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Afghan Hound - Hound


Afghan Hound

Family:

sighthound, Southern (sighthound)


Area of origin:

Afghanistan


Original function:

coursing hare and gazelle


Average size of male:

Ht: 27, Wt: 60


Average size of female:

Ht: 25, Wt: 50


Other names:

tazi, Baluchi hound


  • •••
  • Energy
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  • Exercise
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  • Playfulness
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  • Affection
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  • Friendliness towards dogs
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  • Friendliness towards other pets
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  • Friendliness towards strangers
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  • Ease of training
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  • Watchdog ability
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  • Protection ability
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  • Grooming
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  • Cold tolerance
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  • Heat tolerance

Picture: Kent and Donna Dannen |

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Temperament

Despite his glamorous reputation, the Afghan hound is a hunter at heart, bred to chase down game over rugged terrain. While he maintains his regal bearings inside, he needs a daily chance to stretch his legs in a safe area. His worst trait is a reluctance to come when called. He will chase small animals outside; inside, he will coexist peacefully. The Afghan Hound is gentle with children and described by some as 'catlike'. He is independent yet sensitive and not overly demonstrative. He can be reserved with strangers; some can be timid. He has a gay, clownish side.

Care

The Afghan needs daily exertion, either in the form of a long walk followed by a short sprint, or preferably, a chance to run full speed in a safe, enclosed area. Although his coat might make him amenable to outdoor living in temperate areas, he needs a soft bed and is better suited as a house dog. The coat requires some commitment, especially when shedding the puppy coat; most adult coats need brushing or combing every two to three days.

Health

Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: cataract
Occasionally seen: necrotic myelopathy, CHD
Suggested tests: (eye)
Life span: 12-14 years
Note: sensitive to anesthesia; prone to tail injuries

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Interested in the history of the Afghan Hound breed?

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With roots dating to the Egyptian pharaohs, the Afghan hound is an ancient breed derived from the group of Middle Eastern Sighthounds. Despite such illustrious roots, most of the Afghan Hound's development is the result of his use by nomadic tribes as a coursing hound capable of providing hare and gazelle meat for the pot. The dogs often hunted with the aid of falcons, which were trained to swoop at the quarry. Generations of hunting in the harsh mountainous terrain of Afghanistan produced a fast dog that also had a good deal of stamina, but most of all, had incredible leaping ability and nimbleness. His long coat protected him from the cold climate. These dogs remained isolated for centuries, hidden in the impenetrable Afghanistan mountains. The first Afghan Hound came to England in the early 1900s; at that time these dogs were called Persian Greyhounds or Barukhzy Hounds. These dogs were a diverse lot so a standard of perfection modeled on Zardin, a particularly striking dog, that described the more elegant, racy dog of today was created. Popularity grew slowly, with the dog appealing mostly to the glamour set. Popularity in the show ring came faster, with the Afghan quickly becoming one of the most competitive and glamorous dogs in the rings. In the 1970s the Afghan became a fad breed with the public, but he has since dwindled in popularity.


Work with a group

Some animal welfare organizations that currently have Afghan Hounds ready for adoption:

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