Mary Allen
Shoulder height: 63 – 74 cm
Weight: 25 – 30 kg
Age: 12 – 14 years
Color: all
Use: sports dog, companion dog
The Afghan Hound is a fascinating but demanding dog that needs careful training, lots of exercises, and clear leadership. It is not a dog for easygoing people.
Origin and history
The Afghan Hound is one of the most popular sighthound breeds and, as the name suggests, hails from the mountains of Afghanistan. In its homeland, the Afghan was a highly valued hunting dog that ensured the survival of the nomads in the wide steppes. The harsh mountain climate made him a very robust and tough dog that can tirelessly pursue his prey – from hares, gazelles, and antelopes to panthers.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that the Afghan Hound made its way to Europe, where it immediately attracted attention. Systematic breeding began in Great Britain in the 20th century. In the following decades, the former hunting dog developed more and more in the direction of a show dog.
Appearance
The overall appearance of the large Afghan Hound conveys elegance, dignity, pride, and strength. It has a long, not too-narrow head, which is carried proudly. The ears are set low, hanging, and covered with long silky hair. The tail is of medium length, hanging and curled at the end. It is only sparsely haired.
The coat is fine in texture and long, shorter only along the saddle and on the face. The distinctive shock of hair is also typical. The Afghan Hound’s coat can be any color.
Nature
The Afghan Hound is a very independent dog with a strong hunting instinct. It is reluctant to submit and needs consistent and patient training. It is very sensitive and in need of love and is quiet and unobtrusive in the house. To strangers, he is reserved to dismissive.
It unfolds his full temperament outdoors. For his safety, however, it is not often possible to let him run free, as he immediately chases after any potential hunting object and forgets all obedience.
The athletic Afghan Hound needs a lot of exercise and exercise – in dog races, jogging, or cycling together. Despite its impressive size, the Afghan can also be kept in an apartment provided it can exercise regularly. The long hair requires intensive care and has to be brushed regularly, but it hardly sheds at all.