Graceful aristocrat: all about the Afghan hound

Breed characteristics

Afghan Hound breed standard: main characteristics

These are large dogs with an elongated muzzle and strong hunter's jaws. An important feature of the breed is its high-set, wedge-shaped head, which makes it easy to see the prey even while running fast. The occipital protuberance is very well defined, but the transition from the forehead to the nose is, on the contrary, smooth. Long hanging ears decorated with silky fur. There is also bangs on the crown. Dark eyes, almost triangular in shape, set askew. The nose is black or brown.

Afghans have a wide and deep chest, which is good for breathing and efficient heart function. Large, muscular limbs are hidden under the abundant fur. The back is strong and flat, but the croup is sloping. The tail is covered with sparse hair, its tip curls. When moving, the dog always holds it high.

They were bred to hunt deer, gazelles and leopards. So you can imagine how fast they are.

The Afghan Hound can reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour. This is the speed of a thoroughbred racehorse. What makes this dog fast and confident on its legs is the special structure of its hips. They are located high and spaced apart, allowing the greyhound to quickly change direction and be prepared for sudden changes in altitude in the mountains of Afghanistan.

Size

The height at the withers for both males and females is 68 -73 centimeters.

Weight for both males and females is 26 – 34 kilograms.

Lifespan

Afghan hounds are the longest-living dogs of large breeds. On average they live 14 – 16 years.

History of the origin of the species

The first mentions of the breed were found in Iranian drawings in the 11th century. BC. Much later in the 2nd century BC. corresponding inscriptions were applied to the walls of the dugout in Afghanistan. Today the dog is considered a symbol of this state. Most recently, the government lifted the ban on the export of greyhounds for sale outside its borders. This breed was brought to Europe by officers from England. They spotted her on the border with Afghanistan while returning from India.

The first official club appeared only in 1926 in England. Experts were able to evaluate the adaptive qualities, so the breed standard was confirmed.

Origin of the breed

Historians say the Afghan hound first appeared in the second century BC in what is now Afghanistan.

This conclusion was made after stone fragments were found that depicted a dog similar in appearance to an Afghan hound.

Until now, the people of Afghanistan consider these dogs to be the national symbol of their country, which they are immensely proud of.

This breed came to Europe with the help of English colonialists, who at the end of a long journey returned to their homeland.

Within a few years, smart English lords began to actively use dogs as assistants in hunting matters. From birth, Afghan hound puppies began to be taught various commands and prepared for hunting.

Today this dog breed is known all over the world. Now they are used not only in hunting, these dogs have begun to appear more and more often on fashion catwalks, as well as at various exhibitions.

Distinctive features

The Afghan Hound is the pride of an entire nation. Previously, they took her with them on hunts, but today they make her a participant in tournaments. They are tested for compliance with the following standards:

• The skull is narrow, elongated. There is a pronounced tubercle on the back of the head. The transition line from the forehead does not have sharp boundaries.
• The head is proportional, not narrow. Characterized by the presence of bangs.
• The nose is completely black. May be brown in dogs with light coats.
• The eyes are slanted and well defined. Triangular shape.
• The ears are large and hang down to the neck. They are completely covered with fur.
• Jaw – the teeth are arranged in a scissor-like manner and form a strong grip and correct bite.
• The teeth are white and straight. Plaque is not allowed.
• The neck is long and has a muscular base.
• The limbs are strong, smooth with well-developed muscles. The elbows are set close to the body. The shoulder blades are located at a slight angle to the body.
• The body is well-developed muscles. Sloping croup. The ribs have a convex structure.
• The withers are located high.
• The paws are in a free position, the fur is thick, the pads are black and soft.
• The tail is low and slightly dewy. The end is made in the shape of a ring and does not get on your back when moving.
• The coat has a dense structure with elongation on the muzzle. Short hairs are found only on the back.
• The color is dark, bright red, red, white, ash and sand.

Appearance - colors and sizes

Description of the breed: a lean, lean, long-legged dog with well-defined muscles. The Afghan Hound is one of the most spectacular breeds due to its classic exterior and luxurious long coat. The breed standard provides for different colors. Wool can be:

• black;
• beige;
• white;
• silver;
• blue;
• black and white;
• black and tan;
• fawn.

