Afghan Hound

Size: Large
Other Names: Afghan, Baluchi Hound, Sage Baluchi, Tazi, Ogar Afghan, Balkh Hound, Barutzy Hound, Shalgar Hound, Kabul Hound, Galanday Hound
Country of Origin: Afghanistan
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Hound
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Hounds
United Kennel Club (UKC): Sighthound & Pariah
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Hounds
The Kennel Club (KC): Hound
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Hound
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Hound

Height:

Male: 24–29 inches

Weight:

Male: 45–60 pounds

Color(s):

Any

Coat:

Long, silky, thick, very fine–textured

Description:

The Afghan Hound is a very old sighthound dog breed, from the cold mountains of Afghanistan, where it was originally used to hunt hares and gazelles by coursing them.  The Afghan Hound was also bred to fight lions.

Temperament:

The Afghan Hound is a sweet, affectionate, loyal dog, and can be quite sensitive.  He is both elegant and courageous, and can be suspicious of strangers without aggression.  He is happy and clownish when playing.  He enjoys playing with children, but his large size may make him unsuitable to play with small children.  Children should be taught to be kind, and not to play roughly with the Afghan Hound.

Training:

The breed has a reputation among dog trainers of having a relatively slow "obedience intelligence", as defined by author Stanley Coren.  The Afghan Hound has many cat–like tendencies, and is not slavish in his obedience, as are some other breeds.

Care & Grooming:

The Afghan Hound requires bathing at least weekly, and coat brushing immediately after his bath.  When you brush the coat when it is dry, the coat can be damaged, which can make it mat easier.  His ears must be kept clean.  The Afghan Hound requires regular, daily exercise, even though he appears to be a happy couch potato.

Shedding:

Seasonal; the long coat sheds more when it is blowing.

Health:

The Afghan Hound may be affected by hip dysplasia, cataracts, hypothyroidism, and chylothorax.  Regular veterinary checks of the eyes and hips are recommended.

Lifespan:

12–14 years

Litter Size:

6–8 puppies