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General Description
Afghan Hounds are a regal, very old breed of sighthound dogs. They are built quite tall and have lengthy, sinewy-muscled limbs. Afghan Hounds have an elongated, narrow head with refined facial features and a strong jaw. Their muzzle is slightly convex, and their teeth meet at a level or scissors bite. Afghan Hounds have dark, almond-shaped eyes, a black nose, and shaggy, medium-length ears that hang flat to their heads. They have prominent hip bones, and large, fur-covered feet. Their neck and front legs are strong and muscular. Afghan Hounds feature a distinctive, long tail with a curl at the tip. The tail hangs downward rather than upright or over the back. Afghan Hounds that are appropriate for the show ring have nearly-level withers and an abdomen that is properly tucked up. Afghan Hounds have a very long, thick, luxuriously silky coat of hair. Afghan Hounds are usually gray in color with darker markings around the face and ear fringes, but all colors of this breed are acceptable for show. The long topknot and short-haired saddle are distinguishing characteristics of the Afghan Hound’s coat.
Afghan Hounds are very active dogs,and highly intelligent.
Character
Afghan Hounds are dignified, stately creatures that make very sweet pets. Unlike many breeds, Afghan Hounds do not constantly aim to please. They are regal and sometimes aloof, but they are also very gentle and kind. Some Afghan Hounds can be timid, so it’s important for them to be trained with care and patience. Commonly referred to as the “King of Dogs”, Afghan hounds project an aristocratic aura and an attitude of nobility and grace. They can also be goofy at times, and they have a tendency towards independence. They are leery of strangers and need a certain amount of time before they are capable of exchanging trust. Afghan Hounds do very well in gentle families with older children. If trained improperly, Afghan Hounds have a propensity to be disobedient.
General Health
Afghan Hounds are a healthy breed, but they have an inclination towards allergies. Also, they are a breed with a low tolerance for pain. Even if an Afghan Hound is perfectly healthy, a minor injury could be very bothersome. Because of the Afghan Hound’s low body fat percentage, he is very sensitive to anesthesia. In general, Afghan Hounds are a long-lived breed, averaging 12-14 years in many cases. Afghan Hounds need lots of exercise, so they should be allowed to gallop in a wide, open space for at least thirty minutes per day. Afghan Hounds can have anywhere from 1 to 15 puppies, but the average litter size is 8.
History
Afghan Hounds are one of the most ancient dog breeds, and they date back for thousands of years. They originated in Afghanistan or Russia. Afghan Hounds were bred purely for many decades, and they were prohibited from export to other countries. The breed was not present in America or Europe until after the turn of the twentieth century. Initially the Afghan Hound was used as a shepherd and hunter for many different types of game. They are very fast and agile, and their heavy coats protect them from extreme weather conditions. Afghan Hounds have a number of talents including hunting, herding, sighting, tracking, and racing. They also make good watchdogs.
Maintenance
The Afghan Hound’s rich, luxurious coat requires a lot of maintenance. For optimum shine and length, Afghan Hounds should be given a weekly bath. The coat should not be brushed in-between baths because the hair will become matted more easily. Afghan Hounds are average shedders.
Ideal Environment
Afghan Hounds are comparatively inactive indoors, and they need lots of room to run and exercise. An Afghan Hound is happiest sleeping indoors, but he should be outside for a good part of the day. Homes with large backyards are ideal, but an Afghan Hound can do okay in other environments if he is given frequent, long walks.
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