Azawakh, breed of long-legged, swift hound from the Sahel region of West Africa, particularly Burkino Faso, Mali, and Niger. Slim and elegant with a narrow, chiseled head, it stands from 23 to 29 in. (58–74 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 33–55 lb (15–25 kg). The short, fine, typically light to dark fawn coat may be brindled with black; there are often white markings on the chest, legs, and tail tip, and sometimes a black mask. The dog historically has served as a companion, guardian, and hunter for the Tuaregs and other nomads of the Sahel and Sahara.
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