Afghan Hound
History
If we were to think as far back to one of the oldest dog breeds that exist, we would be speaking about the Afghan Hound. Topping the list with a surprising number of 13 documented bloodlines within this sight hound, the breed is non lesser than historic. Whether we point to the rocky acreage of Afghanistan, Scotland, the very distinct boarders of China, or the land of Russia, they would all have something to do with the story of this breed. Used for hunting some of the most dangerous and fast predators such as Snow Leopards and Wolves, the Afghan Hound's history is unlike many others. Due to these spectacular traits, there was no doubt about the Afghan Hound being one of the very first breeds to join taking part in dogs shows when they finally arrived to England many years ago. Today, this breed is only praised for their history of hunting, and is able to lead a luxurious life in the comfort of our homes.
Appearance
We can't help but think of their Egyptian bloodlines when we view the Afghan Hound. Standing so elegant at 29 inches tall with such a slim physique, they weight on average of 50 pounds for both males and females. Characteristics of the Afghan Hound include their tall standing neck, defined jaw bone that stands out, and their "shoulder to head" bone structure on their back.
Temperament
The Afghan Hound requires a calm owner and household. They are instinctively brilliant when it comes to the subject of basic obedience, and generally do not need to be told their house rules consistently. This breed would thrive in a quiet home without small children or small pets and this is because of their sight hunting background. Potential owners should know that this breed needs fenced land to run on and cannot be kept inside in small living quarters. They are generally quiet dogs and will keep to themselves most of the time.
Grooming
Their coat is very heavy, has a natural shine and does shed. For the Afghan Hound, it is recommended that they do not be brushed in between bathing them about 2 times a month, due to damaging their naturally long, healthy hair. For this breed, there are special grooming tools available to those who are interested in purchasing them, to really help care for this distinct coat of the Afghan Hound.
Special Notes
Please note that we highly encourage everyone to fully research the Afghan Hound prior to adding one to your home, to ensure it is the correct breed of choice for yourself. Do not add the Afghan Hound to your home unless you are able to provide proper physical and financial care life long. A properly fenced in yard is also highly recommended prior to adding this new family member to your household.
All dogs originate from wolves (Canis Lupus). Each breed of dog was originally created by mixing different breeds together in an effort to bring forth certain characteristics. Once a breeder has created acceptable “breed characteristics” within their bloodline and these “breed characteristics” have shown to be reliably reproduced in the offspring for three (3) generations, the bloodline may be upgraded from the category of “foundation stock” to “pure-bred”.
The same “pure-bred” breed standards vary from different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders. Dog DNA testing companies can have accurate results for a specific bloodline of a small colony of dogs. However, there are tens of thousands of different bloodlines in the world which have not yet been tested for marker baseline results by Dog DNA testing companies as of 2017. For this reason Dog DNA testing companies do not guarantee the 100% accuracy of their breed lineage results and will also show different marker results for the same pure-bred breed in different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders.