In this video, we look at the Afghan Hound

Description

This is a special breed that is described as powerful, elegant, and regal. Ranging from 2527 inches tall and 50 – 60 pounds they remain endearing in appearance. They are agile and built for difficult terrain, with paw pads that are shock absorbers. These serve as protection in harsh mountainous conditions.

Nature and temperament

Afghan hounds are affectionate and good with children as well as other dogs. They are protective but playful and adaptable. They have a lot of energy so regular mental stimulation is advisable. They have special personalities that are suited to specific people.

They are not for all dog owners as they collaborate best with humans that suit their personalities. The perfect combination of dog and owner is the goal. Afghan hounds are loyal and playful, exhibiting a certain amount of silliness.

They can be a bit more difficult to train as they are selfwilled dogs. They will need copious amounts of motivation to train well. They become eager to please if they are trusting of their owners and loyal to them therefore housetraining is easier.

Origins

It is said that Afghan hounds are one of the oldest dog breeds known to humankind. Their exact origin is not known as the breed predates known history by thousands of years. Their informally classified place of origin was a vast area which is now Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.

Afghan Hounds did not enter Western culture until the late 1800’s. Prior to that they remained symbols of Eastern civilization. However, by the early 1900’s they were a highly soughtafter breed in Europe, specifically Britain.

Type of breed and uses

They were initially bred for hunting and to prove status symbol for the royals, tribal chieftains, and aristocrats. Afghan hounds were known as sighthounds with impeccable ability to speed spot and pursue their prey.

Care

As puppies, Afghan Hounds require minimal grooming as they have short fuzzy coats. Once they are adults, they need several hours of brushing per week to maintain their long, silky coats. Additionally, regular bathing with shampoo and conditioner is best for their coats. Regular brushing of teeth and trimming of nails is essential.

Afghan hounds are sighthounds thus there is a risk that they run off during walks therefore walking off leash is not recommended. They require a substantial amount of exercise and should be able to run around in a large, enclosed area several times a week or they can go for long runs alongside their owners.

Due to their high amount of activity, their owner needs to ensure that they are getting enough nutrition to meet their needs.

Health information

Afghan hounds are sensitive to anaesthesia as they store low amounts of body fat. Be aware of this and let your veterinarian know about their sensitivity. Due to their size, Afghan Hounds can experience sudden bloat which is lifethreatening and can cause intestinal problems.

The owner needs to be aware of symptoms to look out for in case it occurs. It is advisable to have hip evaluation, thyroid evaluation, and ophthalmologist evaluation.

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