As of January 1 , the Azawakh — one of themost expensive click breedsin the world , according to The Dog Digest — has gained full acknowledgement within the American Kennel Club ( AKC ) , making it eligible for contender in the administration ’s dog shows . Here ’s what you should know about the breed .
1. The Azawakh is leggy.
These pups are tall and skimpy — so much so that , accordingto the AKC , a dog ’s “ bone anatomical structure and muscle system can plainly be meet beneath his skin . ” male person can stand nearly 2.5 substructure tall and consider up to 55 pound , while females can develop to 2.25 invertebrate foot tall and weigh up to 44 pounds . They live 12 to 15 years .
2. The Azawakh is an ancient breed from West Africa.
The sighthound , used for search , hails from theSahel region , which let in Burkina Faso , Mali , and Niger ( and the Azawakh Valley ) . “ This wonderful breed has been around for grand of years , and we ’re happy to introduce it to trail lovers in this country , ” AKC executive secretary Gina DiNardo say in a press dismissal .
3. The breed made its U.S. debut in the 1980s.
According to theAmerican Azawakh Association(AAA ) , the stock made its way to Europe first , in the 1970s . The first litter was born in the State on October 31 , 1987 ; all the pups were flushed or greyish brown and had white grading .
4. Its name is pronouncedOz-a-wok.
It ’s also known as the Tuareg Sloughi . The Tuareg nomad — who are among several tribes that traditionally own this strain — call itidii n ’ illeli , which think “ sighthound of the free people . ”
5. It has a short, fine coat.
Unlike with other breeds , no color combinations or markings will disqualify the Azawakh from competition . According to the AKC , its pelage “ may total in any gloss or color combination : red-faced , cleared sand to fawn , brindled , parti - color ( which may be predominantly white ) , blue , black , and dark-brown . The pass may have a black masque and there may be white markings on the legs , bib , and at the backsheesh of tooshie . ” Its myopic coat means it ’s easy to dress ; according to the AKC , it require just a brushing once a workweek . You believably wo n’t even require to bath it if it gets miry ; just wait for the mud to dry , then brush it off .
6. It’s a very active breed.
In Africa , these speedy dogs chase down fleet - footed prey like hare and gazelle — so they need a raft of exercise . According to the AAA , “ The Azawakh is always on the alarm for moving objects ; even a leaf in the winding will trigger off a Salmon Portland Chase . ”
They ’re a good pooch for runners and postulate at least 30 mo of playing with another dog or owner every day . The other dog or possessor is key , though : leave on its own , the Azawakh wo n’t exercise .
7. They’re loyal to their owners, but can be standoffish with strangers.
These smart , independent dogs are have a strong chemical bond with their owners . They ’re also protective : In addition to hunting , they ’re used in Africa to protect encampments and herd of animals . The AAA notes that “ when approach on their own sod , they are vocally restrain . In situations where their duty as guardian is n’t necessary , their reaction may range from favorable , to mildly odd , to arrogantly indifferent . … A well socialized Azawakh is tender , gentle , playful , subtle , and very loyal to its owner … Azawakhs are normally conservative with alien . They typically observe for a while before approach . ”
8. It’s part of the AKC’s hound group.
Also in thatgroupare the greyhound , the saluki , the beagle , and the Rhodesian Ridgeback , among others .