There is also a brindle color. Other colors are non-standard, such dogs are not show dogs. And dogs with black and black and tan colors are also called Taigan.

This is a long-haired breed. The Afghan's muzzle is typical of greyhounds - elongated, elongated. The occipital protuberance is clearly visible on the head. The neck is long, but at the same time strong. This dog is not only physically tough, but also beautiful. Her eyes are especially expressive with a slight Asian touch - dark, almond-shaped and slightly slanted. The hanging ears are set low and fit close to the head.

Height at the withers for a male is up to 74 cm, for a female - up to 69 cm. Height no higher than 67 cm is found in representatives of the Mini Afghan (a separate variety). Weight - maximum 30 kg. There is not a bit of excess in this breed, everything is as ergonomic as possible and adapted for the least air resistance when running. A dog with a medium-length tail, with one ring. Long hair grows on the legs, sides, head, and in puppies under one year old, on the cheekbones. Life expectancy is 12-14 years.

Photo of an adult dog

Photos of puppies

Features of character and behavior

Opinions about the Afghan hound are controversial . The owners note the unusual character. Some also claim that she can be uncontrollable and revengeful. However, any difficult character can be dealt with with the right approach.

Experts recommend early socialization. It is produced throughout the entire period of growing up. Thanks to this, it is possible to obtain proud and fearless dogs. They can come into conflict with an animal that is significantly larger than them in terms of volume and speed of movement.

The breed is fast, with excellent memory. Without attention, the dog becomes capricious. It is not recommended to be intrusive and touch their fur. Prohibitions should be introduced from childhood. In adolescence, dogs can be hot-tempered because they want to dominate.

Advantages

For each owner, their own dog is considered unique. However, there are common advantages that characterize the entire breed:

• Affectionate.
• Tender.
• Trainable.
• Energetic.
• Hardy, with a complete absence of fear.
• They have personal dignity.

A dog can demonstrate these qualities with proper upbringing and regular communication with its owner.

Flaws

Unfortunately, there are a number of disadvantages that characterize the Afghan watchdog:

• Capricious.
• Proud.
• Tend to show aggression.
• They may suddenly become afraid.
• A person may have problems during his upbringing.
• Constant coat care is required.
• Should not be started in families with children under 7 years of age.

Character

In general, Afghan hounds are sociable, charming, loving, but they make any decisions independently. This is where the general character traits of the breed end. Buying an Afghan Hound puppy is a gamble. A baby can grow up to be either a quiet, shy and modest dog or a grumpy, capricious little one. Even puppies from the same litter have different personality traits.

Afghan Hounds bond with one or two family members. Very loyal and eager to communicate dogs. They need a lot of attention and love from their owners.

Not suitable for families with small children: dogs may be frightened by loud sounds and sudden movements and react nervously to them. But they love children very much and can tolerate their increased attention for a long time.

With great pleasure, the Afghan Hound will take part in family games and entertainment. Likes to fetch abandoned objects.

Well-mannered dogs do not mind the presence of other animals - the main thing is to have time to introduce them to each other. Unidentified small animals may be perceived as prey.

When walking, a greyhound can attack any game - a cat, rodents, a car. "Afghans" are good jumpers, so front gardens and low fences will not interfere with them.

They are not prone to dominance and are easy to correct their behavior, despite their independence and stubbornness.

Afghan hounds are touchy and react especially sharply to punishments that are unfair, from their point of view. Dissatisfaction can be openly expressed, but the dog can also harbor a grudge, in the best traditions of the East.

Smooth, sweeping, energetic movements inherent in Afghan hounds do not allow one to doubt the aristocratic nature of the species. It usually moves at a light gallop, holding its tail and head high, demonstrating elegance and high self-esteem with its entire appearance.

Care and maintenance

The Afghan Guard is a show breed . The owner must carefully care for the coat. The breed standard does not require shavings on the animal. That is why, when a hairstyle is created, the dog will no longer be able to take part in exhibitions.

