Ma’aloo’s Page
A stunning African boy, with a sunny, outgoing temperament. Ma'aloo loves people and thinks they're there just to adore him. Which of course they do!
Size: Tall. 29 inches (77cm) to the shoulder, possibly more!
Weight: Around 25 kilos (55lbs)
Colour: Fawn/sand with white feet, chest, nose and tail tip.
Town or Country: Country. Ma'aloo lives with my friends at Kel Simoon, near Rhoadesville in Virginia. He lives in a large house with several other azawakhs, Rhonda's two Borzoi and a mad whippet called Maryanne. They have about 4 acres to play in, securely fenced of course! If he wasn't there he would definitely be enjoying the countryside in the UK.
Low Allergy: No. Though azawakhs do have a very short coat so some people with minor dog allergies might be able to tolerate them.
Best Suited for: A very outdoorsy household with other dogs to play with.
Group: Hound
Originally From: The Azawakh breed is a dog of the Tuareg, found mainly in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. Originally imported into Europe about 1940, they have recently become more well known and are now found across Europe and the USA and Canada. Ma'aloo's mother is Borial N'Agzir (from France), a small but incredibly athletic lady. His father is Al Hara's Voodoo (from Switzerland) - tall elegant and striking.
Original Purpose: In their homeland azawakhs are used for hunting, guarding and some herding. In Europe and the USA/Canada they are mainly pets and companions.
Exercise: High. This is a dog for designed to hunt large game such as antelope. Azawakhs aren't as fast as a greyhound but have incredible mid-pace, long distance stamina. In their homeland they tire out the game and then bump it to the ground. Regular, hard free running is essential to prevent them becoming fat. They also love to play, and their play is often rough with each other. Ma'aloo is typical of the breed.
Living Space: Moderate. Ma'aloo takes up a lot of space when he's standing up but it's all leg. He can pack down into a really small space when he's curled up. He likes 'his' chair in the sunroom at Kel Simoon. He does like and need good sized outdoor space to run and play in.
Coat: Very short, hard, densely packed (to keep out the desert sand).
Grooming: Minimal.
Children: High. Ma'aloo loves people. He was introduced to children very early in his socialisation - one of the many things which Kel Simoon excel at with their puppies. He spent many happy hours with Kelly Daniels' girls Ashton and Lily, and was exposed to all kinds of visitors in his early few weeks (including me!).
Sociability with strangers: High. Rhonda took Ma'aloo to the local Warplay Paintball field where she is a referee, to be handled, as soon as the puppies were old enough. He's a big hit with visitors to Simoon because of his easy going, snuggly nature.
Sociability with animals or other dogs: Great. Ma'aloo loves dogs, horses and goats. He's also fine with cats even though he has never lived with one - yet.
Trainability: High. Ma'aloo is very smart. Azawakhs are known for being intelligent. They were bred to work for humans so this helps. Azawakhs are VERY food motivated.
Noise Level: Moderate. Azawakhs, being guards, do bark to alert you to new situations. Some more than others. Ma'aloo is average for the breed. His mother on the other hand is ALL mouth!
Known Health Issues: None so far
Lifespan: Azawakhs bred by Kel Simoon tend to be long lived - 13 to 15 years.
Special Needs: His own chair. Belly rubs and lots of play.
More about Ma’aloo
Ma’aloo (Kel Simoon Ma’aloo)
For a long time I’ve been a fan of the Azawakh. It’s an african breed – the dog of the Tuareg nomads. When asked to describe it I usually say ‘a bit like a Saluki without the fringes, only more so’.
The Azawakh comes from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. It’s a primitive dog designed for a desert environment. In their homelands they are used for guarding, hunting and sometimes herding. A dog of striking but austere beauty. Not always friendly with strangers, this is a dog of extremes. Tough but gentle. Usually aloof but totally loyal to its owner. A warrior heart in a velvet glove. Fascinating and captivating. If an azawakh speaks to you, you are lost for ever.
Back in 2006 I went to see Deb Kidwell and Rhonda Mann, who run Kel Simoon Azawakhs in Virginia. It came about by accident, when I enquired if they would ever ship a dog to the UK. Quarantine regs here are awful so your puppy has to serve time with the breeder while it’s having all its rabies checks done etc. They can’t come here until about 11 months. So not everyone will agree to exporting to the UK.
The reply included something like “Sure, we shipped KS Emecheta to Germany when she was 18 months so it’s not a problem”. I was on a plane almost immediately!
I spent a week with Deb and Rhonda discussing as much dog stuff as I could and when we parted, I was on their list. I just had to wait for the right dog. One litter came and went, but none of the puppies were right. Then another litter was in progress which I wasn’t sure of – I loved the parents but they were both a bit ‘off the wall’.
However, sitting at my laptop the day after the birth, I saw ‘my’ dog. I knew right then he was the one for me, despite Deb saying “He’s not brindle, he’s not small and he’s not female!” (my original wish list)
Ma’aloo is stunning. He grew tall and strong, with the most sunny, easy temperament. His name means ‘fine’ – as in a fine handsome boy, which he is. He grew so tall that they nicknamed him ‘The Giraffe’. And when he comes over he will need a custom-built flight crate because he’s too tall to fit into even a super giant one!
He lives at Kel Simoon because they said they would like to breed with him eventually. After that he’ll join me in the UK. Now they’ve just had puppies from his sister Me-Me he might not be needed after all!
I try to get over to Simoon once a year for their family meeting – when lots of friends and people who have had their dogs descend for a weekend of barbeques, sitting out and generally chilling.
Follow the links for my other dogs.
My present
Blue Vinnie Kylah Arwen Ma’aloo
My past
Vanna Missy JJ Jess Holly Jamal
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