The Afghan Hound
Breathtakingly beautiful and one of the most eye-catching breeds on the planet
Afghan Hounds. Theyโre breathtakingly beautiful and one of the most eye-catching breeds on the planet. But thereโs more than meets the eye when it comes to the supermodel of the dog world. Letโs learn a little more about this exotic breed and whether theyโre right for you.
Early Historyย
An ancient breed, the Afghan Houndโs early development predates historical records. While we cannot say with certainty exactly how old the breed is, archaeological and genetic evidence indicates the breed has existed for many thousands of years. The Afghan Hound has been identified as one of the basal breedsโa short list of dogs believed to have evolved from wolves and considered the foundation stock from which all modern dogs have developed.
As the name suggests, the breed developed in Afghanistan, where they were used to course game through rough, mountainous terrain. Known by Afghanis as Tazi, they were revered by hunters as a dog with an unparalleled ability to gallop at great speed while enduring the regionโs harsh and unforgiving climate. They were used to hunt rabbits, small game, and even gazelle.
Clearly, the Afghan Hound was built for speed, but they have other advantages. While most dogs see 180 degrees, the Afghan has a 270-degree viewpoint that enables them to chase prey without losing sight of it.
That long, silky coat is both beautiful and functional, helping the breed withstand the extreme weather conditions in the mountains of Afghanistan and surrounding countries. In short, the Afghan may look like a supermodel, but theyโre better described as a performance athlete.
Gaining Notorietyย
Early exports of the breed often occurred by way of soldiers who took dogs home with them at the end of their military service. British soldiers brought Afghan Hounds (who they referred to as Persian Greyhounds) home with them in the early 1900s.
The Afghan Houndโs appearance didnโt change significantly in the years that followed, although itโs fair to say the breed was refined through the early 1900s in Britain, North America, and Australia. Afghans from different linesโsome with heavier coats than others; some finer-boned than others, and so forthโwere ultimately bred together to come up with an ideal standard.
A Standard Evolvesย
The Afghan Hound was recognized by The Kennel Club (TKC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1926.
The Afghan Houndโs body is tall, long, and deep-chested. The AKC standard notes that males stand 26โ-28โ at the withers, with females ranging from 24โ-26โ. The Afghanโs hips are prominent, and the curly tail is quite unique.
The face is long and angular, with almond-shaped eyes set wide apart and complemented by long, silky ears. The coat is long, silky, and accepted in any colour. How these dogs carry themselves is of importance. The AKC Standard notes, โThe Afghan Hound is an aristocrat; his whole appearance is one of dignity and aloofness with no trace of plainness or coarseness.โ
Unique Movementย
All dogs are beautiful, but some are real โmoversโ whose appeal deepens once theyโre in motion.
The Afghanโs double-suspension gallop boasts a fluid, four-beat gait that coincides with two moments of suspension where all four of his feet are off the ground. At slower speeds, especially when viewed from the side, to watch an Afghan move is to witness poetry in motion. Their strength, balance, and athleticism come together seamlessly and give the impression that this dog isnโt trotting along, but rather floating in perfect, effortless style.
Iconic and Highly Sought-Afterย
An Afghan Hound named Shirkhan of Grandeur won the Westminster Kennel Clubโs coveted Best in Show prize in 1957 and appeared on the cover of Time magazine the same year. The photograph captured his regal essence and generated considerable interest in the breed worldwide. The breed has also graced the cover of Life Magazine. Aristocratic, elegant, and rare, the Afghan Hound became a significant status symbol in the 1960s and 1970s.
Perhaps most famously, Pablo Picasso owned an Afghan and acknowledged him as not only a cherished petโbut also a muse of sorts. His hound, Kabul, is featured prominently in his work Femme au Chien, where the dog is presented in Picassoโs stylized, abstract style. Picassoโs stunning, 50-foot-tall sculpture installed in the Daley Plaza in 1967 was often suspected to have been inspired by his pet, a fact that Picasso confirmed during an interview with Stanley Coren, reveals a 2011 article Coren authored for Modern Dog magazine. The famous sculpture is, indeed, a representation of Kabulโs regal head.
Fun Facts
+ As puppies, they have a fuzzy coat with โmonkey whiskersโ on their faces. Around the one-yearย mark, that coat sheds and their long, silky coat comes in over time.ย
+ Afghans can be clownlike and a bit naughty. Theyโre notorious for โstealingโ items right from under their ownersโ noses!ย
+ In short bursts, the Afghan can reach speeds of 40 to 45 miles per hour, putting them on par withย race horses.ย
Get to Know the Afghan Hound
+ Tall, deep-chested, and built for speedย
+ย Relatively quiet in the homeย
+ย Bonds closely with his family, but aloof with strangersย
+ย Loves to run and can do so for hours on endย
+ย Clown-like and playfulย
+ย A sensitive soulย
+ย Intelligent, but not biddableย
+ย Significant exercise requirementsย
Living with the Afghan Houndย
So, whatโs the Afghan Hound like to live with?
