by Angie Pollock

Created on: December 07, 2009

One of the most popular dog breeds in the show ring, the Afghan Hound has a unique appearance and affectionate personality. Individuals are sometimes taken aback about acquiring one of these majestic beauties because they appear to be high maintenance. The truth be known, Afghan Hounds have the same care requirements as most other hounds excluding their coat which does require some extra care. Once potential owners learn a bit about the Afghan Hound's history and behaviors, this magnificent dog breed becomes even more attractive.

Short History of the Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is an ancient dog breed - legends abound that this breed was taken aboard Noah's Ark during the time of the Biblical flood. The appearance of this breed leaves no doubt that its lineage includes Greyhound. Making their way from Persia (Iran), the Afghan Hound landed in Afghanistan thus the name. To withstand the harsh environment, the breed developed the luxurious coat for protection. Their speed, energy, and resilience made them highly useful in hunting wolves and even leopards.

Daily Care for the Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound is generally a healthy breed. However, it is recommended that they be fed a high-quality diet especially for the overall health of their magnificent coat. Most importantly is daily exercise. This is an energetic breed and without proper attention to their energy levels, owners may experience behavioral problems. The Afghan Hound is not recommended for apartment living or small confinements.

Grooming the Afghan Hound

Grooming is where most Afghan Hound owners will spend most of their time. The coat is not only long but also thick which requires a fair amount of attention. Those who don't plan on showing their Afghan will not need to spend as much time on the coat. Most dogs for the show ring are given weekly baths or sometimes twice weekly baths. For professional grooming procedures for show dogs, the Afghan Hound Club of America has detailed instructions including instructions on the use of oil on the coat.

For Afghan Hounds that are not used as show dogs, grooming is less intensive. Following some simple guidelines will help keep the coat in beautiful condition. A pinbrush works well with the Afghan's coat. It is not recommended to brush the coat when it is dry as this can damage and mat the coat. Following the bath, use a blow dryer while grooming the coat from the skin outwards. Detangle mats with your fingers as you brush. For in-between baths, a grooming spray can be used to dampen the coat and brush the hairs. A cover known as a snood will help protect the dog's ears from becoming dirty when leaning into food and water bowls. Even with this long coat, the Afghan Hound is only an average shedder.

Generally well-tempered, the Afghan Hound makes an excellent choice as a family pet. However, many owners claim that they will not tolerate teasing. They are highly intelligent and affectionate to their care givers but can be aloof. With proper feeding, grooming, training, and exercise, the Afghan Hound can make the perfect canine companion.

References:

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/afghan.htm

THE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DOG BREEDS, by Joan Palmer, copyright 2003.

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