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Afghan Hound

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General
OtherNames		Tazi, Baluchi Hound
Dog Group Kennel Club		Hound
Breed Classification		The Afghan Hound is, as the name implies, in the Hound group. One of the typical sight-hounds of the world, they are hunters and will chase almost anything that moves. As well as being show-dogs, Afghans are today used in lure coursing.
Cost of Ownership Visit our dog food department
Average Food Cost		£7.50-10
Feeding Requirements		Afghans can easily become finicky, spoiled eaters and a strict eating regime should be enforced when they are puppies, with no treats being given.
Other Expenses		The price of a puppy will be around £400 in Scotland, England and Wales, but in Northern Ireland and Eire the price will be around £250. Afghans can be fairly expensive to keep, especially if you pander to their eating habits. Grooming equipment, again, can be expensive but if looked after properly will last for years.
Average Puppy Price		£300-500
Lifespan		9 - 15 years
Average Litter Size		8
General Physical Description		With their aristocratic appeal and supreme dignity, Afghans are one of the flashiest of dogs making them the top show-dog contenders. Their long silky coats, eastern expressions and commanding statures ensure they are noticed wherever they go. At all times, their heads are held high, showing their nobility and elevated self-esteem. It is a wonderful sight to see an Afghan in full flight, covering the ground with long, powerful strides, its long, silky coat flowing in the breeze.
Height Min Max Bitch 63cm 69cm Dog 68cm 74cm Weight Min Max Bitch 23kg 25kg Dog 25kg 28kg
Size Category		Large
Weight Height Range		The weight for dogs is normally between 25 - 28kgs. and bitches 23 - 25kgs. The height of dogs at the withers is normally 68 - 74cms and bitches 63 - 69cms.
Ailments		Afghans have a unique hip structure which allows for excellent moving and turning at speed. Necrotic myelopathy, a respiratory paralysis resulting in death, is restricted to the breed. This normally shows up at 3 to 6 months of age. Afghans have a known sensitivity to anaesthesia, tranquillisers and cortisone which can cause their coats to drop out. Milk allergies are also common in young pups. Ear mites and yeast infections should be looked out for on a very regular basis. Again, before purchase of a puppy, check with the breeder regarding cataracts and hypothyroidism in the parentage.
Common Ailments
Susceptibility To Illness Pet insurance for dogs resource Pet health and vet advice		Medium
Other
History		The Afghan Hound is one of the most ancient of dogs, and legend states it was this breed that Noah took into the Ark. Whether or not this is true, the Afghan's pedigree is without a doubt pre-Christian. Northern African sight-hounds migrated into the mountains of Afghanistan and the hounds with the heaviest coats were used to breed from, thereby creating the Afghan. The breed then spread into the border areas and even into India where they assisted both hunters and shepherds. In Afghanistan, the breed is used to guard sheep and cattle, and to hunt deer, wolves, gazelles and foxes. The elegant, aristocratic Afghan was no pussycat, hunting leopards and panthers single-handedly to the kill. Originally export of this dog was prohibited and the first to arrive in England and the United States was at the turn of the 20th century. Captain Banff imported "Zardin" from Afghanistan around this time and he was first shown at the Crystal Palace Kennel Club Show in 1907, making a tremendous impact.
Intelligence		The Afghan is an intelligent, confident and often highly-strung dog. They can also be stubborn and headstrong making them difficult to train. Perseverance, patience and consistency is the key to success. Do not rush them as they can become irritable, spooky or shy. Puppies are generally difficult to housetrain, so again, because of their sensitivity, patience is of the utmost importance.
Show Characteristics		The head is long and refined with a prominent occiput, slight stop and mounted by a long silky 'top-knot'. The nose should be black but liver is permissible in lighter-coloured dogs. Whilst any colour is acceptable, white markings, especially on the head is undesirable. The eyes, nearly triangular in shape, should preferably be dark but golden colour is allowed. The ears should be set low and well back and carried close to the head, covered with long, silky hair. The jaws are strong and should have a perfect, regular scissor bite. The neck is long and strong carrying the head proudly. The shoulders should be long, strong and well-muscled without being loaded. The back should be level with a reasonable spring of ribs and good depth of chest. The forelegs should be straight with good bone, the hindquarters powerful, well bent with well turned stifles. The forefeet should be strong and very large in length and breadth, the hind feet long but narrower than the front, both front and hind being covered in long thick hair. The tail should not be too short and set on low with a ring at the end, and always carried up.
Country Of Origin		Afghanistan
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics Visit our dog training aids department
Energy		High
Overall Exercise		> 2 hours
Distress Caused if Left Alone		Medium
Personal Protection		Low
Suitability As Guard Dog		Low
Risk of Sheep Worrying		High
Tendency to Bark		Low
Ease of Transportation		High
Level of Aggression		Low
Compatibility With Other Animals		High
Suitable For Children		High
General Character And Temperament		The breed has a tendency to be aloof with those they do not know but has great affection and loyalty for their owners. Despite this aloofness with strangers, they can be the greatest of clowns at playtime and are very much people-orientated dogs. Many are especially good with children, and love to be included in family matters both indoors and outdoors. The most important time for personality development is between the ages of 7 and 16 months, therefore proper socialisation during this time is imperative because of their sensitive natures. Afghans need plenty of social time or they can become introverted which, in turn, can be detrimental to their health.
Grooming Visit our dog grooming department
Coat Length		Medium/Long
Grooming Requirement		Every Day
Trimming
Requires Professional Groomer		True
Grooming		As they lose their puppy coat, extra grooming is necessary to avoid the new coat matting with the old, which would cause discomfort. The older animal's coat should be groomed daily and bath given once a month. Frequent, fastidious combing is necessary to ensure the Afghan looks tidy and feels comfortable.
Colour		All colours and colour combinations are possible.
Shedding		Moderate
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies