Azawakh

The Azawakh is a sighthound of ancient origin, used by nomadic tribes of the southern Sahara as a hunting dog. It was first raised by the Berbers before also being raised by the Dahoussaqs and Wodaabe Fulani. Paleolithic Berber pastoralists of cattle represented in rock art of the Sahara, on the walls of the Tassili n'Ajjer shelters (in Algeria), a sighthound very similar to the Egyptian tesem and the current oska. Archaeological discoveries made at the Azelik site in the Azawakh notably yielded remains of this sighthound associated with human bones dating to 1500 BC. Originally, this sighthound was used for hunting, its speed being very well suited to the pursuit of antelope and the capture of birds in flight. Its beauty also made it a ceremonial animal and companion. In October 1967, Gervais Coppé discovered this dog in Gao (Mali) and brought a pair (Réhéouel and Reylane) from Touareg camps in the Azawakh valley (East of Ménaka). He brings them to France in July 1968 with their owners and settles them at the foot of Pierrefonds Castle (Oise). The birth of the first litter of this pair at Pierrefonds occurs in December 1968 as a Sloughi, since the breed is not yet recognized. Considered a Sloughi, this breed was recognized by the International Cynological Federation (FCI) in 1981 (which publishes a standard in 1982) under the name Azawakh Sighthound. In 1973, a few passionate enthusiasts of the breed (Guy Mazel, Gervais Coppé, Renato and Maryvonne Parigi) filed the bylaws of the Touareg Sighthound Club with the aim of obtaining from the FCI the recognition of a standard for this canine population. The thesis of Dr. Veterinarian François Roussel, defended in 1975, will contribute to the success of this effort. This sighthound belongs to Berber culture, unlike the Arab sighthound, the Sloughi. The first version of the standard had deficiencies. For the term "Azawakh Sighthound" refers to a geographic space (a toponym) whereas this canine population belongs to pastoral societies (Tuaregs, Dahoussaqs, and Fulani) who shaped, raised and transmitted it for more than two millennia. And named it with a perfectly unambiguous Berber term: Oska. Another error of this first standard version, the brindle coat, which was penalized by judges for more than ten years. Nowadays, all the coats found and listed in Dr. Roussel's thesis are still not all recognized. After several revisions, the standard is still held by the Société Canine de France, and managed by its Club des Lévriers d'Afrique et de la Méditerranée - the Clamed - which exercises its guardianship. A superb scene of traditional hunting in the dunes, filmed by Raymond Depardon, is visible in Journal de France.

Lively and attentive, it is an animal that can appear somewhat distant, especially with strangers. It seeks little affection. Gentle and sensitive, it requires patient training, beginning from a young age. This dog is also a rustic hunter, lively and resistant. Vigilant and wary, it is a good guardian. It also has a decisive character. If you wish to please it you can take it to lure coursing training (Coursing, PVL).

No known particular health problems. Its very fine coat requires good weekly brushing. It is a dog built for running and therefore has a need for space and plenty of exercise.