What's In A Breed?
Known for its aristocratic bearing, the Afghan Hound is tall, willowy, with an elongated head and a silky topknot. Its convex muzzle gives it an appearance of a “Roman nose,” complemented by delicate almond shaped eyes. Its legs are long and straight. It has a silky coat, with its face and ears in a deeper shade, and a curled tail. This majestic appearance has given it the title “a king of dogs”. The Afghan Hound is also considered to be one of the oldest known breeds.
Dog Breeds:
- Affenpinscher
- Afghan Hound
- Airedale Terrier
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- American Eskimo Dog
- American Foxhound
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Water Spaniel
- Anatolian Shepherd Dog
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Australian Shepherd
- Australian Terrier
- Basenji
- Basset Hound
- Beagle
- Bearded Collie
- Bedlington Terrier
- Belgian Malinois
- Belgian Sheepdog
- Belgian Tervuren
- Bergamasco
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Bichon Frise
- Black and Tan Coonhound
- Black Russian Terrier
- Bloodhound
- Bluetick Coonhound
- Border Collie
- Border Terrier
- Borzoi
- Boston Terrier
- Bouvier des Flandres
- Boxer
- Briard
- Brittany
- Brussels Griffon
- Bull Terrier
- Bulldog
- Bullmastiff
- Cairn Terrier
- Canaan Dog
- Cane Corso
- Cardigan Welsh Corgi
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Chihuahua
- Chinese Crested
- Chinese Shar-Pei
- Chow Chow
- Clumber Spaniel
- Cocker Spaniel
- Collie
- Curly-Coated Retriever
- Dachshund
- Dalmatian
- Dandie Dinmont Terrier
- Doberman Pinscher
- English Cocker Spaniel
- English Foxhound
- English Setter
- English Springer Spaniel
- English Toy Spaniel
- Field Spaniel
- Finnish Spitz
- Flat-Coated Retriever
- French Bulldog
- German Pinscher
- German Shepherd Dog
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- German Wirehaired Pointer
- Giant Schnauzer
- Glen of Imaal Terrier
- Golden Retriever
- Gordon Setter
- Great Dane
- Great Pyrenees
- Greater Swiss Mountain Dog
- Greyhound
- Harrier
- Havanese
- Ibizan Hound
- Irish Setter
- Irish Terrier
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Irish Wolfhound
- Italian Greyhound
- Japanese Chin
- Keeshond
- Kerry Blue Terrier
- Komondor
- Kuvasz
- Labrador Retriever
- Lakeland Terrier
- Lhasa Apso
- Löwchen
- Maltese
- Manchester Terrier
- Mastiff
- Miniature Bull Terrier
- Miniature Pinscher
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Newfoundland
- Norfolk Terrier
- Norwegian Elkhound
- Norwich Terrier
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- Old English Sheepdog
- Otterhound
- Papillon
- Parson Russell Terrier
- Pekingese
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
- Pharaoh Hound
- Pointer
- Polish Lowland Sheepdog
- Pomeranian
- Poodle
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Pug
- Puli
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Saint Bernard
- Saluki
- Samoyed
- Schipperke
- Scottish Deerhound
- Scottish Terrier
- Sealyham Terrier
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Shiba Inu
- Shih Tzu
- Siberian Husky
- Silky Terrier
- Skye Terrier
- Smooth Fox Terrier
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Spinone Italiano
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Standard Schnauzer
- Sussex Spaniel
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Tibetan Terrier
- Toy Fox Terrier
- Vizsla
- Weimaraner
- Welsh Springer Spaniel
- Welsh Terrier
- West Highland White Terrier
- Whippet
- Wire Fox Terrier
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Yorkshire Terrier
Skills
Because of its great speed and agility (courtesy of its pivotal hip joints), the Afghan Hound was once a hunting dog used by the Afghan tribes of the Sanai and Egyptian deserts to catch gazelles, deer and even leopards. It also guarded sheep and cattle. Today the Afghan Hound's skill is showcased in agility events and sports like lure coursing. With proper training and handling, its skittish nature can be tempered, revealing a playfulness that makes it a popular “therapy” dog to visit hospitals and homes for the elderly.
Temperament
The Afghan Hound is a very spirited dog, and needs to be trained gently but firmly—rough handling will only bring out its stubborn and defiant streak. This is one reason why it is difficult to housebreak, but once it decides that it likes obedience, it is intelligent enough to be taught many tricks. The Afghan Hound is aloof with strangers, but is very affectionate with its owners, and will (due to its very sensitive personality) even become depressed if it feels neglected. It is also important to select puppies very carefully. Observe their interactions with siblings to check for high strung or timid behavior. Afghan Hounds should be supervised at all times and are not recommended for families with young children.
Exercise Needs
This Afghan needs at least 30 minutes of free galloping a day (preferably in a large yard), and long daily walks.
Living Conditions
Afghan Hounds prefer sleeping indoors, but need large lawns or open spaces and plenty of exercise to stay happy. They are not well-suited for apartments.
Grooming Requirements
The Afghan needs weekly baths and frequent brushing to avoid matts and tangles, especially in adulthood when its luxurious coat becomes thicker and longer. It does not shed.
Health Issues
Though not as prone as other dogs, the Afghan Hound can suffer from hip dysplasia, juvenila cataracts, hypothyroidism and enzyme deficiencies. Older Afghan Hounds may also be prone to cancer.
If you liked this dog…
The Afghan Hound needs great patience and gentleness. If you are looking for an intelligent and playful pet, but one with a less sensitive personality, consider a Collie. The breeds have very similar skills and share a long-haired, elegant appearance.
