Afghan Hound Information
 Photo taken at the Old Fort Cluster Dog Show in Fort Wayne, Indiana. |
The Afghan Hound is a very ancient breed, native to Sinai, and mentioned several times in Egyptian papyruses as well as pictured in the caves of northern Afghanistan more than 5,000 years ago. The breed was kept pure for centuries, and its exportation was always prohibited. The Afghan Hound was taken to Europe illegally in this century.
The Afghan Hound was used as a shepherd and hunter of many types of game including deer, wild goats, wolves and snow leopards. They were also used by shepherds as herders and watchdogs. They are extremely fast and agile, and pursue their game by sight. Their thick coats protect them against the extreme temperatures.
The Afghan is mainly a coursing hound, pursuing its game by sight and followed by the huntsman on horseback. The dogs tended to outdistance the horses so the dogs had to hunt on their own without direction from the hunters.
The first recorded appearance of the Afghan Hound in the West was the latter part of the 19th century, when British officers and others returning from the Indian-Afghanistan border wars brought dogs back to England. Some of these were exhibited at dog shows as "Afghan Hounds." These got little interest and no real enthusiasm until 1907 when Captain John Barff brought from Persia a well coated dog with a dark mask and a great deal of style. The English dog fanciers all agreed that this was the way an Afghan Hound should be.
Most of the American breeders of the 1930's came into Afghan Hounds with a background of success in other breeds. Their kennels were founded on Prides Hill stock bred to one or more of the dozens of imports coming from Great Britain. Afghanistan now forbids the exportation of these hounds. The breed gained popularity due to their spectacular qualities as a show dog.
Male Afghan Hounds should be about 27 inches tall and weigh 60 pounds, females 25 inches and 50 pounds. The Afghan Hound is fairly aloof and dignified, great family pet, though they do require a great deal of grooming to keep their coats in shape. Their coats should be brushed at least three times a week, with special attention given to the rear, legs, chest and ears.
Afghans tend to be very sensitive to rapid food changes, and can get Hemorragic Gastroenteritis if switched rapidly. If you are planning on switching dog food, it's best to do it gradually over a two week period in order to prevent any problems. Even eating a different food for one day can cause digestive problems including Vomiting and Diarrhea. Excessive stress can also cause these issues.
When looking into buying an Afghan Hound from the breeder, ask the breeder if the parents of the puppies have had OFA testing (for Hip Dysplasia) and ask to see the results of the tests. Also ask about CERF testing for the eyes as well as thyroid testing.
Sighthounds are usually sensitive to anesthetics, so be sure that your vet is aware of this issue when your dog is put under for spaying/neutering, dental cleanings or other types of surgeries where anesthetic is needed.
Sighthounds can also be senstive to vaccinations, so discuss this issue with your vet is well. It may be wise to only vaccinate for what the dog may actually come into contact with rather than doing the multi-vaccine. Some people decide to only vaccine against rabies every 3-5 years (as required by law in their state) and distemper/parvo every 2-3 years. You can also have the titers done to check the immunity level of your dog and vaccinate only as needed by the dog.
Ad rate is $15 per month.
Build Your Ad Today!
Other Breeds You May Be Interested In
Affenpinscher | Afghan Hound | African Wild Dog | Aidi | Ainu | Airedale Terrier | Akbash Dog | Akita | Alano Espanol | Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog | Alaskan Husky | Alaskan Klee Kai | Alaskan Malamute | Alopekis | Alpine Dachsbracke | American Alsatian | American Bandogge Mastiff | American Bulldog | American English Coonhound | American Eskimo Dog | American Foxhound | American Hairless Terrier | American Pit Bull Terrier | American Staffordshire Terrier | American Water Spaniel | Anatolian Shepherd | Andalusian Turk | Anglo Francais De Petite Venerie | Ariege Hound | Appenzell Cattle Dog | Australian Cattle Dog | Australian Kelpie | Australian Shepherd | Australian Terrier | Austrian Pinscher | Auvergne Pointer | Azawakh
 Afghan Caution Sign |
 I Love My Afghan Bumper Sticker |
 Afghan Euro Decal |
 Afghan Xing Sing |
