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In the world of canine breeding, there's a delicate art to preserving the unique characteristics of a breed while maintaining its health and vitality. Azawakh, the elegant slender dogs with roots in the Sahel region of Africa, are no exception. Today, we delve into the captivating world of Azawakh breeding in the United States, exploring the fascinating journey to preserve their type and health. I intentionally used the words "unconventional approach" in the title of this blog. I will state upfront in this breed, and I am the outlier. I believe in preserving type - as anyone who knows me has heard me say, "If we lose type, we lose the breed." I believe in not breeding everything, as has been the practice with many in the US. Some believe inaccurately that because the Azawakh gene pool is small, we need to breed all dogs. That is nonsense, in my opinion. Dogs lacking type should not be bred. In other breeds, anyone who bred a dog lacking breed type would be labeled a backyard breeder. I also would never breed a dog with a history of health issues that plague this breed, such as seizure disorders. I've lived with that and don't wish it on anyone. I also believe in the merits of smart line breeding to preserve type. In all other breeds I've been involved with, line breeding is the norm. For whatever reason, there is opposition to this with many involved with Azawakh. My goal is to use this in conjunction with smart pedigree choices to preserve the correct type and also to evolve temperament to life here, where our dogs are beloved family members and not simply livestock.
The Essence of the Azawakh
To embark on this breeding journey, one must first understand the essence of Azawakh. These magnificent sighthounds embody grace, strength, and loyalty. Their sleek form and striking appearance make them a standout breed, capturing the hearts of those who encounter them. Preserving the Azawakh's unique characteristics requires a deep appreciation for their origins and an unwavering commitment to maintaining their integrity.
Nurturing Type and Health
Breeding Azawakh goes beyond simply pairing two dogs together—it's a nuanced process that demands meticulous attention to detail. Pedigrees must be studied at a myopic level. Additionally, in this breed, with it being so rare, it isn't easy to pair the right dogs together as one may be in the US, while the other is in Europe. For me, I was blessed with being able to import all of the top lines that I wanted to use in my breeding program. We are blessed here at Domiko to have the most diverse lineages of any kennel in the US. In putting together the pedigrees and then importing the dogs, we prioritized health and type. I was meticulous in researching lines that were seizure-free. Just as meticulous was my approach to adhering to breed type, not just in the dogs I imported but also looking to their parents, grandparents, and beyond to ensure those had the appropriate type that defines this breed. Type = breed. Again, if we lose type, we lose the breed.
The Balancing Act
Maintaining the delicate balance between preserving Azawakh's unique type and ensuring optimal health is a challenge that we here at Domiko willingly embrace. Each breeding decision carries weight, as the goal is not only to produce aesthetically pleasing dogs but also to safeguard their overall health and longevity. Striking this balance requires a keen eye, a wealth of knowledge, and a deep respect for the breed's heritage. The added approach we take is to ensure the temperament of the dog is adherent to the standards of life here in a social environment. It's not rational to think anyone who owns an Azawakh won't have guests over. The dog must accept those guests. He should be aloof but not aggressive in any way when the owner welcomes a new person into the house.
Embracing the Future
As we peer into the horizon of the Azawakh breed here at Domiko, one thing is abundantly clear: the future is bright. With each carefully planned litter, each health-conscious breeding decision, and each lovingly raised puppy, the legacy of the Azawakh is secured for generations to come. The journey to preserve type and health is ongoing, but with the work we are doing, the Azawakh's future is as promising as ever.
In conclusion, Azawakh breeding in the United States is a labor of love, a meticulous dance of art and science, form and function, aimed at honoring a truly exceptional breed. By embracing this unconventional approach to breeding and steadfastly prioritizing type and health, we are writing a new chapter in the breed's storied history—one that is anchored in excellence, correct breed type, and a deep-seated passion for these captivating dogs.