How to Identify an Azawakh

The Azawakh is a sighthound originally bred in Africa and part of the hound group. [1] Used to hunt prey such as boars and antelopes, Azawakhs initially were family hunters to bring home food. [2] They share several traits with other sighthounds, but Azawakhs have a few characteristics that can be used to distinguish them. This wikiHow will help you identify an Azawakh by recognizing the breed's key traits.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Checking the Structure

  1. Azawakhs are medium or large in size. Males weigh 44–55 pounds (20–25 kg) with a height of 25–29 inches (64–74 cm), while females are slightly smaller, standing at 23.5–27.5 inches (60–70 cm) and weighing 33–44 pounds (15–20 kg). [3]
  2. An Azawakh's head is a bit long and nearly flat in shape with a width approaching 40% of the length. The slight stop is not too pronounced. [4]
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  3. The eyes of an Azawakh are large in size and are shaped to resemble almonds. They have pigmented rims and complement the coat in color. [5]
  4. Azawakhs have flat, fine ears that drop and hang close by the head. They are triangular but have tips that are barely rounded. Set a bit high, they start wide and may raise at attention. [6]
  5. An Azawakh's muzzle is long and narrow, pointing forward and having a chisel. It is about half the length of the head with flat cheeks, strong jaws, open nostrils, and a nose of a color that goes with that of the coat. The tight-fitting lips conceal a scissors or level bite. [7]
  6. The paws of an Azawakh are round and have pigmented pads and tight toes. They may or may not have dewclaws on the front, hind, or all legs. [8]
  7. An Azawakh's tail is thin and tapers to a typically raised tip. It is set on low and hangs or is carried in a ring, saber, or sickle above the level of the topline. [9]
  8. Azawakhs are leggy, rectangular, fine, and elegant. They have a long neck, lean shoulders, a deep chest, visible ribs, a high-rising underline, an almost straight back, and nearly or entirely vertical legs. Their gait is very light-footed and suggests agility, being either a walk, trot, or gallop. [10]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Analyzing the Coat

  1. An Azawakh's coat is very short to the point where the stomach may be coatless. The overall texture of the coat feels fine. [11]
  2. The skin underneath the coat is drawn tightly to the body. It also feels fine. [12]
  3. The color of an Azawakh's coat is immaterial, and thus, one may be seen in any color or with any type of markings. [13] Some colors and patterns that may be seen include solid red, fawn, brown, blue, black, brindle, and parti-color. [14]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Noticing Temperament

  1. Azawakhs are naturally independent and protective. This can make them aloof toward strangers or wary of change. [15]
  2. Though a bit independent or potentially apprehensive, most Azawakhs are affectionate with their families. Once a bond has been formed, affection will follow. [16]

    Did you know? Azawakhs are popular with nomads in Africa, being accepted as part of the family and providing food and protection. [17]

  3. As hounds, Azawakhs need a bit of exercise. They were bred to do best in warmer climates and can enjoy activities such as jogging on sunny days. [18]
  4. Azawakhs are known to remember things for long periods of time after they initially occur. This has its benefits but may also pose issues during training if they are already accustomed to bad habits as they can be hard to break. Thus, training needs to be consistent. [19]
  5. Having a good memory does also come in handy during training by making most Azawakhs quick learners if trained properly. Positive reinforcement is a great training method to highlight this breed's intelligence while encouraging participation. [20]
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      Tips

      • Think about DNA testing if the dog is your own. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is an Azawakh.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/azawakh/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/azawakh/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/azawakh/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/judges/Azawakh_Standard.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/judges/Azawakh_Standard.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/judges/Azawakh_Standard.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/judges/Azawakh_Standard.pdf
      8. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/judges/Azawakh_Standard.pdf
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/judges/Azawakh_Standard.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/judges/Azawakh_Standard.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/judges/Azawakh_Standard.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/judges/Azawakh_Standard.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/judges/Azawakh_Standard.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/azawakh/
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/azawakh-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/azawakh-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/azawakh/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/azawakh-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/azawakh-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/azawakh-temperament/

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