An ancient member of the sighthound family, Afghan Hounds have such striking features that set them apart in the canine world. Their long, silky, flowing hair and prominent hips give them an elegant, regal look.
An ancient member of the sighthound family, Afghan Hounds have such striking features that set them apart in the canine world. Their long, silky, flowing hair and prominent hips give them an elegant, regal look.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
Are you are registered breeder?
Can we meet in person?
Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate Afghan Hound Guide
About Afghan Hound
An ancient member of the sighthound family, Afghan Hounds have such striking features that set them apart in the canine world. Their long, silky, flowing hair and prominent hips give them an elegant, regal look.
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Weight
Male: 26 - 34 kg Female: 23 - 25 kg
Height
Male: 68 - 74 cm Female: 60 - 69 cm
Grooming
The beauty of the Afghan Hounds doesn’t come easy. Owners have to put in a lot of effort in grooming. They need regular brushing and baths.
You have two options when it comes to your Afghan’s grooming. You can hire a professional groomer, or you can spend several hours bonding with your pup as you give them a bath or brush their hair. But for their gorgeous looks, these dogs are worth the effort!
Origins
Afghan Hounds are an ancient breed. Unfortunately, Afghanistan prohibited the display of animals in the form of art, so there aren’t any early pictorial records of this breed.
The only drawing that exists is an 1813 sketch of a native soldier with his dog. The dog in the picture closely resembles the Afghan we see today. It’s also believed that these dogs were bred in some parts of Pakistan and Northern India.
In ancient times, Afghan Hounds were bred primarily for their hunting skills. They were used to bring down small and big game alike.
These dogs made their way to England with the help of British soldiers who frequently travelled to and from the Middle East.
Afghans were officially recognised as a breed in the 19th century. Currently, these dogs serve as house pets and show dogs.
They are playful but also very independent and aloof. With proper socialisation, they make great household pets.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Afghan Hounds may suffer from:
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Necrotic myelopathy
Sensitivity to anaesthesia, cortisone and tranquilisers
Ear infections and ear mites
Nature / Temperament
Aloof with strangers but affectionate and loyal to their owners.
Suitable Environment
Afghans do well in properly fenced, spacious yards. They can also do well in apartment living as long as they get adequate exercise.
Other Considerations
● They are almost as fast as racehorses. They reach speeds up to 60km per hour.
● They are very agile. They have a unique hip placement, which enables them to make quick turns. Their hips are higher and wider apart.
● Their long, flowing hair keeps them warm in harsh climates.
● Owners ought to be gentle with them. These dogs don’t have a lot of tolerance to pain.
● They should be kept on a tight-leash, as they will chase after things that fascinate them.
How can I take good care of my Afghan Hound?
Nutrition
Afghan Hounds thrive on high-quality, protein-rich dog foods. They need about approximately 2 – 2.5 cups of dry food, which should be split between two meals.
Depending on the age and weight of your Afghan, you can reduce or increase this amount.
Grooming
Daily brushing
Recommended Grooming Tips
Avoid brushing their hair when it’s dry or dirty as this could damage it.
Trim the hair on their foot pads to ensure they have good traction.
Trim long nails.
Check their ears regularly for signs of infection.
Ensure your dog has proper dental hygiene.
Exercise
Afghan hounds should be taken out for exercises on a daily basis. You can take your dog for a walk or a run. Better yet, you can engage them in activities that use their hunting drive such as lure coursing.
Training
Truth be told, training an Afghan Hound is not the easiest job. Like most sighthound dogs, the Afghan Hounds have a mind of their own. They have their own ideas on how they want to spend time.
The secret to successful training is being gentle and patient with your Afghan. If you force them to do what they don’t want, you’ll be in for a struggle. A better idea would be to encourage and reward them for good behaviour. You should also be persistent in your training.
The greyhound is the oldest breed in the sighthound family. But the Afghan and Saluki do not fall that far behind. Afghans are so ancient that people believe this breed to be the one that was rescued on Noah’s Ark.
They certainly can be. Afghans have a lot of hair, which requires frequent grooming. Whenever possible, they should be given weekly baths and brush-outs.
It depends on the individual dog. Some are very courageous while others are downright shy. It’s important that these dogs get ample socialisation. Failure to do this may result in mischievous behaviour if left alone.
Afghans are an unusual breed. For one, these dogs use their intelligence to access areas their owners want to keep them out of. Secondly, these dogs tend to sleep when they find themselves in stressful situations.