Afghan Hound

Posted on 15. May, 2009 by admin in Dog Breeds A, Hound Dogs

The Afghan hound originated in an area along the Afghan border withIran known as Seistan. Is a sight hound (meaning they hunt by sight rather than scent) with an aristocratic bearing, his whole appearance is one of dignity. Majestic, elegant, noble and courageous, this breed is very loyal but can be reserved around strangers.

This elegant sight hound was used as a shepherd and hunter of many types of game including deer, wild goats, foxes, gazelles and even wolves and snow leopards. Unusual in hunting dogs, Afghans have a low tolerance to pain thereby suffering even with minor injuries.

Combining great speed and power he is also has been recently utilized in the sport
of Afghan racing. This is a very ancient dog mentioned several times in Egyptian papyruses as well as pictured in the caves of northern Afghanistan more than 4000 years ago. Possessed of the ultimate in elegance and beauty, the stylish Afghan is truly a king among dogs.

Breed Group

Hound

Size

25 to 29 inches tall (at shoulder)

Weight

50-64 lbs

Color(s)

The coat may be any color, except for a characteristic white “blaze” on the chest.

Coat

The Afghan Hound has a long and silky fur with a very fine texture to it on the ribs, the legs, and hindquarters. The fur on the dog’s underbelly and front is short. The ears and feet have more feathers fur. His thick coat falling down in great waves almost as if it
were cloth and protects against extremes temperature.

Life Expectancy

About 12 – 14 years.

Personality

The Afghan Hound dog breed has a personality that tends to seem serious to humans, even aloof, reserved nature does not make them suitable for active children. But Afghan Hounds can be quite playful with their families. The Afghan Hound is not recommended for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with a large yard. However this breed can live in or outdoors, although it would be happier sleeping indoors. The Afghan Hound is a loyal and affectionate breed, is also very sensitive and should be treated as such. Without proper training and socialization, the Afghan Hound can become destructive and disobedience.

Care

The Afghan is not easy as pie, special grooming tools are required for this breed. The long, thick coat demands a very high grooming maintenance and must be brushed regularly. Baths are necessary once a week. Generally healthy, the Afghan has a low incidence of hip dysplasia, can suffer from cataracts, and has sensitivity to pesticides, also a progressive paralytic disease is unique to the breed. Make sure they have plenty of clean cool water as this breed has a thick coat, which can cause him to become hot.

Training

They must be trained kindly, although he is strong, independent, and intelligent, the Afghan is often shy and sensitive to harsh correction so must be trained gently, yet consistently. In the
past, the Afghan Hound had a reputation for being unreliable, now is character, while still invigorate, is said to be more amenable to training and obedience, although they are among the harder breeds to obedience-train. The Afghan Hound has many cat-like tendencies, so don’t be surprised if your Afghan hound sometimes chooses to ignore commands. However, patient handling will quickly make the Afghan a loyal a wonderful companion.

Activity

Originally bred for hunting, the Afghan Hound requires daily exercise, preferable both in the morning and evening in order to maintain good physical condition, as well as a large yard in which to play. Afghans loves long walks (a mile or two each day) and should always have a safe and fenced area to run.

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