dog breeds Total: 369 Breeds

Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound
Afghan Hound Photo #1

Overview

Afghan hounds come from the mountains of Afghanistan. This explains their lush, long and luxurious coat. They are directly related to the Saluki. Those from the mountains tend to have a thick dark coat while those from the desert tend to have a light tan coat. They are sometimes referred to as Persian hounds. They were originally bred for hunting and shepherding. They are swift, agile and have excellent eyesight.

They can reach up to speeds of forty miles per hour.

They are members of a group called sighthounds. The sighthounds include Saluki, greyhounds, whippet, and Borzoi.
They are an ancient dog breed that has managed to retain its breed purity. This is partly due to the fact that they were isolated in the mountains. They were strictly prohibited from export.

Drawings o this breed can be found in the caves of Northern Afghanistan. They were introduced to Britain in the late 1800s and early 1900s by military personnel returning from duty.

Temperament

The Afghan hound is loyal, intelligent and agile. They look aristocratic and maintain an aloof demeanor. If they are kept indoors, they require adequate exercise to prevent them from being destructive. 

  • They are easily stressed. If they get stressed, they can refuse to move. They possess a hunting instinct and should be kept from other pets and animals.
  • They are very cautious and have to be properly socialized.
  • They are independent thinkers and aren't fond of pleasing their owners.
  • Their threshold for pain is exceptionally low. They often whimper at the slightest pain.

Life Span

They have a lifespan of between 10 and 14 years. 

Shedding, grooming, and care

  • Their long coats necessitate adequate grooming.
  • Their long silky coats must be brushed often to avoid mats and tangles. 
  • Brushing their coats several times a week helps to reduce the amount of shedding.
  • They, in addition, have to be bathed regularly. Their nails should be trimmed often.
  • Their ears are prone to infection due to the long hair around them.
  • Their ears should be kept clean and regularly checked for infection.
  • They should be exercised several times a day. Exercise helps to appease them.

Training

They are troublesome to train. They are often aloof and obstinate when it comes to training.

Diet

Similar to other dogs, Afghan hounds should be fed a diet composed of high-quality protein. They should be fed about two to three cups of dry food every day. Note that, you can supplement the dry food with wet food in part or in entirety.

Health Problems

Afghan hounds are purebred, and they are prone to some specific health problems. These include:

  • Demodectic mange
  • Allergies
  • Juvenile cataracts
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis

Breed Information

Popularity:2018: #93
2017: #93
2016: #113
2015: #100
Origin:Afghanistan
Breed Group:Sporting (AKC:1926)
Sighthound & Pariah (UKC)
Size:Large
Type:Purebred
Life span:12-14 years
Temperament:Aloof
Clownish
Dignified
Happy
Independent
Height:27-29 inches (69-74 cm)
Weight:50-64 pounds (22-34 kg)
Colors:Black
Black & Silver
Black & Tan
Blue
Blue & Cream
Cream
Red
Silver
White
Litter Size:6-8 puppies
Puppy Price:Average $2000 - $2500 USD

Breed Characteristics

Adaptability:
Apartment Friendly:
Cat Friendly:
Child Friendly:
Grooming:
Health Issues:
Intelligence:
Trainability:
Watchdog Ability:

Dog names

Rank Male Female
1 Cooper Molly
2 Duke Sophie
3 Tucker Bailey
4 Bentley Roxy
5 Louie Mia
6 Bruno Princess
7 Roscoe Izzy
8 Blue Missie
9 Scout Honey
10 Boomer Minnie
11 Thor Winnie
12 Frankie Baby
13 Benny Allie
14 Chase Bonnie
15 Kobe Grace
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