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The Canine Chronicles Directory
Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound has an aristocratic bearing and commanding stature. It is tall
and slender with a long, narrow, refined head, silky topknot and powerful jaws.
The ears lie flat to the head and the dark eyes are almond shaped. The neck is long
and strong holding their head high revealing their nobility and elevated self-esteem.
The height at the withers (shoulder blades) should be almost level and the abdomen
tucked up. The front legs are strong and straight. The feet are large and covered
with long hair. The hipbones are quite prominent. The tail is tipped with a curl
or ring, but does not carry over the back. The long, rich, silky coat is most often
a sand-like color with darker face and ears. When showing the dog, white markings
are discouraged.
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Temperament
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Afghan Hounds tend to be distant with strangers but are extremely loyal and affectionate
to their owners. Despite their shyness around strangers, they are very much people-orientated
dogs. Many are especially good with children. Afghan's usually develop their personalities
between the age of 7 and 16 months, therefore proper socialization and training
during this time is imperative because of their sensitive natures.
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Height, Weight
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Male Height: 27-29" ; Weight: 55-62 lbs.
Female Height: 25-27" ; Weight: 51-55 lbs.
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Health Problems
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The most common ailment is necrotic myelopathy, which causes respiratory paralysis.
Afghan Hounds are also highly sensitive to chemical preparations, anesthesia, whole
milk, and flea/tick dips, collars and cortisone.
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Living Conditions
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Afghan Hounds should not live in an apartment and do better with acreage.
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Exercise
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The breed loves open spaces and must be allowed to run free in a safe area as well
as having long daily walks. It needs a minimum of 30 minutes of free galloping per
day.
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Life Expectancy
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About 9-15 years
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Grooming
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The long coat, which is finely textured, requires considerable grooming and care
and should be provided by a skilled groomer.
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Origin
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The Afghan Hound is one of the most ancient of dogs. Legend states that this breed
was taken onto the Ark with Noah. Although, there is no concrete proof to this legend,
the Afghan's pedigree is without a doubt pre-Christian. Northern African sight-hounds
migrated into the cool mountains of Afghanistan and the hounds with the heaviest
coats were selected to breed for necessity, creating the Afghan. The breed spread
into the surrounding territories where they assisted both hunters and shepherds.
The Afghan Hounds' high hip bones enabled him greater flexibility in the mountain
ranges. In Afghanistan, the breed was initially used to guard sheep and cattle,
and to hunt deer, wolves, gazelles and foxes. The aristocratic Afghan was no pussycat,
hunting leopards and panthers single-handedly to the kill. Afghan Hounds were also
the favorite of Afghani nobility assisting in the sport of falconry. The Afghan
Hound is recognized by the AKC and the UKC.
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Group
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AKC Hound, UKC Sighthound and Pariah Dog
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