Afghan Hound

Breed Summary

The Afghan Hound has a regal appearance owing to its proud carriage and long, silky coat. Its strong, arched neck, prominent hips, large paws, exaggerated bend at the knees and a tail ending in a doughnut bend, give the breed a distinctive profile. The head is well-shaped and the skull is balanced with almond-shaped eyes. This breed was developed and shaped by the need to course game across mountainous terrain in Afghanistan. The Afghan Hound is an athlete capable of immense speed and requires a large fenced-in yard and exercise daily. The Afghan hound is famous for its elegant beauty.

Nutrition

The Afghan Hound depends on high-quality dog food for their proper growth and development during their different stages of life. Their protruding hip bones are a unique characteristic of this breed that is not a sign of being underweight. They need good nutrition to perform their daily activeness. In case of any detrimental health condition, consult your veterinarian for their advice.

Coat

Length: Long

Characteristics: Silky

Colors: Any color except spotted

Overall Grooming Needs: High

Training

Afghans are independent, dignified, and aloof, but they are affectionate and loyal to humans they have bonded with. Their loyalty makes them difficult to adjust to their new home. They are fairly easy to house-train and you can teach them basic commands such as come, sit, and stay. They are stubborn and aloof/wary.

Exercise

An ancient member of the sighthound family, the Afghan hounds are bred to hunt and able to chase prey by sight. An extremely skilled hunter, the Afghan was used to bring down both large and small game, including antelopes and perhaps even leopards. Afghan should have the opportunity to run full out several times a week in a large, enclosed area. They are tall, lean, and strong, which makes them an excellent jumper.

Health Concerns

Afghan hounds are very much sensitive to anaesthesia because they have naturally low stores of body fat. They require special care during their surgical procedures. Like other deep-chested dogs, Afghan Hounds can develop bloat, a sudden and life-threatening condition if this is left untreated. Special diets containing anti-bloating agents can prevent this threat.

Country of Origin: Afghanistan
AKC Breed Popularity: Ranks 113 of 196
AKC Classification: Hound Group
UKC Classification: Sighthounds and Pariahs
Exercise Requirements: 40 minutes/day
Height: Female: 25 inches; Male: 27 inches
Weight: Female: 45-55 lbs; Male: 55-65 lbs
Physical traits: Long, Strong, Aristocrat, Long silky topknot
Personality traits/Temperament: Strong-willed, Independent, Aloof, Self-confident
Energy Level: Average
Tendency to Drool: Low
Tendency to Snore: Low
Tendency to Bark: Low
Tendency to Dig: Low
Social/Attention Needs: Low
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Fun Facts

1. Legend has it that the Afghan hound was the dog breed rescued on Noah’s Ark.

2. They are as fast as racehorses. The average Afghan hound can reach speeds of up to 40 mph, while the fasted horses can only reach 44 mph.

3. Picasso was inspired by his Afghan hound Kabul. In many of his paintings with his wife, Jacqueline, and his statue Tête

References:

1. American Kennel Club. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.akc.org/

2. Dog Breeds | Hill’s Pet. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/breeds

3. List of Dog Breeds | Petfinder. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/

4. All Dog Breeds - Complete List of Dog Profiles. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/profiles

5. Dog Breeds | Types of Dogs | Purina. [accessed 2020 Nov 28]. https://www.purina.com/dogs/dog-breeds