Let's talk Afghan Hounds
Dignified and slightly aloof are among the words that are often used to describe the long-haired and fiercely loyal Afghan Hound. Distinctive for their elegant and flowy coat and hunter’s spirit, the Afghan Hound is a calm and loving companion if certain needs are met. This is a breed that requires a high amount of exercise and attentive grooming, prefers soft spots to rest, and maintains their independence. Though they may be a bit cat-like, the Afghan Hound bonds with experienced dog-owners in truly special ways.
Official name: Afghan Hound
Origins: Afghanistan
| Drooling tendencies |
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Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level |  |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Energy level (high, low, medium) * | High | Family Pet?* |
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| Compatibility with other pets | |
Can stay alone?* | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
| Baby age: | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age: | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age: | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age: | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age: | From 10 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about Afghan Hounds
1.Protective fur and feet
All that silky, Hollywood-esque hair that the Afghan Hound sports is more than an elegant aesthetic characteristic, it serves a real purpose. The long coat keeps their lean body warm in cold weather today, just like it did when they were bred as hunters in the mountains of Afghanistan. And those voluminous, furry feet? The Afghan Hound’s paw pads protect them from rough and rocky terrain.
2. Famous fan club
The regal Afghan Hound has won over more than one famous face. There’s Salvador Dali, fashion designer Givenchy, and even Barbie who gave these dogs a home. But their big claim to fame was with Pablo Picasso. The surrealist artist owned two, one named Kabul and another named Kasbac, who frequently appeared in his work. The 1962 painting “Femme au Chien”, featuring an Afghan Hound, eventually sold for $10 million.
History of the breed
As their name suggests, the Afghan Hound originated in the mountainous region we know today as Afghanistan several thousand years ago and is among the most ancient purebred dogs in the world. Bred as hunting dogs by aristocrats, royals, and tribal chieftains, the breed are sighthounds, a category describing dogs that rely on their sight and speed to hunt their prey rather than scent.
In the late 1800s, the breed made its way west to Europe with the help of English soldiers returning from duty who exported the Afghan Hound to the United Kingdom. It’s no surprise that the breed became popular among the upper echelons of British society, thanks to the dog’s good looks and demeanor.
Whilst the breed vanished around World War I, largely due to food shortages, it resurfaced in 1920 in Scotland where they had yet again been imported. Once the breed circulated again, including landing in America, it earned official recognition. The American Kennel Club recognised the Afghan Hound in 1927 and by the 1930s, the breed was a showstopper among American owners and breeders alike.
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of Afghan Hounds
1. Head
Long skull with prominent back of the head.
2. Ears
Low-set ears flat against the head, covered in long, silky fur.
3. Eyes
Almond-shaped, triangular eyes.
4. Legs
Prominent hip bones and large feet.
5. Tail
Low-set tail with a ring at the end, sparsely feathered.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Afghan Hound
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Caring for your Afghan Hound
Grooming, training and exercise tips
With a coat like that, it should come as little surprise that the Afghan Hound needs several hours per week of brushing to keep their fur free of tangles and debris such as twigs which could cause skin lesions (the good news: The breed sheds only moderately). By extension, regular baths using a vet-recommended shampoo and conditioner will keep the coat looking healthy and shiny.
When it comes to exercise, you will need to do more than take casual strolls with your Afghan Hound; this breed needs to expel a lot of energy. Let them run around enclosed spaces, take them for long walks, hikes, or engage them in lure coursing to keep them healthy and active. Training the independent and occasionally stubborn Afghan Hound will require patience, a gentle touch, and lots of positive reinforcement. Be sure to start training when they’re a puppy to maximise learning and ensure you and your dog get off on the right … paw.
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All about Afghan Hound
Don’t confuse a tendency toward stubbornness and independence with unintelligence. The Afghan Hound is, in fact, very intelligent and free-spirited as well, requiring an experienced dog owner.
The Afghan Hound may be independent and have a strong prey drive, but the breed is far from dangerous. They are known to express timidness and behave in a standoffish manner with strangers, but are loyal, loving, and affectionate with their owners.
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/