Afghan Hound Dog Breed

Below are details and specs for the Afghan Hound dog breed.

Afghan Hounds are large-sized dogs, with a height that ranges between 24 to 29 inches, and a weight that ranges between 45 to 60 pounds. They are tall dogs with a lean weight, and they have a lifespan of 11 to 13 years (similar to other dogs of similar size).

Afghan Hounds are aloof, clownish, happy, dignified and independent, with excellent reasoning skills. They are also courageous, dignified, spirited, smart, affectionate, and sensitive. Though they may have faithful and endearing personalities, grooming, running, high prey drive, and training may prove to be challenges. Their independence can lead to extreme shyness, making them somewhat difficult to live with. It is important to train and socialize Afghan Hounds, as they have natural prey instincts that may not be suitable for smaller animals. Well-socialized Afghan Hounds get along great with kids and families, so long as the humans understand how to become a gentle pack leader. They should never be left unsupervised, as they ca become bored very easily.

Afghan Hounds are high maintenance dogs. They require many walks and exercise to exhaust their high energy. They are known to be agile runners and jumpers, so exercise is needed to keep them happy and healthy. Leaving them without any form of exercise can lead them to develop destructive behaviors like excessive chewing. Training Afghan Hounds is notoriously difficult, as they do not care to please others or listen to others do to their high independence. They would rather be catered to, like the true aristocrats that they are. Training requires plenty of time and effort. They shed year round, and frequent brushing and grooming is needed to maintain their upkeep. They are naturally healthy dogs.

The Afghan Hound is the oldest dog breeds in existence. They descended from Sighthounds, which are among the oldest recognizable types dogs. Little is known for certain about the origin of the Afghan Hound. One theory states that the breed originated in the Middle East and found its way to Afghanistan via Persia. Another theory states that they originated from Sinai, and that they were written in Egyptian papyruses.

In Afghanistan, Afghan hounds developed their long coats as protection from high altitudes. Their main use was for hunting. With their sight, they would track game and hold the animal until the hunting party could catch up. Today's modern purebred breed of the Afghan Hound descends from dogs brought in the 1920s to Great Britain. They are a blending of types and varieties of long-haired Sight hounds from across Afghanistan and it's surrounding areas. At least 13 types are recognized in Afghanistan.

Afghan Hounds are spectacular beauties and a sight to behold. They are tall and lean, and the long top knot as a distinctive feature. Its coat is long and fine in texture, and all four feet and legs are aligned perfectly with the body.

Afghan Hounds have a straight front, and a proudly - carried head. They have a silky top knot with a peculiar coat pattern. With prominent hip bones, Afghan Hounds have large feet and bend in stifle. Its head has a Roman appearance, with ears that are long and level with the corners of its Almond - shaped and almost triangular eyes. Their ears can reach to the end of its nose, and are covered with its long, silky hair. They have a strong and arched neck and a strong and powerful tail that is not too high on the body and that usually has a curve or ring at the end.

The ancient Afghan Hound is one of a handful of "basal" dog breeds, meaning this breed (along with a dozen or so others) is the "basis" from which all other breeds have developed. As such, the Afghan Hound has many different varieties, particularly in different regions of its native Afghanistan. Though consistent Afghan Hound breed standards exist in the AKC and other clubs, those guidelines are for show dogs; otherwise, numerous variations in size, coat length and color, and temperament are possible with the breed.

Coat is one trait that varies a lot among these dogs. Though its long, silky coat is a cherished feature in the typical Afghan Hound, short hair is indeed possible with the breed, especially in warmer regions. So while the long-haired Afghan Hound is most common, medium- or short-length coats are seen as well. Coat color, too, has some variety. Solid black, silver, cream, or blue (or a combination of two of those colors) is often seen--but the breed can have markings as well, one of which is named specifically for this breed: a "Domino" Afghan Hound is a popular yet rare coat pattern. "Domino," known as sable or grizzle in other breeds, is a distinctive, multi-colored pattern that in this breed is named after Tanjores Domino, a noted show dog from the 1950s with that coat type.

Size, though, doesn't vary too much within the breed. The breed standard calls for an average height of 26 inches and weight of 55 pounds--and while some varieties may be a bit larger or smaller, the differences aren't great. Savvy breeders, meanwhile, will discreetly crossbreed the Afghan Hound with small or even toy long-haired breeds (like the Havanese or Yorkshire Terrier, for example) and call it a "Miniature Afghan Hound."

Afghan Hounds are special dogs for special people. They are aloof, clownish, happy, dignified and independent, with excellent reasoning skills. Afghan Hounds are also described as courageous, dignified, spirited, smart, affectionate, and sensitive. Though they may have faithful and endearing personalities, challenges with grooming, running, high prey drive, and training may arise.

Afghan Hounds are playful as puppies, but they can become very independent as they mature. This makes then notoriously difficult to train. Because of their independence, they can be very stubborn and will passively resist to any firm of command or training. Afghan Hounds require extensive training, and patience, treats, and persistence is necessary. They are independent thinkers that do not care about pleasing others or being told what to do; instead, Afghan Hounds expect others to treat them like the king and queen they are in the dog world. They are often referred to the Aristocrat of the dog world.

Afghan Hounds are standoffish by nature. They have emotional sensitivity to stress and abrupt changes in schedule. It is important that they be surrounded by peace and tranquility to avoid any emotional issues. They should not be left unsupervised for long periods of time. They require a lot of personal attention and running exercise, otherwise they can easily become destructive (especially with chewing).

Afghan Hounds have an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years, and have sensitivity to anesthesia. Their top main causes of death are cancer, old age and cardiac problems. Their health issues include allergies, cancer and hip dysplasia. Overweight can lead to strains on their hip bones. Afghan Hounds also have very low levels of body fat. Importantly, they can develop a rare condition called Chylothorax, in which escaped lymphatic fluid accumulates in the chest cavity causing cold like symptoms and difficulty breathing.

• This breed has its own Barbie doll. In 1979, Mattel introduced Beauty, the Barbie Afghan Hound dog. A white Afghan with black markings, Beauty came packaged with accessories including its own bed and food bowl.
• Certain Afghan Hound breeders have produced numerous champion dog lines. Tahkira Afghan Hounds, Shimalma Afghan Hounds, Bondor Afghan Hounds, and Boanne Afghan Hounds, among others, have bred multiple generations of prize-winning dogs.
• Many noted celebrities have owned Afghan Hounds. Zeppo Marx of the Marx Brothers was one of the first American owners of this breed; Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, who owned several, featured an Afghan in his painting "Femme au chien," which sold for $11 million at a 2012 auction.
• Part of the breed's visual appeal is its unique physical features. Long, flowing coat aside, the Afghan Hound has unusually high hip bones, a natural top-knot on its head, and extremely large feet, all of which contribute to the breed's regal appearance.