In many ways, this is a classic Sighthoundโrelatively quiet around the home and independent. These arenโt Velcro dogs that will follow you around everywhere you go. And, while they bond closely with their family, theyโre generally aloof and disinterested with strangers. The Afghan doesnโt lavish affection on just anyone, but whenย youโre on the receiving end of their adoration, the affection feels very special and purposeful. To be chosen by a Sighthound, some of us feel, is a great honour.
Despite their independent nature, the Afghan is a sensitive breed. Harsh words or treatment will impact them particularly negatively. A gentle, patient approach is needed. As for the breedโs suitability with children, they can be a loving companion, but wonโt tolerate mistreatment. Caution is advised around young children, in particular, who might be tempted to pull on their long coat or ears.
Around the Homeย
The Afghan Hound loves to be around other dogs and many of us find Sighthounds are happiest in pairs or packs. Cats? Well, if theyโre raised with a cat from the puppy stage, theyโll most likely respect that feline. The same will not likely be the case for other cats, even small dogs, and rodents encountered outside of the home. Caution is required around this natural hunter. They may no longer be galloping across the mountains of Afghanistan, but their predatory instincts remain strong. Letting the Afghan Hound loose around small animals can lead to tragic results.
A fenced-in yard is a must for this breed. They love to run and will give chase freely. They are also jumpers. Anything shorter than a six-foot-high fence is unlikely to contain this breed.
Some chaos in the home is to be expectedโespecially in the puppy stage. The Afghan Hound is a regal dog, unless acting like a clownโand that happens often. Theyโre prone to wild bursts of energy, both inside and outside of the home.
Training and Socializing
In classic Sighthound style, the Afghan Hound is known for being not only independent but stubborn. Are they impossible to train? Absolutely not. But it can be a challenge.
Some dogs will happily do whatever you ask of themโchase a ball, sit, play fetchโjust because they know you want them to. Not Afghans.
Raising a well-mannered and obedient Afghan requires a great deal of time, patience, and a commitment to positive-reinforcement techniques. They need to want to do whatever it is youโre going to ask of him, so youโll need to understand this, accept it, and be creative and patient.
Starting early at the puppy stage is critical, with lots of training and plenty of socialization with other people, pets, and experiences.
Exercise needs are significant. The Afghan cannot thrive without considerable exercise and play time. A tired Sighthound is a good Sighthound. Without physical and mental exercise needs met, the Afghan Hound can be destructive and unruly.
Activities for Afghans
The Afghanโs ideal home environment has a large, fenced-in space where they can run for a few hours a day. Once mature and trained to be on-leash, they can be an ideal companion for those who love to jog or hike.
Lure coursing is a fun activity for dogs and their people. This is a great way to let hounds burn off steam and remember what they were born to do: run and catch things. Watching packs of Afghans in this simulated hunting sport is a wonder to behold.
While patience will be required, the Afghan Hound can do very well in activities like Obedience and Agility. Theyโve certainly got the skills for both if youโve got the patience to find ways to motivate them to participate.
Finally, with those drop-dead-gorgeous looks, regal carriage, and generally calm demeanor, the Afghan is a natural for canine therapy work.
Special Care Considerations
This dogโs grooming needs are significant. If you donโt have the time or interest to dedicate a considerable amount of time grooming a dog, the Afghan isnโt for you.
That long, silky coat requires daily brushing and attention. Itโs prone to matting, and those mats can be difficult to remove and very uncomfortable for your dog.
Weekly bathing is also required, which includes a full wash, brushing, and a blow-out that will likely take two to three hours.
Their ears can be prone to infection, so regularly checking and gently cleaning is important. Lastly, finding a sighthound-savvy veterinarian is advised, because Afghans, due to their low stores of body fat, can have some special needs and may require unique care if under anesthesia.
As with all purebreds, the Afghan Hound can be prone to some genetic conditions. Working with a reputable breeder who conducts health clearances and is committed to the breed is very important.
The Afghan is an extraordinary dog. In an age when the word is often overused, the Afghan Hound is indisputably iconic.
For most, this breed will not be a suitable animal companion, but rather a dog to admire from afar. For the few who have what it takes to share their lives with the Afghan, the rewards are many. Their love is not given freely or to just anyone. To earn the love of an Afghan Hound, youโll need to dedicate yourself to the pursuit of giving them the life they deserve. But to be loved by the King of Dogs is to experience something that is, frankly, as extraordinary as the breed itself.
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Profile: The Afghan Hound
Size: Large. This tall, lanky, deep-chested breed stands as high as 28โ at the shoulders and can weigh up to 75 pounds.
Activity level: 5
This performance athlete needs a great deal of exercise. Theyโll thrive with a safe environment to run free for a few hours a day.
Grooming: 5
Intense. Daily brushing is a must, and a full bath and blow-out (two to three hours) is required weekly.
Heritage: A basal breed, pre-dating modern dogs by thousands of years. Developed in Afghanistan to course game over rough, mountainous terrain.
* For more information on Afghan Hound rescue in the United States, visit afghanhoundclubofamerica.org. In Canada, visitย willowahr.jimdofree.com.
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If you like the Afghan Hound, you might also consider these similar breeds…
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ยป Read Your Breedย For more breed profiles, go to moderndogmagazine.com/breeds
This article originally appeared in the award-winningย Modern Dogย magazine.ย Subscribe today!
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