What makes the Afghan Hound Unique?
The Afghan Hound is a hound that is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. Distinguished by its thick, fine, silky coat and its tail with a ring curl at the end, the breed acquired its unique features. Afghan Hounds are dogs that originated in the cold mountains of Afghanistan, explaining the word Afghan in its name. These dogs are dubbed as the “Aristocrats” of the noble dog world for they are very graceful and elegant. When they walk, people can’t help but turn their heads as they carry themselves with so much confidence and poise. The beauty that they possesesses caused them to become highly popular in major dogshows. However, these dogs can’t have it all as they have aggressiveness that makes taming quite very hard.
Breed Groups
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| Size: | Males – 61 to 73 cm (24 to 29 inches) Females – 68 to 73cm (27 to 29 inches) |
| Weight: | Males – 20 to 27 kg (45 to 60 lb) Females – 18 to 25 kg (39 to 50 lb) |
| Origin: | Afghanistan |
| Life Span: | 11 – 13 Years |
| Colour: | Fawn, Gold, Brindle, White, Red, Cream, Blue, Gray and Tricolor |
| Litter Size: | 6 to 8 puppies |
Is the Afghan Hound Right For You?
Afghan Hounds need access to a large fenced area — fenced because these independent dogs are likely to take off and not come back. If there is a dog club in your area, get your Afghan Hound involved in lure coursing (chasing a mechanized lure around a track or across an open field). This is an appropriate outlet for the full-speed galloping behaviors that are “hardwired” into his genes. Afghan Hounds are not Golden Retrievers. They are independent thinkers who don’t particularly care about pleasing you. They may display passive resistance by bracing their legs and refusing to move. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
In 5 Words
- Silly
- Drama Queens/Kings
- Food Thieves
- Bossy
- Mischievous
Characteristics
Learn About the Afghan Hound
Description
Afghan hounds are characterised by their thick, silky coat that makes them one of the most adorable pets to have around the house. They have a tall and willowy body, with a narrow but sophisticated head that makes them a sight to behold. These dogs are quite intimidating and aloof as they carry their head high most of the time.
The head profile is rather straight from the top of the skull through to the slight stop. Their nose is also adorable as it curves outwards in a slightly convex shape, thus it is often referred to as a Roman nose. Their muzzle is very prominent and is very tapered and refined and usually ends in a black nose.
One thing that is very captivating about these dogs are their telling and soulful eyes. One glimpse from their eyes and you could tell the aura of calm intelligence emanating from them. They have dark-colored eyes that is set into the head and is not bulging or sunken in appearance. Their eye shape ranges from an almond to an almost triangular shape.
The ears of Afghan Hounds on the other hand are long and set across from the eyes. When you try to pull the ears forward, one could notice that their ears almost reach the end of their long muzzle. The lips of this breed are tight to the teeth, while the bite is even, with no underbite or even overbite.
Short History of the Akita
Afghan Hounds are dogs that originated in the cold mountains of Afghanistan, explaining the word Afghan in its name. These dogs are dubbed as the “Aristocrats” of the noble dog world for they are very graceful and elegant. When they walk, people can’t help but turn their heads as they carry themselves with so much confidence and poise. The beauty that they possesesses caused them to become highly popular in major dogshows. However, these dogs can’t have it all as they have aggressiveness that makes taming quite very hard.
For Afghan hound lovers, here are some of the most useful information and tips in caring for your pets and in understanding their true nature.
Temperament
Afghan Hounds are often associated with aggressiveness and this could be blamed on their past record as they used to be hunters in the old days. The first British Afghan Hounds were describe as quite hostile and antagonistic. Due to their aggressiveness, this breed are often angry and ill-tempered but with a little training on hand, they can be the friendliest pets to cuddle with.
On the brighter side, Afghan Hounds have a personality that is often characterized as playful, sensitive, aloof, and aristocratic. While this breed could be heralded as the Aristocrat of the noble dog world, still it enjoys quite a few moments when it let loose and live life to the fullest as it frolicks and plays in your backyard.
Caring for Your Afghan Hound
General Health
Certain dog breeds are associated with different kinds of diseases and Afghan Hounds are no exception. The first malady ever recorded is the extremely rare case of chylothorax. This disease results in excessive pressure being exerted as it causes a sudden build up of fluids around the heart and lungs. When this happens, obstruction to the thoracic duct is expected, warding off the lymph from draining normally into the venous system. Afghan hounds often develop this condition when they are middle-aged. The tell-tale signs to look out for are: coughing, heart murmuring and struggling to breathe.
The second health concern of this breed is cataracts, with the same signs and symptoms as that of humans. Cataracts is a medical condition in which the lens of the eyes become opaque, thus lessening its transparency and if not treated properly, it could result to loss of vision. Watch out for cataracts and if you notice that your dogs begin to develop one, it is best that they undergo surgical procedure to avoid blindness.
Grooming & Bathing
Without frequent brushing, Afghan Hounds become a matted mess. If you can’t commit to the brushing, you have to commit to frequent trimming to keep the coat short, neat, clean, and healthy.
An Afghan should be bathed and conditioned at least every 4 – 6 weeks to keep the coat in great shape. First bathe with a Hypo- Allergenic or Classic Care or Professional Care shampoo for a general dirt removal then target the specific need of the dog. Most Afghans should use Silky Show Shampoo and Silky Show Conditioner to add silk proteins to the coat and add elasticity to the coat and prevent breakage of the coat. Pets with a normal coat can pick from any of the Scent Renewal types that they will smell for the days to come. Be sure to follow up with a conditioner such as Luxury Remoisturizer to keep the coat in great shape. Coats that mat easily should use a Hot Oil Treatment. Using Quick Finish Spray after the bath, before drying will help cut down dry time and help make the brush out easier.
Exercise & Training
Afghan Hounds are very high-maintenance in the grooming department and they need proper combing most of the time. Due to their thick, long and cascading silky coat that is similar to human hair in texture, Afghan Hounds need brushing with the help of a pin brush. Baths should be done atleast twice or thrice a week while trimming and stripping of the coat is needed a few times in a year.
Afghan Hounds also struggle in eating as their ears are very long, some will need a little help by holding back their ears come meal times. For some owners, they purchase a “snood” at a pet boutique or at an online pet store.
Afghan Hounds are known for being alert and energetic so it’s best to keep it to good use by giving them a number of daily exercises. Let them take long walks, and permit them to run, jump and enjoy lure coursing as this would be beneficial to their health and muscle tone.
Afghan Hound Picture Gallery
