Afghan Hound Dogs Information

Written by: Shawna L. Krautheim

Copyright 1997 to 2010 Dogs and Puppies Central
All rights reserved.

Alternate Names: Firehouse Dog

Common Misspellings:  Afgan Hound, Afghanhound, Afganhound, Afgans

Learn all about Afghan Hound Dogs and Puppies through our indepth guide to the Afghan Hound dog breed. You'll find solid information about Afghan Hound dog history, Afghan Hound life expectancy Afghan Hound dog appearance, Afghan Hound temperament and personality, Afghan Hound health problems, Afghan Hound puppy care, training Afghan Hound puppy dogs and more. Also includes important information about choosing a responsible Afghan Hound dog breeder.

When it comes to glamour, the Afghan Hound has it in spades.

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Afghan Hound Facts

The Afghan Hound Dog Breed In Brief

Country of Origin: Afghanistan

Afghan Hound Height: 25 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder

Afghan Hound Weight: 50 to 60 pounds

Afghan Hound Color Variations:

Afghan Hound Size Variations: Only comes in the standard variety

Afghan Hound Exercise Needs: Demanding

Afghan Hound Grooming Demands: Demanding

Afghan Hound Trainability: Difficult

Afghan Hound Life Expectancy:

Average Afghan Hound Prices: $750 to $2500, depending on Pedigree

Good With Children: Best with older, well behaved children.

Good With Other Pets: Usually

Breed Group: Hound

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Afghan Hound Dog History

Credit with the development of this fine and noble hound goes to the country of Afghanistan, though popular belief suggests that the Afghan Hound may have existed for thousands of years in the lands of Egypt. Another theory is that this elegant sighthound got his start on the steppes of Asia, where he might have evolved from an ancient sighthound in that territory. Regardless of speculation and despite a lot of research going into these different theories, neither one has ever been proven and so, to date, it is generally acknowledged that this magnificent dog was developed in Afghanistan and surrounding countries, somewhere around the 19th century.

Created for the purpose of coursing game, the Afghan hound was not just a pretty face, back in the day. Used to hunt everything from common hares to the elusive snow leopard, Afghan Hounds were prized for their surefootedness, swiftness and their courage, as well as their beauty. Capable of being hunted singly or in pairs or packs, the Afghan Hound was a formidable hunter, capable of bringing down large game with ease and yet these powerful dogs were almost wiped out during WWI.

Miss Jean C. Manson and the couple, Major and Mrs. G. Bell Murray, are responsible for reintroducing the Afghan hound to the Western world. Having just returned to Scotland after an 80-year trip to Baluchistan (now known as Pakistan), they brought with them a group of Afghans that they had both acquired and bred during their stay. Today, a majority of the modern Afghan Hounds can be traced back to dogs of their lineage.

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Afghan Hound Dog Appearance

The Afghan Hound has a distinct look that's all his own. The head is refined and beautiful with what is known as a level mouth (where the teeth match up evenly - a challenge if you are planning to breed these beauties!). They stand an average of 24-28 inches at the shoulder and usually weigh between 50-60 pounds as adults. All colors are allowed in this breed but white markings, particularly on the head, are frowned upon.

The Afghan hound's signature is his long and silky coat, a sharp contrast to the short hair that is found on their heads, tails, and along the saddle. The rest of their coat is long and silky, with good feathering and density. The Afghan Hound is to be shown in his natural state, without being trimmed or clipped, and the head is shown sporting an elegant topknot with no other adornments.

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Afghan Hound Grooming

In order to prevent snarls and mats, the Afghan Hound requires a daily comb-through to keep his beautiful coat long, elegant and silky. Bathing should be done when necessary, though it's not uncommon for show animals to get a bath every week or alternating weeks. Dependant on your dog and how often he likes to get dirty, you're sure to work out a routine that works best for you.

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Afghan Hound Exercise Needs

Despite what the movies might suggest, the Afghan Hound is not ideally suited for New York apartments or cramped quarters. In order to maintain a healthy standard of living, these large and powerful dogs need to have room where they can stretch their legs and run - a natural love of staying active being bred into these wonderful canines. If the Afghan Hound does not have access to a fenced in back yard, then he should be taken for several half-hour walks, daily.

