Afghan hound: dogs

One of the most beautiful and sophisticated dog breeds is the Afghan hound, which is distinguished by its flowing coat and majestic appearance. These dogs have a long and illustrious history. They were originally bred to be strong and agile hunters in the mountains of Afghanistan.

In addition to their beauty, Afghan Hounds are renowned for being independent and occasionally distant. They are loving toward their families, but they also value their privacy and can act in a way that seems very dignified.

Afghan Hounds make wonderful companions, but they also need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy and to maintain their opulent coats. They can be a devoted, loving addition to any home despite their tendency toward independence. They also develop strong bonds with their owners.

History of the breed"s origin

One of the oldest dog breeds, the Afghan hound’s ancestors once inhabited a very large area. However, since European explorers originally came across these canines in Afghanistan, it was decided to name the breed similarly.

From ancient times

Many things point to this breed’s ancient origins. Iranian cave paintings depicting dogs that resembled Afghan hounds in appearance date to the 10th and 9th centuries BC. e. Similar dog-themed drawings from later times, which date to the second century BC, were found in caves in the eastern region of Afghanistan.

If Muslims had left some traces of their shared existence—after all, they were the first to employ hounds for hunting in the desert—there might have been more proof of the existence of Afghan hounds in the distant past. However, not much has been preserved about Afghan hounds during that era because Islamic art forbids depicting animals alongside humans. However, it is known for a fact that Muslims regarded Afghan hounds as "clean" animals—unlike other dogs—and held them in high regard for their bravery, dexterity, and hunting speed.

There is a legend about a sultan who ruled in the 10th century. The Sultan dubbed the city of Tazi after the greyhounds as a token of appreciation for their assistance in fending off the Indian invasion.

Before them

It wasn’t until the end of the 1800s, when the world was astonished by the tale of the fabled Indian dog Zardin, that the existence of this breed in Europe was discovered. He was able to live in the English royal palace and win over 50 exhibition victories in his lifetime. His triumph at a dog show in Britain marked the height of his popularity. Simultaneously, the Afghan hound breed was acknowledged by the English Kennel Club, which also introduced a standard based on the dog’s external data. A short while later, a trader bought Zardin, and the dog’s trail was lost.

Although it is known that this dog produced multiple puppies in England, no records were kept for them, so the fabled dog’s name is absent from contemporary Afghan hound pedigrees. All the same, the Afghan hound of today descended from the dog Zardin.

• The first edition of the English standard for Afghan hounds in 1925 was based on a complete description of Zardin"s external data.
• A little later, another cynological association issued a standard, which existed for a little more than twenty years, until 1946.
• Later in 1965, the International Cynological Federation (FCI) issued a standard based on the previous English standard, which is still used today. But even there, Zardin"s influence can be seen quite clearly.

In the 1960s, Afghan hound puppies were initially introduced to Soviet territory. In 1985, the Afghan hound standard was adopted by the All-Union Council of Cynologists. However, as of right now, Russia and the other members of the International Cynological Federation (FCI) use the FCI Standard for Afghan hounds.

Breed description and standards

The Afghan hound is a large dog that stands approximately 70 cm tall and possesses exceptional speed and grace on the outside. The head is elevated just a little bit. The appearance of the dog is symbolic of power and noble status. There is a broad spectrum of colors that range from light shades of silver, light blue, and light apricot to dark gray and even black.

Muzzle

The head has a wedge-shaped form with a clearly visible occipital protuberance. The forehead, quite flat, but not too narrow, is hidden under a long fringe. The elongated muzzle is equipped with powerful and strong jaws that can instantly grab and tear prey. Scissor bite. The color of the nose is preferably black, but in breeds with a light shade of fur, a dark brown nose is also allowed. The color of the eyes has a wide range and can vary from golden to dark. The eyes are shaped like a triangle, located at a slight angle. The ears of the Afghan hound are long. Hanging, tightly adjacent to the head. The ears are difficult to visually see because the thick, long fur on the ears blends in with the fur on the dog"s head.

Body

The neck of this breed of dogs is long and well developed. The tail is of medium length, distinguished by the almost complete absence of long hair. The end of the tail is curled into a ring. The anatomy of the limbs is characterized by a well-developed musculoskeletal system: long and thick bones adapted to fast running. The muscular corset of the front and rear limbs is well developed. The front paws of the dog are quite large, the hind legs are slightly different and have a smaller width. The hair on the paws is long and thick. The dog has a long body with developed muscles. The body is slightly lowered towards the pelvic bone. The thoracic spine is slightly curved.

