The Afghan Hound is an elegant and regal breed of dog, but beneath the surface beats the heart of a hunter. These purebred dogs were bred to course hare and gazelle over the rocky mountainous terrain of their native Afghanistan. Today, these medium-sized sighthounds still have a strong instinct to run and chase. They usually weigh between 50 and 60 pounds.
The Afghan is a beautiful breed with a striking appearance, but please only purchase one if you’re prepared to daily walk him and take care of his coat. He’s not a couch potato who will lounge around all day, so he needs lots of exercise. A long leash walk or being able to run in an area away from traffic is perfect for this pup. Additionally, consider signing up for agility, obedience, or rally competitions as they’re activities he would excel at – plus it’s a great bonding experience! Some Afghans even make therapy dogs too.
They are a gentle and quiet companion that likes to have access to soft bedding or furniture. They are reserved around strangers but can be silly with their own family. Although they are not “playmate” kind of dogs, they can be raised well with children if introduced early on. Afghans are very close to their families, and if they have to be placed with someone else, it can take some time for them to adjust. If you’re not prepared to keep an Afghan for his entire life, don’t get one.
Nature of Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound has an independent nature with independent thinking, but he can be trained with the use of positive reinforcement techniques, especially those that offer food rewards. Start training with mental stimulation when he is young and still somewhat pliable, keep training sessions concise and fun, and try to avoid corrections that could seem too harsh. Also, remember that the Afghan’s height–25 to 27 inches at the shoulder–in combination with the insatiable appetite of hounds in general means that this breed is particularly adept a counter surfing for food. If you don’t want your dog helping himself to whatever snacks are within reach, it would be best to store them out of his sight and reach.
The Afghan won’t chase neighborhood cats if he’s contained in a secure, enclosed area–and we’re not talking about an underground electronic fence. If the Afghan consciously decides to leave the yard, a shock from the fence certainly won’t stop him; They are excellent jumpers, so building that secure fence at least six feet tall should do it since this pup is meant to be an indoor dog. And by “indoor dog,” we mean one who gets plenty of attention from his family and isn’t relegated to backyard lonely-town.
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The Origin and History of the Afghan Hound:
Although the Afghan Hound is from Afghanistan, we don’t know much about his early history. In 1809, Thomas Duer Broughton sent a drawing of one of these dogs home while he was in India. This picture was published in a book of letters in 1813, meaning that the breed has existed for over 200 years – and likely longer! Studies on the canine genome show that the Afghan descends from some of the oldest types of dogs.
Dogs in Afghanistan vary in coat color, depending on the terrain they inhabit. Dogs living in mountainous regions have darker coats that are heavier, while dogs from deserts tend to be more rangy and have lighter pelts. They were used for tracking down fast prey such as deer, antelope, hares, wolves and jackals. By hunting with falcons, the hunter would flush out quail and partridges for either the bird of prey to take down or for the hunter to shoot.
British soldiers stationed at the India-Afghanistan border first brought the dogs to the West. Unfortunately, during World War I food shortages caused a decline in the breeding and keeping of all dogs, not just Afghan Hounds. However, people who had been stationed in Baluchistan began importing them again in 1920. In 1925, some mountain-type dogs were sent from Kabul to England. A few years later, in the same decade, Americans imported Afghans from Britain. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1926; however, the national breed club, the Afghan Hound Club of America, wasn’t created until 1937.
The Personality and Characteristics of the Afghan Hound:
The Afghan Hound is usually quite reserved around strangers, but certainly not shy. He’s also playful and silly at times with those he knows well. While he may take some time to warm up to new people, once you’re in his inner circle, he’s incredibly friendly and has a great sense of humor.
Afghans are known to do things in extremes. They can be drama queens and food thieves, bossy and mischievous. Their high prey drive means that they may get along with the cats they were raised with, but outdoor cats should fear for their lives when the Afghan springs into action.
Afghans are independent thinkers and can be difficult to train. They are highly intelligent and learn quickly, but they often don’t respond well to commands. Afghans excel in sports such as agility and lure coursing when their handlers use positive reinforcement techniques patiently and consistently.
Afghan dogs make excellent lure coursers. If you’re able to let him participate in this activity, you’ll be rewarded by the sight of his breeding and heritage in action. Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. Don’t wait until he is 6 months old to begin training or else you will have a more headstrong dog to deal with later on down the road.
Enroll your puppy in a kindergarten class around the 10-12 week mark if you can, and expose him to as many social situations as possible. However, keep in mind that most classes require up-to-date vaccines (like kennel cough), and vets usually recommend limiting exposure to other dogs and public places until all of the puppy’s shots are complete (rabies, distemper, parvovirus, etc.). If formal training isn’t an option at the moment, start teaching your pup at home and introduce him to other dogs, other breeds, and family members/friends after he’s had all his shots.
After you talk to the breeder and describe what kind of dog you want, they will be able to help recommend a puppy that would suit you well. This is because breeders see the puppies every day and can get an understanding of your lifestyle and personality from talking to you. If there’s something specific about Afghan Hounds that appeals to you, seek out parents with pleasant personalities, as these genetics are likely to be passed down. ( well-socialized puppies tend to show similar characteristics as their socialized parent dogs.)
Understanding the Health of the Afghan Hound:
Any breeder who is not willing to show you a health guarantee for their puppies, telling you instead that the breed has no known genetic health problems or that their dogs are kept isolated from other areas of the house for “health reasons” should be avoided. A good breeder will always be honest about which diseases are common in the breed and how often they occur within their lines.
