Azawakh

Care Level: Moderate (exercise + climate sensitivity) Temperament: Aloof, fiercely loyal, intensely athletic, cat-like independence Diet: High-protein performance formula (lean metabolism) Lifespan: 12–15 years Weight: 33–55 lbs (15–25 kg) Distinct Features: Sculpted musculature, ultra-lean frame, sand-colored coat What We Love About This Breed: ➤ "Desert Wind Incarnate" – Ancient sighthound of the Tuareg nomads ➤ Elegant intensity – Combines ballet dancer’s grace with cheetah-like speed ➤ Selective devotion – Bonds intensely with one person (reserved with strangers) ➤ Minimalist beauty – Short coat showcases rippling muscles in motion The Azawakh is a desert mirage given form—elusive, elegant, and enduring: ✓ Self-cleaning coat – Weekly rubber grooming mitt sessions suffice ✓ Built for extremes – Thrives in hot climates (needs coats below 50°F/10°C) ✓ Rare colors – Fawn, brindle, blue, or grizzle with white markings Nomadic Heritage Traits: ✓ 3-stage alert system – Watchful silence → eerie howl → lightning interception ✓ Vertical leap – Can clear 6ft fences from standing position ✓ Cultural reverence – Tuareg tribes consider them family members, not pets Health Notes: Exceptionally hardy but prone to exercise-induced collapse and autoimmune issues. Elite breeders test for: Cardiac function Thyroid levels DNA for NCL (neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis) Ideal For: ✔ Sighthound enthusiasts who respect independence ✔ Active homes with secure running space ✔ Those seeking a living sculpture with a warrior’s soul Sacred Guardians: Azawakhs sleep in nomad tents as living alarms. Their name means "land of the free" in Tamacheq, reflecting Tuareg values. Western breeders preserve their desert purity through careful outcrossing programs.