| Breed Description
- Afghan Hound |
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| Kennel Club Group |
Hound |
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| General Size |
Large |
Exercise requirements |
High |
| Adult Height |
25" - 29" (64 - 74 cms) |
Suitability for Children |
Medium |
| Adult Weight |
50 - 60 lb (23 - 27 kgs) |
Compatibility other pets |
Medium |
| Average Lifespan |
9 - 15 years |
Grooming Requirements |
High |
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| The Afghan Hound is a sighthound known for it's aristocratic bearing, their heads are held high showing their nobility and elevated self esteem. They are tall and slender with a long narrow refined head, powerful jaws, dark almond shaped eyes and a slightly convex muzzle. The tail has a curl or ring at the tip and the long, rich, silky coat is most often the colour of sand with a darker face and ear fringes - all colours are permitted but white markings are discouraged. An Afghan Hound in full flight is a sight to see, it's long silky coat flowing in the breeze as it covers the ground with long, powerful strides. |
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| The Afghan Hound is an ancient dog from Sinai and is pictured in Afghanistani cave paintings as long as 4000 years ago. The breed was pure bred, and it's exportation banned, for centuries only reaching Europe after being smuggled in during the early 1900's. A typical sighthound the Afghan is a hunter and will chase almost anything that moves - as well as being show dogs Afghans are also today used in lure coursing. |
| The Afghan hound is an intelligent and confident though sometimes highly strung breed. Noble, majestic and courageous they can be suspicious of strangers though rarely hostile. Although a physically tough breed they will pine if deprived of attention and do best with older, considerate children. They can be stubborn and headstrong whilst at the same time they may have a low dominance level and need to be trained kindly. Perseverance, consistency and patience are required and puppies have a reputation as being difficult to housetrain. |
| Afghan hounds need to be allowed free run in a safe area plus long daily walks, a minimum of 30 minutes per day of free running plus normal lead time is required for optimal health and mental well being. Grooming must not be underestimated - frequent, fastidious combing is necessary to ensure the Afghan remains looking his best and feeling comfortable. |
| Potential
Health Problems |
| Although generally a healthy breed the Afghan Hound has a low pain tolerance and may suffer with minor injuries that some other more robust breeds would shrug off. Unique to the breed is necrotic myelopathy, a respiratory paralysis resulting in death which usually shows at around 3 to 6 months. They also have a known sensitivity to anaesthesia, tranquillisers and cortisone so you should discuss with your vet before proceeding with any treatments involving these drugs. |
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