Some Afghan Hound health problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, juvenile cataracts; thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that destroys the thyroid gland; laryngeal paralysis; ear infections; and bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand disease. Be sure to ask the breeder for certification that both parents are free of juvenile cataracts a veterinary ophthalmologist and have received a hip evaluation of excellent, good or fair from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
The Afghan Hound Club of America, the American Kennel Club parent organization for the breed in the United States, participates in the Canine Health Information Center Program. To be CHIC certified, an Afghan Hound must have Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) or PennHIP certification for hips, as well as an OFA thyroid evaluation and an eye clearance from a reputable Canine Eye Registry
All health test results, positive or negative, must be published in the CHIC database for breeders. A dog’s good or passing score on evaluations is not required to get a CHIC number. Keep in mind that CHIC registration does not guarantee soundness or absence of disease. However, all test results are posted on the website which can be accessed by anyone wanting to verify the health of a puppy’s parents.
Do not believe a dishonest breeder’s sales pitch. If the breeder tells you she does not need to do genetic testing because she has never had problems in her lines of dogs, and that her “vet checked” dogs are healthy– walk away immediately. These are only excuses bad breeders have for neglecting to conduct essential tests on their animals before breeding.
Although most breeders are careful to avoid passing on genetic diseases, sometimes Mother Nature has other plans. Fortunately, modern veterinary medicine means that even in these cases, the dogs can often still have a good quality of life. If you’re considering getting a puppy from a breeder, be sure to ask about the ages of the dogs in their lines and what causes of death were predominant.
You can protect your new puppy from obesity by feeding him healthy meals and keeping him active by providing enough exercise. By maintaining a healthy weight, you will help extend your Afghan Hound’s life significantly. Utilize your power to prevent problems before they start to keep your dog happy and healthy for years to come.
Grooming and Care of the Afghan Hound:
The Afghan Hound has a particularly striking dog, it’s long silky coat doesn’t require trimming or clipping. Some people even think it’s a plus that the dog wears its hair proudly! Their fur is fairly easy to take care of, but you should plan on brushing and combing it at least three times a week. If you give your dog baths frequently, then consider investing in a professional blow dryer made for dogs. Brushing your pet Afghan Hound regularly will result in less hair being sheds onto your floor, furniture, and clothes.
Lastly, some common sense pointers for dog owners. Trim the nails monthly at least, and also keep infection at bay by making sure the long ears are clean and dry. For mealtimes, it’s best to use a snood so they don’t drag in their food bowl. Good dental hygiene is important for all mammals– brushing teeth frequently will lead to better overall health and can help with doggy bad breath.
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Training and Exercise Needs of the Afghan Hound
The Afghan Hound is a regal and beautiful breed of dog that is known for its intelligence and independence. However, this particular breed also requires considerable exercise and training to reach its full potential. In this article, we will discuss the training and exercise needs of Afghan Hounds, so read on to find out more!
Although they are very active dogs and well-known for their intelligence, Afghan hounds can often be standoffish and difficult. As a result, most owners of these dogs find it necessary to include obedience training in their households. Even the best trained Afghan hound will sometimes refuse to listen unless they possess a hunting instinct.
At least twice a week, Afghan Hounds should be taken on runs outside of a leash. These dogs also need two hours of walking or other physical activity every day, such as playing fetch or running around in an open space. If possible, let them hike and swim too – they love it!
Diet and Nutrition for the Afghan Hound:
The Afghan Hound is a majestic and regal breed of dog that can bring years of joy to its human companions. To keep your Afghan Hound healthy and in top condition, it is important to provide them with the proper diet and nutrition. Knowing what your Afghan Hound needs nutritionally can help you ensure they remain happy, healthy, and active for many years to come.
When it comes to diet and nutrition, every dog is different. However, certain guidelines can help you ensure that your Afghan hound is getting the nutrients it needs. First of all, it’s important to choose a high-quality dog food. Look for a food that is specifically designed for Afghan hounds or other large breeds. The food should be made with high-quality ingredients and contain no fillers or artificial additives.
You should also aim to feed your dog several small meals per day instead of one large one. This will help prevent stomach upset and keep his energy levels steady throughout the day. In addition, make sure to provide plenty of fresh water at all times. By following these simple tips, you can help your Afghan hound stay healthy and happy for years to come. Afghan puppies are also vulnerable when they experience injuries and need specific nutritional guidance from a certified veterinarian. Reduce the intake and increase the activity levels of the Afghan Hound dog that is obese.
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Quick and Interesting Facts about the Afghan Hound
– Afghan Hounds are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world and are thought to have originated in the Afghan region.
– Afghan Hounds are known for their long, flowing coats, which can come in a variety of coat colors including black, white, brown, and any combination thereof.
– Afghan Hounds are considered to be highly sensitive and very graceful dogs and are prized for their hunting abilities, lure coursing, and silky coats.
– Afghan Hounds make good pets for people who have plenty of time to devote to them, as they require regular grooming and exercise.
-Countless American girls fell in love with Mattel’s Barbie Doll and Beauty, her pet Afghan Hound, when they found their way into homes. After this, the Afghan hound’s popularity soared
-Scientists in South Korea cloned the world’s first dog, an Afghan Hound named Snubby, in 2005. They used skin cells from a 3-year-old Afghan Hound and involved 123 surrogate mothers in the process.
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