Certain dogs are known by a very distinct feature and the Afghan Hound is certainly one with its coat of hair. The following Afghan Hound breed information goes beyond that beautiful hair to give you an idea of what this breed is all about.
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Lifespan
The proud Afghan Hound has a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Origin
The Afghan Hound is an ancient breed developed in Afghanistan for hunting large, wild game. The true origins of the Afghan Hound are a mystery, but some believe they actually descended from dogs living in Egypt or Asia.
The Afghan Hound was not discovered by the Western World until the 19th century when the dog was first brought to England. During World War II, the Afghan Hound completely disappeared in the Western World, but reemerged in 1920 when a pack was brought to Scotland.
Size
The Afghan Hound weighs 50 to 60 pounds and measures 25 to 27 inches.
Grooming Needs
The Afghan Hound has a thick, but fine coat that tangles easily. The Afghan Hound should be brushed daily and bathed every two weeks. Like all dogs, the Afghan Hound requires basic grooming. Brush their teeth, clean their ears and trim their nails on a regular basis.
Character
The Afghan Hound is self-assured and distinguished.
Temperament
As a puppy, the Afghan Hound is energetic, but becomes more laidback as an adult. The Afghan Hound has an independent nature and can come across as aloof. With their owner, the Afghan Hound does grow attached and can even be humorous with them. However, the Afghan Hound is not the type of dog to follow their owner around adoringly.
Training Needs
The Afghan Hound can be a challenge to train. The Afghan Hound is independent and stubborn. Although the Afghan Hound is intelligent, they simply do not like being told what to do. They respond best to a patient handler and lots of positive reinforcement. With proper training, Afghan Hounds can go on to perform very well in lure coursing.
As part of their training, the Afghan Hound also requires early socialization. They can be standoffish with new people and should have exposure to lots of different people to help them become more sociable.
Activity Level
Inside the home, the Afghan Hound is fairly laidback. However, they are natural runners and need a secure space outside to move around. They also need a daily walk and, of course, can make good jogging partners.