1. It is necessary to regularly inspect the appearance. Particular attention should be paid to the eyes. They collect contaminants, which are removed with plain water or weakly brewed tea.
2. Nails are trimmed once every 30 days. The procedure is performed using a special tool. Otherwise, the animal may develop cracks.
3. The dog's teeth are brushed twice a week. Special brushes and pastes are also used for this.
4. You should clean your ears thoroughly every week. Special bones can help in this matter.
5. It is also necessary to regularly rub your eyes with chamomile or black tea.
6. The dog must have its own bed.
7. Walks are carried out only with a leash. The animal needs communication with other representatives of the breed.
8. For the necessary physical activity, you can give him to the section.
9. It is best to avoid walking in hot weather. Otherwise, the risk of heat stroke increases.

Nutrition

The health and longevity of any animal will depend on properly selected food. The frequency of feeding is selected according to age needs:

• Up to 4 months – 5 times a day.
• From six months to a year – 4 times a day.
• Over one year old – 3 times a day.
• Over two years - 2 times a day.

The dog's diet should include:

• Lean chicken, beef, ocean fish.
• Offal.
• Low-fat fermented milk products.
• Boiled eggs.
• Porridge: oatmeal, rice, buckwheat, millet.
• Green vegetables, beets, cabbage.
• It is allowed to give a small amount of fresh herbs.
• Any premium dog food will also work.

Sausages, fatty meats, sweet pastries and legumes should be completely avoided in feeding.

The drinking regime directly depends on the method of nutrition and the time of year. For example, natural food contains a sufficient amount of liquid. That is why the dog practically does not drink it separately. It is important to always have fresh water in your dog's bowl. If you plan to take long walks, you should take at least 0.5 liters with you. On a hot day, the volume increases in direct proportion to the weather outside.

Health

With proper care, the dog will live up to 14 years. The breed is not classified as an ornamental breed, so it rarely exhibits genetic deviations from the normal range. With proper nutrition and the use of additional vitamin complexes, the dog will have good health.

However, it is very sensitive to even minor skin damage. The animal suffers from pain and cannot tolerate anesthesia. That is why owners should be more attentive to his health.

Vaccinations

The dog must be vaccinated against distemper, rabies, parvovirus enteritis and viral hepatitis.

Vaccination of puppies and adult dogs is carried out according to this scheme:

• The first procedure should be performed within 2 months. Treat for helminths within 10 days.
• The second one is in two weeks. You can start walking outside for the first time and interacting with other animals after 14 days.
• The third - in six months.
• The fourth - per year.

It is advisable to carry out repeated vaccinations to maintain immunity every year until the end of the animal’s life.

Diseases

The Afghan watchdog has a strong immune system. However, even for such a breed there is a threat from the following diseases:

• Constipation due to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Cardiomyopathy is diagnosed when there is a change in the walls of the heart muscle.
• When the pleural cavity is filled with fluid, chylothorax is determined.
• Ungroomed fur is dangerous. It provokes the development of dermatitis, eczema and other skin diseases.
• Myelopathy is a disorder of the spinal cord.
• Various pathologies in the functioning of the eyes.

Walk

The breed requires walks at least twice a day. With the proper level of activity, it is possible to prevent the development of dangerous diseases and age-related diseases. The animal can gallop or jog for a long time.

It is advisable to start training no earlier than 8 months. Otherwise, the animal may develop shoulder girdle diseases. It is advisable to walk only with a leash.

Grooming

A brush with soft bristles is used to comb the fur . In order not to cause pain to the dog, combing the hair begins from the ends. Gradually you should move to the roots. Full bathing is performed once every 10 days. For this, only special shampoos and balms are used. The hairs are carefully combed to prevent the formation of tangles.

The dog should visit the groomer regularly. Thanks to the right haircut, you will be able to maintain the correct shape of your hair for a long time.
It is recommended to carry out such care at least once a month.

Care

In ancient times, when the Afghan hound actively went hunting, it required almost no care. Years of selective breeding have made her undercoat hypertrophied, so the modern owner will have to work hard. During shedding, be sure to comb the coat every day and pluck the undercoat, otherwise the fallen hairs will become tangled and devoid of natural fatty lubrication.

