If you are looking for a furry friend that is loyal, charming, and absolutely beautiful to look at, the Afghan Hound just may be the perfect pet for you! Read on to learn more about an ancient dog breed that captivated the hearts and thoughts of humans for thousands of years.
Breed Snapshot
- Size Large dog (22-27kg); 63 – 68cm in height
- Coat Puppies have short and soft coats whilst adult dogs have long coats that must be groomed
- Energy This breed should be walked daily for 1 hour and exercised for long durations of time each day
- Lifespan 12 – 15 years
- Country of origin Ancient Mesopotamia
- Breed type Large sighthound dog that is very loyal to his or her human family. This is a gentle and affectionate dog that is also astute at hunting
- Other names Kabul Hound
- Great breed for: Home with yard, Families with kids
Meet the Afghan Hound
A distinguished large breed member of the hound family, the Afghan Hound is one dog that never seems to have a bad hair day! This unique dog is said to be one of the oldest in the world, dating back to the ancient Mesopotamian civilizations in the Middle East. It is unclear where exactly this dog was first bred, but it has been coveted among royalty and hunters for centuries.
Today, the Afghan Hound is an award-winning show dog, recognized by distinguished kennel clubs such as the Australian Kennel Club. The Afghan Hound is a high-maintenance breed that is meant for someone who loves to dote on and groom their furry friend.
Afghan Hounds have a keen sense of scent, which is typical in dogs of the sight hound family. This dog is recognizable by its long flowing fur that closely mimics healthy and illustrious human hair. Afghan Hounds have strong bonds with their human family and will turn the heads of anyone who crosses paths with them.
This breed is very independent and clever – it should always be leashed while you are out in public or it can wander off in search of the origin of a questionable scent. This breed makes a good family dog and are fun to play ball with out in the yard.
What Do Afghan Hounds Look Like?
The Afghan Hound prances around like the royalty that it is and its most recognizable feature is its long locks that blow magically in the wind. This dog breed starts out as a shaggy puppy with soft curly hair that eventually grows out to the luxurious mane it is known for in adulthood. Afghan Hounds most often have a solid white, tan, or black coloured coat, but can also have a multi-colour coat as well.
This breed is tall, standing in at 63 to 68cm in height and weighs in at 22 to 27kg when it is full grown. The males are slightly bigger than the females. Afghan Hounds have a slender build and long legs with a protruding snout. Their tail is curly and they have a long mid-section.
Grooming Tips for Afghan Hound Owners
As Afhhan Hounds grow into their adult fur, you will need to take them to a professional groomer to sculpt its fur the way it should look. In between grooming sessions, you should brush your dog’s hair daily so that its long fur hair does not get tangled or matted and so that oils can distribute throughout his or her skin. Unlike some long-haired dogs, Afghan Hounds need a good bathing with shampoo and conditioner at least once a week to keep its fur soft and manageable – much like your own hair!
Like with most dog breeds, you should trim your Afghan Hound’s nails regularly so they do not break and snag and brush his or her teeth to maintain good oral health.
Training Your Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are people pleasers and like to show off for their human family by doing what is expected of them. Begin training your Afghan Hound when he or she is a puppy so that it develops good manners and follows commands with ease. Whether you decide to take your puppy to an obedience class or train him on your own, be sure that only positive reinforcement techniques are used. This is a loyal dog and you do not want to break the trust bond by being too rough.
By nature, Afghan Hounds are hunting dogs and have the innate instinct to follow a scent and chase potential prey, therefore you should never take your dog into a public setting without a leash or you may have a hard time controlling your dog.
Are there Afghan Hound Dog Breeders in Australia?
Yes! Afghan Hounds are bred locally in Australia, so you do not need to worry about importing your new furry friend. Be sure to work with a reputable breeder so that you are guaranteed a purebred dog that has been compassionately raised. RSPCA can help you connect with a responsible breeder in your area. These dogs are not often found in shelters as they are a prise-winning show dog breed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Afghan Hounds
Can my Afghan Hound be left alone during the day?
Afghan Hounds are an affectionate breed that should not be left home alone all day whilst you are at work. If you need to be gone for a long duration of time during the day, hire a dog sitter or take your dog to doggy daycare.
What is the lifespan of an Afghan Hound?
With the proper diet, plenty of exercise, and regular trips to the vet, your Afghan Hound can live 12 – 15 years.
Are Afghan Hounds Hypoallergenic?
Despite them having a long coat of thick fur, Afghan Hounds do not shed much and therefore they are a hypoallergenic breed.
Are there any health issues I need to be concerned with?
As with any deep chested dog, the Afghan Hound is susceptible to bloat, which can be life threatening if it is not caught and treated early enough.
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