Editing Azawakh (section)

==Temperament==
Bred by the [[Tuareg people|Tuareg]], [[Fula people|Fula]] and various other nomads of the [[Sahara]] and sub-Saharan Sahel in the countries of [[Mali]], [[Niger]], [[Burkina Faso]], and southern [[Algeria]], the breed known by the Tuaregs as ”Oska” was used there as a [[guard dog]] and to hunt [[gazelle]] and [[hare]] at speeds up to {{convert|40|mph|km/h|order=flip|abbr=on|round=5}}. The austerity of the [[Sahel]] environment has ensured that only the most fit dogs survive and has accentuated the breed's ruggedness and independence. Unlike some other sighthounds, the Azawakh is more of a pack hunter and they bump down the quarry with hindquarters when it has been tired out. In role of a guard dog, if an Azawakh senses danger it will bark to alert the other members of the pack, and they will gather together as a pack under the lead of the alpha dog, then chase off or attack the predator. 

Unlike other sighthounds, the primary function of the Azawakh in its native land is that of a guard dog.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Palika |first=Liz |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ReEXnwEACAAJ |title=The Howell Book of Dogs: The Definitive Reference to 300 Breeds and Varieties |date=2007-08-27 |publisher=Wiley |isbn=978-0-470-00921-5 |pages=139 |language=en}}</ref> It develops an intense bond with its owner, and tend to be reserved with strangers.

Azawakh have high energy and tremendous endurance. They are excellent training companions for runners. Many Azawakh dislike rain and cold weather.

Azawakh are pack oriented and form complex social hierarchies. They have tremendous memories and are able to recognize each other after long periods of separation. They can often be found sleeping on top of each other for warmth and companionship.<ref>[http://www.tombouktous-azawakhs.de/ece.html Tombouktous-azawakhs.de] {{in lang|de}}</ref>