds. Azawakhs need confident, consistent leadership from someone who understands that respect is earned, not demanded. But for experienced owners seeking a unique, low-maintenance companion with ancient dignity, few breeds compare.
Interesting facts about the Azawakh
Tuareg's Treasured Hunter
The Azawakh is also known as the Tuareg Sloughi, named after the nomadic Tuareg people of the Sahara who have treasured the breed for centuries.
Ancient Desert Companion
For thousands of years, these dogs have been loyal companions to nomadic tribes, serving as both guardians of the camp and swift hunters of gazelle and hare.
Visible Ribs are Healthy
Don't be alarmed by their slender frame. The breed standard requires their ribs and hip bones to be clearly visible; in-condition Azawakhs should show three to five ribs.
A Gift, Not for Sale
In their native culture, Azawakhs were never sold. They could only be gifted as a sign of great honour and respect between friends.
FAQ
Due to their extreme rarity in Australia, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000 AUD for an Azawakh puppy from a registered breeder. The limited breeding programs and potential need for international importation contribute to the cost, and a long waitlist is common.
Azawakhs can make excellent pets for the right family, but they're not typical family dogs. They form strong bonds with one person while remaining politely reserved with others, including children. They need experienced owners who understand their independent nature and can provide consistent training and socialisation.
Yes, surprisingly these tall dogs adapt well to apartment living in cities like Sydney or Melbourne. They're naturally calm indoors and don't require constant activity. However, they need secure areas for off-lead exercise and aren't suited to owners who can't provide adequate daily exercise and mental stimulation.
They excel in hot climates like Darwin, Brisbane, or Perth summers, but struggle in cooler regions. In Melbourne or Canberra winters, they'll need quality dog coats and may prefer indoor heating. Their thin coat provides excellent heat regulation but minimal cold protection.
Early socialisation is crucial, but they can coexist with other dogs they've known since puppyhood. Their strong prey drive means small pets like cats or rabbits may trigger their chase instinct. They generally prefer the company of other sighthounds who understand their communication style.
Despite their athletic build, they need moderate exercise - about 30 minutes of quality activity daily. They're sprinters who prefer short bursts of intense exercise rather than long walks. A good run in a fenced area or fast-paced walk typically satisfies their needs, followed by long periods of rest.