A Breed Apart: The Afghan Hound

With its unmistakeable profile and glamorous looks, the Afgan Hound is a standout among dog breeds.

These tall, sleek sight hounds can stand as high as 29 inches at the shoulder, and can weigh between 44 to 59 pounds. Their trademark long, silky coat can be any color, although white markings are not permitted.

Another common, characteristic is a black facemask, while some dogs also have a long Manchu-like moustache, called a 'mandarin'.

As the name suggests, the breed originated in Afghanistan where they were used for hunting small game. They were originally introduced to the west in the 19th century, but by the end of the First World War had all but disappeared.

The dogs we know today virtually all descend from a group imported to Scotland in the 1920's. These dogs quickly became star performers at many dog shows, and soon gained recognition from the kennel clubs in all major English-speaking countries.

Despite its appearance the Afghan has much in common with the wolf, is closely related to the original domestic dogs, and is considered an ancient dog breed.

The Afghan temperament is a perfect match for its stylish looks. They are known to be aloof, stand-offish, and have even been described as 'snobbish'. They are intelligent dogs, but with a stubbornness that makes them a challenge to train.

Some even describe their temperament as cat-like, in their ability to totally disregard you. Put it this way, an Afghan will obey if he sees a good reason to, otherwise he just won't.

But they are still great pets, and can be surprisingly loving with those close to them. With strangers though, they'll keep their distance, until you've earned their trust and respect.

Like most other sight hound breeds, the Afghan can be quite lazy. They enjoy nothing more than curling up on the couch for a good nap, and normally see no reason to exert themselves.

Once they get ouside though, you'll see a different side to the dog. Suddenly, the hunting instinct kicks in and they'll track and chase any small animal they see.

Despite its limited gene pool, the Afghan is a surprisingly healthy dog. They suffer from few of the problems that typically afflict purebreds. They are however prone to eye diseases, with cataracts a particular problem.

If you were thinking that the luxuriant coat requires a lot of work, you'd be right. The Afghan is a high maintenance dog that must be brushed daily. In addition you'll need to to have the hair trimmed regularly in order for it to keep its shape.

The Afghan may be a hunting dog, but that doesn't mean it enjoys living outdoors. These dogs much prefer sleeping on a comfy couch than in a kennel. Besides, the dog's coat may look impressive, but it actually provides very little protection in cold weather.

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