afghan hounds -

Information about this beautiful breed

 

Generally the Afghan Hound is sound and healthy and they live on average to between 12 and 14 years of age.  The most common disease found would be cancer related or general old age.  Very occasionally, laryngeal paralysis occurs in a very small number of hounds.

 

BREED SPECIFIC TENDENCIES AND TRAITS

 

Afghan Hounds are sight hounds originating from Afghanistan, they hunt by sight.   In the UK Afghan Hounds belong to the Hound Group.

They have distinctive characteristics and features which make them unique. It is good to remember that their instinct is to chase and catch anything that is running.

In their native country they were used to hunt antelope and gazelle and even snow leopards. They have very good vision, strong jaws. They have lean muscular bodies, a deep chest to house their lungs, and long powerful legs. In their native country their thick coat protected them against extreme cold of the upper snow regions, but equally shielded them from the sun in the desert areas.

Afghan Hounds are large dogs. When fully grown, a dog's height is between 27 and 29 inches to the shoulder, and bitches are smaller at 25 to 27 inches. They can weigh around 30 kilos.

As pets, Afghan Hounds are very affectionate. They are aloof, dignified, affectionate, and sensitive but can also act the clown.

Afghans need training and firm control to keep their instinctive habits in check. As a breed they have very independent characters, and will do what they want to, and not be your slave. This often gives them the reputation of being dumb, but this is not so. They can be highly intelligent and are independent thinkers.

Afghan Hounds require space to exercise. They have high stamina levels and need daily walks. They can easily jump high fences or even dig their way under them so your garden needs to be secure. Running free may be a problem unless you can find a completely enclosed and well-fenced area.

An important part of a dog’s life is exercise. Indeed exercise times and feeding times are often the most exciting parts of a dog’s day, and your puppy will grow to keenly anticipate them.

There is a comprehensive report formulated by the Animal Health Trust in conjunction with the Kennel Club, and the findings of this may be found from the following link:

 

https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/what-we-do-for-dog-health/supporting-scientific-research/kennel-club-health-research/2004-pedigree-dog-health-survey/

 

Afghan Hound International Pedigree Database

AHI Afghan Hound Pedigree database is an initiative to collect as many Afghan Hound pedigrees and data as possible to give a good view of the breed, show developments in the breed, and help breeders planning their litters and owners discovering the ancestors of their beloved pets.

 

Afghan Hound International Pedigree Database