Breed Group: Hound

Origin: Afghanistan

Date of Origin: Ancient times

Originally used for: Coursing deer, hare, gazelle

Used today: Lure coursing

Other Name(s): Tazi, Baluchi Hound

History of the Breed: The Afghan Hound has the appearance of royalty and is well known as the aristocrate of show dogs. The breed originated in Afghanistan as a hunting dog. The breed hunts its pray by sight and has been known to out distanced hunters on horseback. They have the ability to traverse rough terrain and have considerable speed. Afghan Hounds are coursing-hounds, they originally were used to run down game such as mountain deer, plains antelopes, and hares. These dogs were also used to remove predators such as wolves, jackals, wild dogs, and snow leopards. The breed was brought back to England by British Officers returning from the Indian-Afghanistan border in the 19th century. When exhibited at dog shows in England they were called "Afghan Hounds" hence the name.

General Appearance: A large attractive sighthound, with a long, narrow and refined head with powerful jaws. The muzzle is slightly convex with a black nose. The foreface is long with little or no stop. The dark eyes are almond shaped. The ears lie flat to the head. The neck is long and strong. The abdomen well tucked up. The hipbones are quite prominent. The front legs are strong and straight and the feet are large. The tail is carried high with a characteristic curve on the end. The body is covered in a long and silky topcoat with feathering on the hindquarters, flanks, ribs, forequarters, legs, and ears with a short coat on the muzzle and tail.

Height & Weight:
Height 25-27 1/2 Inches
Weight up to 70 pounds.

Coat: A long and silky topcoat with feathering on the hindquarters, flanks, ribs, forequarters, legs, and ears. A short coat on the muzzle and tail.

Color: All colors permissible except spotted

Grooming needs: High, requires grooming every day.

Temperament of Breed: Loyal and loving to owners can be cold to strangers.
Friendly with children: Yes
Friendly with other dogs: Can be dominant with other males

Suitability as a watchdog: Good

Exercise Level: Medium, the Afghan Hound should have a large yard in order to run.

Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Cataracts, nercrotic myelopathy, renal disease, cancer
Minor:

Life Expectancy: 12-14 years

2006 AKC Ranking: 87

First Registered by the AKC: 1926

Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 10), KC,(GB), UKC

AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Federation Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
UKC -United Kennel Club

Breed Organizations & Associations:
Afghan Hound Club of America, Inc.
Afghan Hound Association, UK
Western Afghan Hound Club, UK
Southern Afghan Club, UK
Afghan Hound Club of Canada
The Afghan Hound Club of Scotland