Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound was used for hunting in rough, harsh terrain in Afghanistan. Its long legs could speedily chase any game that the dog saw. The Afghan's speed and size make it capable of bringing down large animals like gazelle and leopard. It has been used for hunting for thousands of years.

There are two types of hounds - scent hounds, which follow a scent with their nose, and sight hounds, which follow movement with their eyes and give pursuit. An Afghan hound is a sight hound. It fixes it's eyes on its quarry and gives chase with single-mindedness.

More about the origins of breeds of dogs

These dogs need a big yard where they can run at speed. A high fence is recommended.

Afghans hesitate to befriend strangers but with their own people they are loyal and full of fun. They tend to be unfriendly towards other dogs.

Large dogs need firm, consistent discipline and training.

Afghans are tall, stately dogs with long silky hair which requires regular brushing.

Color: any

Height: males 68 - 74 cm at shoulder, females 63 - 69 cm

Class: hound


Above Gwich'in Marco Polo, a black-masked, red Afghan puppy aged 6 months. He is co-owned by Lorianne Amadeo of POLO Afghans & Tracy Farmer of Gwich'in Afghans, Custer, Washington, USA	Above: The puppy's mother, Ch. Raffica Cryztal Blue Persuazion, a blue Afghan hound.

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A well-groomed Afghan hound looks elegant. But when the dog has been rolling in the dirt, and the coat is tangled with grass, it looks scruffy! Never mind, the Bible says, "Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart." 1 Samuel, chapter 16, verse 7.

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