Azawak

(Azawakh, Tuareg Sloughi, Azawakh Hound) - a hunting dog of the Tuareg tribes from Central and Southern Sahara. The origin of these dogs is not entirely clear. There is a version of the French cynologist Xavier Przedzetsky that this greyhound could have arisen in parallel with the servant and saluki, as an option of the Asian greyhound. Migrating to Africa, some Hamitic tribes could bring Asian Greyhounds with them, but you might think that the Tuaregs, who migrated to Central Sahara quite late, could bring along the servant of North Africa. However, the latter hypothesis may be called into question because of the marked differences between the servant and the azawac. In any case, the Azawakh exists, is widespread, especially in the republics of Mali and Nigeria. He gained popularity among greyhounds and in many countries of Europe, where he was truly "discovered", in France, for example, there are several nests of this dog, and they are in other European countries.

Azawak is very elegant and even exquisite. He has a balanced behavior, he is used to respectful treatment and can sometimes be wayward. This is a slender, graceful dog, with a deep chest, on very high, slender, muscular legs, with small paws, resembles an Arabian horse. Height at the withers 58 - 74 cm, weight 17 - 25 kg. The coat is thin and short, sand color of various shades, with white marks. Many azawakhs have white “stockings”, as if worn on their feet, sometimes the continuation of whiteness on the front legs can reach the chest and white collar. Head narrow, elongated, pear-shaped; protruding hair bags with vibrissae, small hanging ears are visible on the muzzle. If we compare the azawakh with the servant, to which it is very similar, it is clearly noticeable that the azawakh has a more elongated skull, less wide, corona body, articulations more distinct; There are some differences in details, in the position and shape of the ears, and in the manner of holding the tail.

The Tuareg tribes have long bred these dogs for hunting and guard service. Dogs, "so fast that they catch up with a gazelle, hare or European mouflon, so bold that they repel a large predator, indefatigable like a camel, and beautiful like an Arabian horse." On hunting, the azawac is usually planted in the saddle, and when the dog sees the game from the height of the horse, it is released. An Azawak can pursue a gazelle for more than five hours, sometimes developing speeds in excess of 60 km / h. Azawak does not kill prey, but cuts through the tendons and holds it until the owner approaches. For the Tuaregs, this greyhound is a welcome hunting companion, they highly value this dog and know how to take care of it, to the extent that, contrary to the accepted attitude to dogs as unclean animals, they are allowed to enter the wagon. For centuries, this breed firmly retains its constitution and defends its fate.

Homeland: Mali, France The appearance of the breed: XX Height: males: 64–74 cm females: 60–70 cm Weight: males: 20–25 kg females: 15–20 kg Character: attentive, playful Training: easy Hair Care: Minimal Classification (FCI): Group 10, Section 3 Azawak breed standard Azavak breed standard FCI No. 307 / 06/03/1998

General form The azawac seems tall due to its relatively short back and long limbs; but, it is a medium-sized greyhound, of standard height at the withers. In the nape, the height is greater than the length of the whole body. This ratio is approximately 85% in males, and in females it may be slightly larger. The pelvis is always above the scruff of the neck. Due to its skeletal system with straight relief lines and completely open corners of the joints, the representative of this breed looks dry, but harmonious. Unusually elegant and slender, the Azawakh gives the impression of grace and sophisticationThe musculature and the skeleton itself are well visible under thin and dry skin. The dog is long-legged and elegant: the shape of the azawakh is like a rectangle, standing on the short side. Most Azawakhs have white “stockings,” as if worn on their feet. There is a continuation of white on the front legs reaches the chest and white collar. The elongated pear-shaped narrow head is noticeable, prominent hair bags with vibrissas and small hanging ears are visible on the muzzle. Azawak is recognizable by its shorter body, distinct articulations, shape and position of the ears, as well as by the way to hold the tail.

Coat The coat is thin and short; it may not be on the belly.Color Color ranges from sandy white to brown with a transition of shades from yellow to red. Height and weight Height: male 64–74 cm, female - 60–70 cm. Weight: males: about 25 kg; females: about 20 kg. disadvantages - underlined nose bridge, very bright eyes, heavy pace, non-perpendicular posture of limbs; - areas on the skin and skin are not pigmented; - the absence of a black trace on at least one of the claws and the absence of white spots on any of the four paws, with the exception of sand-white color; - rear or front bite, atypical general exterior.

Movement Azawakh movements are characterized by special movements of wild animals, graceful, effective and resilient due to the origin of the breed. Free translational movement provides freedom in the hip joints and shoulders. The paws only rise slightly above the surface when trotting, without excessive raising of the limbs. The hind legs are located exactly under the center of the back, thereby providing a harmonious, balanced and quick tread.

Forelimbs Dry and long. Bones and tendons are visible. Shoulders without fat, elongated and muscular. Very open angle shoulder-forearm. Tarsus, forearm, and metacarpus of the front leg form a thin, long, perpendicularly set legHind limbs long and dry. Hip: Elongated with dry, protruding muscles. The angle of the knee and hip joint is noticeably open. Metatarsus and tarsus: dry and straight, without a false claw. Paw: with thin fingers, round; pigmented pads.

Tail Long, dry and skinny, thicker at the base than at the end. It is covered with the same canine as the whole body, the tip is necessarily white. Usually it hangs with a slight rounding at the end. The tail can rise above the line of the back in an excited state.

Body The dog’s body looks like a highly raised rectangle due to the unusual relationship between the height of the scruff of the neck and the length of the body. The scruff protrudes noticeably, the top line is straight. Neck: slender, long, steep, often slightly arched and muscular. The skin is tender. There are no wrinkles on the neck. Chest: voluminous and strongly pulled up behind. Ribs protruding and convex. Croup: very high raised and beveled, but not slopingPelvis: shortened, dense, stocky and dry.

Front part Head: proudly set, straight, harmonious, elongated, pointed. Flat cheekbonesFrontal groove and superciliary arches weakly expressed; on the contrary, the occipital bone is clearly visible. Prilube is expressed very weakly. Mouth: elongated, straight, pointed with flat cheeks. Nose: Well-opened nostrils. Lips: Tight. Jaws: Strong and long with a claw-like bite. Eyes A little big, almond-shaped. Depending on the color, their color is amber or dark. The eyelids are often pigmented, which is much appreciated. The ears Thin, always flat and hanging, slightly wide at the base, fit snugly to the head, never have the shape of a rosetteThe shape is a triangle with a slightly rounded end. Rise from the ground when the dog is listening.

Behavior and character The dog of the Azawakh breed has a very independent and strong character, as well as considerable waywardness. From early childhood, she is attached to only a few people, so you can not transfer the dog to other hands. Azawak loves children and in all cases strive to protect them. If the children quarrel on the playground, the Azawakh will protect his family member from apparent enemies, and being very faithful, he does not wait for commands, but decides to protect himselfThis completely unexpected “help” can scare everyone. The most important rule for the owner of such a dog: under no circumstances is it to leave it with children, without adults. Azawak will not accept any other dogs into his flock. Hunter instinct is the main one for this breed. Runaway dogs or pets may include his instincts. It should always be remembered that the Azawakh is a leader by nature and always strives to be in charge. And, if there is already a dog in the house who considers himself a leader, then conflicts are inevitable. Cranial division Skull: almost flat, rather long.

The Azawakh is valued as both a guard and hunting dog. In its native regions, it was historically used by the Tuareg and other nomadic tribes for hunting and protecting livestock. Its speed and endurance make it an effective hunter of gazelle and other game, while its loyalty and alertness ensure it excels as a protective companion.