The Azawakh shares some of his heritage with the other sighthounds like the Afghan, the Saluki and the Sloughi. This is an ancient breed, very probably of oriental origin and popular with the nomadic tribes of the Sahara. He takes his name from the Azawakh Valley which lies in the Niger Basin.

As sighthounds they were used especially on gazelle, hunting in packs and taking turns at the chase and so exhausting their prey. Back at the nomadic camp, their alert and sensitive nature was invaluable in guarding both their owners and their cattle against predators and intruders.

The nomads valued their Azawakhs not only as sighthounds but as a showpiece. They are particularly leggy and elegant and perhaps the most “extreme” of the sighthounds in their conformation, with their slender build, prominent hip bones and sloping croup and their distinctive cut up underline.

Like the other sighthounds, the Azawakh is sensitive, perhaps even more than his relatives. He is rather aloof and independent, but develops a great devotion to owner and those he regards as family.

Undeniably elegant and exotic, the breed is highly alert and sensitive. As a sighthound he is athletic and needs plenty of exercise. These factors should be paramount considerations for those who consider taking up the breed.