The coat of the Afghan Hound is extremely long. The coat is at its longest on the limbs and body. The hair along the spine is thicker and shorter in adults. The hair is longer and thicker on the paws and ears. The forehead is covered in silky hair strands, while the rest of the face is covered in short hair. It is advised that a dog weigh between 23 and 27 kg.

Breed character

In modern conditions, the Afghan hound is quite peaceful and calm, does not show aggression towards other dogs, and is very tolerant towards people. But it was not always so. The first puppies bred by the British were particularly aggressive and uncontrollable. Back in the 50s of the 20th century, Afghan hounds with a tough character were found everywhere. Later, in order to avoid such misunderstandings, breeders became more attentive and allowed only docile dogs to breed. Thus, the character of the Afghan hound has undergone significant changes in the course of selection. Nevertheless, this breed has not lost its guard skills. The dog guards everything and always: a place at an exhibition, the territory near the house, a place in the apartment. The Afghan hound warns a stranger with growling and barking, it can bite slightly, but will only pursue to the place where its territory ends.

Afghan hounds are thought to be highly independent dogs overall. A dog of that character takes a lot of effort to tame. It is very difficult to train, but it obeys commands. The Afghan hound is incredibly intelligent and possesses an excellent sense of smell and memory. Even after many years, the dog still recognizes a person or animal.

Children are known to obey the Afghan hound considerably better than adults.

It might appear at first that the dog is solitary and does not treat its owner with the respect and affection it deserves. That being said, these dogs get extremely bored and lost when they are separated from their owners for an extended period of time. This breed matures very slowly; the dog doesn’t become reticent and subdued until it is between six and seven years old.

The Afghan hound is characterized by manifestations of pronounced hunting instincts, which should not be forgotten during walks, since the dog can at any time begin to pursue a squirrel or a street cat. Afghan hounds have excellent eyesight, and it is not difficult for them to see a bird in the sky at a distance of several hundred meters. Afghan hounds have an amazing sense of smell and are very good at orienting themselves in the area. If you take the dog along a certain route once, it will find its way back in any case. Therefore, if you lose an Afghan hound, wait for it in the place where it left or, better yet, at home, since the dog will definitely find its way home on its own.

Care

Afghan hounds have very long, thick and silky hair, which requires careful daily care. It is recommended to wash dogs with hair of this length with special shampoos and conditioners at least once a month. After washing, the hair is carefully combed and then thoroughly dried with a hairdryer or naturally. It is permissible to use special dry shampoos in conditions when a full bath is not allowed. Such a dog needs to be combed daily and very carefully. For these purposes, you should purchase a special hard metal comb and a brush made of natural bristles. After each combing, the hair should be well styled, it is permissible to braid small braids from the longest hair to prevent tangling.

Using specific antistatic agents may be necessary during cold and dry seasons. Instruct the Afghan hound to comb from an early age, ensuring that when the dog grows older, he will develop the habit of doing so on a daily basis. The puppy should ideally be combed while standing or resting on its side.

Many breeders agree that buying an Afghan hound for a city apartment and not using it in hunting is absolutely unacceptable. After all, in urban conditions the dog will be doomed to a life full of discrepancies with its desires. But a completely free life is not suitable for such a dog, since its coat requires constant care. The ideal option for such dogs is a fenced enclosure, with access to a closed area for rest. Of course, hunting with an Afghan hound in modern conditions can be problematic, so long active games in open space with other large dogs are quite suitable. During the day, the Afghan hound should run and play in open territory for at least an hour.

It is important to remember that Afghan hounds are completely fearless around cars and may dart out onto the street, so you should exercise extra caution when walking them. As a result, locations for this kind of dog’s free walks need to be carefully chosen. This should ideally be a fenced-in large suburban area or a specially designated walking area for dogs.

The Afghan Hound is renowned for having an exquisite appearance, including long, flowing hair and an elegant gait. However, beneath its attractive exterior, the dog has a fascinating past and a distinct personality. This breed is fiercely devoted to its family yet independent and occasionally distant. Because they are athletic and need regular exercise, Afghan Hounds were originally bred for hunting in mountainous areas. Their strong will makes them difficult to train, but with patience and understanding, they can be loving and loyal companions.

Health

Afghan hounds are generally in good health. Afghan hounds can live up to 13 or 15 years on average if proper upkeep and care are provided. Afghan hounds can occasionally have ophthalmological issues. Since air hardly ever reaches these dogs’ ears because of their thick fur, inflammatory diseases of the ear are diagnosed in these dogs somewhat more frequently. Afghan hounds should be exercised moderately; prolonged, fast running is not recommended for these dogs, nor should they be left inactive at all. Puppies in particular should remember this.

