While out riding in the bush, we sometimes encounter local hunting parties.
These constitute of a number of hunters men and their well-trained Azawakh dogs.
As the men only carry sticks, the hunting is most probably carried out exclusively by the Azawakh dogs, who hunt by sight.
Although Sheba is one of the most social dogs I’ve ever had, she has a very no-nonsense approach to all meetings canines in the bush. Her only interest is to keep the dogs at a safe distance, and she always makes sure to present herself visually as the official guardian of our little herd. Such is the nature of a hardworking Rhodesian ridgeback, who takes her responsibilities in the bush as seriously as you possibly can!
A few nights ago, when coming back from a good ride, we crossed paths with a young hunter and his Azawakh companions. He and his uncle were very friendly and I asked if I could take a picture. The boy was happy to pose with his catch; a desert hare. Hearing our conversation, Sheba accepted their presence even though she was not interested in making any friends.
The team of dogs consisted of one older and one younger, who was still in training. The younger dog had still not earned its name, but that will come once it starts to impress its humans. Hunting Azawakhs love their job and know a number of commands, which is impressive in a country where dogs are rarely trained. The team work is suberb. The dogs are treated with respect, which suits the Azawakhs’ proud and independent nature perfectly!
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17 users commented in " Hunting with Azawakhs "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackThat young man’s dogs must be very fast if they caught a hare.
Very interesting. I had previously thought of small dogs (like basenjis) as hunter/companions in Africa and larger dogs (like the colonial-bred ridgebacks) as guardians of herds, until you get to the North where the Arabs hunted larger prey from horseback with salukis and greyhounds. But, reading this, I realize that, if meat is only a portion of your diet, a hare is a good catch and the dog, being an omnivore, can share in the grains and other food you prepare along with that meat.
And sighthounds have been hunting rabbits for centuries — greyhounds and whippets in Ireland and England are scored on their ability to turn a rabbit in an open field. Not so good for the rabbit, but it’s thrilling to see a dog do the thing it was bred to do, and, in a setting like yours, a good dog is an important part of the family economy!
What kind of game is there to hunt? Just hares?
I love to see dogs doing the job they were bred to do, I think it generally makes for happier dogs.
I’ve seen a few of this breed but they are a rarity in this country.
Hi Esther, What an informative post. I liked seeing the body language of both canines and humans. That young man with the hare has a wonderful smile!
Very interesting and informative. The smile on that boy is priceless. You made his day.
Woos, the OP Pack
Tonka takes a very similar approach to meeting people/dogs. If I’m having a conversation with them, he figures they must be okay, though he’s not going to go out of his way to make friends. (That you must earn!) But even when he’s decided they’re “okay” he’s keeping an eye on them. Because in his world, “his” people are cool… but the rest of you characters are totally sketchy.
I’d never heard of Azawakhs before I started reading your blogs. I knew about Ridgebacks because I’ve known a couple of them, but Azawakhs were a new one on me. As someone else pointed out, they must be very fleet of foot indeed!
This was a very interesting read. It’s amazing to me that hunters can use just dogs and sticks to catch prey. Great smile on that proud young man!
Once again, thanks for the snapshot into life in your world!
These must be good hunting dogs, since they bring the hare back to their master.
Sheba obviously has great instincts as a guard dog. Daisy would be off playing, or trying to find a hare of her own!
You really live in an interesting part of the world. Have a great week
What a fascinating post and great photographs from your world.
You do a very good job of informing the rest of us about life in Africa. Thank You.
What a lovely post, Esther! And as always you not only have great photos, but so much interesting information. And what a beautiful young man! Love his smile!
Enjoy your weekend!
Sylvia
Wow, thanks for the insight into life in Niger. When I think of hunting dogs I think of the bird dogs that people have. You have shown a whole new side of dogs to me.
Very interesting post on the hunting with the dogs. Great photos. The boy does have a nice smile.
I wonder if it is hard for the dogs to not eat their catch? They look so thin. Maybe I am just used to seeing my chubby little terrier:-)
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