Afghan Hound Guide - Complete Care and Information

The Afghan hound is an ancient breed. It was bred by nomadic people thousands of years ago in Afghanistan, Pakistan, as well as northern India. During their pilgrimage journey to the Middle East, the Afghans were accompanied by British soldiers. These soldiers took the dog to England. This breed in Afghanistan is called Tazi. Since antiquity, courageous Afghan Hounds accompanied humans for hunting. The owners have confidence in the dog's speed, intelligence ability to cover great distances, and panoramic vision.

This elegant beauty aptly pursued large prey in deserts as well as mountain regions of Afghanistan. They would hold prey like deer, even a leopard till the huntsman on horseback joined it. The long coat protected them from the cold outside. The personality of the hound is one of dignity as well as aloofness. It can be comical too. The hound is part of the subcategory of hound breeds called sight-hounds. There are contradictions in the personality of the dog. It runs with speed and at other times quite as well as lazy.

Distinctive Features of Afghan Hound

The weight of a male is 55-65 lbs. while a female is 45-55lbs. the male is 27 inches tall and the female is 25 inches in height. The dog's expected longevity is 12-15 years. Its physical attributes are a powerful arched neck, conspicuous hips, sizeable paws, and apparently magnified bends at the knees. The tail end concludes in a curl. The head and little convex muzzle are lengthy constrictive and refined. The ears are long with long hair. Silky fine hair covers the head crown, chest, fore and hindquarters, and legs. The hair covering the face and back is short and glossy.

Afghan hound comes in different coat colors like black, tan-and-black, cream, red, blue, domino, brindle & white. Those hounds which come from mountainous regions possess thick and dark fur whereas those originating from the desert have lighter color coats and volume.

The pups are not similar to long-haired adults. The fluffy pups have facial hairs on cheeks which are called monkey whiskers and on saddles. At the age of one year, the fluffy coat sheds, and glossy hair in long length takes its place. The adult makes a beautiful picture when on the move with sweeping locks.

The large feet of the dog give grip and is not likely to be injured on a rough surface. The hairy exterior keeps it warm specifically at night at high altitudes. The hound personality is one of dignity and aloofness whereas the carriage is labeled as proud. The dog moves with head and tail high. High hipbone is characteristic of this breed.

How to Take Care of Pet Afghan Hound?

Afghan hounds are sweet and loving dogs. However, they need special care. They require a lot of grooming and a certain diet. Moreover, they can also be destructive if not properly taken care of.

How to Setup Living Area for Pet Afghan Hound?

Afghan hounds can run with speed so requires a big fenced yard for daily exercise. This breed ignores the calls of the owner and may get hit by a car on the road. A fenced yard is a must for them. This breed should not be left unsupervised as they can harm neighborhood pets. Plenty of exercises will keep them away from boredom, as well as destructive actions. On average, the hound should be given a couple of miles walk.

A loving and adjustable hound can fit any size of the home and any size of the family. What they need most are a soft bed and daily outdoor activity. Once proper training is given the hound adjusts well with other pets and children.

What to Feed Pet Afghan Hound?

The fluffy-looking Afghans are very thin beneath their long silky coat. The diet consumed by them is very less. When kept as pets, serve good quality dog food with a supplement of vegetable oil. This will keep the skin and coat healthy. Make the dog wear ear stockings known as snoots so their ears do not dip in food. Serve food in quantity as advised by the vet.

Afghan hounds have sensitive digestive systems which means that anything you feed them should be carefully considered and researched before feeding it to your dog as well as any new supplements or vitamins. The diet should be age sufficient namely puppy, adult, or senior. Other factors that influence food intake are size, build, age, metabolism, and activity undertaken.

The Afghans are active dogs and sufficient nutrition should be given for athletic activities. A rough estimate for the daily amount is 2-2.5 cups of excellent quality dry food per day divided into two meals. Do not leave food for all time eating as it will lead to obesity. 

Grooming Needs

Grooming is very essential for this breed. The long hairs tangle easily and tend to mat. Consistent daily combing and brushing are a must. A bath should be given often. The owners often hire a professional groomer because of the thick fur which is not easy to groom.

Moreover, a lot of exercises are to be given to cater to its high energy level. The matured dog sheds in spring and fall or if it falls sick. The females shed every season. These dogs are more likely to get ear infections so a weekly inspection of the ear is necessary. Brush the teeth two to three times a week. Nail trimming once or twice a month would suffice.

What are the Health Issues of Pet Afghan Hound?

Mostly the Afghans keep good health. With advancing age, they are prone to certain diseases. Included in the list are allergies leading to sneezing and nasal discharge, hair loss, itching as well as lethargy, treatment will be based on diet restrictions and medicines.

Moreover, the chances of getting cancer are also high. Symptoms are swelling, lump sores, breathlessness, and difficulty in elimination. Treatment is based on chemotherapy, surgery as well as medicine based.

Afghan hounds are prone to cataracts as well. A cataract is the main cause of vision loss. Based on the severity of the situation surgery may be required.

Hypothyroidism is the malfunction of thyroid glands. The sign and symptoms are infection of the skin, ear infection hair loss laziness, and depression. Medicines and diet set it right.

What it's Like to Keep Afghan Hound as a Pet?

The hound training can be a challenge as it has an independent nature. The appeal of food is lacking and the hound does not attempt to please humans. Training gets prolonged and patience is required for the hound to follow commands. At times it will not cooperate at all. House-based training can be difficult. The pain tolerance of the hound is less. A small wound bothers the dog and it may whine often. These sensitive hounds should be treated gently with kindness. Rough handling makes them withdraw. Obedience training is very necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Afghan Hound

This is a guide on the common questions about afghan hounds. It will answer any questions you may have!