Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is a very old sighthound dog breed.  Sighthound meaning that they primarily hunt by speed and sight, rather than by using scent and endurance.  They have a distinguished thick, fine, silky coat with a ring curl at the end of their tail.  This breed acquired its unique features in the cold mountains of Afghanistan, whereby the breed was originally used to hunt foxes, wolves, and gazelles.  Its local name is TÄzÄ«.  Some other alternate names for this breed include:

• Balkh Hound
• Baluchi Hound
• Barutzy Hound
• Kabul Hound
• Sage Baluchi
• Ogar Afgan
• African Hound (which is incorrect)

The Afghan Hounds height is between 24 to 29 inches and they generally weigh between 20 to 30 kilos.  There coats can be any color.  Their long coats require a considerable amount of care and grooming.  When they have puppies, they generally deliver 6 to 8 puppies.  The distinctive features of mature dogs are the long topknot and the shorter-haired saddle on the back.  The breed has high hipbones, which is one of its characteristics.

It has always been believed that this breed dates back to at least the pre-Christian period.  However, recent discoveries made by researchers that have been studying ancient DNA, have discovered that the Afghan Hound is in actual fact one of the most ancient dog breeds, dating back for many thousands of years. 

Afghan people originally refused to sell their national dog to outsiders.  This breed was never seen in Europe or America until after the turn of the 20th century.  The AKC (American Kennel Club) and CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) did not recognize the Afghan Hound until the 1930s.

Afghan Hounds can be aloof and dignified, but very happy and clownish when playing.  They have a reputation of having slow obedience intelligence.  This breed also has many tendencies similar to a cat, and is not mindless in its obedience.  Afghan Hounds are also very independent.  Owners should not find it surprising if their Afghan Hound chooses to ignore their commands at times. 

Afghan Hounds usually have a lifespan of approximately 12 years, taken from surveys in the United Kingdom.  The UK Kennel Club undertook a survey in 2004, and results showed that the most common causes of death in Afghan Hounds was:

• 31% cancer
• 20% old age
• 10.5% cardiac
• 5% urologic

Because Afghan Hounds have relatively low levels of body fat, they are sensitive to anesthesia.

This breed is also likely to develop chylothorax, which is an unusual condition that causes the thorassic ducts to leak, which then allows large quantities of chyle fluid into the dogâs chest cavity.  This condition commonly results in the dogâs lung twisting inside the chest cavity, which requires emergency surgery.  If you were considering the selection of an Afghan puppy, then it is important to inquire as to the dogâs family, as it is believed that this condition may be hereditary.

When an Afghan Hound is running free, it moves at a gallop, showing great elasticity and a spring in its step.  When it is on a lead, the dog will trot at a fast pace.  The breed always moves along with its head and tail held high.  The entire appearance of the Afghan Hound is one of great beauty and style.