The Azawakh Forum: 
An International Platform Working Towards the Amendment and Reformation of the Current FCI Azawakh STANDARD (FCI standard NR. 307 C).  Subject: admissible markings for the Azawakh.The standard of the Azawakh currently specifies (in the section regarding color) that Azawakh must, among other things: display white markings limited to the posterior boundaries of the extremities, a white mark on the chest, and a brush at the end of the tail (in some cases a tiny white mark is permissible on the back of the neck).This forum submits that numerous specimens can be found in the breed's region of origin as well as in the west which display white markings which exceed the limits arbitrarily set by the western standard.  Up until now, judges have refrained from using such arbitrary limits to devalue or exclude such specimens.  However, recent initiatives by SLAG (the French African sighthound club which regards itself as the sole arbiter of the standard), (coordinated with efforts by the DVZRV, the German sighthound club) encourage judges to strongly consider such limitations as a proper criteria for the devaluation or exclusion of such specimens.The progenitors of this forum are of the opinion that the resulting exclusion of a substantial segment of the current breeding population, with its already extremely limited gene pool, would further endanger the future of the race outside Africa.  This worry is endorsed by prominent scientists and cynologists whose research reveals that color and markings have no direct impact on the health or functionality of an animal.  Motives for the restrictions on color for the Azawakh find their genesis in misinformation on the race dating back to the 1970s.  This forum proposes to work towards rational and reasonable reformation of the current standard.  Towards this end this website was created to aid in the collection and dispersement of information and opinions from Azawakh breeders and owners who have a vested interest in this matter.  This forum encourages the active participation of any and all who wish to contribute towards a common goal of meaningful reformation of the standard.  Having said this, this forum also welcomes opposing views and critical discussion, contributions which in themselves can only add to the importance of this discussion.August 2005

Übersetzung  David Moore

Update: 15.08.2005

webmaster: Elisabeth Naumann