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Afghan Hound Temperament

The Afghan Hound is the epitome` of aristocratic elegance and every aspect of the breed reflects this. Tending to be rather aloof and withdrawn, they are prone to preferring to remain apart from the crowd and can be somewhat shy at times. While very loyal, they would still rather watch the Christmas party from under the table than get up and get involved with all the noisy relatives - your best bet is to provide your Afghan Hound with a quite retreat that he can go to, when things prove to be too loud and boisterous.

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Afghan Hound Training

Many people liken Afghan Hounds to cats, meaning that they are notoriously aloof, independent and can be very stubborn to train. If an Afghan Hound doesn't feel like learning something, you're going to have your hands full, attempting to teach him this. Not above simply walking off in the middle of the lesson, training an Afghan puppy takes patience and persistence.

Afghan Hound Health

Like any breed of dog, the Afghan Hound is subject to a variety of health concerns. Your best bet is, when deciding to choose a new Afghan Hound puppy, check around with several breeders and ask about the various health issues that can affect these beautiful little dogs. A reputable breeder should be well-versed in the health concerns and should be able to give you more details, as well as showing you the sire and dam of your potential puppy. Some of the health problems that can affect Afghan Hounds include:

Hip dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia
Cataracts
Necrotic myelopathy

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Is the Afghan Hound Right For You?

The Afghan Hound is not for the person who wants a loving and loyal, devoted lapdog. In fact, many people liken these beautiful canines to cats, due to their aloof and often arrogant natures. Those who appreciate the breed do so for their intelligence, their beauty and their independence. If, however, you want a dog who doesn't desire being underfoot all the time and you don't mind the daily brushing, the Afghan Hound is a very elegant and intriguing individual to spend living quarters with!

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Afghan Hound Prices

Average Afghan Hound Price: $750 - $1000

Price always varies when it comes to the purchase of a quality, home-raised healthy Afghan Hound dog or puppy. It's of utmost importance that you place the most weight on acquiring a great Afghan Hound puppy from a highly responsible, reputable breeder, and put the price as a secondary concern in making your decision.

Buying a Afghan Hound dog or puppy at a cheap price from a breeder of questionable reputation can be a one-way ticket to heartbreak and great additional expense throughout the dog's life, should your Afghan Hound puppy have hereditary health problems or behavior and temperament issues (which very often is the case with cheap-priced puppies). Buying from a highly reputable Afghan Hound breeder is your best insurance for acquiring a well socialized, healthy puppy of stable temperament.

Afghan Hound prices also will vary according to the puppy's conformation; puppies placed as pets and companions will generally be less expensive as show-quality Afghan Hound puppies intended to be shown in conformation.

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Finding Afghan Hound Puppies For Sale By Reputable Breeders

If you are ready to add an adorable Afghan Hound puppy to your family, be sure to check out Dogs and Puppies Central's directory of Afghan Hound Puppies For Sale, where you will find photos and information posted by reputable Afghan Hound breeders. We actively screen Afghan Hound breeders who wish to advertise on our service by asking that they meet and follow our Guidelines For Responsible Dog Breeders. We also ask for - and check - three references from each breeder.

By performing an initial dog breeder screening, it is our hope that we can help put you in touch with a caring, responsible Afghan Hound breeder near you. We cannot physically inspect the premises and dogs owned by breeders advertising with us, so you need to be responsible for doing the final inspection and interview.

Let's stop the cruelty of puppy mills. Please help us keep money out of the hands of puppy mills, back yard breeders and pet stores. Buy your Afghan Hound puppy only from a responsible, caring hobby breeder that raises their dogs and puppies in a loving home environment.

When you locate that perfect Afghan Hound puppy - please be sure to send us some photos to be included in our growing gallery of Afghan Hound dog and puppy pictures!

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Additional Afghan Hound Resources:

• Afghan Hound Wikipedia Profile
• AKC Afghan Hound Breed Profile
• Afghan Hound Pictures
• Afghan Hound Videos

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