Afghan

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Dog Breed Group

Hound Dogs 

Origin of Breed

Afghanistan in the 1600's 

Life Expectancy

12 to 14 yrs 

Color

All colors are permissible, but color or color combinations are pleasing; white markings, especially on the head, are undesirabl 

Coat

Long, straight, thick, silky; short on face 

Exercise Needs

Afghans loves to runs. Daily exercise is needed, preferable morning and evening runs. 

Temperament

Lively, Active, Agile, Independent 

Good with Children

Better with families with older children. May chase small animals such as cats unless he has been raised with them. 

Grooming Needs

Coat needs extensive grooming, daily is recommended. Bathing two or three times per month, paying special attention to the ears. 

Average Size - Male (in)

27 

Average Size - Female (in)

25 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

60 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

50 

Health Issues

Generally healthy. Potential for juvenile cataracts and possible hip dysplasia. Sensitivity to drugs, flea powders and tickicidev

Living Conditions

This athletic hound requires plenty of exercise. It may tend to run off readily. 

Breed Description

The Afghan breed of dog developed as a hunter in the hill country of Afghanistan. It was once thought to have originated several thousand years ago in Egypt, but there is no evidence for this theory. It was brought to Europe in the late 19th century by British soldiers returning from the Indian-Afghan border wars. The Afghan hound hunts by sight and, in its native Afghanistan, has been used to pursue leopard and gazelle. The animal is adapted to rough country by the structure of its high, wide hipbones. The Afghan is a long-legged dog, and stands 24 to 28 inches high and weighs from 50 to 60 pounds. It has floppy ears, a long topknot, and a long, silky coat of various but usually solid colours. It is especially heavy on the forequarters and hindquarters and carries its slim tail in an upright curve. The Afghan's appearance has been described as "aristocratic, with a farseeing expression."