Afghan Hound

History

Hailing from Afghanistan, where the original name for the breed was Tazi, the Afghan is thought to date back to the pre-Christian era and is considered one of oldest breeds.

Description

The Afghan’s spectacular coat and a regal nature have earned them the title “king of Dogs.”

Grooming and Physical Needs

  • Grooming Needs: Because the coat is fine, it has a tendency to tangle easily. Regular, even daily, brushing and combing is necessary, as is frequent bathing.
  • Coat Type: Properly groomed, the Afghan coat is spectacular. It is very fine in texture, similar to human hair, and thick and silky. On the head is a long, silky topknot.
  • Moulting: The shaggy coat of the Afghan Hound is prone to heavy shedding, which is why a daily brush is highly advised.
  • Exercise Needs: A stroll through the park is plenty of exercise for many types of Dogs, but the Afghan hound requires a more intense workout. Ideally you would be able to provide a fenced in yard with plenty of room for romping.
  • Average Life Span: 12 - 14 years.

Behaviour

  • Family: The Afghan is not likely to want to follow around and play with children. Although good with children, it is best if they grow up with the children they'll live with and those children be considerate to the Afghan Hound's sensitive nature.
  • Temperament: The Afghan Hound is typically a one-person or one-family Dog. Do not look for this hound to eagerly greet your guests. Gentle handling, kindness, and patience work best with this breed, along with an understanding that there will be times when the dog simply will not cooperate.
  • Trainability: The independent thinking of the Afghan makes it a challenge to train. This hound is generally not motivated by food and does not possess as strong a desire to please as many other breeds.
  • Sociability (Other Pets): Afghan Hounds are sociable with other Dogs, but have strong hunting/prey instincts and so they may chase smaller pets. These tendencies needs to be controlled from a young age.
  • Barking: While some hounds may bark once or twice when a stranger enters the home, this breed is not known to be a good watchdog, nor is it known for regular barking.

Talents

Afghan Hounds are extremely fast and agile with incredible running skills developed to catch prey. The breed was used as a shepherd and hunter.

Notes

Prospective guardians should be clear about the extreme maintenance required to keep the Afghan’s coat in good condition and be prepared for a rigorous excercise regime.