A noble-looking breed, the Afghan Hound has been around since ancient times. It’s an independent dog that will require a lot of grooming and exercise. Here’s what you’ll want to know about this interesting and energetic breed.
Quick Stats
Group: Hound
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 27- 29 inches (68.58-73.66 cm.)
Weight: 58-64 pounds (26-34 kg.)
Shedding: Moderate
Grooming: Difficult
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Afghan Hound History
The Afghan is considered to be one of the most ancient dog breeds. It originated in Afghanistan where it was used by tribesmen as a sighthound in the deserts and mountains.
With its explosive speed, it could run down and catch a range of game and predators such as deer, rabbits, wolves, jackals, and even leopards. While it has been in existence since ancient times, in the past exportation of the breed was illegal. For this reason, it didn’t gain popularity in the West until the twentieth century.
Afghan Hound Characteristics
The Afghan Hound stands between twenty-seven and twenty-nine inches tall and weighs between fifty-eight and sixty-four pounds. It has an elongated and narrow head with strong jaws. The ears are long and covered with long hair. The tail is also long and is typically thin, ending in a curve or ring.
The Afghan Hound coat is lengthy and made up of rich and silky hairs that have an extremely fine texture. This creates an incredibly regal appearance for which the breed is well-known. The coat can be any color.
Afghan Hound Health
The Afghan is often very sensitive to medications and also anesthesia. As with all dog types, this breed is known to be affected by certain health conditions. The most common Afghan Hound health problems include:
-hip dysplasia
-tail injuries
-ear infections
-ear mites
-cataracts
-environmental and food allergies
-heart problems
The average Afghan Hound lifespan is from ten to twelve years.
Afghan Hound Temperament
This breed is intelligent yet sensitive. It can remain very playful even into its adult years and is good with children that are raised with it. Because the Afghan was developed to hunt on their own they are independent thinkers.
This can make them stubborn and more difficult to train than other breeds. Their hunting roots mean they will need a lot of daily exercise and if they don’t get it they can be destructive in the home. They also should not be trusted around small pets because of their high prey drive.
Afghan Hound Care
The Afghan is an energetic dog that will need at least one to two hours of exercise per day. For this reason, they can be an excellent choice for those who go on daily jogs. Having a yard that is large enough so that the dog can really run full out is recommended as well.
It will need to have a high and secure fence, however, as they are good jumpers and will chase after small animals without thinking twice about running off of the property. And of course, the Afghan shouldn’t be kept in a home with small pets which they may see as prey. Their long coat needs weekly bathing and a commitment to grooming. Brushing and combing are needed every day to keep it from getting tangled.
Afghan Hound Facts
-This is a breed that should always be walked on a leash. That’s because when an Afghan Hound commits to running after an animal it considers to be prey, it most likely won’t listen to verbal commands for it to stop or come back.
-Because of the breed’s sensitivity, Afghan Hound training should be done in a gentle manner that is fun for the dog and without harsh corrections.
-The Afghan will typically bond more closely with one or two members of the family whom it will follow commands from and prefer to spend the majority of its time around.
-While it may be long and flowing, the Afghan Hound coat does not shed nearly as much as other breeds. For this reason, it’s considered a hypoallergenic dog and can make an ideal companion for allergy sufferers.
-The Afghan’s feet have large and thick pads. These were very important for hunting in its homeland since they allowed the dog to run efficiently whether over sand or mountainous terrain.
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