The Afghan is a very old and majestic breed of hound dog.
Alternate Names
Baluchi Hound
Taz
Appearance:
Has a resemblence to a Terrier
Body: A straight front, level backline, and arched loin with high, wide-set hip bones. They have a long and strong neck.
Coat: Thick, fine, silky, and weather-resistant. Tangles easily requiring daily grooming. The undercoat sheds in the warmer weather and has a higher amount of dander than some other breeds of dogs.
Color: Seen in most any color. Many Afghans have a black facial mask and all Afghan Hounds have a white, or almost white, “blaze” on their chest.
Ears: Long, low, closely set to the head, and set back with feathered, long, silky hair.
Eyes: A dark golden color and a almond, or triangular-like shape.
Face: A long and elegant foreface.
Feet: Strong and covered with thick hair. The forefeet are large and powerful with arched toes and the hind feet are long and broad.
Head: Long, somewhat narrow and held high with dignity. They have a prominent occiput and powerful jaws.
Legs: Forelegs are long, straight and well-boned with elbows held tight. The hind legs are long and powerful.
Neck: Short and straight.
Size:
Weight 45 – 60 pounds (23 – 28kg)
Height 25 – 28 inches (61 – 71cm)
Tail: Lightly feathered and curled upward at the tip (ringtail).
Behavior
Recommended for experienced dog handlers.
Get along well with other dogs.
The Afghan Hound is aloof and dignified, with a happy and clownish personality. He’s particularly well known for his gracefulness and beauty when running at high speeds. He is an elegant breed of dog who is alert, affectionate, and sensitive with a need for companionship.
Afghans are obedient but also capable of thinking for themselves and will sometimes choose to ignore commands. Because they have been bred for hunting in groups with other hounds, they get along well with other dogs.
He is best kept on a leash, when not hunting, or he may disappear quickly. The Afghan is keenly aware of everything around him and may bolt quickly towards any movement of other animals that they perceive as being prey. You may find your hound long gone on the trail of rabbits, squirrels or other animals before you have a chance to stop him.
The Afghan will respond best to gentle training methods due to their sensitive gentle personality. Praise and food reward will work best and will win their trust. Harsh treatment is never the answer if you want to bring our the best in your dog.
Breed Type
AKC Group: Sight Hound
The Afghan Hound is the result of the blending of many varieties of dogs and were used as hunting dogs by the Kings of Afghanistan.
They would hunt for their prey by sight while their masters followed on horseback. They are capable of withstanding frigid temperatures and traversing rough terrains with ease.
The Afghan Hound is used in Afghanistan to hunt any game desired by their master including deer, antelope, hare, wolves, foxes, gazelles, wild dogs, and jackals, as well as being used to guard sheep and goats.
Care and Grooming
Exercise: Regular daily exercise is necessary. The Afghan needs space to run daily. They can tolerate the heat, cold and rain.
Grooming: The coat of the Afghan Hound requires a great deal of attention. Their hair long and will tangle easily if not groomed daily or every two days. A professional groomer is best but you will still need to brush them daily between visits. The undercoat of your Afghan Hound will shed in the warmer weather. They should be shampooed monthly.
Never shave your dog thinking it will make them cooler in hot weather or to avoid the daily grooming needs. The dog’s coat provides insulation against both hot and the cold weather conditions.
Health
Life Expectancy: 13 – 14 Years
Possible Problems:
Allergies
Cancer
Hip dysplasia
Juvenile cataracts
According to The Dog Bible, you should have your dogs eyes examined by an ophthalmologist who is Board Certified by the College of Veterinary Opthalmologists (ACVO).
The results will be sent to the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) for analysis. If the analysis is clear you will be given a valid certificate that is good for one year.
This should be done yearly beginning with young pups. Juvenile cataracts have been known to appear in puppies as young as six weeks of age.
Country of Origin
Afghanistan