Afghan Hound
Afghan Hound
| BreedHighlighs: |
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The Afghan Hound is an exemplary embodiment of elegance. Characteristics such as dramatic silky build, exotic face and thin, stylish build sum up this quaint, quirky dog breed. Afghan enthusiasts describe it as both unsociable and humorous.
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| Weight: |
| 22-34 kg |
| Height: |
| 68-73 cm |
| Life Expectancy: |
| 12-14 yr |
| Litter Size: |
| 1-8 |
| Breed Appearance: |
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Boasting an appearance marked by regality and imperiousness and devoid of any shred of roughness and , the Afghan Hound is reminiscent of an aristocrat. With a domineering head and an ultra-straight anterior side, the dog looks forward unblinkingly, giving the impression that he has vivid memories of the years gone by. |
| History: |
| There is ample evidence that the dog breed is a primitive one. Using the credible written or visual evidence available, it is quite a daunting task to establish a linkage between the breed of the present times and specific Afghan owners or places. Dog maniacs, non-scientific breed books and websites chronicle enough information lending credence to the fact that the Afghan Hound has emanated from the prehistoric era. The ties shared by the breed with other types and breeds from the same area can act as a vivid reflection or mirror of the history. For instance, a savory desert coursing called Tazi (sag-e- tazi) is reminiscent of a breed known as Tazi (another name for Afghan Hound) that can be related to the Caspian Sea area of Russia and Turkmenistan. Some other types or breeds of similar appearance are the Taigan from the mountainous Tian Shan region along the Chinese border of Afghanistan, and the Barakzay, or Kurram Valley Hound. |
| Originally: |
| The dog, a native of Sinai, is a mirror of the unblemished blend of sophistication and heritage. There have been numerous occasions when it has been alluded to in both Egyptian papyruses and engraved on the caves of northern Afghanistan more than 4000 years ago. The breed remained intact for multiple centuries, and its exportation was forbidden at all times. Its first step to Europe (as contraband) was traced in the 1900s. A phenomenally nimble, agile and fast-running dog, the Afghan Hound can be branded as a sighthound, implying that it hunts by sight. The Afghan Hound can be employed for the dual purpose of a shepherd and a hunter of a wide array of animals, including deer, wild goats, snow leopards and wolves. |
| Currently Used As: |
| Hunting dogs, Guard dogs Personality: In general, the Afghan Hound can be classified as a one-person or one-family dog. Do not expect this breed to be affable, warm and hospitable with your guests. On the contrary, he tends to disgrace them by unfazed by their presence. Although some hounds bark once or twice after the entry of a stranger into the home, this breed can be termed as an aberration and not known to be an efficient watchdog. |
| Training: |
| It is natural for a true and zealous Afghan to take active part in activities capable of whetting their appetite. While it can be argued that their enhanced prey drive would nearly always leave them open to distractions that could upset the rhythm of their hunting, it would deter them from being a perfect training partner for the trainer who is properly enlightened about the ways and means of motivation and reward.”* |
| Health&Care: |
| Generally healthy. |
| Living Condition: |
| The Afghan Hound cannot acclimatize itself to a typical apartment life. They are quite indolent indoors and they can immaculately blend themselves with acreages. Even though the Afghan Hound can live both indoors and outdoors, when it comes to sleeping, an indoor environment suits them the most. On balance, it can be surmised that they are tailor-made for external environment. |
| Excersie: |
| It is essential to take the Afghan Hound on a long daily walk or jog. While walking or jogging, it is advisable to make the dog heel beside or behind the person preceding him. This is because a dog has utmost respect for a human leader that shows him the way. If this breed is kept detached from walking on a daily basis, it might be afflicted with behavioral issues. The trainer should indoctrinate them in the need to enter and exit doors and gateways after the humans. They also adore running freely in an open, fenced, safe area. |
| Grooming: |
| The long, thick coat is aesthetic enough to capture the imagination of any person. To keep the dog in a hygienic condition, bathe it when necessary. Do not brush in between baths in order to keep the coat long and luminous. Brushing a dry coat will roughen and harm the coat, as well as make it more easily matted. Weekly baths do not matter that much if your Afghan Hound is a pet and not going to be exposed to the external environment, but doing so will make the coat less matted and save you time in the long run. Many wear snoods indoors to safeguard their ears from food bowls. Some owners prefer to use a special air- cushioned brush, called a pinbrush. This breed is an average shredder. |
| Pros: |
| Finesse, smartness and glamour get a whole new meaning with Afghan hounds. They can be the real deal for owners eyeing dogs of relatively larger size as they are quite lightweight. Since this breed features a contiguous and smooth coat that does not shed, it is not cumbersome |
| Cons: |
| Grooming this dog is a must. This is because the dog’s coat is really long. If the coat is not brushed regularly, it will get matted and may become disheveled. Whenever the hounds are exposed to fenced yards, leashes should be employed because their instinct compels them to chase and hunt down smaller animals like rabbits. |
