As of January 1, the Azawakhâone of the most expensive dog breeds in the world, according to The Dog Digestâhas gained full recognition within the American Kennel Club (AKC), making it eligible for competition in the organization's dog shows. Hereâs what you should know about the breed.
These pups are tall and leanâso much so that, according to the AKC, a dogâs âbone structure and musculature can plainly be seen beneath his skin.â Males can stand nearly 2.5 feet tall and weigh up to 55 pounds, while females can grow to 2.25 feet tall and weigh up to 44 pounds. They live 12 to 15 years.
The sighthound, used for hunting, hails from the Sahel region , which includes Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger (and the Azawakh Valley). âThis wonderful breed has been around for thousands of years, and weâre happy to introduce it to dog lovers in this country,â AKC executive secretary Gina DiNardo said in a press release.
According to the American Azawakh Association (AAA), the breed made its way to Europe first, in the 1970s. The first litter was born in the states on October 31, 1987; all the pups were red or fawn and had white markings.
Itâs also known as the Tuareg Sloughi. The Tuareg nomadsâwho are among several tribes that traditionally own this breedâcall it idii nâ illeli , which means âsighthound of the free people.â
Unlike with other breeds, no color combinations or markings will disqualify the Azawakh from competition. According to the AKC, its coat âmay come in any color or color combinations: red, clear sand to fawn, brindled, parti-color (which may be predominantly white), blue, black, and brown. The head may have a black mask and there may be white markings on the legs, bib, and at the tip of tail.â Its short coat means itâs easy to groom; according to the AKC, it needs just a brush once a week. You probably wonât even need to bathe it if it gets muddy; just wait for the mud to dry, then brush it off.
In Africa, these speedy dogs chase down fleet-footed prey like hares and gazellesâso they need a lot of exercise. According to the AAA, âThe Azawakh is always on the alert for moving objects; even a leaf in the wind will trigger a chase.â
Theyâre a good pooch for runners and need at least 30 minutes of playing with another dog or owner every day. The other dog or owner is key, though: Left on its own, the Azawakh wonât exercise.
These smart, independent dogs are have a strong bond with their owners. Theyâre also protective: In addition to hunting, theyâre used in Africa to protect encampments and herds of animals. The AAA notes that âwhen approached on their own turf, they are vocally intimidating. In situations where their duty as guardian isnât necessary, their reactions may range from friendly, to mildly curious, to arrogantly indifferent. ⦠A well socialized Azawakh is affectionate, gentle, playful, subtle, and very loyal to its owner ⦠Azawakhs are usually cautious with strangers. They typically observe for a while before approaching.â
Also in that group are the greyhound, the saluki, the beagle, and the Rhodesian Ridgeback, among others.
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