Want to learn how to transform your Afghan Hound’s behavior? Click here to find out how.
The Afghan Hound, also referred to as a Tazi or Baluchi Hound, is an exotic dog breed from Afghanistan. It is known for its regal appearance and long silky coat. The males of this breed can grow to 27 inches tall and weigh up to about 60 pounds. Female Afghan Hounds are slight smaller with a maximum height of about 25 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. Their coats are smooth and long and they come in a variety of beautiful colors.
The Afghan was used as a sight hound used to hunt large game including deer and even leopards. An ancient breed, the Afghan is seen in cave paintings and on papyrus.
While the Afghan Hound has a look that suggests a life of leisure, they are a fairly active breed that enjoy running, racing and getting into mischief. If you have other pets and you are considering adding an Afghan Hound to your family then you will want to either get a puppy that can be raised with the other animals, or find an older dog that has been well socialized. Afghan Hounds make great family pets, however, because they have the nature to chase small animals, they are better suited for families with older children.
Afghan Hounds are a high maintenance breed. They will require extensive grooming every day in order to keep their coats and skin healthy. They will also require a bath every other week. When grooming your Afghan Hound you will want to pay extra attention to their ears as they have a tendency to get dirty and infected. In addition to proper grooming you will also need to make sure that you provide your Afghan with enough exercise. They should be walked at least twice a day, and given the opportunity to run and play in a fenced in area as much as possible. This dog is not known for its obedience so you will need to make sure that its play areas are securely fenced or you will need to keep it on a leash.
The Afghan Hound is a somewhat independent breed and prone to being submissive. Have a gentle hand while training and use lots of motivation while obedience training.
Afghan Hounds are athletic dogs and sometimes display a snobby attitude. They are considered to be the least intelligent working dog. It may be that they are too smart to listen to just anyone. They are not your ordinary “Fetch, Sit, Stay” kind of dog. They think on their own freewill.
Origins of the Afghan Hound
Afghan Hound is a very ancient breed of dog. It is a categorized a sight hound and they have very distinctive features and are easily recognizable in appearance. Afghan Hounds acquired their unique features in the cold mountains of Afghanistan.
They were once used to hunt hares and gazelles. They were even known to hunt leopards. They were heavily favored by royalty in the Afghan area and the ancient people held them in high esteem.
Appearance and Abilities
Afghan Hounds are very tall dogs, about 24 to 29 inches tall. They have long and strong necks. They have distinctive long, rich and silky coats. Even their large feet are covered with long hair. The front legs are strong and straight and their tails that curls at the tip.
With the thick hair, they may appear sluggish at first glance but the Afghan Hounds’ speed, agility, and endurance is legendary. They are fierce hunters with strong jaws and they have relentless attitudes in hunting. As sight hounds, they are alert and always ready to act.
Their hunting roots grant them the ability to run swiftly and gracefully. They are very athletic dogs and can even jump great heights. They were preferred participants for lure coursing events because of their inherent attributes.
Unfortunately, course game hunting is not as popular today. Afghan Hounds are now the darling of conformation shows. Their flowing silky locks and dignified stance are well suited for exhibitions.
Afghan Hound Temperament and Tendencies
Afghan Hounds are very aloof dogs. They have dignified bearings and independent-minded. They are not easily trained because they are free thinkers and they do what they want to do.
Even though they do not respond well to obedience and tricks training, they are very smart dogs. Their problem solving skills are instinctively remarkable. It is only due to their independent nature that makes them very difficult to train.
When comfortable and trusting with the people around, Afghan hounds are funny and clown like. They have silly temperaments.
Afghan Hound Training and Care
In general, Afghan Hounds are very difficult to house train But with patience and consistency they will eventually learn. The Afghan puppies have very poor bladder control. You have to wait about six months for them to be completely clean in their deeds.
Grooming the Afghan Hounds is one of the main responsibilities of the owners. They require brushing and bathing regularly, at least weekly. It is obvious that their coats need that much maintenance. Neglected Afghan Hounds are prone to parasites, abscesses and skin diseases.
Since they have a strong tendency to be shy, they need extensive socialization so they can be more of their clown selves when with other people. They are incredibly fun when they are comfortable.
A great thing about them is that they always know what they want to do. If they get tired with all the fuss, they will just find a quite place to retire themselves. Most of the time, they do not ask for approval to do the things they want to.
Want to learn how to transform your Afghan Hound’s behavior? Click here to find out how.
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