A dog breed named for the Azawakh Valley in the Sahara desert where he originated, this is a lean and swift hunter with a regal presence. He's proud but loyal, and protective of his home and family.

 

Vital Stats:

Dog Breed Group: Hound Dogs
Height: 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 5 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight: 33 to 55 pounds
Life Span: 12 to 15 years

Size

Males stand 25 to 29 inches at the shoulder and weigh 44 to 55 pounds; females are 23.5 to 27.5 inches tall and weigh 33 to 44 pounds.

Hailing from the Sahel region of the Sahara Desert, the proud and elegant Azawakh has long been a guardian, hunter, and companion to tribes in that region. He's named for the Azawakh valley in the Sahara.

Azawakhs are gentle and affectionate with their families, but they can be standoffish toward strangers and dislike being touched by people they don't know. They're also protective of their people and property. Fans describe them as a wonderful combination of loyal and independent.

Because they're sighthounds, they're attracted by motion and are likely to chase animals, people on bicycles or skateboards, or even running children. On the other hand, these lean, muscular dogs make excellent companions for joggers and runners. Indoors, they're fairly inactive and are content to snooze on the couch.

They're best suited to a home with a large fenced yard or a nearby fenced park where they can run flat out. They need at least a half hour a day of active exercise or play and, although it may seem like a slight to their dignity, you'll need to outfit your Azawakh in a sweater before heading out in cold weather. With their short hair and low body fat, they get chilled easily.