First, the cover is moistened, and combing must begin from below, so as not to damage or electrify the hairs. Villi often fall out between the paws, so a puppy who does not like this procedure must be accustomed to it from early childhood. The tail cover also needs to be styled: it should hang vertically, so a straight parting should be made at the top.

Mating

The third heat is considered optimal for mating. The process occurs over a period of 1.5 to 2 years . Males are bred up to 4 years old , bitches - up to 2 years old . The standard period is from 10 to 12 noon . The bitch must be completely ready for fertilization. The dogs are introduced in advance. It is important to take time for pre-courtship.

Key points in training

Training Afghan Hounds requires patience and skill. The result will not be noticeable immediately. However, it is strictly not recommended to give up training. At the first stage, you should master simple orders. It is necessary to develop a motivation system that is interesting for the dog. Initial attempts should be made immediately after the puppy appears in the house. He can be stubborn and show character. Before the age of 12 weeks, contact with the owner is established, so sufficient communication is necessary. You can teach your puppy the following commands on your own:

• "To me"
• "Place"
• “Sit and lie down”
• “Give me your paw!”

These manipulations are considered basic, therefore they are part of almost all first training sessions. The character of the dog should be taken into account. She should not be scolded or ignored. Encouragement and communication play an important role here . The owner must demonstrate respect and love. Only in this case the desired result is achieved. Afghan hound training is best done under the direct supervision of a professional in this matter.

The process requires maximum effort only on the part of a person. Additionally, you will need to come up with a learning algorithm individually. It depends on temperament and contact with the owner.

Read about how to properly train a dog in the article: “Training a puppy: effective methods from dog handlers, learning commands at home.”

Interesting facts about the breed

These unusually beautiful dogs are rarely found in cities; most often they can be found in elite villages or cottages. Thanks to its long history, the breed has accumulated many interesting facts:

• The Afghan Hound is one of the TOP most beautiful dogs in the world.
• Afghans are very jealous and do not like other animals in the house.
• Dogs of this breed are used for hunting.
• Such pets have a very low pain threshold, and any scratch can cause them a lot of suffering.

It is better to purchase an Afghan Hound from responsible owners who can provide the pet with attention and care. Such animals need a lot of space and only high-quality products, it is important to take this into account before buying a puppy.

How to choose a puppy

• Puppies of this breed look quite simple. They behave clumsily and are covered with a thin layer of fur. They may appear to be shedding.
• It is best to adopt a puppy at the age of three months. By this time, their coat should become thicker and have a slight wave. By nature, the dog is already completely independent and does not depend in any way on its mother. Experts in this matter can already consider a number of possible breed problems. A person without proper experience is unlikely to pay attention to such nuances.
• When making your own choice, you should analyze the dog’s paws in detail. They must be perfectly even. The coat shines in the sun and looks healthy. If the choice is between two dogs, then you should buy the one that tries to play with the future owner.
• Before purchasing, you should carefully analyze the mother's documents. If a disqualifying mark is found, then it is best to refuse to purchase a puppy.
• It is also recommended to analyze the condition and position of the teeth. The dog must have the correct bite. No dirt should be allowed to accumulate in the ears. Otherwise, hearing problems may occur in the future.

The Afghan Hound is a loyal and intelligent dog breed. She adores her owner and is ready to stand up for him. This breed is long-haired. That is why you will have to pay maximum attention to care.

Training

It is not without reason that dog breeders consider representatives of the breed to be stubborn, although intelligent. They quickly grasp new commands, but do not always want to follow them. The fact is that this is a hunting dog: in order to start hunting a prey, there is no need to obtain the owner’s approval, you must act with lightning speed. But you still need to train your pet - it’s worth taking at least a general training course so that you can confidently walk around the city. In modern hunting, the Afghan is rarely used, since caring for its coat becomes too labor-intensive and expensive.

If an animal is being prepared for an exhibition, it must be taught a special stance: it must walk slowly, then stop at the command of the owner, receiving praise from him. Praise is a key success factor: the more often you encourage your dog, the higher the chances of achieving high results from it.