Dog Breed Name: Afghan Hound
Alternate Names: Lebrel Afgano, Afghanischer Windhund, Baluchi
Hound, Levrier Afghan, Sage Baluchi
Type: Hound
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Physical Attributes: As the name suggests, the Afghan Hound
dog breed originated in Afghanistan. Afghan Hounds are tall
with males measuring around 27 inches in height and females
around 25 inches. They are slender dogs and the male weighs
around 60 pounds while females are weigh around 10 pounds
lesser. They look aristocratic because of the way they hold
themselves and also due to their straight front. They have
powerful jaws and the skull is evenly balanced with the foreface.
They have a slightly curved muzzle and the ears lie flat against
the head. They have almond shaped dark eyes and a silky topknot.
The abdomen is tucked in, the hipbones standing out, the forelegs
straight, the feet large and the tail has a bend at the tip.
The tail does not rest on the back or to the side and is not
shaggy. They have long silky hair on most parts of the body
and short close hair on other parts. Its coat is usually sandy
brown, darker at the face and around the ear but any color
is acceptable including white although white patches are not
encouraged especially if they are on the head.
A single litter may range from a one pup to five pups.
Disposition: Afghan Hounds are a little aloof but they are
loving and sensitive dogs. They are trustworthy and brave
and are best around older children because they need a lot
of attention.
Origin: It is believed to be a native of Sinai where tribes
lived isolated from other civilizations. They have been pictured
in Afghanistan caves. This was originally used as herders,
watchdogs and hunters of small game to larger game animals
due to its agile and powerful strides.
Probable Relatives: Ghanzi Hounds, Bell- Murray Dogs
A few known diseases found in this breed: Afghan Hound Myelopathy,
Anesthetic Idiosyncrasy, Pemphigus, Cataract, Cherry Eye and
other diseases related to the eye.
Noteworthy Aspects:
Environment: They need ample space to run around and therefore
are not suitable for apartments. They would prefer to live
indoors although the outdoors would do too.
Grooming: Since Afghans have long hair, they need to be regularly
bathed and brushed. You need to avoid brushing them between
baths though, as they may lose a lot of hair and cause the
dry hair to mat thereby damaging the coat. A weekly bath is
recommended and a pinbrush is a good brush to use.
Exercise: They need at least half an hour of a good gallop
in a safe and open space and also require long walks.
Training: They can be difficult to housebreak. Training of
these dogs need to begin as early as possible and is the best
route to take as they are known to be disobedient.
Health: They suffer when injured, even if the injury is slight
because they have less tolerance to pain. |
