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The Afghan is classified by the AKC as a Hound although it is not noted for its hound-like appearance, but rather the regal, flowing beauty depicted by his thick, silky coat and his narrow, ring-curled tail.
This breed hails from the mountains of Afghanistan where it was originally used as a hunting dog. Although it is not often used as a hunting dog in present times, it is a popular show dog.
The Afghan Hound tends to be a dignified animal but remains aloof. He may also be a relatively shy dog. Additional Personality Information: The Afghan is noted for leaning towards independence when it comes to obedience training. It should not be a surprise if your Afghan ignores you. The trick to training your Afghan is to make them think what you wish for him to do was originally his own idea. They do not take to harsh training methods. They are likened to a cat in if they do not appreciate how they are being handled, they will simply refuse to do it again.
One aspect of the Afghan's personality that is often overlooked is that they are thieves. If something takes their attention, food or an item, they will gladly take it and they are innovative enough to do so. Standard Facts: Height: 24 - 29 inches
Weight: 50 - 60 pounds/average
Coat: May be of any color but white markings are discouraged, especially on the head.
Distinctive Traits:
- long, silky coat
- thin tail with a curl in the end
The Afghan tends to live, on average, 13 to 14 years. Additional Care Information: The Afghan Hound's coat requires constant maintenance/grooming. The coat must be attended to at least weekly with a required weekly bath and brush out to prevent matting. An ill-kept coat can cause problems like skin diseases, abcesses and parasites.
Although the Afghan is a hound and will spend much time lounging around the house, he will need a bit of exercise to keep him from getting bored. Remember, a bored dog is a destructive dog. Coupled with the size, agility and intelligence of the Afghan, boredom can be absolutely horrendous for the house. Health Issues:The Afghan tends to be a healthy breed although there can be problems with allergies and cancer. There is also a possibility your Afghan may have a sensitivity to anesthesia. This is due to the fact they do not often have a high level of body fat. Alternate Names: - Baluchi Hound
- Sage Baluchi
- Ogar Afghan
- Tazi
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