Classification:

Origin:  Afghanistan

Description:
The Afghan Hound is a sighthound with an aristocratic bearing. Tall and slender with a long, narrow, refined head, silky topknot and powerful jaws. The occiput is quite prominent. The muzzle is slightly convex ("Roman nose") with a black nose. There is little or no stop. The teeth should meet in a level or scissors bite. The dark eyes are almond shaped. The ears lie flat to the head. The neck is long and strong. The height at the withers should be almost level and the abdomen well tucked up. The hipbones are quite prominent. The front legs are strong and straight and the feet are large and covered with long hair. The tail has a curl or ring at the tip, but is not carried over the back. The long, rich, silky coat is most often the color of sand with a darker face and ear fringes, though all colors are permitted. White markings, however, are discouraged.This ancient breed has a silky, long, thick coat which comes in any color. Daily grooming is needed to remove and prevent mats and tangles.
Having a nomadic history the Afghan Hound is an independent thinker. Afghan Hound's are well behaved and are not know for jumping or licking owners for attention. This breed does require daily exercise and does not like to be confined in small areas. This dog also makes good watchdogs.
Afghan Hound's do well in homes with children that understand the dog's independence. This breed can be tolerant of other pets but not small, fast-moving pets like cats and ferrets. Some adult male Afghan Hound's can show signs of dominant behavior.

Owners have found that training Afghan Hound's can be frustrating due to they independent nature.Due to the Afghan Hound's long coat time outdoors in hot, harsh weather should be limited. This breed is also known for their inability to stand real or imagined pain.The Afghan Hound evolved for a purpose. His structure not only reflects that purpose but also sets him apart from other sighthounds. He was required to be mentally independent, think on his own and act without human command. In his native lands of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India he, either singly or in packs, was the guardian of the native tribes, their villages and flocks. He killed their game, he protected, and sometimes herded, their sheep and goats.
The Afghan Hound is an aristocrat, his whole appearance one of dignity and aloofness with no trace of plainness or coarseness. He has a straight front, proudly carried head, eyes gazing into the distance as if in memory of ages past. The striking characteristics of the breed - exotic, or "Eastern," expression, long silky topknot, peculiar coat pattern, very prominent hipbones, large feet, and the impression of a somewhat exaggerated bend in the stifle due to profuse trouserings - stand out clearly, giving the Afghan Hound the appearance of what he is, a king of dogs, that has held true to tradition throughout the ages.

Behavior/Temperament:
Dignified, somewhat aloof, but very sweet, loyal, affectionate and sensitive, with a low dominance level. They must be trained kindly. The Afghan has been described as "a king of dogs." Majestic, elegant, noble and courageous, suspicious of, but not hostile to, strangers. Although tough, they will pine if they are deprived of attention. They will do best with older, considerate children. At one time, the breed had a reputation for being untrustworthy, but has now been replaced by a character that, while still spirited, is said to be more amenable to training and discipline, as they can be disobedient if it is poorly trained. This breed can be difficult to housebreak. Some are timid and high strung.

Coat:
Hindquarters, flanks, ribs, forequarters, and legs well covered with thick, silky hair, very fine in texture; ears and all four feet well feathered; from in front of the shoulders; and also backwards from the shoulders along the saddle from the flanks and the ribs upwards, the hair is short and close, forming a smooth back in mature dogs - this is a traditional characteristic of the Afghan Hound. The Afghan Hound should be shown in its natural state; the coat is not clipped or trimmed; the head is surmounted (in the full sense of the word) with a topknot of long, silky hair - that is also an outstanding characteristic of the Afghan Hound. Showing of short hair on cuffs on either front or back legs is permissible. Fault--Lack of shorthaired saddle in mature dogs.
Long and very fine texture on ribs, fore and hindquarters and flanks. In mature dogs from shoulder backwards and along the saddle, hair short and close.  Hair long from forehead backwards, with a distinct silky « top-knot ».  On foreface hair short.  Ears and legs well coated.  Pasterns can be bare.  Coat must develop naturally.

Colour: All colours acceptable.
All colors are permissible, but color or color combinations are pleasing; white markings, especially on the head, are undesirable.

Height: Dogs 27 to 29 inches (68.58-73.66 cm) slightly less for bitches. Ideal height: dogs 27-29 inches (68-74 cm); bitches 25-27 inches (63-69 cm).
Weight: 58-64lb (26-34kg) Dogs, about 60 pounds; bitches, about 50 pounds.

Health: Generally healthy, the Afghan has a low pain tolerance, thereby suffering even with minor injuries.

Life Expectancy:  About 14 years

Grooming:
The long, thick coat demands a great deal of attention. When showing there is a must to bath once a week. Do not brush in-between baths in order to keep coat long and shiny. Brushing a dry coat will damage the coat and even make it more easily matted. Weekly baths are not as important if your Afghan is a pet and will not be shown, but doing so will make the coat less matted and will save you time in the end. Many wear snoods indoors to protect their ears from food bowls. A special air-cushioned brush or pinbrush is useful for grooming. This breed is an average shedder.

Good with children: yes
Good with dogs: yes
Good with other pets: yes