Afghan Hound Dog Breed | Aggressive Dog or Pet - Afghan Hound
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The Breed History
The Afghan Hound was first represented in Indian works of art dated 1809. The origin of the breed as the name implies was in Afghanistan and surrounding regions where they were bred for at least a few thousand years by nomadic tribes. Due to the variations of elevation and climate in this harsh wild region, some variation in breed type evolved, distinguishing it from the original Middle Eastern Sight hound. The specimens that became foundation stock for American and European breeding programs arrived in Scotland in 1920 (desert strain), and specimens from the other founding strain (mountain type) arrived in England in 1925. The AKC admitted the breed in 1926.
Breeding for Function
The mountain regions of the north gave rise to Afghans with heavier coats, more compact build and darker coat colors. The arid regions gave rise to a lighter build and color and a less dense coat. Historically this breed was a guard dog, a coursing hound, and even reportedly used for herding. As a coursing sight hound, the dog hunted alongside horsemen. Due to their speed and stamina they often worked ahead of the hunters and due to their agility, they were able to manage hunts over very rough terrain. The quarry varied depending on the locale, and may have included antelope and leopards. More recently, Afghan Hounds have been successfully entered in lure coursing and obedience, but many are now prized solely for their exceptional companionship qualities.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: female 24-26" (61-66 cm), male 26-28" (66-71 cm). Weight: females 50 lb (23 kg), males 60 lb (27 kg). Coat: The very fine silky, glossy and long haircoat is shorter on the face, though a long, soft topknot is present. Hair is short also over the topline (the Afghan saddle) in adults. They are shown in a natural unclipped coat. Though all coat colors are accepted except spotted pattern, the presence of white head markings is not encouraged. Puppies have soft fuzzy short hair on their saddles and faces (monkey whiskers) that is replaced by an adult coat at about one year of age.
Longevity: 12-14 years
Points of Conformation: This breed is noted for the "far-seeing gaze", noble carriage and fine coat. Other key characteristics include prominent hip bones, large feet, and they appear to have an increased stifle angle due to the overlying haircoat. The skull is long and finely chiseled with a slight Roman nose; no pronounced stop is present. The occipital protuberance is prominent, the ears are long and pendulous and covered with long silky hair, and the leather is fine. Eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and almost triangular. The muzzle is very long in this dolichocephalic breed. The nose is moderate in size and black in pigmentation. Neck is long, arched, and the topline is level, though the loin is slightly arched, and there is a marked tuck-up in the abdomen. The thorax is deep, the forelegs straight boned and the radius is very long; tibia is also long, and the feet are well arched with lots of hair covering them, and large toes are present. Their gait is smooth, elastic, and high stepping with strides that cover great distance and seeming effortless. High head and tail carriage is notable. The tail is low set, curled at the end (donut tipped), and has minimal feathering.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Traits ascribed to this breed include: Strong independent streak, strong personality, somewhat difficult to train, and generally aloof with strangers.
These dogs have high grooming needs including daily brushing and regular bathing. They are low shedders. Some resources suggest snoods (hoods) to protect the long hair from soiling or getting in the mouth during mealtime.
These dogs have high exercise needs, and they need to be restricted to fenced enclosures or they will roam. They are very sensitive dogs. Some are good with children, some not. They do best with gentle, quiet children and early socialization is important. It is best to introduce them to other pets and children when the dog is young. Play activities and lots of attention should be provided to alleviate boredom.
Normal Physiologic Variations
Sight hounds have lower normal ranges for T4 and T3 concentrations compared to other breeds.
Echocardiographic Normal Values
Parameter Median (Range)
1.Weight (kg) - 23 (17-36)
2.Heart rate (bpm) - 120 (80-140)
3.LVPWD (mm) - 9 (7-11)
4.LVPWS (mm) - 12 (9-18)
5. LVD (mm) - 42 (33-52)
6. LVS (mm) - 28 (20-37)
7. FS (%) - 33 (24-48)
8. EPSS (mm) - 4 (0-10)
9. RVd (mm) - 10 (5-20)
10. IVSd (mm) - 10 (8-12)
11. IVSs (mm) - 13 (8-18)
12. AOD (mm) - 26 (20-34)
13. LAS (mm) - 26 (18-35)
14.N - 20