Afghan Hound

Afghan hounds are most recognized for their long flowing silky coats and their ring curl at the end of their tails. These dogs are quite independent in nature and tend toward ignoring those with whom they are unaccustomed. These dogs originated in Afghanistan and were used as sight dogs in hunting hares and gazelle. They are tall, standing at 24 to 29 inches (62 to 74cm) and weigh around 55 to 66 pounds (25 to 30kg) with a lifespan of around 12 to 14years. Afghans are particularly active in the mornings and evenings with a temperament ranging from shy to affectionate to aggressive. The Afghan Hound is most famous for its long, silky hair and its dignified demeanor. For this reason, they've appeared in many famous films, such as Lady and the Tramp and 101 Dalmatians. The Afghan Hound has made history more recently by becoming the first dog to be successfully cloned in a laboratory in Japan. History The Afghan Hound made its first appearance during the 19th century, when it was discovered in the mountains of Afghanistan and surrounding countries. Some historians believe that this breed was the first real sight hound in existence, since this dog proved adept at hunting gazelles and hares. Over the years, the hound evolved into two separate species, one living in the northern areas of the Middle East and the other living in the South and West. Some of these exotic dogs were brought to England, France, and the Western World. During those times, most of them were referred to as "Persian Greyhounds"� or "Barukzy Hounds."� However, the fight during World War I wiped out most traces of the breed outside of the Middle East. The only reason the Afghan Hound exists as is today is because a group of them was shipped to Scotland in 1920. From there, the Afghan Hound has evolved into the hunting and show dog known across the world today, and it is significantly different than its wild predecessors. Appearance It is not unusual to describe this dog as exotic and aristocratic because of its looks. The first thing prospective dog owners notice about the Afghan Hound is its coat. Fine, long fur covers this dog's whole body, from the hindquarters up to the ribs. The coat shortens at the neck and across the top of the back for a smooth finish that is soft to the touch. The fur can be a variety of colors, including tan and dark brown with white markings. The head seems prominent because the fur is shorter there, thus making it stand out. The eyes are almost triangular in shape and very dark. The snout may be long and thing. At the top of the head, there is a knot of longer hair that hangs down over the ears. Although long hair covers most of the body, there is a sturdy frame under there. Afghan Hounds usually have long legs, prominent hips, and a curve in their back. Male dogs can be up to 27 inches tall at the shoulders, while females are slightly smaller at 25 inches. The average weight is between 50 and 60 pounds. Temperament The Afghan Hound acts as dignified as it looks, holding its head high as it walks or runs, although it usually has a playful side, too. The dog may be aloof sometimes and extremely affectionate at others. They make excellent companions and house pets. It is very rare to come upon an Afghan Hound that is shy or defensive. However, some of these dogs become stressed easily when there is a change in their daily schedule. Health Issues This larger breed has an average lifespan of around 12 years, though it's not unusual for a dog to reach 18 years of age if he's well taken care of. The most common causes of death are cancer, old age, and cardiac problems. Afghan Hounds are also prone to a condition called chylothorax, in which ducts leak a substance called chyle fluid into the dog's broad chest. If this happens, the lungs may be damaged, requiring surgery. Unfortunately, Afghan Hounds, like most other sight hounds, are sensitive to anesthesia, so surgery is not always an option. To prevent these problems, feed and exercise your hound according to a vet's advice. Good health care early in life helps reduce an Afghan Hound's susceptibility to these diseases. Pet Care Due to the long fur, this pet requires a lot of care. They must be groomed regularly to prevent matting or knots in their fur and to remove dirt that gets trapped against their skin. Bathing regularly will also help with pet care. Also, this dog needs a lot of exercise. Regular walks are necessary; opportunities to let the hound run are even better. What Owners Have to Say Most owners with an Afghan Hound will praise its calm, elegant demeanor. They are great family dogs because they are often gentle, so they are safe around children. Plus, they are fun dogs to play with. They can run very quickly and jump very high, meaning that games of fetch and agility training are two fun activities to do with this dog. Is this the right dog for you? If you enjoy elegant, refined dogs, then this is probably a good breed choice. The Afghan Hound is respected for its beauty. This breed is also a good choice if you are looking for a gentle and calm dog for your family. Afghan Hounds are energetic and athletic, so they are fun to interact with. However, if you are worried about providing enough exercise, think carefully before purchasing one of these dogs. They flourish when they have an enclosed space to run in, but they may become bored or bothered if they are kept cooped up or are always restrained on a leash. So, you will absolutely need a fenced in yard. Walks can be difficult, too, owing to the dog's natural instincts as a sight hound. Most dogs of this breed chase after moving objects and small animals. Another concern for owners is the level of upkeep these dogs require. Grooming is essential for Afghan Hounds, and it cannot be skipped. The final concern for prospective pet owners is the skittish temperament of this dog. They can become distressed if you change their schedule, which means you have to set a rigid schedule for yourself. For working parents, this is not always the ideal situation. Take all of these factors into consideration when choosing a dog breed. If you can handle the exercise and grooming requirements, then the pros may outweigh the cons of this breed.

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