Due to their "mountain" origin, Afghan hounds tolerate humid and cool climates well, but heat is destructive for them. Therefore, during periods of extreme heat, walks should be limited to 15-20 minutes, so as not to provoke heat stroke in the dog. The pain threshold of these dogs is quite low, so they tolerate physical pain very poorly. If the living conditions of the Afghan hound do not meet the requirements, which is often the case with dogs purchased exclusively for decorative purposes, then manifestations of cardiovascular diseases, as well as diseases of the musculoskeletal system are possible. With proper care, the average lifespan of an Afghan hound is from 9 to 12 years.

Feeding

Afghan hounds have a very casual attitude toward food. Since they do not overeat, there is a very low chance that they will develop concurrent illnesses like obesity or metabolic disorders. Dogs are quite capable of estimating the ideal portion size on their own. It’s common for Afghan hounds to plan fasting days during which they eat very little or nothing at all.

General principles

An adequate supply of fatty amino acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6) and a balanced vitamin and mineral intake are essential for an Afghan hound’s diet. A dog’s specific needs should be met and the amount of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the diet should be perfectly balanced. An Afghan hound’s food should consist of:

Protein-rich foods	useful carbohydrates and foods rich in fiber for proper digestion	foods rich in calcium and healthy fats
beef, lamb, rabbit meat, chicken, beef kidneys, heart and liver, fish, eggs	all types of cereals, raw and stewed vegetables	fermented milk products, cod liver, fish oil, bone meal

You can provide an Afghan hound with store-bought, premium food, but in this scenario, the body might not get the necessary amount of nutrients. As a result, the best feeding strategy for this kind of dog is mixed feeding, where the diet consists of both natural and prepared foods.

Feeding regimen

An Afghan hound’s daily meal count is determined by its age:

• From 2 to 4 months – 5 meals per day;
• From 4 to 6 months – 4 meals per day;
• 6 to 12 months – 3 meals per day.
• It is recommended to feed an adult Afghan Hound 2-3 times per day.

Mixed type diet

A mixed diet example for an adult dog.

1. The dog"s first morning feeding should include a small amount of porridge cooked in meat broth (for example, many dogs prefer buckwheat porridge in chicken broth), you can add a little kefir or another fermented milk product to the porridge.
2. Lunch should include boiled meat with vegetables (many dogs like raw vegetables: cabbage or carrots), sometimes boiled eggs, vegetable oils or fish oil can be added to the lunch.
3. Evening feeding can consist of a portion of ready-made high-quality dry food. When feeding dry food, make sure that the dog always has access to clean drinking water.

The dog should be fed 300–500 grams of raw meat three times a week. When the dog is cold, when they are exercising more, when they are giving birth to and raising puppies, and when they are recuperating from an illness, you can add more raw meat to their diet.

Cost and nuances of buying a puppy

Four months is the best time to purchase a puppy because the animal is already mature enough, starting to exhibit independence, and can handle the stress of moving and being away from its mother more readily.

• The cost of an Afghan hound puppy from a registered kennel with a vaccination passport will be from 15,000 rubles.
• If you are interested in purchasing a puppy for further breeding or participation in exhibitions – from 20,000 rubles.

An official kennel will provide the new owner with comprehensive care, feeding, and maintenance instructions in addition to all the paperwork that goes along with it. When buying a puppy for an exhibition, make sure to consider the uniformity of color and the absence of white spots, as these are important factors to consider when assessing a dog at an exhibition.

Puppies costing from 5,000 rubles can often be found for sale from amateur breeders, but such puppies are unlikely to meet the standard in external standards, and they usually do not have a vaccination passport. Afghan hound puppies are very cute and sweet little lumps. Their coat is still poorly developed, so a potential buyer may think that special care for the coat may not be needed. And this will be a mistaken judgment, because you will need to comb your puppy daily, starting from a very young age. Therefore, if you want to buy an Afghan hound puppy, then approach this decision responsibly and consciously, because the maintenance and care of such a dog is quite a labor-intensive and time-consuming process.

Feature	Description
Breed Name	Afghan Hound
Origin	Afghanistan
Coat	Long and silky
Temperament	Independent, dignified, loyal
Exercise Needs	High
Size	Large
Life Expectancy	12-14 years
Best for	Experienced dog owners

The graceful appearance and self-reliant disposition of the Afghan Hound make it a breed that is unique. They are a distinctive addition to any house because of their long, flowing coat and graceful movement.

These dogs have a playful side and build close relationships with their families, despite their tendency to be distant and reserved. They can be a little stubborn, so training them requires a lot of patience and understanding.

All things considered, the Afghan Hound is a great friend for people who value their uniqueness and attractiveness. They can flourish in a loving environment if given the proper care and attention.

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