The Afghan Hound is a type of sighthound breed. Sighthound dogs are breeds that hunt by sight rather than by sound or smell. They are commonly referred to as the aristocrat of the dog world, simply because of their appearance and personality. Potential owners who wish to adopt an Afghan Hound should thoroughly research the breed’s common personality traits, grooming needs and potential health issues to ensure that this dog is a perfect fit for their family’s needs, wants and availability.
Breed History: The Afghan Hound
An extremely old breed, there are records of the Afghan Hound dating back more than 4,000 years. It is mentioned not only in Egyptian records, but also in pictures painted on the cave walls in the mountains of northern Afghanistan. Over the centuries, they have been used to hunt a variety of animals including hare, wild goats, wolves, deer and snow leopards. The Afghan Hound that we know today was brought about by a group of hounds that were brought to Scotland in the early 1920s.
Afghan Hounds are also known by several other names including Afghanischer Windhund, Lebrel Afgano, Sage Baluchi, Tazi, Levrier Afghan and Baluchi Hound.
Afghan Hound: Grooming and Appearance
This breed is known for its tall, slender appearance. Their powerful jaws, strong neck and strong limbs are ideal for their original purpose: hunting. A healthy Afghan Hound can grow up to 29 inches in height and weigh anywhere from around 58 pounds up to 64 pounds.
Afghan Hounds feature long, thick coats that come in a plethora of colors, though white is generally unwanted. This breed’s fur requires plenty of regular grooming. Baths when necessary help to keep the coat in good shape, though it is warned against brushing this dog when the fur is dry, as it creates additional unwanted matting. Fortunately, though they feature long fur, their shedding level is only average.
The Temperament of an Afghan Hound
The American Kennel Club (AKC) defines the Afghan Hound’s temperament as being “aloof and dignified, yet gay.” To owners, these dogs are loyal and affectionate. They socialize well, so other multiple pets in a single household is not generally an issue. Like many dog breeds, they can become disobedient if neglected, mistreated or not properly trained.
Afghan Hound: Potential Health Issues
Though they are an ancient breed, this breed has relatively few potential health issues. With proper feeding habits and regular exercise, this dog can live upwards of 14 years or more.
Jennifer Gittins - Jenne is a 23 year old writer, photographer and musician. She intends to go back to school when the economy picks up for a degree in ...
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