How to Care for The Afghan Hound

‍‍The Afghan hound is a striking breed, with a signature fawn coat, green eyes and a black mask. This breed of dog also has an independent and aloof nature, which makes it an interesting pet for owners who value their alone time. But don’t mistake their shyness for weakness, the Afghan hound is also known as “the lion among dogs” because of its fierce and fearless nature when provoked.

Description

The Afghan hound is a large, long-haired breed of dog. Males are usually between 21 and 24 inches tall at the shoulder, with an average weight of 60 pounds. Females are about an inch shorter and about 10 pounds lighter. The Afghan’s coat can have a variety of colours and patterns, including fawn, red, black, blue, cream and brindle.

Breed History

The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed though the exact origin of this dog is unknown. According to historians, the Afghan Hound is likely related to the Tibetan and Chinese breeds, which are also believed to be descended from the Tibetan Wolf. The Afghan Hound was once a cherished and prized companion of nomadic tribes in Central Asia and the Middle East. However, by the late 19th century, Western travellers and explorers had brought Afghan Hounds to Europe, where the breed was recognized by the Kennel Club in the late 1930s.

Temperament

The Afghan Hound is an aloof and independent breed that enjoys being left alone. These dogs are not recommended for households with young children, as they are not known for their gentleness around children. The Afghan Hound is also wary around other animals, so a home with non-canine pets is not recommended. The Afghan Hound is known for its friendly and gentle temperament with people once they have been introduced to them. These dogs are also independent, so they do not need or want lots of attention from their owners. The Afghan Hound is also quite easy to train and enjoys the challenge of puzzles and games.

Care and training

The Afghan Hound’s coat needs to be brushed regularly to prevent mats. You should also give your dog a bath about once every two or three months. Some owners choose to clip their Afghan’s coat, but this does come with a few risks. If you decide to clip your dog, be sure to get them clipped by a professional groomer who knows how to clip this breed’s coat. With training, you can teach your Afghan Hound to walk on a leash, though they may require a special harness to prevent chafing. You can also train your Afghan Hound to sit, stay and lie down with ease.

Watch out for

The Afghan Hound is prone to a few health conditions, including hypothyroidism, canine histiocytosis and epilepsy. You should also take some care when you are bringing an Afghan Hound into a home with other pets. This breed is intelligent, but they do also have a stubborn streak, which means that they might try to assert their dominance over other animals. A common complaint about the Afghan Hound is that it sheds a lot and therefore requires extra cleaning. You will have to vacuum your house more often to get rid of the extra hair, and you might have to deal with an Afghan Hound who is not too fond of being brushed.

Afghan Hound care FAQ

Does the Afghan hound shed? Yes, the Afghan hound sheds a lot. You will have to vacuum your house more often to get rid of the extra hair, and you might have to deal with an Afghan hound who is not too fond of being brushed.

What coat type does the Afghan hound have? The Afghan hound has a long coat.

How much exercise does the Afghan hound need? The Afghan hound only needs a moderate amount of exercise. A long walk each day is enough to keep this dog happy and healthy.

What is the lifespan of the Afghan hound? The average life span of the Afghan hound is about 12 to 14 years.

What is the average weight of an Afghan hound? The average weight of an Afghan hound is 60 pounds for males and 55 pounds for females.

Conclusion

The Afghan Hound is a breed with a regal bearing and a friendly temperament towards people who have earned its trust. This breed is not recommended for households with young children, as they are not known for their gentleness around children. The Afghan hound is also wary around other animals, so a home with non-canine pets is not recommended. The Afghan Hound is an aloof and independent breed that enjoys being left alone. These dogs are not recommended for households with young children. With training, you can teach your Afghan Hound to walk on a leash, though they may require a special harness to prevent chafing. You can also train your Afghan Hound to sit, stay and lie down with ease.