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Afghan Hound
Description:
The Afghan Hound has an elegant and aristocratic bearing with a narrow head carried high on a long neck. The Afghan’s muzzle is slightly convex and the ears lie flat on the head. The Afghan is tall and slender like most sighthound dog breeds. This hound breed has a long silky coat with large feet covered with long hair. Male dogs range from 27 to 29 inches and female dogs from 25 to 27 inches at shoulder height. Afghan Hounds can weigh from 45 to 60 pounds. The hounds’ long silky coat is usually the color of sand with a darker face. All colors are permitted for this breed, although white makings are discouraged.
Afghan Hounds are members of the American Kennel Club (AKC) Hound Group.
Afghan Hound Pictures:
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23min. Afghan Hound video
History:
Afghan Hounds are an ancient dog breed that was developed to run down prey in the Sinai and Afghanistan desert. Afghans became very fast dogs which helps explain why the breed requires lots of free-running exercise. The Afghan also developed excellent sight for hunting and a long shaggy coat to protect it against the extreme climatic conditions of the Afghanistan mountains and desert. As a result, the hound breed can adapt to both hot and cold climates. The Afghan was ranked 95th out of 154 dog breeds in AKC registrations in 2005.
Temperament:
Afghans have a dignified and somewhat aloof disposition but are also very loyal and affectionate dogs. Afghan Hound puppies and adolescents require a lot of knowledge and patience to train. These dogs are sensitive to what they perceive as unjust treatment and therefore need firm and gentle handling. This breed can be difficult to housebreak and train – so professional training may be advisable. You must always let this breed of hound know who is in charge. This sighthound’s hunting nature will often take over and if you let it off leash, the dog can run off very quickly. The Afghan is suspicious of strangers but can adapt to older children if raised with the family. However the Afghan should be watched around small children as this dog can have a bad temper in adolescence. Afghans make good watch dogs. This breed is not recommended for the novice dog owner.
Exercise:
This breed requires at least 30 minutes of free-running exercise. If the Afghan is exercised in the morning and evening it can become a ‘couch potato’ during the day and adapt to apartment life. Afghans can even adapt to being left alone during the day. These hounds are very agile so fences must be high to keep them inside the yard.
Grooming:
The Afghan’s long and thick coat should be brushed with a pin brush after each weekly bath. Owners may choose to trim the dog’s coat every few months and the dog’s bottom should be kept short for cleanliness. A snood or ear/neck wrap can be worn inside to keep the dog’s ears out of the food dish. This breed is a very light shedding dog if properly groomed and is often referred to as ‘hypoallergenic’.
Health Issues:
This breed lives for 12 to 15 years and is generally healthy although the Afghan has a very low pain tolerance. These Afghan dogs have some potential for hip dysplasia and juvenile cataracts.
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