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This African sighthound comes from the middle Nigerian Basin in the Azawakh Valley on the border of Mali. The breed was developed by the Tuaregs of the southern Sahara to trip gazelles so that horsemen could catch them. The Azawakh was also used in ceremonies and kept as a pet. He is a close cousin to the Arabian Greyhound and the Saluki. The first Azawakhs were imported to Europe in the early 1970s. The breed was officially recognized by the FCI in 1981, and a standard was published in 1982.

Tough, very hardy, and lively, the Azawakh hunts by sight and is a bounder, chasing after antelope and catching birds in flight. Very reserved toward strangers, vigilant, and ferocious, he makes a good watchdog for nomad camps. Very strong-willed and independent, he is affectionate toward a select few. He needs early and rigorous but patient training.

He should not be confined to an apartment. He needs space and lots of exercise, as well as weekly brushing.

Head:Long, narrow, slender, cleanly cut, chiseled. Skull nearly flat, fairly long. Prominent occipital peak. Stop not very pronounced. Long, straight muzzle. Long, strong jaws. Flat cheeks. Black or brown nose.
Ears:Set on high. Thin, pendulous, lying flat against the head, never rose-shaped.
Eyes:Fairly large, almond-shaped. Dark or amber-colored. Pigmented eyelids.
Body:Long. Neck long, slender, muscular, slightly arched, without dewlap. Prominent withers. Brisket not very wide. Chest long, high, not very broad. Long, visible ribs. Short, cleanly cut, slightly arched loin. Prominent hips slightly higher than the withers. Pronounced tuck-up. Short, straight back. Croup slanted but not sloping.
Tail:Set on low, long, thin, cleanly cut, and tapering. Hanging with the tip slightly raised. May be carried above the topline in action.
Hair:Close-lying, fine, sparse to absent on the abdomen.
Coat:Fawn with limited patching on the extremities. All shades are allowed, from light sand to dark fawn. Possible black mask on the head and very uneven flare. White chest and white tuft at the tip of the tail. White stockings required on each leg, at least as a trace on the feet. Black streaks are allowed.
Size:Dog: 64 to 74 cm. (25-29 in).Bitch: 60 to 70 cm. (23.5-27.5 in).
Weight:Dog: 20 to 25 kg. (44-55 lb).Bitch: 15 to 20 kg. (33-44 lb).
Group:Sighthounds