If a dog that can represent canine elegance that is undoubtedly the Afghan Greyhound, also known as the Afghan Hound. It is usually the protagonist in canine beauty contests and it is also one of the dogs that needs the most time to prepare due to its long and silky mane that must look perfect.
If you like this breed you will want to know it in depth, with all its details, its care and its character. We are going to give you all information about the Afghan Greyhound, a dog that belongs to a very ancient breed and that still arouses admiration today.
Breed history
This is a very old breed, as there are records of the dog as early as 1000 BC. of C. It receives this name because these vestiges were found in the area where Afghanistan is located today. Although there is evidence that it is an ancient race, the truth is that there are no records as race until the nineteenth century, since previously, as with many other breeds, it was used as a working and hunting dog without taking into account the value of the purity of the breed. In this way no one bothered until that century to make an official record so that the breed was recorded as such.
In 1880 the war of the Afghans and the British ended and at this moment is where the key to their great presence in Europe is found. The British appreciated the dog as a hunting and shepherd dog, so they brought him to Europe and continued to raise him. Over time it would become one of the most appreciated dogs in beauty contests for its outstanding physical characteristics and for its great elegance.
Physical characteristics
Afghan Greyhounds They stand out for being slender and agile dogs. They weigh between 23 and 27 kilos, with a height at the withers of 68 cm in males and 63 cm in females. They have a long and thin snout, with drooping ears. Its tail is thin and erect, with a slight curvature at the tip. In many dogs a black mask stands out on the face, although not all have to have it.
If a characteristic that stands out in the Afghan hound is undoubtedly its incredible coat. This hair is long and silky. You have to comb it and take care of it so that it maintains its best appearance, since being so long it becomes tangled and dirty very easily. Although in many competitions we can see dogs with completely straight hair, the truth is that it is usual for it to have a slight wave. As for the color, it can be of any type, but never with specks. It is possible to see shades in gradient, with black tones and also with the golden color, which is one of the most appreciated.
Character of the Afghan Greyhound
The character of the Greyhound can be defined as peculiar. Many people adore him for his character and so many others could not live with a dog like the Afghan greyhound for the same reason. The having been a hunting dog gives it liveliness and energy. However, it is a dog that can easily live at home, adapting to a calmer life.
In this dog stands out the quality of being very independent. It is an animal that has its own criteria and also has an acute intelligence, so it is not difficult to train. He is stubborn and does not respond well to negative corrections, so with them it is always better to use positive reinforcement.
The fact that he is an independent dog does not mean that he is not affectionate. But it is not the typical dog that spends the day with its owner. You like its proximity and caresses but in its proper measure, maintaining its independence. Without a doubt, it is a dog for those owners who like its elegant presence and its distant and close character at the same time.
Dog care
One of the main care that should be taken into account with the Afghan Greyhound is its coat. This will be one of the things we must consider before getting a dog like this, since a hair so long and silky will require daily care. To keep that hair without knots we must not only comb it but take it to hairdressing sessions from time to time. Only then can we keep their coat shiny and silky.
Another things that should be done with this dog is to walk and play sports. Although the dog can adapt well to a more sedentary life, this is not good for them. They are hunting dogs used to daily sports. If we want to keep them in good health, we must walk with them for at least half an hour a day.
Afghan Greyhound Health
It is a dog that enjoys a fairly good health and can reach 14 years of life. However, like many other breeds, it is prone to some problems. Hip dysplasia is one of them and it is a type of arthritis in the hip area. In this case we only have to prevent and keep the problem at bay, although it cannot be cured once it appears. X-rays are necessary if we see any lameness or discomfort when walking or getting up from the dog.
These dogs can also suffer from cataracts, especially when they are of advanced age. Cataracts can be operated on, although when they are older they can lead an equally dignified life and it may be better not to have them undergo surgery. Sometimes they can also suffer from entropion, which is the inversion of the eyelid and eyelashes.
Why have an Afghan Greyhound
While it is true that we are dealing with a dog that requires a lot of care and a person with patience when training it, we can also see that it is a highly appreciated dog. Has a great intelligence, serves as a racing, show or hunting dog and at the same time it is still looking very beautiful and striking. What do you think of the Afghan Greyhound breed?