Afghan Hound
Afghan Hounds are generally described to be stately dog breeds, belonging to the sight hound category, that are well-known for their thick and finely textured body hair. They typically make excellent watch dogs because of their inherent loyalty and courageous manner.
Afghan Hounds belong to one of the earliest dog breeds, once widely employed for hunting and herding purposes by the early tribesmen of Afghanistan, centuries ago. As a matter of fact, many ancient cave images depict this dog breed, reinforcing the verity that Afghan Hounds have been around for as long as the prehistoric civilizations.
Physical Appearance
Afghan Hounds are typically characterized by their noble deportments. They stand dignified, with hipbones that are well prominent, and with steadily set long legs. Oftentimes, they are described to be having a judicious, sage-like appearance as if standing on meditation at all times.
The head of the Afghan hound is of fine length, with extended jaws. The eyes are often depicted as owning an exotic quality, appearing slightly triangular. The ears and the neck are also long, with the ears customarily leveling with the eyes.
This dog breed is typified by its long body hair that is usually fine and silky in texture. Even the feet and the ears are well-furred. For authentic appearances, it is best not to trim the Afghan Hounds fur, for it is the thick and long coating and a copious knot of silky head hair that gives distinction to this elegant breed.
These dogs stand between 25 to 27 inches approximately, with the male typically standing at twenty-seven inches, and the bitches at approximately twenty-five inches. The standard weights are between fifty to sixty pounds, with the males normally heavier than the females.
General Temperament
Afghan hounds generally have a warm temperament, and can be fiercely loyal to their masters. However they are also normally typified by their distant, almost standoffish behavior, especially when not trained properly. When disciplined in the most fitting manner, Afghan hounds will exhibit a sweetness and sensitive nature, and will show affection and gentleness even when unprovoked.
Although the Afghan Hounds’ elegant coating and slender structure give them a sense of delicate physical appearance, they actually make very excellent hunting, herding, and watch dogs. They have to be trained in the most fitting way possible however, given their oftentimes aloof temperament that can be challenging to break through.
The Afghan hound has a graceful but powerful gait, showing elegant gallops in stride, its head and curved tail held notably. Especially when set loose, these dogs will show amazing flexibility and bounce at great paces.
Health
The Life Expectancy of Afghan hounds are between 12 to 14 years. There are several causes for death, counting cancer, old age, cardiac arrest, and urinary and reproductive problems. There are two diseases however; that this dog breed can be susceptible to – Anaesthetic Idiosyncrasy and Von Willebrand’s disease.
Anaesthetic Idiosyncrasy can render Afghan hounds intolerant of anesthetics and tranquilizers, which is why it is highly encouraged for the dog owners to inform the dog veterinarian of this rare condition. In severe cases the dog will experience hair shedding and other health complications. Also, a respiratory system paralysis called Necrotic myelopathy can be fatal to Afghan Hounds.
History
The breed of Afghan hounds has been in existence since primeval times, dating back to ancient empires of Egypt and Central Asia. A strong legend has circulated that this was the dog breed which the biblical Noah has brought to his ark.
Afghan hounds are indigenous to Afghanistan, where Afghan hunters and herders used these dogs during hunting expeditions, and for farming purposes. Despite their elegant stances, Afghan hounds are excellent hunter dogs, easily preying on deers, gazelles, and even dangerous leopards. Later, this breed reached India, and at the beginning of the 20th century, spread to the United States and England.
