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DOGS BY BREED:: AFGHAN HOUND
Afghan Hound: Hound of the Pharaohs and Cavemen
Information, Facts & Origins of the Afghan
The Afghan comes from Afghanistan and is a dog of considerable size, it is believed share a common ancestor with the Pharaoh hound. The Afghan is also known by the other names of Tazi, Persian Greyhound and the Balkh, Barukhzy or Baluchi hound. The Afghan was bred originally to hunt hare, foxes, wolves and gazelle. It's origins can be dated back for at least 5000 years to antiquity. It is classified as one of the Hound Dogs Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page.
The Afghan - A Sighthound
The Afghan Hound belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Sighthounds or Gazehounds, which specialise in hunting its quarry by sight rather than scent. All of the Sighthound breeds originated in the Middle East, Africa and Southwest Asia. It wasn't until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Sighthounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. Sighthounds have extremely good vision. They also have a long jaw and lengthy neck which assists them in sighting their quarry. Their lean muscular body, deep chest and long powerful legs essential assets when following any fast and agile prey. Sighthounds also have distinctive feet with elongated middle toes that make the foot appear longer and helps with their firm footing. Their long stride, powerful chest and lungs and agile bodies make it possible for sight hounds to chase and kill their quarry. As a pet the Afghan Hound is affectionate and mellow but the instinct to chase anything that is running requires an excellent training program and firm control.
Information, Facts & History of the Afghan Dog
The Afghan Hound a very old sighthound dog breed claiming an ancient heritage. Its name, Afghan Hound, is derived from the country of Afghanistan where it is the unofficial national dog. Native Afghans believe that the Afghan is the dog portrayed on the cave walls in the northern province of Balkh, which is why the Afghan has also been called the Balkh Hound. The Egyptian pharaohs were known to keep the ancestors of this dog. Its original native name of Tazi also connects the dog with the Russian Tasy breed. In Northern India the dog is known as the Barakzai, Kurram Valley Hound. And there is also the connection with the Middle East with the Persian Greyhound name! References to the Afghan's ancestors appear as hieroglyphics and are also found engraved in cuneiform ( written in wedge-shaped characters) on ancient pillars and tablets. Nomadic tribes are no doubt responsible for the spread of the breed across the African and Asian continents. Its thick, coat protected them against the extreme cold of the upper snow regions but equally shielded it from the sun in desert areas. Its padded paws and powerful legs gave the Afghan hound the equal abilities to skim across sands or snow and to climb rocky mountains. The Afghan was used to hunt the large cats including the leopard and the panther. It has been known to hunt and kill a big cat single-handedly. AKC (American Kennel Club) and CKC recognised the Afghan in the 1930s.
Description of the Afghan Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colors information
The Afghan Hound's coat is normally a shade of Black, Brindle, Gold, Cream and Black/Tan. These can be with a Shaded or Dark Mask area or with different shades of blue or gold. Many Afghans have a black facial mask and all Afghan Hounds have a white "blaze" on the chest and some are all white, called self-Masked Creams. Thick, fine, silky coat and its tail with a ring curl at the end The long, thick, silky and fine-textured coat requires considerable care and grooming. The long topknot and the shorter-haired saddle on the back are distinctive features of the Afghan's coat.
Dog Health information - potential health problems of the Afghans
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Afghan, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Afghan can include
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia (abnormal development of joints referred to as CHD - Canine Hip and Elbow Dysplasia)
- Eye problems including cataracts
Description of the Afghan Hound Dog and Puppies - Comparative Sizing Pictures & info
The pictures above allow for a useful sizing perspective between an average man (Five feet ten inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six inches) in comparison to the average sized Afghan Hound dog which we have detailed above. These pictures are extremely important as they provide an immediate and accurate visual representation of the height of an average Afghan Hound compared to the height of a male or female - essential information but unique to this site. Use the pictures to help to estimate the size of the Afghan Hound dog to each the various growing stages of children. Use the pictures to provide a guideline to the adult size of Afghan Hound Puppies. The pictures will also prove to be invaluable when comparing the sizes and heights of other dog breeds. The dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy. Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering puppies.
Information on Grooming and Care of the Afghan Dog Breed
Afghan Hound's require considerable care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older dogs.
Information on Temperament and Character of the Afghan Hound Dog Breed
The Afghan Hound is a very independent breed of dog. They are aloof, dignified, affectionate, sensitive, but can be very lively and clownish when in a playful mood. Afghan Hounds are quite vocal and make a good guard dog, barking at any strangers. They are extremely nimble and have excellent leaping abilities. This dog has a glamorous reputation heightened by its regal bearing but its hunting instincts are still strong and they are liable to chase small animals. Afghans can be problematic in that they are not very obedient and have a reluctance to come when called - this has given them a reputation of being dumb although the reverse is true.
Living conditions and Exercise Requirements of the Afghan Dog Breed
The Afghan Hound dogs and puppies are best suited to living in the country because they require a substantial amount of exercise. Although its coat might make it amenable to outdoor living in temperate areas, it needs a comfortable bed and is better suited as a house dog.
Age comparison between the Afghan Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.
Life Expectancy of the Afghan Hound Dog Breed
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 12 Ð 14 years.
Hound Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name the Hound has been bred to chase a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance. Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:
- Hunting and running down small quarry
- Flushing out and Driving game
- Vermin Hunting
- Guard duties
- Tracking
In this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made the original Afghan Hound dog breeding program successful.
