Azawakh
Group: Hound
Size: Medium
Coat length: Short
Grooming required: Once a week
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Large House
Garden size: Large
Lifespan: Under 10 Years
Exercise: More than an hour per day
The Azawakh is a sighthound, rather Saluki-like in build although with a small head and an impression of fineness with very taught skin. The hair is very short and non-existent on the belly. Their coat is fawn with a white chest, white feet and a white-tipped tail.
Originally bred in the Sahel region of Africa to guard, hunt and act as companions, they take their name from the Azawakh Valley. They tend to hunt and guard in packs.
Naturally attuned to anything that may mean danger, they are ultra sensitive. Attentive, alert but gentle with his owner, Azawakhs are wary of those they don't know. They are used to working as a team with other dogs but will guard against other animals.
They need plenty of outdoor exercise as they tend to lounge indoors. As their build suggests, they are capable of great speeds.
The short coat is easy to maintain with the occasional brush and they don't moult excessively. Their thin skin and short hair makes them prone to cold so they need a coat in winter.