AfghanistanPurpose & Origin
The Afghan Hound is a very old breed. A legend has it that the Afghan was present already in Noah’s Ark. In its native country, the Afghan Hound is used for hunting small and medium-sized game animals and to some extent for guarding.
The dog is completely independent and autonomous when hunting, and this is still reflected in its character today. Afghan Hounds clearly enjoy the company of their breed mates and their owners often have multiple dogs at a time.
The Afghan Hound is very distinctive and striking in appearance. However, underneath the coat is the basic structure of a typical greyhound.
Males usually have more hair than females. Bitches may shed a lot of hair after puppyhood.
There is also a lot of variation in size, but almost all dogs are within the limits allowed by the breed standard.
Temperament & Behaviour
The Afghan Hound is very independent and self-worthy. It can be reserved towards strangers, but when meeting familiar people it greets them warmly and even boisterously.
At home, he is comfortable on his own instead of following you from room to room all the time. He also adapts well to an apartment and does not bark excessively. Afghan Hound is an indoor breed and it should not be kept outdoors.
The Afghan Hound is also well suited to a family with children, but is not really a dog for children. It will not accept being a climbing tree and cannot be walked by small children because of its explosive strength and prey drive.
Activity & Training
The Afghan Hound needs plenty of exercise, and ideally should be allowed to run freely every day in addition to regular long walks. However, the nature of the independent hunter limits the free-running possibilities: an Afghan Hound should only be kept loose in a secure, preferably fenced area.
The Afghan can (and should!) be trained, but the training should be primarily aimed at basic obedience and control.
There are many much more suitable breeds for obedience trials or agility, but these hobbies can be trained with an Afghan Hound if you are aware of the breed’s characteristics.
The Afghan Hound needs to be handled with determination, but with a gentle and loving approach. With harsh discipline and subjugation, the dog loses his joy of life and sense of nobility.
The Afghan Hound is best handled with respect and some cunningness. They are often mischievous and drama-loving dogs, requiring an even temper and a sense of humour from their owners.
Puppies and young dogs can be rambunctious for a very long time, but an adult Afghan Hound is a calm companionship with a bright mind.
Grooming
Grooming an Afghan Hound requires a lot of time and effort. Basic maintenance includes regular washing and brushing of the whole dog.
In addition, the coat often needs to be cleaned of debris after walks, and a paw wash is obviously necessary if the ground is wet and muddy.
Protecting the coat with overalls, leggings, slippers or a hood, considerably reduces the need for coat care, and on forest walks these may be a prerequisite since the coat is a magnet for all kinds of small twigs and other debris.
The dog should be trained for handling as a puppy so that grooming becomes an enjoyable together time with the owner for the dog.
Health
The Afghan Hound is a very healthy breed, with no breed-specific diseases or breeding-related structural problems. Afghan Hounds are relatively long-lived and usually live to 11-13 years of age in good health.
Hereditary juvenile cataracts occur in the breed, but cases are very rare. Due to their good health status, there has been no need for regular hip scans, but they have been occasionally checked.
