Azeyag
The Azeyag is a dog breed originating in central Scipia. It is common throughout the Ninva as well as many of the outlying regions such as Itayana, Alanahr and the Rubric Coast, although it is particularly associated with the Tenerian people who are the most well known Azeyag breeders. Historically, they have been prevalent among Tenerians, Tebus and Zarmas who use the Azeyags as hunting dogs. Azeyags are closely related to the Sloughi breed of the Periclean coast of northern Scipia and share many characteristics with them. They remain a relatively niche breed outside of their native region, although they have come to receive minor acclaim from international breeders thanks to their ruggedness and speed as well as their unusual personalities when compared to other gazehounds. The breed is named for the Azeyag basin and Erg Azeyag, one of the important geographical features of the western Ninva, where the breed is believed to have originated.
Description
The Azeyag is notable for its nearly-skeletal appearance and extremely slim build, with ribs and muscles readily visible on healthy and well-fed individuals. This striking appearance is accentuated by the very short and fine coat of the breed, which also helps the animal cope with the soaring temperatures of its desert homeland. They are relatively mid-sized, similar to their Sloughi relatives, standing at around 70 centimeters in height and weighing in around 20 kilograms when fully grown. Most Azeyags have a reddish brown or brindled coloration with white markings on the neck, feet and the tip of the tail. However many color variations exist with various combinations of fawn, red, black, and white colors. An uncommon but highly prized coloration are the white Azeyags, which are mostly or entirely white.
Movement
Azeyags are a cursorial breed known for their double suspension gallop which sacrifices endurance for speed, as they are used primarily to run down and capture fast-moving prey animals such as hares or gazelles and must therefore be exceptionally fast and agile. They are known to reach around 65 kilometers per hour while sprinting, although they are unable to maintain such speeds for extended periods and may loose the prey if the chase continues for long. Their great speed has been honed over the years, particularly with the advent of Azeyag racing as a local sport in Charnea in the 20th century, which has seen dogs reach as high as 75-80 kilometers per hour for short periods.
Health
Azeyags are a relatively healthy breed with relatively few congenital health issues to contend with. The main illness found in Azeyags is wobbler disease affecting their vertebrae and spinal column. This is a progressive lifelong malady, but can sometimes be corrected with surgery eliminating the problem entirely. The robust body of the dog results in a relatively low rate of physical injuries compared to other breeds of the same category. Azeyags normally give birth unassisted. The general lack of illnesses in the Azeyag breed is though to be connected to a higher than usual level of genetic diversity because of Tenerian dog breeding practices, as well as their extensive use as hunting dogs in the harsh climate of the Ninva desert which is though to have influenced the Azeyags to develop into a more fit and robust breed compared to its relatives.
Temperament
Azeyags are notable among gazehounds for their high level of sociality, being more pack oriented than other such dogs.