|
Afghan Hound: History, Temperament, Exercise
(Afghan)
Group: Hound Dogs
Also Known As:
Baluchi Hound, Sage Baluchi, Tazi, Ogar Afgan
AKC Ranking: 87
About
Afghan Hound
Origin
of the Breed
This is a very ancient dog,
native to Sinai, and mentioned several times
in Egyptian papyruses as well as pictured
in the caves of northern Afghanistan more
than 4000 years ago. The breed was kept pure
for centuries, and its exportation was always
prohibited
Description of the
Dog
The Afghan Hound has an aristocratic
bearing. It is tall and slender with a long,
narrow, refined head, silky topknot and powerful
jaws. The occiput and hipbones are quite prominent.
The muzzle is slightly convex ("Roman
nose") with a black nose. The teeth should
meet in a level or scissors bite. The dark
eyes are almond shaped. The ears lie flat
to the head. The neck is long and strong.
The front legs are strong and straight and
the feet are large and covered with long hair.
The tail has a curl or ring at the tip.
|
|
Coat
The long, rich, silky coat is most
often the color of sand with a darker face and ear
fringes, though all colors are permitted. White
markings, however, are discouraged.
Height: Dogs 27
to 29 inches (68.58-73.66cm); slightly less for
bitches.
Weight: 58-64lb
(26-34kg.)
Temperament
of the Breed
Dignified and independent, somewhat
aloof, but very sweet, clownish, loyal, affectionate,
majestic, elegant, noble, courageous and sensitive,
with a low dominance level, They are suspicious
of, but not hostile to, strangers. The Afghan has
been described as "a king of dogs." Although
tough, they will pine if they are deprived of attention.
They will do best with older, considerate children
and will put up with other animals if properly socialized.
Some are timid and high strung.
Exercise
and Training
Afghan Hounds must be allowed to
run free in a safe and fenced area as well as have
long daily walks. Thirty minutes of daily running
is recommended for this breed.
Since the Afghan Hound is sensitive,
this breed must be trained gently, yet consistently.
If not given the proper training and socialization,
this breed can become destructive and disobedient.
Obedience classes are recommended. This breed can
be difficult to housebreak.
Living Conditions
The Afghan Hound is not recommended
for apartment life as it is more suited to open
spaces. They are relatively inactive indoors and
do best with acreage. This breed can live in or
outdoors, although it would be happier sleeping
indoors.
Grooming
The long, thick coat demands a
great deal of attention. Weekly baths are a good
idea, specially if the dog is shown, to prevent
matting. The coat shouldn’t be trimmed. Many
wear snoods indoors to protect their ears from food
bowls. A special air-cushioned brush or pinbrush
is useful for grooming. This breed is an average
shedder.
Health
Major health issues are allergies,
and cancer. Sensitivity to anesthesia is an issue
the Afghan hound shares with the rest of the sighthound
group, as sighthounds have relatively low levels
of body fat. The Afghan has a low pain tolerance,
thereby suffering even with minor injuries.
Subscribe Now - For Free!!
Subscribe to the Afghan Hound Mini Course, today!
Get insider secrets on
Housetraining, Obedience Training, Teaching
Commands, Diet and How to Control its Bad
Behavior like Barking and Biting - delivered
to your email Inbox for FREE.
Just fill in your details below and get started...
|
Life Expectancy: About 14 years.
Breed Club: http://clubs.akc.org/ahca
Rescue Link: www.afghanhound.net
|
