Pet Wiki

Azawakh

Also called Tuareg Sloughi, Idii n'Illeli

Recognised breedFCI group 10Short profile

From West Africa: the Azawakh valley on the northern borders of Mali and Niger (also Burkina Faso); FCI patronage France.123

At a glance the quick version

Weight, male20 to 25 kg12
Weight, female15 to 20 kg12
Height, male64 to 74 cm12
Height, female60 to 70 cm12
Sizelarge
deeply devoted to its family
elegant and athletic
great endurance and speed
21

Coat and looks how to spot one

short fine coat

A tall, very lean sighthound with long legs and a light, springy way of moving. The coat is short and fine, and very sparse on the belly.12

Colourssand to dark fawnredbrindleblack mask allowedwhite markings on the extremities123

Personality what they are like

Quick, attentive and dignified. It builds an intense bond with its owner and is gentle with the family it accepts, while keeping a cool distance from strangers.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very energetic with huge stamina; it makes a good partner for runners and needs regular chances to stretch its legs safely.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

The short, fine coat needs very little grooming.1

Home where they are happiest

Comes from a hot, dry climate and many individuals are not fond of rain or cold, so a warm place indoors suits it.2

Company who they like around

Pack-minded with a strong family bond; reserved with people it does not know.21

The story where it all began

The Azawakh is an old sighthound of the southern Sahara, kept by the Tuareg, Fula and other nomadic peoples as a hunter and camp guard. European breeders began working with it from 1968, and it is still fairly uncommon outside Africa. The AKC recognised it in 2019.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The breed is named after the Azawakh valley on the border of Mali and Niger.1

  2. 2

    Nomads used it both to hunt game such as gazelle and to guard camps against predators.1

  3. 3

    It can reach speeds of about 65 km/h when hunting.2

  4. 4

    It runs with a double suspension gallop, where all four feet leave the ground twice in each stride.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the dry valley of the Azawakh, located in the northern borders of Mali and Niger, where the Tuareg and other nomadic peoples historically lived and hunted with these dogs.4

Name ideas for your new friend

SaharaZaraKiboNuruTariqAmaraSafariJengoLuluBashirDuneAsha

A day in the life told by an Azawakh

At sunrise, I stretch my long legs and race across the field, the wind in my fur. My human runs beside me, and I match their pace with effortless grace. Later, I lie by their feet, watching the world with calm dignity. A stranger passes, and I keep my distance, but my family's touch is pure bliss. As dusk falls, I curl beside them, content and proud.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 307, Group 10 Sighthounds, Section 3 Short-haired Sighthounds; standard published 04.09.2019, patronage France.1
AKC
Recognised in 2019, Hound Group.2
UKC
Registered by the UKC.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Azawakh. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Azawakh, and at what times?

Feed your Azawakh at least two meals a day, with puppies needing three to four smaller meals. Choose regular times that suit your routine, and check the food label and your vet for exact amounts.5

What should an Azawakh eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and many others listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for a balanced diet.6

How often should I bathe an Azawakh?

The Azawakh's short fine coat needs very little grooming. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance recommends at least once every three months. Adjust if your dog gets dirty.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Azawakh need brushing?

Brush your Azawakh weekly to remove loose hair and keep the coat healthy. Furry Diary's plan suggests brushing every 7 days, which matches general advice for short coats.7 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Azawakh's nails, and how often?

Trim your Azawakh's nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 4 weeks. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Azawakh need?

The Azawakh is very energetic with huge stamina, so it needs daily exercise like long walks or runs. Furry Diary's plan recommends daily walks and play. Make sure it has safe space to stretch its legs.2 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Azawakh's teeth and ears?

Brush your Azawakh's teeth two to three times a week using dog toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks for dirt or odor. Never insert anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily brushing is ideal.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Azawakh live?

While exact lifespan isn't listed, many Azawakhs live 10 to 13 years. Furry Diary's plan notes that senior years often begin around age 7, so regular vet checkups are important. Pet Wiki plan

Is an Azawakh good with children and other pets?

The Azawakh is gentle with its own family and forms a strong bond, but it is reserved with strangers. Early socialisation with children and other pets is important. Always supervise interactions.12

Can an Azawakh be left alone?

The Azawakh is a pack-minded dog that bonds strongly with its family, so it may struggle with long periods alone. Provide companionship and mental stimulation, and consider a dog sitter if you are away often.21

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 307 Azawakh fci.beused for recognition, origin, history, size, coat, colours, temperament
  2. Wikipedia: Azawakh en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition, temperament, exercise, fun facts
  3. AKC: Azawakh akc.orgused for origin countries, colours
  4. fci.be fci.be
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.