Afghan hound: characteristics, education, diseases and curiosities

Everything about the Afghan Hound to get to know this very ancient breed more deeply, which conquers any show with its oriental features and its fringed hair. For some it is in fact a model born because its elegance and its bearing certainly do not go unnoticed

He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him

Il Afghan hound it is a dog breed not particularly widespread in our country and, in fact, to many its name probably says nothing. His regal appearance and his penetrating gaze nevertheless bewitch anyone from the first meeting.

On the other hand, it is no coincidence that this splendid specimen is defined as a "show dog" as well as a companion. Let's find out everything there is to know about the Afghan Hound, a very elegant breed with oriental features.

Index

Origin of the breed

As its name suggests, the Afghan Hound is native to the regions of present-day Afghanistan. His is, however, a very ancient breed that according to some dates back to 1000 BC.

Originally its name was Tazi which means "Arab", indicating its origin, also because the breed spread mainly in Afghanistan, Pakistan and northern India thanks to some nomadic peoples who used this dog for hunting medium and large game dimensions such as, for example, antelopes.

Only around the nineteenth century, the Afghan hound first landed in Europe and then in the New Continent where, in 1926, the American Kennel Club officially recognized its standard.

Appearance

The Afghan Hound is a large breed dog, belonging to the Greyhounds group, long-haired or fringed Greyhounds section of the ENCI.

At the withers, males reach an average of 70cm, while females 65cm. Their ideal weight is around 25 kg.

The breed has a classy bearing and an unmistakable profile. The legs of the Afghan hound are slender, but large, the neck is robust, the structure very slender, while the tail is of medium size and forms a ring, being rounded.

Head and snout are pronounced, the elongated ears feature the splendid long hair that makes the coat of the Afghan Hound its main distinguishing feature. This in fact covers every part of the animal's body, swaying with extreme refinement at every movement of the dog.

The coat, devoid of undercoat, can have various colors and shades, however the most common are cream and blond. On the other hand, the Afghan hounds with pearly coat known as Oyster are very rare.

In adult specimens the coat is long and silky, while in puppies it is short and soft. Around the age of one, the puppies moult and their fur will grow back like that of their parents.

How much hair does the Afghan Hound lose?

The Afghan hound is a breed that does not shed absolutely hair, except for the moulting period which marks the definitive change of the coat. However, this happens only once in the dog's life. This feature makes the breed hypoallergenic compared to others.

The long coat of the Afghan should be groomed regularly and brushed frequently to remove dust and dirt that lurks in the coat. However, the dog does not sweat and does not smell, as it does not have a subcutaneous fat tissue that other breeds have.

Character of the Afghan hound

The Afghan Hound is a lively dog, extremely sensitive, but also very confident and intelligent. Towards his family he tends to be very reserved even when it comes to showing him affection for him. Even after having settled in perfectly in the house he may in fact seem not so expansive.

To be clear, he is the opposite of a Bernese Mountain Dog who, on the other hand, does not know how to measure his attentions. Towards strangers the afghan closes on the contrary in a hedgehog, being very suspicious.

This breed is also very independent and stubborn which is not to be underestimated at all in its upbringing.

How to educate an Afghan Hound?

The Afghan Hound is a breed rather difficult to educate. Exceptions always exist, of course, but this dog really requires patience and persistence because of his stubbornness. The Afghan needs constant basic obedience exercises, but his training must always be very gentle because the dog has a sensitive nature and tends to disobey more if harshly scolded or mortified.

His education must be firm, constant, but always friendly. Make sure you spend a lot of time teaching him the commands.

For this type of dog it is also recommended to always carry out the sessions on a leash because, even if in a safe area, the predatory instinct is very strong in him and not infrequently he launches into unwanted pursuits.

What diseases does the Afghan Hound suffer from?

The Afghan Hound has a life expectancy of 10-12 years and can be said to be generally in good health. However, there are some genetic diseases that affect the breed such as:

hip dysplasia
obesity
laryngeal paralysis
cataract
osteosarcoma
emangiosarcoma

The latter is a malignant tumor that mainly targets the spleen causing internal bleeding. Hemangiosarcoma can be diagnosed through a histological examination or a first cytological examination.

Relationship with children

The Afghan Hound is a tame dog, not aggressive at all, but not particularly suitable for the little ones of the family. This breed does not like to play that much and does not get involved in turbulent activity unless it is about running.

The dog is still sociable and friendly, being an excellent companion dog, but prefers the tranquility of adults.

Curiosity

A legend tells that Noah brought a pair of Afghan hounds on his Ark, saving them from the universal flood. Such a tale would testify in a certain way the very ancient origins of this breed.

The Afghan Hound is today a bit of a status symbol, being a desired dog and chosen by famous artists and personalities. For example, Pablo Picasso loved this breed and owned two specimens, Kasbec and Kabul, often photographed in the company of the painter. Kabul even appears portrayed in the foreground in his work Femme au chien.

Mattel, a manufacturer of Barbie, Hot Wheels and other toys, has launched some models where its famous doll has an Afghan hound by its side.

To learn more about other dog breeds, read also: