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Description: The Afghan Hound is an aristocrat, their whole appearance is one of dignity and aloofness with no coarseness. Afghan Hounds' striking characteristics are their exotic expression, long silky topknot, peculiar coat pattern and prominent hipbones. They are large, powerful, squarely built and agile. They are one of the most glamorous breeds. An Afghan Hound's elegance makes them a popular show dog with their long, refined head and neck and long, tapered muzzle. Their coats are long and silky except on the face and back where the hair is short. Afghan Hounds have a side which is an arrogant mischievous companion, but they can be aloof with strangers, but are friendly and affectionate with their family. Afghan Hounds have recently been utilized in the sport of Afghan racing. They make delightful pets, but require much grooming on behalf of their beautiful coat.

Other Names: Tazi, Baluchi Hound

Type: Sighthound

Height: Males: 27 inches; Females: 25 inches.
Weight: Males: 60 lbs.; Females: 50 lbs.

Colors: Afghan Hounds come in all colors, and many different patterns.
Coat: Long and fine and silky. They have a soft topknot and long straight fur that creates an elegant appearance.

Temperament: Afghan Hounds are reserved, lively, and active. They are a strong willed and dignified dog. They can be very aloof with strangers, which is their trademark, but they can also be the best of playmates. Quite clownish at times, the Afghan Hound can do well with children if socialized. They are affectionate and friendly with family. They can be rather independent however, which makes it difficult to train. They can get along with other dogs but are never ever trustworthy with smaller animals, as they have a high prey drive.
With Children: Yes, the Afghan Hound is fine with children if they are socialized, but they will do better in families with older children.
With Pets: Yes, they do well with other dogs but are never trustworthy with small animals as they have a strong prey drive.
Special Skills: Hunter by sight of large and small wild game, also watchdog, racing dog and a companion.

Watch-dog: High.
Guard-dog: High. They may use their powerful teeth on an intruder if their warnings are not heeded.

Care and Training: Afghan Hounds' coats need extensive grooming, daily grooming is recommended especially for mat removal. Bathing them two or three times per month, pay special attention to the ears. Afghan Hounds love to run. Daily exercise is needed, preferably morning and evening runs. They are difficult to train because of their independent nature. Intelligent they are, but they need a strong, committed owner. This will lead to a happy relationship in the household.
Learning Rate: High. Obedience - Low. They are very independent in nature. Problem Solving - Very high.

Activity: Moderate - High.
Special Needs: Exercise, fenced yard, grooming, leash, and socialization.
Living Environment: The Afghan Hound adapts well to many different places. City or country, house or apartment, the Afghan Hound will do fine as long as they get enough exercise, socialization and have a patient, active owner. Keep them leashed or within a  fence. The best owner for this breed would be an active, attentive individual or family living in a rural or suburban area.

Health Issues: This is generally a healthy and robust breed. There is potential for juvenile cataracts and possible hip dysplasia. They may also have a sensitivity to drugs, flea powders and tickicides. There have been rare cases of progressive paralysis. Cryptorchidism, monorchidism and heart problems may also pertain to this breed.

Life Span: 12 - 15 years.
Litter Size: 6 - 8 puppies.

Country of Origin: Afghanistan
History: One of the oldest breeds, the Afghan Hound dates back thousands of years. Some even believe this is the type of dog that accompanied Noah on his Ark! The Afghan Hound is a member of the Greyhound family. Their ancestors were originally from Persia moving to Afghanistan where they worked protecting sheep and cattle. Afghans were once a harsh hunter in their native land where they used to hunt leopard, wolves and jackals. They have now been breed to be an obedient, gentle dog. The Afghan Hound was introduced into Western civilization late in the nineteenth century. Much credit to the breed is given to Major Amps and his wife Mary who, while living in Ghazni, Afghanistan, established their kennel "Ghazni". Mary also did much research and writing on the breed. Their hounds are found in most American Afghan Hound pedigrees. In the 20th century the breed was brought  to England by the British Captain Banff. He brought a hound named "Zardin", and from there the breed spread into England. He was exhibited in the Crystal Palace Show in 1907 and began a strong interest in the breed. Today the breed is not extremely popular  pet due to the intense grooming needs, but they do very well in dog shows.

First Registered by the AKC: 1926
AKC Group: Hound
Class: Hound
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 10), KC,(GB), UKC

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