Group: The Afghan Hound belongs to the Hound group of dogs.
Height: The average male Afghan Hound is 26 to 28 inches in height (66 to 71.1 cm), and the average female Afghan Hound is 24 to 26 inches in height (61 to 66 cm).
Weight: The average Afghan Hound weighs 44 to 66 pounds (19.95 to 29.9 kg).
Life Expectancy: The average life span of the Afghan Hound is 12 to 14 years.
Good with Kids? Yes
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Colors: The coat of the Afghan Hound may be of any color, with or without a black face mask, but white markings are discouraged, especially on the head. Some examples of Afghan Hound colors are domino, brindle, red brindle, white, cream, black and tan, red and blonde, silver and tan, and black. A white Afghan Hound with red or black patches may indicate impure breeding.
Physical Traits: The Afghan Hound is elegant, graceful, aloof, supple, majestic, noble bearing, dignified, adapts to different climates, very fast, and sophisticated.
Hair Type: The Afghan Hound has a very long, fine silky coat. The long coat and short-haried saddle on the back are distinguishing features of this breed.
Nicknames: The Afghan Hound may also be known as a "Tazi" or "Baluchi Hound." The Afghan Hound was formerly referred to as the "Persian Greyhound."
Bred For: The Afghan Hound was bred by nomadic tribes to hunt gazelles, foxes, and rabbits in harsh mountain terrain. This led to the nimble body, notable jumping ability, and long coat for protection from the cold. The Afghan Hound was later bred for Egyptian royalty. The breed was brought to England, and later America, in the 20th century, where it has become a popular show dog and developed its glamorous reputation.
Personality / Temperament: The Afghan Hound is usually calm indoors, but becomes fast and active outdoors with a tendency to chase small game. It is very intelligent, noble, and proud. Afghan Hounds feel very comfortable in the show ring. The Afghan Hound may be compared to a cat in that it is affectionate yet standoffish, and may not come when called. The Afghan Hound is loyal and kind, but is very sensitive and needs to be treated with care, especially by young children. Afghan Hounds are noramally very tolerant of children, but older and well-behaved children are best with the Afghan Hound. The Afghan Hound gets along well with other pets when they are raised together, but male Afghan Hounds can often be dominant with one another.
Origination: The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed that goes as far back as the age of the Pharaohs. However, its modern development as we know it occurred mostly in Afghanistan.
Maintenance / Special Needs: The Afghan Hound has to be groomed very carefully twice weekly for one hour, and special instruments are required. The Afghan Hound should never be trimmed. Afghan Hounds require bathing and cleansing of the ear passages weekly. The Afghan Hound needs a soft bed, and prefers to live indoors with access to the outdoors. This dog has a low pain tolerance, and, like other sighthounds, may be sensitive to anesthesia. The Afghan Hound needs patience, attention, and early training because they tend to have an independent streak. This can make training somewhat challenging. The Aghan Hound requires firm, but kind, treatment. Although no Afghan Hound is ever completely obedient, don't skip the training because without it the Afghan Hound can become destructive. The Afghan Hound also needs a tall fence because it is a very talented jumper. The Afghan Hound needs plenty of exercise, and must be walked daily or given an enclosed area to run in to burn off energy.
Identifying Traits: In 2005, an Afghan Hound named Snuppy became the first cloned dog in history. Another famous Afghan Hound named What-A-Mess is the star of a popular series of children's books and cartoons. The Afghan Hound is known for its long hair, short-haired face, pointy snout, and whip tail. Words to describe the Afghan Hound are gentle, playful, highly intelligent, clownish, rarely barks, independent, spiteful, proud, aloof, sensitive, standoffish, gets bored easily, possessive of home. Some Afghan Hounds can be shy. It is necessary to establish the dominance hierarchy early in the Aghan Hounds life so that your Afghan Hound will respect you.
Ideal For: The Afghan Hound is great for families, companionship, as a guard dog, for hunting, and is comfortable in any climate, though plenty of water must be provided to prevent overheating. Apartment life is not recommended for the Afghan Hound.
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